COURT REPORT
FERGIE IN THE BOX SEAT …
IT WAS a star-studded Centre Court for the most eagerly anticipated tennis match in a decade. Sir Alex Ferguson was in the Royal Box with his daughter-in-law Fiona, the pair having attended together previously, with Sir David Attenborough a few seats away. Jude Law, Michael McIntyre, Bear Grylls, Eric Bana and Leona Lewis completed the celebrity feel.
… WHILE JOSE LEADS THE RESERVES
ELSEWHERE in the arena were a host of football figures — Jose Mourinho, David Beckham, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Liverpool’s England defender, who was nine when Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal last duelled on this grass, said: ‘This is my first time. The things those two have done in the sport will go down in history, it might be the last day for this special occasion.’
HIGH AND DRY IN SW19
WE have enjoyed a Wimbledon free from rain delays. Records do not detail when the last time that was but it is safe to say it is a rare occurrence. Wimbledon remained bright and warm yesterday while parts of the north of England were experiencing minor flooding. Indeed, it was so humid another spectator had to be treated by paramedics during Novak Djokovic’s match.
IT’S A BERRY GOOD SHOW
STRAWBERRY statistics klaxon! It is estimated that 166,055 portions of strawberries and cream are consumed at the All England Club over Wimbledon fortnight. Even at £2.50 a pop, SW19 chiefs make a pretty penny off the traditional treat. Meanwhile, around 303,277 glasses of Pimm’s and 21,917 bottles of champagne are sold. There will be about 17,170 portions of fish and chips bought, too.
HAWKS HITS A HUNDRED PSST, WHAT’S LATEST FROM LORD’S?
EXPECT to see crowds peering through the windows of the media centre tomorrow. The Cricket World Cup final will be on Channel 4 and the only TVs with access are the ones at each journalist’s desk. Last year dozens eschewed the tennis to try to get a glimpse of England’s World Cup progress against Sweden. All England Club staff then pulled down the blinds to block the view.