The Fourth of July

10: AM

This is the day American’s celebrate their independence from Britain, and it always seems ironic to me that I’m at Wimbledon for this great American holiday. I miss the block parties, beach picnic’s, fireworks, and hanging out with friends. However, I’m not going to let the fact that I’m in London keep me from noting the day. There are a lot of expat’s here so I’m researching my options for good times this evening.

Dress for the day... dark blue jeans, white shirt and red trainers... forgot my American flag bandana, but I’m doing my best to make s statement!

Meanwhile, it’s going to be a big USA day at The Championships. The sisters will be celebrating their Independence Day competing in the women’s singles final, Followed by the Bryan’s in the Men’s Doubles, followed by the Williams’s in the women’s doubles. GO STARS AND STRIPES!!

Shall I risk putting up my pick for the Sister Act? Serena has a 2/1 edge on Venus, having defeated her in 2002, and 2003. Venus got her revenge last year, and I’m betting that she’ll even the score today. Okay, I’ve put my opinion on the line so we’ll see what happens.

The Bryans will be playing a very tough team, Nestor and Zimonjic. This is the team that took out Blake and Fish 10 - 8 in the fifth. The sisters will face third seeded Stosur and Stubbs, a very solid team, but I’m going to go for the gold... an all American champions day! That will be something to celebrate.

And how will their equally famous father spend his fourth? He’s said that he can’t bear to watch the girls play each other, so he is heading back to Florida where he will find out who the winner is, not by TV, the internet, or a call from the sisters but by a sign that his neighbors post on their house reading either “Congratulations Venus”, or “Congratulations Serena”.

1:05 PM

Uh oh, it’s drizzling a little. They are making an announcement right now that this band of rain is expected to pass so no plans for closing the roof right now.

4:11 PM

Okay so I was wrong... it won’t be the first time. Serena was just too tough. Those girls are so opposite sometimes it’s hard to believe they are sisters. Venus, tall and regal reminds me of an Egyptian princess, I can envision her floating down the Nile on a barge wearing a jeweled headdress. On the other hand, Serena is like a boxer, strong, tough, and muscular. I can see her in the ring, pounding her opponent senseless.

5:18 PM

Bad news... the Bryan’s have lost the first set. I’m going to go out and do a few snaps.

7:09 PM

Well Zimonjic and Nestor have just taking the fireworks out of the Bryan’s fourth. The defending champions are going home with the gold trophies once more.

One more to go... Let’s see if the William’s can add the double’s trophies to their 2009 collection.

9:13 PM

That's it .. a big day for the Williams, looks like they will be taking home all of the women's trophys.

Andy vs Andy

Wow, it’s several hours after the match and I’m still amazed. Roddick was at his best today, firing off bullet like aces, running, diving, and never giving up. This will be Roddick’s third trip to the final, proving perhaps that in this instance experience counts more than youth. If you look at the last eight men who were in the quarters, Hewitt, Roddick, Murray, Ferraro Haas, Djokovic, Karlovic, and Federer, Murray and Djokovic are the only youngsters. Both Haas and Karlovic, are over thirty, and the rest are in their late twenties.

From the first match that I saw Arod play here, I quietly thought to myself, “I think he can win it this time”. He’s had a couple of dicey years, but he just has that look of a champion about him again. Totally focused. Mature. He said he’s been working hard and it shows. He’s trimmed 15 pounds off his weight, and new coach Larry Stefanki has been drilling him, and working hard on returns and volleys and backhand. He looks like a much more complete player. No more a man who depended solely on blasting his opponents off the court with his serve.

I’m usually not so much into stats, but I think these are interesting, Murray, actually hit more aces twenty five to twenty one. He also hit more winners, seventy six to sixty four, and had fewer unforced errors, twenty to twenty four, but bottom line Roddick won far more points at the net, forty eight to fifteen, and kept his first serve percentage a lot higher, seventy five to fifty two. Remember when I said that this was going to be a battle of serves? Roddick also kept his serves consistently over 130 mph, at one point hitting 143, the hardest that was his here so far.

