Murray Mania

12:30 PM

Murray Mania continues here. Henman Hill, or as some are now calling it, Murray Mound, is a sea of excited faces all turned toward the giant video wall showing the Scot playing Juan Carlos Ferrero in the quarterfinal. Did I say “all”? Well not quite all, this guy has apparently decided to catch up on some reading.

I’m calling this Murray Mania, but the truth is; yes they want him to win, want to break the 72 year drought in having a men’s champion at this most prestigious of tennis tournaments, but I don’t feel the same sort of mad infatuation that the fans had for Tim Henman. There are only a couple of people with small flags in the stands, not “Go Tiger!” signs, no “We Love You Tim” signs. No painted faces, not crazy hats. I also notice that unlike the former British number one’s match’s where there was never a free seat in the photo pit, for Andy’s match’s there are always available seats.

I wonder if this is because Tim was a “proper English Gentleman” and Murray is a Scot. Somehow it seems like Murray is about expectation, and Henman was about hope. Then I wonder if they are afraid to get hope too high after having so many disappointing years with Henman.

Well, this could be the year to end their disappointment. Murray is totally focused and is playing the best tennis of his life. If he wins this title, he will take over the number two spot from Roger Feeder, and with Nadal injured, would have a shot of passing the Spaniard to gain the number one world ranking.

3:00 PM

Murray has ousted Ferrero in straight sets, and next will meet the winner of Roddick/Hewitt. Either of these players could stretch the Scot, and make him play a much tougher match than he’s had so far, so the semis could be very interesting. If it’s Roddick, it will be a duel of serves, and if it’s Hewitt, it will be a duel of will. Hewitt is one of the grittiest players on the tour, he never gives up and has won the title once, and so is no stranger to the pressure of Center Court.

4:45 PM

Thirty one year old Tommy Haas has come through with a nice win over twenty two year old Novak Djokovic. Nice statement for the over thirty crowd, to see the oldest guy in the draw defeat the Serb who is 9 years his junior. Getting older sometimes means getting better. Haas is a great guy and has been plagued with injury so it’s nice to see him back in the game.

.

5:20 PM

It seems as though there are as many people out socializing as watching the matches. I think Wimbledon is the most social of all the Grand Slams. It’s as much about just “being there” as actually watching the tennis. I over heard one woman at the Champagne bar confide to her friend, that she didn’t know anything about tennis, but she just loved to come here, have drinks and see who she might meet.

Music from a live jazz band, Pimm’s and Champagne add to the party atmosphere. For the non British reading this, Pimm’s, is a very popular summer drink in Britain. They reportedly sold 100,000 glasses during the Wimbledon fortnight. Its gin based, but the exact recipe is secret. There are many variations on the cocktail, but basically it is one part Pimm’s mixed with tow parts Schweppes lemonade (7up to Americans), and garnished with mint, fresh orange slices, cucumber and strawberry.

I’ve tried it, and it’s quite good but lethal. One of those drinks that tastes good and refreshing and innocent, but isn’t.

7:38 PM

Roddick and Hewitt are in a marathon. I had a feeling this would be the case. Both of them are playing well, and I feel it’s sort of a “never give up, never give in” thing for both of them Hewitt is coming back from surgery and Roddick is trying to regain his stature as a top player.

7:48 PM

OH MY WORD... 4 all in the fifth, the tension is killing me. I’m thinking about running over to court one to catch the ending, but getting over there for the change is going to be a real challenge.

8:01PM

YES!! Andy took the fifth 6-4! So it will be Andy and Andy in the semi final. Should be great with a lot of good photos. I’m looking forward to it!

.