David Beckham’s acclimatisation advice to Jodie Burrage was to “look at the Royal Box and get comfortable with whoever’s up there”.
For Liam Broady, another Brit experiencing the Centre Court spotlight for the first time, and indeed his opponent Casper Ruud, also a debutant on the world’s most treasured tennis court, there was instant nerve-settling in seeing Colonel Tim Peake among the guests invited by Chairman Ian Hewitt to the Royal Box.
What’s there to fear about knocking some tennis balls around a rectangle of beautifully manicured 8mm perennial rye grass in London SW19 compared to the perilous activity of space walking, docking spacecraft and driving a rover across simulated Mars terrain?
The European Space Agency astronaut might raise an eyebrow at Beckham’s description of the Royal Box as “up there”, given he’s used to life 440 kilometres up in the atmosphere, but the Colonel was certainly in a rarefied atmosphere.
Fellow invitees featured contributors to global good, including the two founders of Notpla, Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez and Pierre Paslier, winners of the Earthshot Climate Prize 2022 in the ‘Build a Waste-Free World’ category for their sustainable packaging made of seaweed; and international sustainability specialist Clara Barby, former CEO, Impact Management Project.
On the umbrella principle – whereby just having rain protection about one’s person tends to keep precipitation at bay – it was extremely heartening to see two meteorological experts hove into view. And ta-dah! We had the first rain-free day of The Championships 2023.
So thank you and a warm welcome (21 degrees C) to Professor Richard Jones, Science Fellow, Applied International Development at the Met Office, who was awarded the CBE this year for services to climate science; and to climate scientist Professor Emily Shuckburgh, Director of Cambridge Zero, Cambridge University for her role in working to promote a zero-carbon world. Are they free to return this weekend?
In terms of sporting empathy, the day’s Centre Court performers could rely on Neale Fraser, who must have felt like a time-traveller to find himself back in the arena where he lifted the trophy as Gentleman’s Singles Champion 63 years ago.
Alongside him, with an eye on the service speed gun, was Lord Coe, President of World Athletics, life peer and a Companion of Honour (awarded for services to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games). With his background as a stellar middle-distance runner, the 1980 and 1984 gold medallist was sure to be impressed with the lightning speed of the ball boys and girls about court.
No. 4 seed Ruud, having previously admitted his game was not suited to grass, said he was not going to put pressure on himself at Wimbledon, preferring to “just enjoy the time I get to step out on the most beautiful tennis court in the world”.
If he found adapting to the green stuff rough, he could always glance up to the Royal Box and consider the exploits of his compatriot Suzann Pettersen, who as captain famously made the putt on the final green to ensure victory for Europe in the 2019 Solheim Cup.
Traditionally, Royal Box guests are supporters of tennis in a professional capacity, and, on Day 4 of The Championships, David Haggerty, President of the International Tennis Federation, and Craig Tiley, Graham Bradley and Mark Da Silva from Tennis Australia were welcomed.
It was nice to see Jim Douglas, the former Officer in Charge of Service Stewards, enjoy a day in the comfy Lloyd Loom wicker chairs – recognition of the incredible voluntary work that keeps The Championship running smoothly. And Susie Griffiths, LTA Tennis Awards Volunteer of the Year 2022.
This year's invitees also reflect the Club’s desire to recognise people who provide inspirational public service. Stand up, please, David Nott, trauma specialist and volunteer surgeon in disaster and war zones, including training doctors in Ukraine; and David Wightwick, CEO, UK-Med, who was awarded the CMG this year for services to international humanitarian support.
The important work of the Wimbledon Foundation was recognised in the presence of Tim Wainwright, Chief Executive of WaterAid, international partner of the Club’s charity.
And finally...Rufus Radcliffe, Chair of the London Wildlife Trust, will be gratified to know that his namesake Rufus the hawk, an integral member of The Championships behind-the-scenes team, continues to do a great job of safeguarding the Centre Court complex against any Pigeon Stopped Play hindrances.
New this year:
See the draw like never before, with interactive Path to the Final view of the draw by clicking a player’s name on the draws page
See the projected Path to the Final of every player in the Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ singles draws with IBM Likely to Play
View how favourable or difficult a player's draw is, with IBM AI Draw