The score seems close, 6-4 4-6 7-6 (9/7) 7-6 (7/5), but the truth is, from my seat in the photo pit, Andy R seemed in control of the match. He gave me one little worry, when he was serving for the third set at 5-2, dropped his serve and let the Scot level the set to

five all before closing it out, in a breaker, but throughout the whole match, I was sure that he was going to win. Maybe it was his calm. Even when it looked like the British number one was making a comeback, Arod, kept his cool and stuck to a game plan.

The Brits wanted this win badly, but it wasn't Murray's day, and now at least they have a player that is a contender. There is no doubt that Andy M will stay on top for a number of years, and take home a few titles of his own, but for now they will have to wait until 2010 for another chance at breaking their record dry spell of men's champions.

As for the final. I can hardly wait. Roger kept Andy from holding the gold cup in 2004, with a 4-6, 7-5, 7-6, 6-4 win, and in 2005, defeating Roddick 6-2, 7-6, 6-4. A much more mature Andy Roddick will be going for a first Wimbledon title, and the Swiss will be going for history, hoping to surpass Pete Sampras Grand Slam title record.

Quotes from Roddick:

“I’m just going to pretend that when they cheer for “Andy” that they are cheering for me.”

“I've developed a little bit of rapport with the fans. Maybe you guys helping me by asking me a bunch of goofy questions and me giving a bunch of goofy answersOver the last couple of years I didn't think I'd have the chance to

Talking about his conversation with his wife after he lost here last year. “ She didn’t really know much about tennis, so she thought I was playing real great”

“ She thought I looked cute in the shorts.”

Question; Can you describe to us how much you want this title, how much it means to you?

Andy Roddick;, Smiling. “No, I probably couldn’t “

Well, I’m willing to bet it means a whole lot.

Photo of the Day.

Drama is Spelled S-E-R-E-N-A

1:00 PM

Grunting, Shouting, Crying, Praying … and finally Smiles. Yes, that is the drama of Serena Williams in the Semi-Final today. Most of the time I had the impression that she was very angry at something... I wasn’t sure if the anger was directed at Dementieva , or the ball she was trying to hit the cover off of , or just general bad humor.

The day was hot and humid, and Williams fired up Center Court in the longest women’s semi-final in Wimbledon history. The American number two seed, played an error ridden first set, but came back, and saved a match point to win the second set. The third was another epic, ending with Serena winning 8-6.

One thing I have to say is Serena always provides us with multiple photo opportunities and entertainment. It was two hours and 48 minutes of passion, emotion and theatrics, between the American and the Russian Dimentieva. It was also the longest women’s semi-final in Wimbledon history.

Venus match against Russian Dinera Safina was the polar opposite. The defending champion took out Safina in fifty two minutes posting a score of 6-1, 6-0. I don’t know if that is the shortest semi-finals in Wimbledon history, but it certainly would be a contender.

This sets up an exciting Fourth of July final between the sisters. They have already played each other in three finals, and one or the other of them has been in the final here seven of the last eight years.

Venus is going for her sixth title and her third Wimbledon in a row. She hasn’t lost a set in this Championship. Serena has won here twice, and is looking for revenge for Venus beating her in last year’s final.

6:20 PM

I’m editing my semi-final photos, and thinking that I should start my blog, when I notice that James Blake and Marty Fish have won the first set in their men’s doubles semi-final, against the second seeds, Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonic. This would be a huge win for the unseeded Americans and would set up an all American final against the Bryan’s.

Tired and hot as I am, I still feel like I need to go shoot some of this match and give our guys some support. I’m the only photographer out there and it’s kind of nice to have the whole platform to myself. Blake and Fish are playing great! Who knew what a good doubles team they were.. Maybe their Davis Cup teammates, the Bryan Bros. have been coaching them. They win the second set, and I’m thinking about staying for the third, but it’s already 7:00, and I still have to edit my semi-finals and the Press dinner starts at 8:00.

