Time for recovery

Over the last few weeks I haven't had the time to actually sit down and follow a complete match or tourney in any sporting event.

I did get a glimpse of the cricket world cup (Women's) and it looked like a good game, although India did let the match slip away from them. It was however a great cup and certainly had moments of excitement.

August has its share of sporting events to look forward to, the highlights for me are obvious - the IAAF World Championships and the start of the US open.

Speaking of the US open and the tennis world...Djo has ended his 2017 season. I am happy that he is going to work on his wrist injury and take the necessary precautions to rest and to heal. But, I am equally sad to not have the chance to see more of his game for the rest of the season. I must admit it has been a bit bleak watching him loose time and time again, but he still has a style on court that is special. Best of luck Djo and here is wishing you a great comeback - I can't wait to see you in action in 2018!

And as Djo puts in his time for r&r, I am planning to do the same and catch up on things not sports. So, come mid August I am all set for sport, sport, sport....

Bemusing, Bewildering, or Bloody Brainless?

1. An international airport that has passengers alight from cars and walk through a security check; This despite the fact that the car driver, and car have to drive through a scanner/check anyway.
2. Asking for visitors to write down their personal details, including a phone number, on publicly accessible security log books
3. Asking for visitors to leave behind their IDs at the security point at buildings and replacing the ID with a common visitor pass/tag
4. Stopping me outside a house gate and asking me a million questions as to the purpose of my visit, even though you have seen me drop off some friends almost weekly...
5. At a mall that is renovating it's parking areas, the pay points have been disabled. After a tedious and frustrating time finding parking, you still have to pay for the inconvenience manually at a help desk and collect a manual ticket that is then scrutinised when you exit the mall 
6. Going to a shop, buying items, and then having to get the security guys at the entrance verify your purchase against your receipts (To be noted, modern systems require that all items have to be scanned at the pay desks, or else an embarrassing alarm will start ringing as you exit the shop). In a completely logical and sensible manner these verified receipts are then punched or stapled to confirm that all is well...
7. Showing up out of the blue at the office and stating categorically that you want to meet me without a prior appointment or discussion.
8. Sending out official emails and addressing me as a he, and repeating the error even after I correct you....
9. Giving me directions for parking, when I don't need it, and then insisting that I drive within a cm of the wall - like really?

Ahhhh, the list can go on and on...

Trendy, Not Modern

Nairobi is not only expanding at an alarming rate, but is also gaining global popularity as the city to be in - despite many of the challenges its citizenry face.

Many of us seem to be wrapped in this bubble where we are singing a tune of how Nairobi is a modern city. We feature on posts here and there about top 10 this and top 10 that. I think it's time we snap out of the bubble. Don't get me wrong, I love where I live and wouldn't trade my life here for anywhere (barring Scandinavian countries and their immaculate lifestyle 😁)

But it is high time we understand that there is a distinct difference between a modern city and a trendy one. No doubt that we are trendy and attractive.. but are we really modern?

1. Modern cities have a green Mantra. Every big, modern city has trees and parks that occupy a large part of its environs. In Nairobi, go green, has about zero value at present, new buildings have no trees, old trees are cut off, every green area is under threat. What a pity

2. Modern cities have organised transport systems - by this I mean buses and trains that leave and arrive at a place on schedule. There is an inherent discipline within the transport sectors - bus stops are designated, and definitely not placed outside a person's residence where matatus have a picnic blocking off anything in their way. Actually, come to think of it people have the sense to walk a short distance to catch a bus, and don't stutter around any corner and stop a bus in the middle of a highway. Yep, we are definitely off the mark here.

3. Modern cities are well planned. Anyone who thinks Nairobi is well planned needs to stop taking themselves seriously and just have a good laugh. Urban planning in this beautiful city of ours is a disaster. We have commercial buildings in residential areas, sewage systems that are as ancient as the colonial times, and a rail route that is absolutely ill planned in terms of its route (Don't even get me started here and on our priorities as a Nation)

4. Speaking of modern cities.... lets look at the provision of amenities. I believe we have a severe water shortage? I think most Nairobi residents have a constant battle with our electricity suppliers? Oh wait, I don think we even have a waste disposal plan. And these are just the tip of the iceberg...

