Goran Ivanisevic was a popular Wimbledon champion but that may not be the case for much longer. Giving a quick interview to the BBC after taking part in the seniors tournament, the Croatian was asked about the World Cup semi-final and gave an answer the Diary is inclined to think was “banter”. It’s fair to say, however, that it doesn’t read like that on the page. “I hope we don’t lose to the English because you are already in the final,” he said. “You have already won, you are coming home, you are bringing a trophy, you are so arrogant, you are the most beautiful. For sure you are coming home but I hope not with a trophy.” Thanks Goran, hope the rest of your week passes quietly.
Brimfuls of identity crises
You can get a sense of a crowd by the things they leave behind. That’s certainly true of Wimbledon’s lost property department, where the first sight to confront you on entry is a large pile of abandoned panama hats. According to the friendly staff, there has been less stuff left behind than previous years and an absence of unusual items. Press them further, however, and this turns out not to be the case. There has been a number of Wimbledon branded home scent diffusers (RRP £25). There was also a Tiffany wedding ring that must have come off someone’s finger at some point. More intriguing still, a clutch of Chinese passports have been left on site. The holders won’t be able to go home without them but, according to the Lost Property Office, they have been unable to get anyone at the Chinese embassy to engage with the matter. So Chinese diplomats, if you are reading, pick up the phone and give Wimbledon a bell. There may even be a diffuser in it for you.
Free view comes at a cost
A two-bedroom flat with views of the tennis, yours for just £800,000. Local estate agent Jackson-Stops has put up a new listing advertising a property in Burghley House, with “outstanding and far-reaching views over the All England Lawn Tennis Club”. It looks nice, and was always going to be pricey, but buyer beware. Photos on the listing suggest the view is at an agonising angle: outside courts yes, show courts sketchy. And if the roof is up? Game over.
Mail men deliver for Diary
It started as a joke but the Diary is really starting to believe there’s a Brexit back channel in the royal box. First off it was David Cameron and a bunch of Tory peers last Friday. Then Arlene Foster was on Monday’s guest list. By Tuesday not only was the Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre but his incoming (and less rabidly anti-European) replacement Geordie Greig in attendance. The battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton, might a bespoke customs arrangement with the EU be brokered at the VIP champagne bar of SW19?
