Heather Watson has a cruel sense of humour. When her coach Morgan Phillips offered to shave his head if the British No2 makes the second week of a grand slam for the first time in her career, Watson appreciated the sentiment but was worried about the consequences for him. “I said ‘no, your girlfriend will kill you … you can shave your legs’,” Watson said after her excellent 6-0, 6-4 victory over Anastasija Sevastova, with a wicked smile. Razors at the ready if the 25-year-old beats Victoria Azarenka on Friday.
Murray horse is neigh good
Shortly before Andy Murray delighted a packed Centre Court crowd on Wednesday an appropriately-named horse, Murray Mount, was backed into 5-4 favourite in the 2.20pm 2m4f handicap chase at Worcester. Unfortunately it stumbled badly at the sixth, made another mistake three out, and weakened in the run-in before finishing fourth.
Cash did it for Dad
On Wednesday was the 30th anniversary of Pat Cash’s Wimbledon win over Ivan Lendl but the Australian – who now coaches Coco Vandeweghe – says he did not spend last night celebrating. “I am not really into anniversaries,” he said. “Just ask my ex-wife.” Cash was also asked about that famous moment when he climbed to the players’ box to celebrate with his father, Pat Snr. Said Cash. “It wasn’t planned very well. The night before I knew I was going to win but that made it very stressful, with the expectation on yourself but it was worth it. With my dad no longer with me, it was a special moment but I can’t watch it anymore. It just makes me cry.”
Tennis journo-men
Those desperate to watch some tennis on middle Sunday, traditionally a day of rest for players and staff, could do worse than to head to Wimbledon Park where the 23rd Annual Press Tournament – held in memory of Elena Baltacha – will take place. Among the hacks who have paid the £10 entrance fee, one claims to be “Federer-like” while another reckons they are “the best there is”. Alas, none of the ex-players working for the media are signed up, which means there is little chance of coming up against the likes of John McEnroe or Tracy Austin and putting their claims to the test.
Nadal goes shopping
Rafael Nadal may know his way around grass and clay courts, but he struggled when confronted with a supermarket self-service checkout machine. The former Wimbledon champion, now world No2, was spotted shopping for groceries in a Tesco Express by a fan, who offered to lend a hand. He bought six cans of Diet Coke, though did not purchase a carrier bag, according to fellow shopper Nick Roberts, who shared his excitement on Twitter. “Just done Rafa Nadal’s shopping for him on the self service tills on the Tesco Express in Wimbledon village. Surreal,” he wrote. “He bought a 6 pack of Diet Coke. Didn’t need a bag. Environmentally conscious and awesome at tennis.”
Mum’s the word
Victoria Azarenka, who plays Heather Watson on Friday, has stepped up the pressure on the WTA to do more to help women players with young children. The former world No1, who gave birth to her son Leo last year, said the women’s tour had fallen behind the men’s tour. “The guys have that luxury of having the nurseries and stuff at every event and I think it’s time for women to have the same benefit,” she said. “For women it is much more important and harder.” Azarenka also paid tribute to Mandy Minella, who played her first-round match while four and a half months pregnant. “I’m very happy for her. But, you know, she’s doing it, and she obviously feels good. Until the doctor says, ‘Hey, cut it, you know, quit’, I think it’s wonderful.”