I've only mentioned a few things here, but I believe that in itself should suffice to tell us we need to refocus our attention to fundamentals and apply a neoteric, green way of thought if we need to actually be considered a modern city!

Imagination

I gawked at everyone in growing panic,

Could this have been a case of veiled magic?

I made a valiant effort to speak,

Masterfully fling a magical word or two from my brain,

The prospect of success blatantly bleak,

My mind and mouth dumb, held captive by an unseen metal chain. 

In sheer panic I ran,

Far away from the waiting crowd, I ran.

At last I was in my garden,

Distressed I fell to the ground,

There was no one here to see me, or offer a pardon

And my tears flowed incessantly, making no sound, 

Oh, what was I to do?

I knew I had to speak at the to-do!

That’s when I saw the glass jar, 

“Oh!” I exclaimed; my tears ceasing abruptly, 

I recognised the tiny person in it from afar, 

I crawled to her; she tapped the jar sharply. 

How could I be in there, 

And also out here?

I picked up the jar delicately, 

And I lifted my eyes to ponder, 

Almost hesitantly, 

She did the same - this mini me - what a wonder!

Without much thought, 

I unscrewed the top and held my breath taut.

“Do you know who I am?” she piqued

I simply blinked.

“You trapped me in here, you know!” 

I said to myself, “What a blow”

“Are... Are you me?”

“Well, yes and no…. Don’t you see?”

I must admit I was in the dark, 

Cross legged I sat and waited for her remark. 

Still inside her prison, 

She walked to and fro, muttering a dime a dozen.

“I am your imagination,” she declared at last.

I stared at her aghast...

“We had golden times together, you and I.

We frolicked in the winds of Heaven.

We sang with fairies in mountains high, 

We swam with dolphins: one,two, maybe seven”

I recalled those days of fun, 

When I had won a battle with no gun!

“Magical stories we weaved, 

Grand adventures we told

At times, people around us were peeved

Other times, they heard our tales of the ever bold”

I lifted her out of her prison and placed her on my shoulder, 

I remembered her fondly, my companion and mighty upholder.

“How did I lose you?” I asked

And how did I leave her trapped?

My problem was unmasked

No wonder brain and speech were grimly wrapped.

“One day you wrote a book; We had the best time drafting it out.

It was published. People loved it. There was an instant sell-out”

I smiled at the vivid memory, 

Place to place I had travelled, 

And all that followed was glory.

The joy of success unravelled

“Soon you forgot me,you were too busy for a flight of imagination.

Sad and weary of neglect, I sought out my own fairy nation”

A purple haired witch, full of promises, bright as a star,

Showed me a golden dream of us together again, 

She wooed me with words, and walked me into the jar: 

“Here you shall rest,” she declared, “until she meets you again!” 

“And so I waited, hours and days, thrilled with your every appearance.

Yet, you never stayed long, and I grew more despondent with every disappearance.”

How cruel I felt as I hugged my friend to my heart,

I vowed to never leave her alone and forsaken 

I saw her smile and meld into my heart,

I stood up bravely and felt my soul awaken

I was in front of them again, and I told my tale, 

Of losing my friend, imagination, in a fairy tale. 

They listened to my words, fully engrossed, 

My eyes shined with the joy of it all, 

And I could have sworn, when they rose to applaud, 

I saw a purple haired fairy fly anon

Congratulations!

And so The Championships 2017 has come to an end and what a tournament it has been.

First off, congratulations to Roger Federer (I feel like I ought to be saying Sir Roger Federer) on a historic win. 8 Wimbledon trophies is phenomenal and at this moment in time looks like a record that will never be matched. It's an incredible achievement! Wow! Talk about providing inspiration for anyone. Here's to you, Federer!

