Monday 22 June 2009

The Toughest Game

It's the time of year when the BBC sets about whipping up Wimbledon fever. In the latest overexcited trailer, a portentous voice (John McEnroe's?) informs us that 'the toughest game of all is against yourself'. Well of course it is - if you've ever tried it you don't need telling. Lob the ball up, jump the net, dash to the far end, whack it back before it bounces twice, jump the net again, race it to the line, whack it up... Tough? I'll say - but does Wimbledon do solo tennis?
It reminds me of a running gag on a sketch show (The Fast Show?) where a couple would be having a quiet drink, and a desperate lonely old man would try to engage them in conversation by finding out what their occupation was. Whatever it turned out to be, he would claim to have done it himself. 'Yeah I was in the ballet game meself. Years I was in the ballet game.' Pause, suck in breath through missing teeth, shake head. ''Ardest game in the world, the ballet game.'

74 comments:

  1. Heh heh, yes that was indeed The Fast Show (an underrated comedic gem).

    There's a Monty Python sketch where blancmange aliens turn everyone into Scotsmen so they can win Wimbledon because Scots are the worst tennis players in the world....Come on Murray!

    ReplyDelete
  2. the thing I hate is those interviews in front of the crowd at the end - I've never quite understood the questions:

    "So, talk us through your tactics today"

    -"er...I tried to beat him?"



    and

    " How does it feel to win wimbledon?"

    "-er..rubbish. I actually came here to lose and won by accident, and now I feel a bit angry."

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wimbledon is quite hard. Just for a couple of weeks, one has a glimpse of what the world would be like if it was run by a certain kind of OAP, a cruel and despotic master race of blazer-drones which is hiding among us at this very moment!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have read so many content about the blogger lovers but this piece of writing is genuinely a
    nice paragraph, keep it up.
    My web blog - options trading australia

    ReplyDelete
  5. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
    I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is wonderful blog.
    An excellent read. I'll certainly be back.
    My web page ... not have to become offered to

    ReplyDelete
  6. WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for rehearsal
    Look at my website disney stocks

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the images
    on this blog loading? I'm trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it's the blog.
    Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.
    My web blog ; tdameritrade.com online stock trading - td ameritrade tdameritrade

    ReplyDelete
  8. Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It truly
    useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.
    Here is my website affiliate marketing programs

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi there, just wanted to tell you, I liked this article. It
    was inspiring. Keep on posting!
    Here is my website ; affiliate programs

    ReplyDelete
  10. My brother recommended I might like this blog.
    He was entirely right. This post truly made my day. You can not consider just how a lot
    time I had spent for this information! Thank you!
    Also visit my webpage - top online us casino

    ReplyDelete
  11. Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this article and the rest of the website is very good.



    Also visit my blog: binary options broker

    ReplyDelete
  12. I will immediately snatch your rss feed as I can not in finding your email subscription hyperlink or
    e-newsletter service. Do you've any? Kindly allow me recognize in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.

    Feel free to surf to my blog post :: binary options scam
    my page :: after hours trading nasdaq

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi to all, how is all, I think every one is getting more from this site, and your views are nice for new viewers.


    Here is my web blog: binary options review

    ReplyDelete
  14. I needed to thank you for this wonderful read!
    ! I absolutely loved every bit of it. I have got you book-marked to look at new
    stuff you post…

    My weblog - binary options review

    ReplyDelete
  15. I have fun with, cause I discovered exactly what I used to be looking for.
    You have ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice
    day. Bye

    Feel free to visit my web blog - binary options scam

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hello there, I discovered your web site by way of
    Google even as searching for a related subject, your site came
    up, it appears great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.


    Hello there, simply changed into alert to your weblog via Google, and located that it is really informative.
    I am gonna be careful for brussels. I will be grateful for those
    who continue this in future. Numerous people will likely be benefited out of your writing.
    Cheers!

