A perfect sunny day, manicured lawn, bowl of strawberry with a cream and a ticket to Wimbledon, a great recipe for a day full of tennis. Watching somebody serving at 120mph from a 10 feet distance is indeed a thrilling. The game becomes exciting when the same serve is returned accurately along the side lines. One tends to get bewildered when somebody could not even attempt a passing shot few feet away and fans broke up with 'Awa' with a slow drop shot closer to the nets. Accurate line judgement, prompt ball boys and cheering crowd, help the game scale great heights.
On one fine weekend, I woke up at 4 O'clock, packed my bags and hurried up to get a place in the queue as closer as possible. If you want a ticket delivered at your home, you have to participate in a lucky draw. Last date for applying for 2008 Wimbledon is Dec2007. Few tickets are available on internet. Selling starts at 8Pm the previous day and ends at 10 Sec's past 8Pm . The best way to watch tennis is to become a lineman or a ball boy. Few people prefer to become tennis player.
London weather can play a spoil game. I happen to witness hardly 2 hours of tennis during my 36 hours stay at Wimbledon over 2 days. With no hesitation, I can say that those 2 hours were far more exciting than hours of tennis I have watched on television. I can weather hours of wait in a queue, persistent rain, wet cloths, blowing wind and shivering cold, to watch Leyton Hewitt serving big aces. Leander Paes giving chest bumps, Brian Lara clapping for Justin Henin's passing shot and the glimpses of Sania Mirza. Believe me; Sania looks gorgeous than she appears in a picture.
Wimbledon is a tennis village with altogether 18 courts. Jewell in the crown is the famous ' Centre Court'. Court no 1 & 2 are cheaper in that order, followed by remaining ground courts having paltry entry fee. Players according to the ranking are allocated to different courts. There was a section where aspiring kids can interact with tennis greats. The 'All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club' always endeavours to provide 'State O Art' facilities to all players. Ball boys, ground staff & line umpires have to go through gruelling hours of practise sessions to get 'Match Fit'.
Professionalism along with courtesy, affection & big smiles are free along with 18£ ticket. I could hardly here any complains from 15000 odd fans who went through all pains. All this makes the game 'Great' and player a 'Demigod'. Is there a difference between a sport winner and a 'Tirupathi Balaji'? Is there a difference between crazy fans and 'Amarnath Pilgrims'?
Enjoy the Snaps: http://picasaweb.google.com/mandarsj11/Wimbledon
Mandar Joshi
Tata Consultancy Services, London (5 July 2007)
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