Time For Tennis (From Surrey Comet)

Time For Tennis

5:38pm Monday 7th June 2010 in Elmbridge

By Community Correspondent Bethan Baxter With the French Open ending with a fierce final on Sunday with a win for Rafael Nadal in the men’s singles, his fifth Roland Garros title, and Francesca Schiavone, the first Italian woman to win a Grand Slam title, in the women’s singles, it is exciting to know that with Wimbledon coming up in several weeks, the summer season of tennis finally begins. The grass courts that have been trimmed to perfection and had their white lines slickly painted on, are opening all over the country, ready for a hot summer of strawberries and cream. Thames Ditton Lawn Tennis Club have had their grass courts ready for two weeks and open for use.

However, while tennis is thought to be a very popular sport, I feel there are lots of areas in which it has been neglected. Our country is very proud of Wimbledon and we should be, as it is a very unique Grand Slam tournament and England is the home of tennis. But that is only one of the four Grand Slams and only lasts two out of fifty two weeks in a year, so why is it the only main tennis event shown on the terrestrial TV channels. Sometimes the odd match is shown when a top player gets to a quarter final, but compare it to football. Our county is fanatical about football, but perhaps it is time for some other sports to take to the spot light on our main TV channels.

Murray is Britain’s top tennis player who people take for granted. Every time it comes to Wimbledon, everyone expects Murray to win or at least to get to the final. However, for people who don’t follow tennis all year round, this is a very naïve way of thinking. To qualify for a Grand Slam is spectacular in itself, to get to a quarter final is an amazing achievement, but to win takes so much more, and what people don’t realise is how hard it is to do that. Murray reached number two in the world behind Federer and was said to be the best returner of serve in the history of tennis, so why can’t we give him a break and accept that what he’s done is already outstanding.

Tennis is a great sport whether you’re watching it at home on television, watching live at a tournament, or playing yourself. There are lots of clubs in this area, such as Thames Ditton, Walton, Ember and The Pavilion that have groups for juniors and adults, beginners and intermediates. You can learn to play tennis at any age and it’s an enjoyable and satisfying way to keep fit and maybe meet some new friends.