    My webpage free found money search
    my web site: i need to make money fast

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi there it's me, I am also visiting this web page daily, this web page is actually good and the people are really sharing good thoughts.

    Also visit my website binary options trading signals

    ReplyDelete
  18. Fastidious replies in return of this matter with real arguments and telling
    everything concerning that.

    Look into my blog post ... binary options software

    ReplyDelete
  19. Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend
    your web site, how could i subscribe for a blog web site?
    The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had
    been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright
    clear concept

    My homepage; Cedar finance Platform

    ReplyDelete
  20. I constantly spent my half an hour to read this webpage's content every day along with a mug of coffee.

    My website - Binäre Optionen

    ReplyDelete
  21. Definitely imagine that which you said. Your favorite justification appeared to be on
    the internet the easiest factor to have in mind of.
    I say to you, I certainly get annoyed whilst other folks consider issues that they plainly do not
    realize about. You controlled to hit the nail
    upon the highest and outlined out the entire thing with no need side-effects , other folks
    could take a signal. Will probably be again to get more.
    Thank you

    Here is my web page: cedar fianance.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. My programmer is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP.
    I have always disliked the idea because of the costs.
    But he's tryiong none the less. I've been using WordPress on
    a number of websites for about a year and am concerned
    about switching to another platform. I have heard fantastic things about blogengine.
    net. Is there a way I can import all my wordpress content into it?
    Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!

    my homepage; online casino games for money

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hey there are using Wordpress for your site platform?

    I'm new to the blog world but I'm trying to get started and set
    up my own. Do you need any html coding knowledge to make your own blog?
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Here is my homepage :: pay slots online

    ReplyDelete
  24. I just like the helpful information you provide for your articles.
    I'll bookmark your weblog and take a look at once more right here regularly. I am quite certain I'll learn many new stuff right here!
    Best of luck for the following!

    My web page binary Options affiliate program

    ReplyDelete
  25. Appreciation to my father who stated to me on the topic of this
    web site, this webpage is in fact amazing.

    Also visit my page ... Real Money Slots

    ReplyDelete
  26. Great work! That is the kind of info that should be shared across
    the internet. Shame on the seek engines for now not
    positioning this put up upper! Come on over and consult with my web
    site . Thank you =)

    Feel free to visit my weblog: best penny slot machines

    ReplyDelete
  27. Great post. I am dealing with some of these issues as well.
    .

    Also visit my web blog - real money slot machine

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hello there! This post could not be written any better!
    Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate!

    He always kept talking about this. I will forward this post to him.

    Pretty sure he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!


    Here is my website - how to make money online

    ReplyDelete
  29. Very nice article, totally what I wanted to find.

    Check out my web site ... Way to make money Online

    ReplyDelete
  30. Good post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this
    subject? I'd be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Many thanks!

    Also visit my homepage; internet casino usa

    ReplyDelete
  31. certainly like your website however you need to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts.
    Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very troublesome to
    tell the reality nevertheless I'll definitely come back again.

    Here is my blog post; easy forex trading

    ReplyDelete
  32. I know this if off topic but I'm looking into starting my own weblog and was wondering what all is needed to get setup? I'm assuming having a blog like yours would cost
    a pretty penny? I'm not very web smart so I'm not 100% positive. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Appreciate it

    Here is my homepage - work from home

    ReplyDelete
  33. I think the admin of this website is really working hard in support of his site,
    for the reason that here every data is quality based information.


    Here is my homepage: work from home legitimate opportunities

    ReplyDelete
  34. It's hard to come by well-informed people on this topic, but you seem like you know what you're talking
    about! Thanks

    Feel free to surf to my site: united states casinos

    ReplyDelete
  35. I'm not sure exactly why but this blog is loading incredibly slow for me. Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end? I'll check back later
    and see if the problem still exists.

    Feel free to surf to my page how To find legitimate work at home jobs

    ReplyDelete
  36. I always used to read paragraph in news papers but now as I am a user of net thus from now I am using
    net for posts, thanks to web.

