The Lady Magazine

24 June 2016

As Wimbledon fortnight beckons, British tennis fans are bracing themselves for more nail-biting viewing as Andy Murray pursues his dream of a second championship title. Hopefully those lucky enough to be present when Murray plays will have the good taste to refrain from distracting shouts of ‘Come on, Tim’, an expression commonly used when someone who, having started out well, is facing defeat. This phrase refers back to former British tennis star Tim Henman’s infamous 2001 Wimbledon semi-final defeat at the hands of Goran Ivanisevic – a match which dashed the hopes of the nation. Talking to us this week, Henman concedes that if he could replay one match from his career, it would be that one – but he also describes with heartwarming gusto the joys of parenthood and his new career as a commentator. This capacity to put, if you will forgive the pun, a positive spin on life is admirable, and one shared by the amazing Nell Gifford, sister of Emma Bridgewater and owner of possibly the poshest circus in the world. If offered a seat at the Centre Court on Finals’ day or a chance to be ringside at Giffords’ Circus, I’d be hard pushed to make the choice. But then I’ve always been a pushover for a dancing horse... Until next week, best wishes, Sam Taylor, Editor