While Fed's achievement was the most (read only) exciting thing about Sunday's game, Saturdays women's final was spectacular. What a first set we had - both Muguruza, the eventual champion, and Venus came out, guns blazing - powerful shot followed powerful shot. Both struggled at some point with their forehand shots, before Muguruza gained ground and powered her way to a 6-0 second set win. Williams struggled with her serve, and pretty much everything, in the second set but was as usual gracious in defeat. I don't know about you all but the women's game has such grit and fighting spirit at its heart, I can't wait to see more...

Happy celebrating, champions, and see you at the US open!

Almost there

I was travelling early Friday morning and didn't get the chance to watch the women's or men's semis. I did keep abreast with the scores even in the bundus and in the midst of fatigue.

First off, congratulations to Venus and Federer. It is amazing what these athletes have accomplished - their style, will to win, experience and skill is as exciting as it ever was. I am tempted to make all sorts of predictions on the "oldies" Championships. But jokes about oldies aside, what an incredible feat!

And then there are two novices (in comparison of course) who face the might of legends. Muguruza and Cilic have both come through to the finals convincingly beating their opponents. They have had a few tough encounters, but in general they've showed some outstanding skill. But will it be enough to stand the test of the almighty champions that await them?

I can't wait to watch...perhaps the excitement that ran out for me with Djo' exit will return after the finals....

All in the game

Heart broken. Distraught. Sad. This pretty much sums up my take on Djo's exit from the Wimbledon. I am almost ready to stop watching. I was driving home (in the rain, and fighting the stupidity of bus and matatu drivers) when Djo started playing. I have watched Djo play Berdych a zillion times, and often at 4-4 I see  Djo break away regardless of the level Berdych plays at. So, when I peeked at my browser and saw 5-5, and then 6-6 I knew something was wrong. I was angry and frustrated at first and then when I saw that he retired, i was just fed up. Minutes later at his press briefing, I could have broken down and wept. Sigh, the traumatising life of a fan. But then I thought, imagine how much worse it must be for him - he was just beginning to play decently and then this. My heart goes out to him and I hope and pray that he recovers well - this fan is waiting eagerly!

Andy also struggling with injury lost to Sam - another gruelling match for the latter. The Cilic Vs Muller game was my pick of the day... Cilic is in serious form at the moment. And then we come to Fed - magic Fed. It seems that no one can give him any competition. I believe tennis fans out there are going to give me hell for this, but I find that the two/three players that could take a match to Fed have been completely out of form this year, so while it has been spectacular to see Fed playing the way he is, I haven't seen anyone really give him something very hard to fight for. He is definitely the favourite for the Championship... but we must wait and see...anything can happen in the world of tennis...

In the meantime, I want to stay excited about the tournament and will do that by focusing on the women's game. Let the semi's begin!

A special shout out, and speedy recovery to Andy, and my favouritest ever, Djo!!!

Larger Than Life

There it was - my camera. Taller than I was, bigger than I was. I approached it dragging along the bulky twig ladder I had just made.

Last night, and the night before - why many nights now - had been filled with strange noises. Sleep had eluded me as strange, high pitched dialogues, originating from my garden, jolted me into wakefulness. I couldn’t make much sense of what was being said, but now a week since they had started, I was determined to investigate. 

I woke up this morning determined to discover mysteries of my garden. I was slightly concerned that there was something sinister taking place in my backyard. Armed with a vague plan and an indifferent mien I walked into my backyard, my cereal and toast, a notebook, pencil, some string for measurements, and a camera in tow. I simply looked like I was going about my routine - taking photos and documenting them. I was hoping my real purpose would be well masked. 

I sat down on the bench, set down my camera, and rummaged through my book as I ate. Something bit my leg. Instinct told me to wait before moving into action. A voice quipped up, “Well, talk about a bad bite.” A shrill bout of giggling followed. I moved my foot a little, slightly perturbed that something that was speaking had taken a bite at my leg. I heard some bickering, a rustle. I stealthily moved my hand towards my leg, and just as it was about to take another bad bite, I nabbed it. 

“You leave me alone, you ol’ goon!” Nip. Nip. 

I thought to myself, I should have brought gloves. 

“What do you mean by capturing me, you ol’ ninny. Just you let me go” Nip. Nip. 

