A picture is worth a thousand words. And so, this week’s newsletter will tell the story of our trip to this years’s Queen’s championship through pictures.
Welcome to Cinch Championships at the Queen’s Club, London. This view presents itself from the top of the two-decker bus, overlooking players’ practices and the flowing champagne offered to the passer-bys. Berettini, Fognini, De Minaur, Bublik, Karatsev, Shapovalov. Roland Garros doubles champions Herbert and Mahut. Home favourites Murray, Draper, Evans, Norrie. Now, that’s a view.
The perfect combination of glamour and tennis. In many ways, the Queen’s Club Championship is a throwaway to the tennis as it was played in the old day Britain.
The booze bus in question
A quick tour around the club revealed behind-the-scenes snapshots. The grounds are being prepared for an exciting doubles match featuring Alex De Minaur and Cameron Norrie vs Matteo Berrettini and Andrea Vavassori.
Sinner vs Draper. Italy vs Britain. Centre court, midday scorching sunshine, and ‘a view from the last row’ embodying the theme of our publication.
Though the Italian was off to a confident start, leading 4:1, he eventually succumbed to the crowd favourite. Jack Draper, channelling the fans’ energy, staged an impressive comeback against the world no.23, and marched into the second round after battling through two tie breaks 7:6 (8:6) 7:6 (7:2).
Looked after by his entourage, Matteo Berrettini is doing pre-match stretches. He sprints up and down the court in a light warm-up session when a fan spots him from the courtside. “Mi scusi, Matteo. Puoi farmi un autografo?,” she asks. Berrettini casts her a weary look but then forces on a smile and trots over for the autograph. "I’m sorry you didn’t win the French Open,” she says nervously. Berrettini’s eyes light up for a moment. “Me too,” he responds with a grin. Matteo Berrettini went on to become the first Italian to earn the prestigious Queen’s Club Championships title.
An autograph from the eventual champion.
In the absence of a beach nearby, a barefoot run through the courts of the Queen’s Club will do.
Fognini entertaining himself and the crowd with a laid back practice session.
Behind the scenes of Court 73. A chip, a drop shot, an underarm serve, and a smile. Sasha Bublik is ready to entertain.
It threatened to rain but the weather held up. The clouds not only mercifully spared us the rain but provided an otherworldly feel to the practice sessions.
The symmetry of Queen’s Club. On a match day, the balconies fill with residents eager to catch a glimpse of the action. The best seats in the house?
