Sunday was the one day this fortnight that play stops at Wimbledon – giving all the players a day off to prepare for week two and the Big Matches. Not for Martina Hingis though, as she was with me (oh ok, and a few others, including England coach Dan Bloxham and French coach Patrick Mouratoglou) over on the club courts for a tennis masterclass sponsored by Maui Jim eyewear.
I’m lucky that I get to attend events like this, due to my job in journalism, and despite my gammy shoulder stopping me from joining in, I had a great time. I took Matt along to take part while I watched from the sidelines and the 2.5hr class was fascinating. To see Dan Bloxhan help those who had never picked up a racquet before go from missing every hit to performing the perfect serve in the space of five minutes – amazing. Lots of people have a talent for playing, but it’s quite special to have a talent for teaching too.
Oh, and there was free Pimms and cake too, so don’t worry, I was fine all alone on the spectators’ balcony!
