There is little room for sentiment in the modern, multi-million-dollar world of the professional tennis circuit, and yet the modern players still pay tribute to the unique, time-hallowed magic of Wimbledon, where the two week championship starts today. "It is what it is," says Jim Courier simply, and he rates even Wimbledon's number 1 court as offering a greater sense of occasion than the centre court of his home Grand Slam tournament, the US Open.
The French Open in Paris, two weeks ago, was the preceding major tournament but rarely provides hugely significant pointers to the Wimbledon fortnight, so different are the playing qualities of clay and grass. Nevertheless, French victors Sergi Bruguera and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario arrive in south-west London brimming with form.
Commentary on the action is by John Barrett , Mark Cox , Bill Threlfall , David Mercer , Julian Tutt , Paul Hutchins and John Alexander.
Introduced by Desmond Lynam.
After 4.30, coverage is shared with the final day's play in the second Test between England and New Zealand, from Lord's.
Sue Barker on the Wimbledon champions
SEE FEATURE page 36