Wimbledon started today. The last Brit to win the men's singles at Wimbledon was a very nice gent called Fred Perry. That was in 1936. The ladies have fared a tad better with big-haired Virginia Wade lifting the trophy in 1977.Since then however, the Brits have had more success at the luge than we have had in tennis. However, most years some poor bugger (John Lloyd, Annabel Croft, Tim Henman etc)is shoved into the limelight and for that year, becomes the 'chosen one', otherwise known as the Great British Hope. Of course, the poor bugger in question is doomed to failure amidst a hugely disproportionate amount of media and public fervour.
Thus the cycle of Wimbledon fervour and failure continues. This year's poor bugger is Andy Murray. The flag-waving hasn't kicked in yet but when it does, this clearly talented Scot will be crushed by the pressure and claustrophobic expectancy of the fans and the Press.
Oh for the days of Willie Renshaw. He was Britain's most successful tennis champ ever. He won 12 Wimbledon championships between 1880 and 1889. No media hassle or screaming hysteria from the fans for Willie. No paparazzi intrusion, candid holiday photos appearing in Heat magazine or sordid sex claims in the Sunday papers for Mr Renshaw. Oh no. In fact, no-one even seems to have noticed him at all. Perhaps the old-fashioned way is the best way after all.
Better get Andy Murray a flat cap and a packet of fags.
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