After the borderline arrogant, but unquestionably talented, Roger Federer sauntered off Wimbledon’s centre court without even a whimper, Great Britain’s Andy Murray took to the stage and dispatched Jo-Wilfried Tsonga back to France without so much as a parliamentary enquiry on the other side of the channel.
But what awaits Murray in the semi-final is quite the opposite proposition. Mallorca’s number one son will stand between the dour Scot and a place in the final that he so craves, but the question that remains is will Andy be able to go one better than the man who regularly commentates on his games.
Tim Henman used to do this every year: build up everyone’s expectations, only to dash them when we thought he could do it, much like another sporting institution from these shores. However, will there be a hint of jealousy on the part of ‘Tiger Tim’ if the Scot makes the final? You can imagine he’s already livid at the suggestion that ‘Henman Hill’ could inexplicably be re-dubbed ‘Murray Mount’. What would the BBC do were a certain person to receive an SMS during a vital point? Or, even the idea that the ex-British number one could smuggle a vuvuzela into Centre Court?
This all after Scotland’s favourite son, who happens to be supplied apparel by German sports manufacturer Adidas, trots out onto centre court with a special limited edition Germany replica shirt with ‘4-1 up yours England!’ emblazoned on the back. Complete with shorts, socks, and Rudi Voller hairpiece to boot. That would endear him the English public wouldn’t it?
Then you turn to the public gallery and see that his mother Judy and girlfriend Kimberley are decked out in the same matching outfit. And you thought there’d been controversy in South Africa!
Regrettably I think we’re heading for the big Spanish server teaching young St. Andrew a lesson, and don’t think you can prevail by pissing Rafa off. Robin Soderling achieved this feat in their last match, and Nadal proceeded to throw the beat down on the wily Swede.
Even if Murray doesn’t end up conquering the Spaniard and winning his first Wimbledon championship, if he does the above, which I’m hoping he will, Adidas will be supplying him for life!
