“GRANDSLAM” by David Begbie

Photos by Protima Daryanani

After another exciting Wimbledon Championships, (Congratulations Carlos Alcaraz on the brilliant tennis in the final!!), we were reminiscing and recall this unique mesh sculpture, “GRANDSLAM” by David Begbie inside the Centre Court building.

Begbie described his desire to capture the spirit of tennis, explaining “it is the action and attention and burst of athleticism… I needed to get that sense of movement.” To bring the actions of the players to life he used steel mesh, which allows light and shadow to come through and enhance the feeling that the sculpture itself is in motion.

“GRANDSLAM” lives permanently in the Centre Court building atrium, and “resonates with the soul of The Championships past, present and future.”

Wimbledon Tennis Championships

After over a year of cancelled sports, or games played to empty stands, the crowd at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships is finally enjoying their favorite sport in person. There’s something special about gathering together to watch a match, experiencing the highs and lows of the competition firsthand. Between the vivid green court and the bright blue sky, the energy of the crowd is palpable. No matter which players they’re rooting for, the tennis fans at Wimbledon are once again feeling the vibrant excitement of sitting in the stands at a live sporting event, a feeling that can’t be replicated by watching in their living rooms at home.

Federer and Fireworks!

While my fellow Americans were setting off fireworks and celebrating the Fourth of July with friends and loved ones (Happy Birthday, America!), I was cheering on Roger at Wimbledon. The seven-time Wimbledon champion won his first-round match against Alexandr Dolgopolov, with Dolgopolov retiring during the second set due to an ankle injury. Although this match wasn’t as exciting as I would have hoped, the win marks Roger’s record-breaking 85th single men’s victory at Wimbledon! He also became the third player ever to hit 10,000 aces. I briefly thought about setting off some fireworks at Centre Court to celebrate but wisely decided against it!

Sunset at Wimbledon

As the sun sets at the AELTC (All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club), only the last few matches of the tournament remain to be played. The incredible Serena Williams is set to play Angelique Kerber in the women's final. For the men's final, Andy Murray is playing Milos Raonic (who broke my heart in beating Roger Federer). What a great tournament it's been. Good luck to all these players, and see you next year!

Del Potro at Wimbledon

Amid all the uncertainty and craziness surrounding Brexit, it was fun to focus on other things, such as the welcome return of Juan Martin del Potro back to Wimbledon. The last time del Potro, who has been recovering from wrist injuries and surgeries for the past three seasons, was seen at the All England Club was in 2013 when he faced Novak Djokovic in the longest semi-final in Wimbledon history (where Djokovic prevailed 6-3 in the fifth). This week del Potro beat Stephane Robert in the first round and tough opponent Stan Wawrinka in the second. “Great sensations after three years," he said after his first win. "This year is completely different for myself, and I am enjoying tennis a lot. Of course, when you win your first round, everything is much better." It is much better with you here, Delpo.