The Boodles, 21st June 2012

Thanks to my lovely media agents at The Emilia Group, yesterday I got to spend the whole day enjoying world class tennis at The Boodles.  The tennis tournament itself is set within the beautiful grounds of Stoke Park, but what I found most incredible was the unique spectator experience enjoyed by all. With an intimate crowd of 1,500 and no seat further that eight metres from the action, you can imagine the kind of viewing and involvement that you feel in the game. It was superb. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a venue where I was so close to the live action, let alone world class action.

I got to see Andy Murray play current World number one Novak Djokovic. I almost felt like I was playing the game with them. There’s nothing better. The players seemed to love it too, especially Djokovik, the ultimate crowd pleaser and funny man on court. When it started spitting with rain, he got his towel out and started ‘wiping’ down the grass, he joked around with the ball girls and even high-fived a lady in the front row after landing a particularly beautiful shot. It was a joy to see the players so relaxed and enjoying their tennis. That’s not to say that it wasn’t a competitive exhibition match. An athlete always plays to win – it’s in their DNA. There was just a different feel to the match. A playful feel. They both tried out moves they might not risk at a major tournament, and seeing Murray land an incredible jump shot through his legs made for quite an exciting point. It was pure entertainment, and the perfect pre-Wimbledon warm-up for both players. Djokovic won in two straight sets and he looked on fine form.

I was also pleased to see a piece that I had written about tennis and fencing in the Boodles programme. It looked great, and I was glad that so many people got to read about fencing. I compared fencing to tennis and drew on their similarities in foot movement, hand-eye coordination, speed, agility as well as reading and reacting to a situation and making the correct decision under pressure. I imagine Rodger Federer would make a very good fencer. He has great foot speed and subtle hands. Gael Monfils is springy and has lightening reflexes and fast feet – great qualities to have in fencing. Rafael Nadal probably has a bit too much upper body muscle to suit fencing because as I explained in the programme, fencers tend not to develop big upper body muscles as it becomes restrictive. Your legs and feet are what will get you out of dangerous situations in fencing, the same way that tennis players’ legs get themselves out of trouble in a rally.

My final highlight was meeting the lovely Zoe Hardman who was the host and MC for the day. She gave me some great tips on presenting and working the camera. She was fabulous; very generous with her time and gave me much inspiration for what I might like to do next.

The Boodles was one of my best tennis experiences so far for the sheer intimacy of play. Did I mention they also served up the most delicious, fluffiest scones I have ever tasted? I’ll definitely be back next year.