Annoyed at being bitten and equally peeved at being called an old ninny, I held onto the little fellow around his rotund waist. Slightly shaken, I set him down on the tabletop, next to my camera, still gripping him around his waist. A delightful, whimsical figure gazed up at me with big, round, hazel eyes. His pointed ears had flattened out on either side of his heart shaped face pointing to the East and West. His nose resembled a swollen toothpick protruding in between chubby, rosy brown cheeks. His tiny, berry stained mouth was turned up at one end as he smirked at me. It was startling to see such a small being, and I was rather flummoxed. 

After a few moments of silence, I decided to take the initiative and tentatively spoke to the little creature, “Hello… erm Mr?”

“Pixie. The name’s Pixie. And that’s no way to greet a fellow - nabbing him like that unawares!” 

No nip. I thought that was a good sign. 

“I’m sorry ...erm Mr Pixie, but I wasn’t sure what was biting me. And you said I didn’t taste good.”

Giggles, followed by more giggles, and a lifted eyebrow accompanied his response, “Well, a fellow likes a little mud with his foot, you know? All that clean skin does no ‘ne any good. Now, let me go!”

“Erm.. Mr. Pixie. Who are you? Why are you in my backyard, and why are you so noisy?” I suppose in hindsight I could have been less direct with my questions. 

“You let me go, I tell you.” A frustrated struggle between my hands ensued as I firmed my grip around him, hoping that my fingers would be spared deeper bites. A minute later he seized his wriggling and was answering me in an offended voice, “That there fellow, Ragtag, came in here and won’t leave. I got to have my space you see? I’ve been telling him to go find some other garden, you see...but he won’t listen, he won’t!” 

“Is Mr. Ragtag a pixie too?” I was beginning to wonder if I had drugged myself, or was in the midst of a strange dream. Was I really holding a pixie in my hand and speaking to him about garden invasions? 

“A pixie like me?! Nooo sirrreeee, I would ne’er have invaded another’s garden.” Surely, so much offense could hardly be communicated in so few words? I wondered if I should remind the little guy that he had in fact invaded my garden. I decided to keep mum. This little fellow was full of drama. His voice changed again,polite and quizzical, “Why, Oh why, Mr, ol’ ninny, will you help me get rid of Mr. Ragtag?” 

I had eased my hold on the little creature by now, and as I relaxed further, he promptly sat down, cross-legged, on my open palm as I pondered his strange request. Before a minute had passed he burst into tears - it was like watching a sprinkler come to life accompanied by a cacophonous group of violinists. 

“Okay, Okay, Mr. Pixie, stop bawling. How can I help?” I spoke in a loud whisper 

The silence and consequent smile was so immediate, I was quietly inclined to believe the whole crying show was exaggerated. But I couldn’t help liking the fellow as he impulsively gave my little finger a tight hug. 

“Oh, thank you, Mr ol’ ninny. I really do love my garden, you see...and Ragtag has no business being here. You need to meet him and tell him so, you see? He can’t go against your wishes, you see?” 

I didn’t see of course, and said so. I was also a bit offended at being called an ol’ ninny. Actually, I was starting to get curious about Ragtag and why Mr. Pixie was disinclined to share his space with him - I had a fairly large garden. It also occurred to me that it was certainly rare, even a bit exciting, to have two seemingly real pixies living in my garden. Maybe I had to go get my head checked, but for now, I was sure the little fellow in my hand was real. 

“Erm.. Mr. Pixie, my name is…”

“Awww, come on sirrreeee we must be quicks about getting Ragtag away. How wills you find him?” 

“Don’t you know where he is?” I asked tauntingly.

“'Course not, Mr Ol’ ninny. I don’t know where he is now. If I’d have known, I would’ve fought him out already, innit?” 

“I think you need to call me by my name, if you want my help.” I made to leave. After all some ground rules were necessary, and everyone knows pixies would wiggle their way out of anything. I felt that I must stamp my authority. 

“Awww now, don’t you go away Mr. Ol’... okay, okay, What is your name Mr. Ol’ Nin..”

“Matt. My name is Matt,” I was beginning to enjoy our dialogue. “Now, tell me, how do we find Ragtag?” 

