Chatterers in media centre silenced shock.
Annabel Croft, an erstwhile tennis player and now commentator, took centre court as she berated a reporter over his report on what she allegedly did/did not say about Serena Williams' bottom. Croft was talking in tones so high-pitched only dogs in Putney could pick her up but it may be that she did not totally agree with the accuracy of the journalist's reporting.
Croft wasn't the only commentator whose contribution was being dissed yesterday. When informed that a mysterious former player had said he must be delighted to be facing Fernando Verdasco in a Wimbledon quarter-final, Andy Murray had demanded to know how their identity. Apparently, it was Barry Cowan. Cue laughter as the Scot slumped in his seat, and put his head in his hands. "Yeah, I don't really know what to say about that, to be honest," he said.
The travails of Wimbledon are talking their toll. The Elder Diarist was surprised to be confronted with a large blue lobster on his arrival at gate one. Colleagues said this was merely a dressed-up young man promoting a sports website. The Elder Diarist fears it may also be a consequence of only packing one week's medication for a two-week gig.
A massed chat with Bernard Tomic, the Australian player, is always worth attending. The 20-year-old should be the next big thing but has . . . er . . . issues with his emotional stability and with a dad who allegedly is very robust in addressing hitting partners. Tomic was questioned about his defeat to Tomas Berdych, a player who has not only had a charisma bypass but could make Vince Cable look racy. "Tomas is an amazing player on grass," said Tomic. "He's beaten everyone here: Novak and Federer, himself." Strange, seasoned performers always suggest that Tomic is the player who beats himself . . .
Tomic was also asked what disguise his father was wearing and whether he managed to enter the grounds. "It's a bit like Where's Wally, isn't it?" said Tomic. "Maybe he was there; maybe he wasn't. Who knows?" And who cares? Though the Wally reference is spot on.
There is a trend here. Fernando Verdasco does a flamenco dance in triumph, Lukasz Kubot does the can-can; can we expect Andy Murray to do a Highland fling? Only if he is asked one more time about how he is dealing with the stress of Wimbledon.
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