8:20PM

OH MY WORD .. The doubles is still on .. They are just starting the fifth.

8:30PM

The Press Dinner. A much anticipated event every year. People get a chance to take a break, mingle and gossip with colleagues and the food and wine is always nice.

11:22 PM

Yep, I’m still here. Blake and Fish lost 10 – 8 in the fifth. I’m sort of sorry that I missed that match, but the dinner was very nice and very welcome.

That’s it for today. Tomorrow is going to be a big day with the two Andy’s playing in the semi-final.

Murray Mania

12:30 PM

Murray Mania continues here. Henman Hill, or as some are now calling it, Murray Mound, is a sea of excited faces all turned toward the giant video wall showing the Scot playing Juan Carlos Ferrero in the quarterfinal. Did I say “all”? Well not quite all, this guy has apparently decided to catch up on some reading.

I’m calling this Murray Mania, but the truth is; yes they want him to win, want to break the 72 year drought in having a men’s champion at this most prestigious of tennis tournaments, but I don’t feel the same sort of mad infatuation that the fans had for Tim Henman. There are only a couple of people with small flags in the stands, not “Go Tiger!” signs, no “We Love You Tim” signs. No painted faces, not crazy hats. I also notice that unlike the former British number one’s match’s where there was never a free seat in the photo pit, for Andy’s match’s there are always available seats.

I wonder if this is because Tim was a “proper English Gentleman” and Murray is a Scot. Somehow it seems like Murray is about expectation, and Henman was about hope. Then I wonder if they are afraid to get hope too high after having so many disappointing years with Henman.

Well, this could be the year to end their disappointment. Murray is totally focused and is playing the best tennis of his life. If he wins this title, he will take over the number two spot from Roger Feeder, and with Nadal injured, would have a shot of passing the Spaniard to gain the number one world ranking.

3:00 PM

Murray has ousted Ferrero in straight sets, and next will meet the winner of Roddick/Hewitt. Either of these players could stretch the Scot, and make him play a much tougher match than he’s had so far, so the semis could be very interesting. If it’s Roddick, it will be a duel of serves, and if it’s Hewitt, it will be a duel of will. Hewitt is one of the grittiest players on the tour, he never gives up and has won the title once, and so is no stranger to the pressure of Center Court.

4:45 PM

Thirty one year old Tommy Haas has come through with a nice win over twenty two year old Novak Djokovic. Nice statement for the over thirty crowd, to see the oldest guy in the draw defeat the Serb who is 9 years his junior. Getting older sometimes means getting better. Haas is a great guy and has been plagued with injury so it’s nice to see him back in the game.

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5:20 PM

It seems as though there are as many people out socializing as watching the matches. I think Wimbledon is the most social of all the Grand Slams. It’s as much about just “being there” as actually watching the tennis. I over heard one woman at the Champagne bar confide to her friend, that she didn’t know anything about tennis, but she just loved to come here, have drinks and see who she might meet.

Music from a live jazz band, Pimm’s and Champagne add to the party atmosphere. For the non British reading this, Pimm’s, is a very popular summer drink in Britain. They reportedly sold 100,000 glasses during the Wimbledon fortnight. Its gin based, but the exact recipe is secret. There are many variations on the cocktail, but basically it is one part Pimm’s mixed with tow parts Schweppes lemonade (7up to Americans), and garnished with mint, fresh orange slices, cucumber and strawberry.

I’ve tried it, and it’s quite good but lethal. One of those drinks that tastes good and refreshing and innocent, but isn’t.

7:38 PM

Roddick and Hewitt are in a marathon. I had a feeling this would be the case. Both of them are playing well, and I feel it’s sort of a “never give up, never give in” thing for both of them Hewitt is coming back from surgery and Roddick is trying to regain his stature as a top player.

7:48 PM

OH MY WORD... 4 all in the fifth, the tension is killing me. I’m thinking about running over to court one to catch the ending, but getting over there for the change is going to be a real challenge.

