The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Sir Cliff looking forward to ‘fantastic day’ of tennis
Sir Cliff Richard was one of the first celebrities through the gates of Wimbledon this year.
The 77-year-old arrived wearing a teal suit and in good spirits as he anticipated a “fantastic” day of tennis.
However, the keen tennis fan said he was disappointed about the absence of 31-year-old Andy Murray.
Accessorising his suit with a rose in the breast pocket, Sir Cliff told the Press Association: “It is such a fantastic day, I am looking forward to it, and seeing Federer.
“It is a shame about Murray, but I think it is probably a good idea. He can repair and prepare for the American (US Open).
“The fact is we have got some other players coming through – Johanna Konta has been doing really well – and it is good for the public to have some people to cheer for. Murray is a disappointment for me – he’s my favourite – but I think it is for the best.”
Other well-known faces who were expected to attend the Championships yesterday included singer Ellie Goulding, cricketer Phil Tufnell and author Bill Bryson.
Meanwhile, Boris Becker was told to curb his language by presenter Sue Barker after swearing on air during the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage.
The German, who won the Wimbledon men’s singles three times in the 1980s, was in conversation with Barker and nine- time women’s champion Martina Navratilova.
Before play got under way, Barker invited Becker to explain the events that have seen him make headlines recently.
The former world number one was declared bankrupt in June 2017, but has recently asserted his right to diplomatic immunity following his appointment as an attache for the Central African Republic.