    My web site way to earn money online

    ReplyDelete
  37. Wonderful beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your
    website, how can i subscribe for a weblog site? The account helped me a
    applicable deal. I had been a little bit familiar
    of this your broadcast provided bright transparent idea

    Visit my site: best ways to make money on internet

    ReplyDelete
  38. Have you ever thought about including a little bit more
    than just your articles? I mean, what you say
    is fundamental and everything. Nevertheless just imagine if
    you added some great graphics or videos to give your posts more,
    "pop"! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this blog could
    certainly be one of the greatest in its field. Amazing blog!


    My weblog ... online job work from home

    ReplyDelete
  39. What's up, just wanted to tell you, I enjoyed this blog post. It was practical. Keep on posting!

    Also visit my homepage ... work from home jobs online

    ReplyDelete
  40. Please let me know if you're looking for a article writer for your weblog. You have some really great posts and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I'd really
    like to write some content for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
    Please send me an e-mail if interested. Regards!

    Feel free to visit my web-site :: free money casino games

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is
    really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels.

    I'll be grateful if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

    Here is my web site - online trading academy scam

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hello, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your website in Opera, it looks fine but
    when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!

    Other then that, excellent blog!

    my web page what is options trading

    ReplyDelete
  43. I just couldn't depart your site before suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the standard information an individual provide in your guests? Is gonna be back incessantly to investigate cross-check new posts

    Check out my blog :: commodity fetishism

    ReplyDelete
  44. What's up i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anywhere, when i read this post i thought i could also create comment due to this brilliant piece of writing.

    Here is my web-site ... free slots for fun

    ReplyDelete
  45. Fantastic website. A lot of helpful information here.

    I'm sending it to some buddies ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thank you for your sweat!

    My blog post - 10 ways to make easy money

    ReplyDelete
  46. WOW just what I was looking for. Came here by searching for make money quick

    Also visit my blog :: make fast easy money online

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hello my friend! I want to say that this article is awesome, great written and come with almost all significant infos.
    I'd like to peer extra posts like this .

    My web page - legit online Jobs scam

    ReplyDelete
  48. We are a group of volunteers and starting a new
    scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with valuable information to work on.
    You have done a formidable job and our entire community will be thankful
    to you.

    Feel free to visit my homepage: hot hot penny slot game

    ReplyDelete
  49. I was recommended this website by my cousin. I am not sure whether
    this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about
    my difficulty. You're wonderful! Thanks!

    Also visit my web site - make money right now online

    ReplyDelete
  50. I couldn't resist commenting. Well written!

    Also visit my web page - how to make some money online

    ReplyDelete
  51. Excellent post! We will be linking to this particularly great article on our site.
    Keep up the great writing.

    my weblog; after market trading

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hi everyone, it's my first go to see at this website, and post is genuinely fruitful in favor of me, keep up posting these types of articles.

    Here is my website forex trading mentor

    ReplyDelete
  53. Thank you a lot for sharing this with all people you actually know what you
    are speaking approximately! Bookmarked. Kindly also visit my website =).
    We could have a hyperlink trade agreement between us

    Also visit my weblog world commodity prices

    ReplyDelete
  54. I every time emailed this blog post page to all my friends, for the reason that
    if like to read it then my contacts will too.

    Look into my web site :: oil commodity trading

    ReplyDelete
  55. great publish, very informative. I wonder why the opposite specialists of this sector
    don't understand this. You should continue your writing. I'm sure,
    you have a huge readers' base already!

    my weblog; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMJkb-bhjiI

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hey! Quick question that's totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My weblog looks weird when browsing from my iphone4. I'm trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to correct this issue.
    If you have any recommendations, please share. Thanks!

    Also visit my page :: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN36K29q7_Q

    ReplyDelete
  57. Howdy! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of
    volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche.
    Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!


    my page - practice stock trading

    ReplyDelete
  58. This is a topic that's close to my heart... Thank you! Where are your contact details though?