8:01PM

YES!! Andy took the fifth 6-4! So it will be Andy and Andy in the semi final. Should be great with a lot of good photos. I’m looking forward to it!

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Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum

0:40 AM

Today I want to take you on a tour of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. This award winning art museum integrates an amazing collection of tennis memorabilia, along with stunning visual effects featuring state of the art interactive touch screen installations.

Enter through one of the official shops, down a curving staircase and you are in a world of tennis that features a collection of tennis equipment dating back to 1555, moves into the Victorian era,

and onto the twenty first century where you can experience videos, and film featuring the latest technology.

Learn about the evolution of the game from a social, garden party pastime, to the multi-million dollar pro sport that tennis is today.

Clothing, racquets, and mementos of the world’s greatest players to ever hit a ball of the green grass of Center Court are on display.

For a tennis enthusiast this is a must see. You could easily spend a couple of hours here.

Fashion of course is always a hot topic. Wimbledon Whites are the tradition and this has not changes since the first match was played. Outfits from the 1880 to Nadal’s Toreador pants, and Venus back laced dress are on view.

One of everyone’s favorite stops is to visit the “ghost” of John McEnroe. Using a technique called “Pepper’s Ghost” the designers recreated the Gentlemen’s Dressing Room from the 1980’s with an image of John McEnroe that takes you through a tour of the area. He talks candidly about his memories, and match preparation, and how he first met Jimmy Conners.

I love the way they’ve used quotes from players in large displays. Andy Roddick,

“ I got goose bumps walking out there, It’s just majestic”,

Pete Sampras, “ They act like they’ve got the biggest tournament in the world, they do, this is the one.”

Serena Williams, “ Tennis Whites are boring unless it’s Wimbledon, where it’s classy”.

The whole museum is a fun and entertaining way to experience the drama, tension, and excitement of the game and professional life on tour.

Hottest Guys

9:00AM

I’m reading The Mirror; one of the English daily’s with my tea this morning and see that they’ve done a survey on the top ten hottest, sexiest players in the history of Wimbledon. Here are their picks; 1. Andre Agassi, 2. Rafael Nadal, 3. Roger Federer, 4. Pat Cash,

5. Bjon Borg, 6. Greg Rusedski, 7. Pete Sampras, 8. Tim Henman, 9. Andy Murray, and 10. Goran Ivanisovic.

Now hold on .. I have to comment on this. GREG RUSEDSKI? Are they kidding? Who wrote this? In a quieter voice .. Pete Sampras? I love Pete, but Sexy? Hot? I don’t think so .. Of course success is sexy to some, but hot .. I don’t think so, also have to put Roger in this category, definitely not hot… and I hate to get the ire of the Brit’s up, but personally .. Can’t see Andy Murray on this list either, Henman .. Classy and good looking, but again, not hot.

Now that I’ve been so critical of their list .. I’ll have a go with mine, and I hope you will send me comments with your suggestions. Of course sex appeal and hot factor is purely subjective, but I’ve been seeing these guys through a telephoto lens for a long time, so here goes; 1. Pat Rafter, 2.Stephan Edberg, 3.Pat Cash, (yep we do agree on this one),

4. Rafael Nadal, 5. Marat Safin, 6. James Blake, 7. Carlos Moya, 8.Alex Corretja,

9. Boris Becker, 10. Goran Ivanisovic.

Whaddya think? Agree? Disagree? Anyone you’d like to add ? Delete? Let me hear from all the girls out there.

12:30 PM

Okay, now we’ve had our fun, it’s time for business. First up on my shooting schedule is Serena and Hantuchova. I have not done even one frame of either one of them so I need to grab at least a few pic’s before one of them is out.

Next on the agenda is Djokovic and Sela .. Same situation, I have not done even one photo of either one of them. Interestingly, although Djokovic is the fourth seed here, no one is paying much attention to him, and he is playing on the smallest show court. There is only one other photographer on the bench, and he is shooting Dudi Sela. Hmmm be interesting to see if Novak sneaks in through the back door.

