Wimbledon

8 July 2007

This year we were lucky enough to win tickets in the Wimbledon ticket draw again, and this time for Centre Court on the final Sunday - though that luck meant that this year's visit cost £87 each! After 10 days of rain, wondering if we would see any play at all, or if we would end up with quarter or semi finals, the skies cleared and the originally planned Men's final and Mixed Doubles final were planned for Centre Court.

At five past one, the few spectators are entertained by a band. Our seats, in row X, were relatively high up, but right in line with the centre line of the court, and provided an excellent view. This is a unique view, too, since next year Centre Court, having gained extra seating around the top, will have a roof again, and the year after will have a retractable roof, so 2007 is the only year for the "naked" court.

A close-up of the band on Centre Court.

After a wander round and some excellent ice-cream, we return to our seats where the crowd is rapidly assembling.

The officials appear

And Roger Federer, in his slightly ridiculous outfit, and Rafael Nadal, toss the coin to see who will serve first.

A full house watching the first set

Federer prepares to return the ball to Nadal. It was a very good game of tennis, with quality play and a good ebb-and-flow of fortunes to keep everyone guessing as to where the match was going.

But eventually it had to end, and after 5 sets and 3 ¾ hours, Federer has match point

And he wins, to make it five titles in a row, equalling Borg's record.

Preparing for the presentation ceremony

Federer shows off his trophy to the crowd

Next it was the Mixed Doubles final: Jamie Murray and Jelena Jankovic face Jonas Bjorkman and Alicia Molik. Murray and Jankovic were unseeded, neither having played mixed doubles before this tournament, but have beaten a series of seeds to reach the final.

Jelena Jankovic. The crowd, having thoroughly enjoyed a quality game of tennis in the Men's final, are now very partisan, cheering on Jamie (and Jelena).

Murray about to return the ball.

As the evening draws in, the stadium is only half full, but is more vocal than when full earlier, and with Jankovic serving at 5-1 in the final set, have every reason to be

Game, set, and match to Murray and Jankovic, making Jamie the first British champion at Wimbledon for 20 years. Let's hope little bro can overcome his injury problems and do well in the singles next year.

So, an expensive day, but a great day. 2008 ballot here we come!