Michelle Obama was a highlight. Witty, strong and human. And what about the boots?
This has been a busy year, and there have been so many moments to savour – and learn from, too.
It was the year in which I set up my charitable foundation to take tennis into deprived areas, and build workforces within local communities.
I had no idea just how much red tape there is when setting up a charity so it has been a great deal of work, but it has also been incredibly rewarding.
I’ve visited many countries with the Women’s Tennis Association, again building workforces in communities around their major venues.
More people delivering means more people getting the chance to try tennis.
Going to China was a big eye-opener as, though you can see the enormous opportunities in a country with such a huge population, you can also see the challenges in growing what is a relatively new sport there.
Doing the coin toss at the WTA Tour Finals in Singapore for the popcorn match between Naomi Osaka and Sloane Stephens was a thrill.
I’ve watched both of my kids play on the biggest stages in tennis and this was my chance to actually feel what it was like to be out there.
Jamie had another good year, winning the mixed doubles grand slam at the US Open, and making the Wimbledon Final.
Being in New York to see him win was a big highlight, and it was my birthday.
It was a tight final but they managed to come through in the end and he sang happy birthday to me in the Arthur Ashe Stadium in front of thousands.
It was so unexpected, not in the least Jamie-like, but that and his sixth grand slam title were the perfect presents!
For Andy it’s been a continuous challenge to get back on the tour again.
It’s tough to see as it’s been about 18 months since he sustained his hip injury and he’s trying so incredibly hard to regain full fitness.
As a parent, you try to learn and understand as much as you can about what they’re going through so you can help in whatever way possible.
The paperback of my book, Knowing The Score, came out in May, and in touring with it I’ve become quite experienced at doing Q&As with an audience. I’ve spoken at book festivals across the UK and met so many fascinating people.
My life has been saturated with tennis for so long that I’ve loved every opportunity to dip into someone else’s world for a while.
In July, I had the absolute pleasure of attending An Evening With Michelle Obama in Edinburgh.
She was an inspiration – witty, strong and totally human.
Her book, Becoming, was top of my Christmas list, and I now have my eye on a pair of her thigh-high golden boots. Did you see those? Wow.
I’ve learned life is about experiences so if there’s an opportunity to do something challenging, intriguing or fun, I’ll grab it with both hands.
You never know what’s around the corner, so you’ve got to just do what you can, while you can.