Column
it’s a funny old world
THIS WEEK’S COLUMNIST Tennis champion Tim Henman
Wimbledon will always be my favourite time of the year, whether that is as a fan, player or now as a TV broadcaster working for the BBC.
And I must admit that even now, 17 years after retiring from the sport, I still get hairs that go up on the back of my neck whenever I walk around the Wimbledon courts. It’s a very special feeling, especially when you walk on to Centre Court.
It’s the most prestigious tournament in the world and it’s going to be exciting to see what unfolds over the next few weeks. It will be interesting to see if an outsider will come through, and with our British players, hopefully Andy Murray will be injury free! Is this going to be his last Wimbledon? I would have thought so.
But do I feel sorry for the British players and all the pressure? It is how you manage it all. You can’t control what is being said about you on the radio or TV, so don’t worry about it. Focus on being one of the best players in the world.
While Wimbledon is a truly special place, I certainly don’t miss the training, travel and discipline required to be a tennis player. In fact, I have to admit that nowadays I rarely even play tennis! I am more of a golf addict.
Then again, I have always said that family is the most important thing in my life. I feel fortunate to have my wife, Lucy, who I’ll have been married to for 25 years this year, and our three daughters, Rose, 21, Olivia, 19, and Grace, 16. It’s crazy to think how fast time flies. As our daughters get older, they do appreciate what I used to do, and while they all enjoy the game, I’m glad they didn’t pursue tennis as a profession. In this country, they probably would have had a lot of pressure (especially with the surname!). For me, I feel very fortunate to spend lots of time with them now I’ve retired. I also feel lucky to work as a TV commentator. I remember the first time I was commentating on a Nadal versus Federer final and thinking, ‘This is the best match ever, don’t say anything stupid!’
Would I do other TV work? Well, it w