    My site; earn online money

    ReplyDelete
  59. I don't even understand how I stopped up here, but I thought this post was great. I don't realize who you're however certainly you are going to a famous blogger in case you are not already. Cheers!

    Feel free to visit my homepage: easy ways to earn money fast

    ReplyDelete
  60. I am truly thankful to the holder of this site who has shared this enormous
    article at at this place.

    Also visit my weblog: bond trading basics

    ReplyDelete
  61. Have you ever thought about publishing an e-book or guest authoring on
    other sites? I have a blog based upon on the same topics you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information.
    I know my subscribers would enjoy your work. If you're even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.

    my homepage :: make money quick and easy online

    ReplyDelete
  62. Simply wish to say your article is as amazing. The clearness for your post
    is just cool and i could assume you are an expert on this subject.

    Well with your permission let me to take hold of your RSS feed to stay updated with coming near near post.
    Thank you a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.


    Here is my web page - binary options trading platform

    ReplyDelete
  63. Very quickly this web page will be famous among all blogging visitors,
    due to it's nice posts

    Also visit my web page :: how to make money illegally fast

    ReplyDelete
  64. Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I'd figured I'd ask.
    Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest writing a blog post or vice-versa?
    My blog addresses a lot of the same subjects as yours
    and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you are
    interested feel free to send me an email. I look forward to hearing from
    you! Wonderful blog by the way!

    Feel free to surf to my website: a real way to make money online

    ReplyDelete
  65. I used to be able to find good advice from your blog posts.


    My weblog :: how To make a lot of money fast

    ReplyDelete
  66. I do believe all of the ideas you've offered in your post. They're really convincing and can certainly work.
    Nonetheless, the posts are very short for starters.
    May you please extend them a little from subsequent time?

    Thank you for the post.

    Also visit my web page: ways of making money online

    ReplyDelete
  67. It's in fact very complex in this busy life to listen news on TV, thus I simply use internet for that reason, and get the latest news.

    Here is my web page :: how to make money easy and fast

    ReplyDelete
  68. Hey there! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog.
    Is it very difficult to set up your own blog? I'm not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I'm thinking about
    making my own but I'm not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? With thanks

    my web-site ... how to make money easily

    ReplyDelete
  69. Hey There. I discovered your weblog using msn. This is an extremely smartly written article.
    I'll be sure to bookmark it and come back to learn extra of your helpful info. Thank you for the post. I will definitely return.

    Also visit my web blog how to make money at home online

    ReplyDelete
  70. Incredible story there. What happened after? Thanks!

    My web page ... how to make quick money online

    ReplyDelete
  71. Fantastic blog! I appreciate your content, This kind of blog was an excellent. Thanks for sharing, It is kinda useful.
    https://yhn876.com 카지노사이트

    ReplyDelete
  72. It??s‌ ‌really‌ ‌a‌ ‌cool‌ ‌and‌ ‌useful‌ ‌piece‌ ‌of‌ ‌information.‌ ‌I‌ ‌
    am‌ ‌happy‌ ‌that‌ ‌you‌ ‌simply‌ ‌shared‌ ‌this‌ ‌useful‌ ‌info‌ ‌with‌ ‌
    us.‌ ‌Please‌ ‌keep‌ ‌us‌ ‌informed‌ ‌like‌ ‌this.‌ ‌Thank‌ ‌you‌ ‌for‌ ‌
    sharing.


    https://yhn777.com‌ ‌카지노사이트‌

    ReplyDelete
  73. Good Day! I'm glad to share this post to you.
    It's very amazing and intersting site!
    Hope you enjoy reading this kind of bog!
    Kindly click our link Below.
    안전놀이터

    https://pmx7.com/ 안전놀이터

    ReplyDelete
  74. Great blog! Hope you find some time to check our site!

    https://yhn876.com/ 카지노사이트

    ReplyDelete