Crack open the Pimms! It's time for the 'Non- Wimbledon' Wimbledon Tennis thread!

[Raahh]

I have had quite a bit of the Aldi Fake Pimms this week, won't be as nice when it's raining.

When you think of all the Sampras matches we had had to endure, it was nice to have a final that didn't feature him.

There are probably people today, waiting for the day when a final doesn't feature Rafa/Roger or Novak .

(But that makes me sad).

Yes there probably are!! At least the Big Three have a dynamic, genuine rivalry though (except on clay ofc ). Whereas Sampras at Wimbledon was pretty much unbeatable for a while, his main rival on grass in the 90s was probably Goran? And I don't think he ever beat him, not at Wimbledon anyway.

Whereas 2001 kind of had everything.

It was a great tournament all round that year. It's amazing to think Federer played in it really. It seems from another era to me.

2001 does feel like a very different time. I think 2002 signified the changing of the guard (and was an odd tournament, lots of big names crashed out early on). Then came 2003, and the start of the Fed era.

Dan (yawn) Evans reminds me of the rapper Plan B. But I think if he put a short black wig on he'd look like Gary Numan! (Maybe I should go to Specsavers).

And Sue Barker I think is looking more and more like Anne Widdicombe!

Notice how the older the matches the better etiquette there was (notwithstanding Mac, Nastase, Connors, Gonzalez and a couple of others!)

None of the ladies were screaming/shrieking/shouting- wasn't it Monica Seles that started that one?

No one had thir sweaty towels throwing them at the ball kids -did Greg start that one?-

None of the ladies were showing nipples! Did Venus start that one?

No million racquets and drinks lined up for them.

Quick to serve and not half an hour to.

Crowd enthusiastic but better behaved. Think LLeytons fans started that one, or Agassis.

The commentators only spoke when needed to- unlike Mac/castle who loves the sound of his own voice- and everyone else these days.

Was great hearing John Barrett again.

Ill miss the invitation doubles this year, Bahrami/Leconte and the like.

Want to see Casal and Sanchez (major crush on Sanchez!) when they won.

I always found Sampras boring to watch, apart from the 'slam dunk'.

And most of all I miss my fave court in the world of all time, the old Number One court. STILL seething they got rid of it!

Oh, and I think Andre these days looks like Stavros Flatley!

I always think everyone looks like someone.

Martinas always reminded me of Tom Petty.

Ok, Ill definitely go to Specsavers!

I am late to this tonight, as dd1 took my laptop. Even though she has her own .

I dislike both Konta and Marcus Wareing . Not my night, this .

Evening Qui .

Stavros Flatley

And a Sampras match. Lovely .

Qui I agree about the commentary, although I'm sure at the time it annoyed me but listening to it now they seem so knowledgeable and let the match do the talking. It's great they're leaving the original commentary for these repeats, and not letting AC or someone talk over it!!

There are still some really good commentators nowadays though, eg Andrew Cotter, Sam Smith, Chris Bradnam etc.

I agree they played faster back then but the points were shorter weren't they generally speaking (I think, anyway). I always think Steffi played really quickly, even at the time I used to think that.

Is this when Pete reads the note on court??

But at least it is one where he lost early on.

Did he just say 'Poor Sampras, poor Wimbledon 2002' ?

Biased, much .

Isner Mahut! Great. I hope they show Tim presenting them with the vase

Of course, Mo was the umpire of the Isner match. How did I forget that.

I do love Mahut. This match defined his career, and he is so, so much more ( several doubles titles, for a start).

I like Mahut as well.

Ugh. He is wearing his baseball cap. Indoors. Backwards.

Toddler.

I do like that Isner and Mahut became very close because of this.

Yes - the vase is making an appearance

I always think of Mahut as being tiny (I don't actually think he is)- so him playing doubles with Isner would be strange.

@Raahh

I do like that Isner and Mahut became very close because of this.

So do I, it's great.

Ahh, the vase.

I think they'd be a great doubles team - would love to see it.

I mean , I am not an Isner fan, he bores me. But his friendship with Mahut is lovely.

I saw a clip of Nico's son flossing after Mahut had won at RG the other day. I love that clip.

Poor PHH though - he would be dumped again .

Bit like when Jack Sock became an honorary 'Bryan brother' .

And now we have Mac, sporting Wimbledon colours.