I rarely shoot the juniors, but Laura Robson is the rising British girl, so I feel like I need to shoot a few of her. She’s the second seed here, and is the defending JuniorChampion.

3:15, PM

I was planning to hit Federer/Soderling, but they’ve just finished. I’ll spend a little time editing, then go to Mauresmo/ Safina.

4:30 PM

Play has been stopped and the court covered due to rain. There are really only a few drops, but I think they are dying to try their new roof. Large drops are falling, but it seems like one of those passing things. Everyone is buzzing about weather or not they will close the roof.

4;45PM

There it goes! The roof is starting to close. There are a few starts and stops, but it closes smoothly, the air conditioning is turned on and Safina and Mauresmo will be the first players to play “indoors” at Wimbledon.

It’s actually quite nice with the roof closed. Soft light filters through the white translucent cover, there is no glaring sun and no dark shadows. The air conditioning is very nice on a sweltering day. Now that it is closed, it will remain so until the end of play today even if it stops raining. I think it’s because it takes quite a lot of time to open it again.

Safina wins in three sets, and when Mauresmo starts walking off the court, she stops, and just stands looking around her for a few minutes. It’s an odd moment, and I ask the French photographer sitting next to me if she is planning to retire, it’s almost like she is having a last look around. The photographer replied that she is not sure, but yes, this may be Mauresmo’s last Wimbledon.

10:45 PM

Well, there are two ways to look at everything. The good thing about the roof, obviously, is they can play in the rain, and finish matches that would have been stopped due to darkness. The bad part about the roof, is we get no rain breaks and now they can play late into the evening. 10:45 and Murray has just finished his five set match against Wawrinka.

11:20 PM

The press room is still full of people filing stories and photos, I’m closing this blog so I can get my photos finished.

11:33 PM

Andy Murray is just going in to do press. This means the reporters will be here for at least another hour if not more, and personally I still have at least a couple of hours of work. I say it again .. tennis is ruining my social life, to say nothing of my diet, I can’t remember the last time I ate today, but I’m sure it was a long time ago.

OH MY WORD! I had the best Sunday! I have so many photos that I want to share with you, this will be sort of a photo essay on my day.

First adventure was to check out the street pianos. Yes, I said street pianos… there is an art project on here that features piano’s placed in public venues around central London. Each piano is painted appropriately for the site. Signs reading “Play me I’m yours” are on each instrument, and people gather round play and sing. It’s great! If you’d like to find out more about this check out the website: http://www.streetpianos.com/london2009.

Next stop the Photographers Gallery, then on to the National Portrait Gallery.

The sky’s are looking a bit threatening, and I’ve done a lot of walking, so I decide to treat myself to tea at the top floor restaurant, with this wonderful view over Trafalgar Square, with Big Ben in the background.

The sun has come out; I’ve finished my tea so I head to the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square. However, when I get to the square, there is a huge colorful Indian Celebration, so I opt for this rather than another gallery. Women in gorgeous turquoise, bright pink, purple, silks, dance to the rhythms of Bollywood music. The scent of incense and curry fills the air, and I’m a bit sorry that I’ve just had tea.

I leave the square and start toward St. James Park when I notice that The Mall is closed to traffic and pedestrians can walk to Buckingham Palace without fear of getting run down. The street, lined with Union Jacks is quite an impressive site, and I join the walkers for a bit.

Then on to St. James Park. I like the design of the vacant chairs, speaking of past groupings and conversations.

I wonder how many years these giant shade trees are, and what tales they could tell us.

I walk around this bucolic lake filled with water foul,

There is one more exhibit I’d like to try and catch, and I know some of the galleries on Southbank stay open late, so I cross the bridge at Embankment to see if I can catch this show called

“Walking in My Mind”. The gallery is closed but as part of the show, they’ve wrapped all the trees in red and white polka dot fabric! Too fun!

Did you think only children like too play in fountains?

Check out these adults frolicking in the fountain in front of the National Theatre.

Ok. That’s my day. I’m running out of space, so I’ll sign off for today.