“Why?! Don’ts you knows? We walk through the grass blades, of course! Come on Mr Ol… Mr. Matt” He zealously jumped onto my lap, and then paused, made his way back to my palm, and navigated my hand to my ear and in a shrill whisper, “We’ve got to shrink you, you knows!” 

I blinked. 

“We gots to Mr. Matt, otherwise you’ll not be able to runs through the grass.” He must have seen my dumbstruck look

“Shrink me?” I wasn’t having any of that, “Oh no we aren’t Mr. Pixie. I can wait here. Once you find Ragtag, I will find a way to meet him.” 

“Now, look yous here, Mr. Matt. By 3 O’clock, my pixie magic will reverse itself and you will be all big again. No needs to be scared.” A snicker that he tried to unsuccessfully cover up accompanied this statement.

Scared? Was I scared? What if this was all a trick? Yet, wouldn’t it be fun to have a bit of an adventure - almost exciting? “I still don’t know if it’s a good idea...but tell me, Mr Pixie, do you not like Ragtag?” I decided then and there that I should know more about the person I was going to confront

“Likes him? Oooh, I liked him well enough, I did. Ragtag’s my best friend. How we trampled the grass on Ol’ Mr Cranky’s garden. Ah” Giggles. “Then, when I said it was time to move - seeing that Mr. Cranky heard us, and had began to cut his grass too short, Ragtag said he likes to do what he wants and didn’t want to come here. You see’s Mr Ol’... Mr. Matt, I saw your garden, and knews you was a nice man who wouldn’t cut his grass. But Ragtag was a *&^%& pixie and told me he wasn’t moving, no sirreee! And I begs him, I does.” 

I ignored the expletives as I listened to his tale. A sudden burst of waterworks ensued. I patted him in empathy as gently as I could and waited for the abrupt silence. It took longer than expected.

“Then, I left without Ragtag and moved in here.” Sniffles as he continued, “I’ve been on my own 14 days, and I don’t need Ragtag with me. He came here last week, he did, and he says no sorrys to me, he doesn’t. He came and wanted to carry on as if he never left. Well, Mr. Ol’ ...Mr. Matt. No sirrrreeee. This is my garden and I’m not sharing with him” 

Another sprinkler attack was forming a pool in my hand. I was sure of one thing - this little pixie wanted his best friend with him, but was hurt and angry. I decided to help. Carefully, I placed him on the table top and sat next to him. 

He looked up at me, hope replacing the tears in his spherical eyes, “Will yous help, me?” 

A sudden desire awakened in me - it was time for an adventure. I smiled at Mr. Pixie and struck a deal, not entirely convinced I would shrink. 

“1.2.3”

With no warning, and no hint of any pixie dust, I had shrunk and found myself dangling off the table. I nervously swung myself and latched onto the camera belt.Trying to quickly adjust to my new circumstances, I hauled myself up onto the bench and took in the view. Mechanically, I picked a few twigs that had fallen on the table top, tucked them masterfully with some of the string I had left near my notebook and constructed a little ladder. I wanted to have a look through my lens: I climbed the ladder precariously and took a peek. The world looked big and full of colour. The grass had never looked this green or inviting. I wondered if I could click a photo. That’s when I caught sight of him - a little creature that looked like Mr. Pixie - darker and taller, but with the same rosy cheeks and round eyes.

“Mr. Matt… Mr. Matt, We gots to go.. There’s no time…” Mr Pixie was pulling on my trousers which I was grateful to note had also shrunk with me. 

I turned around and gestured to the little fellow, wending my way towards Ragtag. I was sure that I would soon have two pixie friends living in my backyard. Let the adventures begin.

A game changing game

Another morning, another day at Wimbledon, and some spectacular match ups to look forward to in the men's quarter finals.

And the women's semis have been decided. One thing was for sure - the round of 16 games were more mouth-watering (My favourite critic has said I use too much mouth-watering in my Wimbledon posts...so, I am staying a bad habit) impressive than the quarters.

