Dubai: There has been a run on supermarket supplies of strawberries and cream all over the UAE, as crowds of nervous British tennis fans prepare to support Andy Murray’s attempt to be the first British man to win Wimbledon in 76 years.
The last time a Briton held the famous jug aloft was Fred Perry in 1936 when he had won three times in a row. He beat Nazi Germany’s Gottfried Von Cramm, and went on to become an icon of the tennis world, moving to America and launching his own line of sports clothing, as well as acquiring a remarkable collection of wives and girl friends including Jean Harlow and Marlene Dietrich.
But today the astonishing prospect of a possible British winner has had many British residents of the UAE finding good reasons to take the day off and get to a TV. Some of the better hosts are announcing an open house, as long as everyone coming brings a supply of strawberries and cream, and an essential bottle of Pimms, so the elegant requirements of a smart English summer can be met. Many others are heading to the sports bars, while pausing on the way to find Union Jacks.
But everyone agrees that it almost too good to be true. No-one is placing too much faith in Murrays’ strong record against Federer, and it all too aware of Murray’s famous ability to choke at the vital moment.
But it is a good sign that Henman’s Hill in Wimbledon has quickly been renamed Murray’s Mount. And the superstitious are pointing to the fact that it is the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, which might give Murray a boost. The last British woman to win Wimbledon was Virginia Wade in 1977, which was the year of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee.
- Andy Murray plays against Roger Federer at Wimbledon Centre Court at 5pm UAE time
