Wimbledon Crisis Centre, Day 1
By TW Contributing Editor Rosangel Valenti
Good morning all. I'm happy to say that in my part of the world, which is a modest distance from the All England Club, it's been a glorious day so far - there are white clouds flying high and birds out chorusing in force. From my window (which I've had to leave open because it's a warm day) I can see a cat lying on its back, basking on the grass. The local forecast is that there is more cloud on the way, but the sun will continue to put in an appearance too.***
We're here at last. The first day of the Wimbledon Championships 2010. For days now the preparations have been visible - tents going up, car-parks and bus stations being signposted, restraining traffic cones in the surrounding residential streets, and the pedestrian bridge being built over tree-lined Church Road that dips down past the grounds. Following a tradition that has been in place for as long as I can remember (and probably long before then), at one o'clock this afternoon the white-clad men's champion of last year will walk onto Centre Court to begin the defence of his title.
Play begins on the outer courts at twelve noon. Of course, for all those who queue up for grounds passes today there is also a feast of matches on the outside courts. Those who find a space on the new Court 2 will have the chance to see three Grand Slam champions in action - Kim Clijsters, Francesca Schiavone and Lleyton Hewitt. Meanwhile Court 12 has Tomas Berdych, Marin Cilic and Justine Henin on offer.
It's a moment worth savouring, before the first ball is struck in competition. The draws are wide open. For each player there's everything to prove, and for us spectators the combination of possibilities looks endless.
As always, enjoy the tennis.