The first week and then the round of sixteen made me expect sizzling, fight for every point games. The Vandeweghe Vs Rybarikova (Whoop, I have learnt to spell and say her name) was depressingly one-sided. The Williams Vs Ostapenko game was more competitive and while I am a bit sad to see the latter lose, I am still eager to see her in future tournaments. She has this fire when she is playing that is arresting. And then there was the Muguruza Vs Kuznetsova clash which was more competitive on paper...

The match of the day of course was the Konta Vs Halep match. Now that was a match worthy of a quarter final. I sympathise with Halep and her elusive grand slam...but I am going to take away the focus from winners and loosers and just say what a match! The power, the pace, the will to win! Fantastic - kudos ladies!

I can't wait to see how the semi finals will end...

Nerves of Steel

Manic Monday at Wimbledon was as insane as I expected it to be: 3-set battles in the women's draw and 5-set epic clashes in the men's half of the tournament. And in the midst there were those games that were singularly one sided.

So Ostapenko stormed into the quarters in her usually fighting style and has set up a mouth watering encounter with Venus: Muguruza and Konta both battled it out to make it in 3 sets. Vicka crashed out as expected. I mean, even if I don't mention what is at stake for a lot of these players, the quarters look like a tennis fans dream: let the fireworks begin. Anyone else wonder if Halep will finally be a grand slam winner. Her potential number 1 ranking should also motivate her, or so I hope?

Over to the men's...Fed bulldozed Dimitrov, and Cilic had an easy time versus Agut. These matches were so one-sided and dull I couldn't watch especially considering the drama unfolding on many of the other courts - Zverev's loss to Raonic in, Anderson's few faults allowing Querrey to inch him out of the tournament, Thiem's sad fall to Berdych. Sigh.. the evening couldn't get more competitive...

I lie. Of course it could get more intense: Rafa was on court, and he was two sets down. What a match up that was Muller with his deceptive and staggering serve vs Rafa's never ending battling spirit. Every game had something exciting - From Nadal's stunning shots and reactions to every point won, to Muller's ever calm mien and his blistering service games. The 5th setter was  out standing, questions were thrown and answers came back in the shape of aces, volleys, and winners. At 10-10 these two contestants were displaying nerves of steel, and it was simply traumatising knowing that someone was going to have to loose....Kudos to Muller for a game well played.

Ah Wimbledon, how mundane life will be after the championships are over...

The Wimbledon Monday

After a break day the action at Wimbledon today is simply stunning. Matches that are mouth watering have already started playing out.

Ostapenko is already through to the quarters beating Svitolina in straight sets. The other women's games at the moment are looking highly competitive: Kerber vs Muguruza in particular has been engrossing - even if I am simply looking at the scores (And would you believe it, Muguruza has won! Whoa!). Konta vs Garcia is also playing out nicely - and is currently at the first set tie-break. I am waiting to see how the Wozniaki vs Vandeweghe match will end...And then there is Vicka vs Halep: I suspect the latter will win even though my heart wants Vicka to take it.

And in more captivating tennis look at these games that will play out today:

1. Sam Querrey Vs Anderson
2. Cilic Vs Agut
3. Murray Vs Paire (This could be completely one-sided, or a cracker of a game. I suspect the former)
4. Nadal Vs Muller (Will this be another case of Rafa wiping away the opponent?)
5. Federer Vs Dimitrov (Interesting.... again it could be completely one-sided with Federer brilliance taking over)
6. Djo vs Mannarino (goodness knows which way this will go - I suppose it depends on Djo's mood)

Can I get to a TV already?

It's a take over

Wimbledon has taken over my life at the moment. I have to admit that I am hardly paying attention to any of the other sporting events going on. I am not even sure I will pay attention to the IAAF which will be held right here in Nairobi!

So the last few days have been good fun at the games.  Some matches have been exactly the way they were meant to be - others, not quite the way they should've panned out.

But I am vindicated by how Ostapenko is playing. Every game she plays is exciting to watch. True she can be topsy turvy and has a huge number of faults. Ah, but her winners and her unrelenting energy to keep getting the next point. The match versus the Canadian Francois Abanda was mouth watering. Both girls were stunning, and full of energy. That was a gripping watch, I tell ya.

