Federer out as Murray slips into gear

Life’s ups and downs…..

Andy Murray’s victory in this Wimbledon second round was easily predicted and Murray made it look easy though ti be fair Lu played some superb tennis. Watching Murray play these days is an exhilarating experience. He has matured into not merely a great player but also something of a stylish presence on court. It is difficult not to see him reaching the second week; it is harder yet not to see him reaching the last four.

Federer's naughty shoes

Federer’s naughty shoes

Federer’s exit came as a shock. Sergiy Stakhovsky won the second round match in 4 sets over the defending Wimbledon champion. It was an extraordinary match and Federer did not play badly rather Stakovsky played better. This is federer’s earliest exit from a Grand slam since the French Open in 2003. These things happen in all careers but as a tennis player advances into his thirties each loss in a grand slam is not necessarily soothed with the balm that there will always be next year. Stakovsky won his most impressive points at the net; it is good to see some serve and volley tennis making its way back into fashion.

Meanwhile the number of players withdrawing increase. It’s a great sadness to see Jo Wilfried Tsonga withdraw. Miss Sharapova slid from the grass courts of SW19 with less than good grace. No one likes a bad loser.

On a sartorial note I see in the men’s game the baggy shorts beloved of Sampras have given way to the fitted short to just above the knee. Looks infinitely better IMHO….though will I live to see again those skimpy shorts championed by, Newcombe, Tanner, Connor & Borg – and many others in the 1970’s….the memory brings tears to my eyes…literally & metaphorically…

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