By Tim Henman, Britain’s greatest tennis player 1998-2004
BRITON Cameron Norrie has reached the quarter-finals of Wimbledon and, I trust, has the manners to go no further. For it is not our nation’s way.
We are a nation that hosts tennis, not a nation that wins at tennis. What could more socially awkward than for the host to take top prize? Like a headteacher drawing his own ticket in the raffle and winning a weekend in Weymouth for two.
In recent years, due to a Scot, we have flouted that rule and to our detriment. While it is nice to have a first British men’s singles win in 77 years or so, I wasn’t counting, it’s done with now. We can get back to what we’re good at.
What’s wrong with carrying the nation’s hopes on your shoulders for five games before crashing out gloriously in the quarters? While being nice with a nice fiancée and a mum who does the big shop at Waitrose?
Yes, I hear the critics carping. Yes, on four occasions I reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon. That’s tennis, it was a weak field, but I embarrassed myself no further by getting knocked out immediately with a certain fluid grace.
So, Cameron. I recognise you may not understand our English traditions, due to being born in South Africa, raised in New Zealand, educated in Texas and resident in Monaco. Nonetheless, I’m sure you can follow this one.
In your match against Alcaraz tomorrow, lose. Lose for England, Norrie! Make us proud.