Vicka is playing her 3rd round match this afternoon and I am looking for ways to watch it - not follow it on a real time blog, or catch up with the scores online with the slam tracker - but watch the action point by point. If Vicka brings her A game on, Heather Watson should expect fireworks with or without crowd support.

Honestly, the women's games are so exciting, I am skipping many of the men's games... However, I am still reeling from the Del Potro game. Sure he hasn't been as great the last few tournaments, but I don't think anyone was expecting him to loose in the 2nd round.

Thus far my favourites are hanging in there... I hope to see them hanging onto the cup soon...

Until next time, cheers to more Wimbledon....

Just an excited post...

Vicka won! Vicka won! Whoop! What an exciting start to the games. Turns out that day 1 had some delightful treats.

I'm going to start of with the Azarenka vs Bellis game simply because, you know, Vicka is back. The first set saw Bellis play some amazing shots, and Azarenka was struggling with her serves and her precision - 18 unforced errors in a set that ended 3-6 in favour of Bellis. And then, the fascinating Vicka come back surfaced: the first serves were in more often, shots were fired with a little more precision, Bellis's game was read a little better. Vicka was back in it with a 6 - 2 win in the second set. All credit to Bellis, she played remarkably, though, I feel that the momentum change did make her question her shots and she started to miss her mark more often than not. The final set was very much in Vicka's control and then she had done it - she was through to the second round at Wimbledon. I cant wait to watch more of her and see her improving with each game.

And Stan the man's poor luck on grass continued in another cracker of a match. Medvedev seemed to be playing with a casual determination that definitely got the better of Wawrinka. Talk of an upset. The question now is, how far will Medvedev go? As is often the case after a big win, the next game sees players wilt away into nothingness ....

In more scintillating tennis, Anderson came out victorious and knocked out Verdasco in a 4 setter game (I find Anderson's game style laid back, so this was surprising). Navarro won the topsy turvy game against Bouchard - 1-6, 6-1, 6-1, and Ostapenko came through fighting, beating her opponent in 3 sets.

And day 2 is here. I cant wait to see Djo win (cross my fingers and hope to die!) a tricky match. Here's a list of other games in the men's draw that I think will be stealing the spotlight today: Dolgopolov Vs Federer, Gasquet Vs Ferrer, M Zverev vs Tomic. In the women's draw - Timea Vs Wozniaki is the highlight (surely the draws are insane this year, already I see players pitted against people they could have played the quarters against!)

Can the play start already?

Grass, Strawberries & Cream!

First things first, congratulations team Germany on your Confederations Cup victory over Chile last night. I hope that the curse of a win here doesn't blot your chances at being the runner up in Russia 2018 (For those of you who know me, you know exactly what is hidden between those lines). Speaking of this win - I picked up a copy of the Daily Nation this morning in the hopes of seeing an article about Germany's win, and was sadly disappointed to see them still speaking about the third place game - surely, daily nation, you can do better than this? It isn't as if the match ended early this morning?...

Speaking of sporting action not to be missed... tantalising, classy, alluring Wimbledon is here! Whoa! I can't wait, and I hope that my favourites favour my disposition to watch this tournament all the way to the finals with a smile on my face. The draws have been decided, and day one has some promising games: Wawrinka vs D Medvedev could be an interesting one to look out for. The Kohlschreiber vs Cilic match also seems to be one of the matches that could turn out to be a cracker. In the women's draw most matches look to be straightforward (Watch out for the Navarro vs Bouchard game). I am eager to see how Ostapenko will fair. Lisicki on grass is of course a delight to watch - it will be good to see if she is in good form. And best of all, Azarenka aka Vicky is back on court. Let the games begin!

Off the court, a good friend of mine announced categorically that, "Messi got messed up." I read that statement in some trepidation, quietly running through football fixtures in my head wondering if he had injured himself. Turns out that he was referring to Messi's nuptials, and Messi is still well and quite capable of working some magic on the football pitch. Phew! On that happy note, I bid you all farewell for the week.

Happy Sporting!