27 June,2021 07:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona Fernandez
The writer at Centre Court during a visit in 2010.
No Nadal. No Osaka. No Halep. But "we" have Federer. For weeks now, the British press has been obsessing over the Swiss sports icon as Wimbledon resumed after a break last year following the Coronavirus pandemic restrictions. Sure, they are hoping that local girl Johanna Konta will justify her talent. And praying that 34-year-old former champ Andy Murray's comeback will translate to more wins and less tears. Yet, Roger Federer (and his knee) remain the most discussed topic since he pulled out midway from this year's French Open to prepare for what he calls "Tennis' Holy Grail".
A decade ago, when this writer had signed up for a tour of its courts and museum, we were treated to a front-row seat of Britain's long-running love affair with this honorary citizen. It was a rare August morning when the sun obliged us with an extended presence. After making an online tour booking, we boarded a train to Wimbledon from our base in Hertfordshire. The excitement built up each time the train exited a station en route to our tennis pilgrimage. When we reached our destination, guidebook in tow, we ditched the bus and walked the scenic two-kilometre trail. SW19, for the uninitiated - is the suburb code for the town of Wimbledon. Back in the pre-Airbnb era, classic Wimbledon documentaries would show how big guns like Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario and others found it practical to rent apartments or stay as paying guests in the charming neighbourhood near the arena. After 20 minutes of brisk walking, the boundary wall of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) came into full view. At the entrance to Gate 5, the tour's starting point, Britain's champion Grand Slam winner Fred Perry's statue gave us a grand welcome.
"Are we ready to tee off, then?" the tour guide said in a thick British accent to inspire a group of Australians, Japanese, Spanish and South Africans. The Japanese found their Kodak moment even before our first stop. "No cameras with flash in my face - it becomes difficult to speak. And no stepping on the grassâ¦please." Court 1 was our first big wow moment. "It has replaced the now-demolished former No. 1 Court, which had stood at the west side of Centre Court; it's one of Federer's favourites," she quipped. While the tour doesn't cover all courts, there are iconic halts along the route.
We reached the Picnic Terraces, originally called the Aorangi Terrace. It's the coolest spot for ticketless folk to watch live action on the big screen. Nearby is Henman Hill (named after Tim Henman), now rechristened Murray Mound. Shades of green and purple flora line the pathways and become constant companions. We arrived at the otherwise inconsequential Court 18 - venue for the longest match in tennis history (June, 2010), where Nicolas Mahut beat John Isner (6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 70-68) in a battle that lasted 11 hours and five minutes. The guide regaled the group with anecdotes about the early days, the evolution of this suburb, the trailblazers. Yet, questions about Federer dominated - his longest match? His biggest win? His earliest exit?
The Press Interview Room stopover was fun; each of us took turns to play-act a Q&A session. Nearby was the player's entry section, the roll of champions and balcony from where the crowd cheer the winners. Even here, the eight-time champion was king - giant posters of courtside action; his dominance etched on the winner's board.
"And this, ladies and gentlemen, is Centre Court." Her voice was swollen with pride as if we were at a British national treasure. But it really was. We had reached the end of our tour. The Japanese went berserk with their click-fest. As we soaked in the moment and spotted the royal box, we felt like royalty. Collected flashbacks from over two decades of Wimbledon-viewing on television returned - the deferred-live telecasts of Sampras vs. Agassi duels, Lady Di's show-stopper visits, shadow-playing Steffi Graf's crackling forehand, Federer's first Wimbledon title, and yes, strawberries and fresh cream. It's at the in-house café, The Wingfield, where you can grab a bowl.
The last leg of the tour is the audio segment of the Museum. This history lesson takes you from past to present in an engrossing, slick, visual spectacle. Tennis apparel from the 1800s till date, evolving gear and technology, and our favourite - an ode to the lawn mower makes the time fly faster than an Ivanisevic ace.
Don't be surprised if you nearly break the bank at the gift shop. We suggest you start saving up for the knick knacks, and then perhaps a ticket to savour the real deal next June 2022.
Live action resumes tomorrow, and even a decade later, most of Britain is rooting for the same guy. "We" are hoping it's a ninth for Federer.
The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum will be open free of charge to ticket holders during The Championships 2021. However, due to the pandemic, no decision has been taken to resume tours at AELTC until new safety guidelines are issued by the local and national authorities. Adult £25; concession (including senior citizens) £2; child £15; family offer: One free child place for each full paying adult.
wimbledom.com/en_GB/museum_and_tours
