You may not realize it, but technology can be very invasive in our lives. No, I'm not a luddite, but I do often wonder why technology is overtaking every ounce of our lives. My late acquaintance, Seymour Cray, was a king of technology. He invented the supercomputer and perfected its technology before any other. Mr. Cray had a purpose for it, though, and he never envisioned supercomputing coming to the level of the personal computer nor it being used for leisurely tasks, like gaming. Some would say he lacked vision. I would say otherwise.
At 10:39 PM London time on Monday, history was made. Not once, but twice. Thanks to the new retractable roof system on Center Court at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, matches were played indoors for the first time in the tournaments 132 years of existence. When the weather in Wimbledon looked dreary, the roof was expanded and Dinara Safina became the first player in the history of Wimbledon to play an indoor match. And she also became the first to win indoors at the Big W. That match was followed by Andy Murray's exciting five-set thriller that ended at 10:38 PM, the latest match ever played at Wimbledon. And also the first match played under the lights at Wimbledon.
I wondered how long it would take the powers of the AELTC to use the roof. With the Wimbledon grounds being in a state of chaos for the past two years while the roofed court was completed, the new roofed court was the "shining jewel" of the tournament this year. I wondered when they would use it. I knew they would. You spend millions on a roof. Then the weather turns good. The governing body of Wimbledon could not let the fortnight pass without using the technology. So they did.
Most of what makes tennis at Wimbledon so great is its tradition. The last tournament on the professional tours to require all white dress. The last major on grass. A royal box for the queen and Europe's royalty who come each year. Players still referred to by Miss, Misses, and Mister with only a last name. Strawberries and cream, champagne and Pimms. Outdoor tennis and the always potential for rain. The potential for play suspended by darkness, taking matches into the next day or more.
One of the best traditions at Wimbledon has always been "the people's Sunday." Wimbledon is the only major tournament with no play on Sunday. So when the tournament is beset by rain, then the chance exists for play on the first Sunday, with ticket sales at the gate only. No royalty, no special preference, no boxes. Just the people, the commoners as my friends on the other side of the pond would say. Now technology threatens all the tradition that remains.
I have to wonder if Tim Henman would have beaten Goran Ivanisovic several years ago in the semifinals here if there had been a roof to allow continued play. The extended three-day match ended with the Croatian averting disaster and pulling out the match on the third day of play, and as we know, went on to win the tournament from the wild card position. But I have to say, it was exciting and it created lots of stories and discussions. Three days of pure anxiety for Henman. Three days of pure anxiety for us all. But perfect for the mystique that is Wimbledon.
Tennis already is invaded by technology. Super materials for racquets and sneakers. Electronic net judges. Even a new high tech video challenge system to determine if the ball is in or out. All of which I think help with the game. But a roof at Wimbledon? That is pure heresy.
So I'll sit back and pray for sunshine, like every year. Only this time, I really mean it. With Venus and Serena Williams lining up for another showdown in the final, and with Andy Murray and Roger Federer on track to fight it out on Saturday, hopefully it will be in the open air. With green, slightly dewey grass at their feet. With a royal box full of the imperials. I guess I'll live with the roof, but please, don't let it take away the tradition.
Wimbledon is the oldest professional sporting event (that is played by real humans, not horses) on the planet. It would be nice if we could keep some of the tradition. That is, after all, what makes this the sport's premier championship.
July 7, 2009
Mert Ertunga:
Tom,
To add to your Henman-Ivanisevic anecdote, remember that final match between Ivanisevic and Rafter was moved to Monday because of the delay in the tournament, and just like you say, the seats were open to the public, to the commoners.
That final between Goran and Rafter will remain as the final with the most liberated and partisan crowd (composed of, like you say commoners) and the most exciting atmosphere in a Wimbledon final. I have never seen such ‘carnaval’ like spirit in a Wimbledon final until that day.
Mert