Well this post is a little later than planned, but it's because I have been mingling with the great and the good at the O2 Arena watching the tennis. Yes me and a hand-picked group of sports broadcasting's finest female talent (Eleanor Oldroyd, Sally Nugent and Jacqui Oatley to name but three) were guests of Barclays in one of their very posh boxes.

Now please don't think this is a regular occurence. Far from it. In fact I can't remember the last time I recieved a sponsor's invitation for anything. That is not a desperate attempt to blag one I hasten to add. I am just not one of those presenters who spends their life swanning in and out of corporate hospitality. However it did make a nice change to have someone bring you your own coffee..... honestly it's the small things that make me so happy.

As Simon pointed out in his blog last week, this is a terrific event to have in the UK. I was there for the day session, which meant I got to watch the best doubles players in the world (the Bryan twins) and then Rafa Nadal and Robin Soderling.

It also meant we had the time to discuss the pressing issues of the day. You know - has Rafa got the best forearms in sport? Why aren't there many successful sportsmen who are bald? Apart from Andre Agassi and Matt Prior and George Foreman in his later years, we were struggling a bit. Any suggestions? And shall I have tea or coffee or possibly an alcoholic beverage at the next change of ends.

Happily I was also able to cast my eye around the almost packed arena and I was heartened to see large numbers of kids there. Goodness knows British tennis could use them. LTA Chief Executive Roger Draper says that half a million people play tennis every week and yet still there is no-one to offer Andy Murray any support at the top of the men's game. Yes the juniors are doing well and the women have had a great year with 3 players in the top 100. But still. It's not great is it? Especially when you consider the amount of money Wimbledon generates each year.

But if just one youngster was inspired by the efforts of Soderling, who was impressive in his straight sets win over Nadal, then maybe, just maybe, we could be celebrating another Wimbledon champion one day. It inspired me I must say and I will be dusting off my and my daughter's racquet.... just as soon as the weather gets a little better.

http://www.barclaysatpworldtourfinals.com/

Tags: LTA, Andy Murray, Rafa Nadal, Robin Soderling, Andre Agassi, Matt Prior, Bryan twins, George Foreman

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