TNT Sports
Analysis: More woe to come
By
Published 27/06/2003 at 11:18 GMT+1
For the British, the jokes aren't funny anymore with Tim Henman the only home representative left in the both draws at Wimbledon after two rounds. But until playing tennis in Britain becomes more affordable, the heartache will continue, writes James Budde
Eurosport
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British audiences have now come to expect early and ignominious straight-sets defeats from all barring Henman and Greg Rusedski. But particularly painful is the worst showing by British female players in 119 years.
In another few seasons when the duo are walking into the sunset with their careers at an end, which player will capture &lsquoHenman Hill' and the hearts of millions?
It is a question the British Lawn Tennis Association have been dreading to answer for some eight years now. And they have yet to find a solution.
The rise and rise of eastern European girls and the recent successes of South American tennis on the men's professional tour have only highlighted the fact that they are fitter, far hungrier and more skilful than their British counterparts.
Or how about the rags to riches tale of the Williams sisters and the recent women's final between Belgium's top pairing Justine Henin-Hardenne and Kim Clijsters, with the King on hand for support.
Put simply, class, cost and climate are what's wrong with British tennis.
OPENING COURTS TO THE PUBLIC
For all of ex-LTA performance director Patrice Hagelauer's grass-root and inner city club initiatives those ideas remained on the public courts and tennis remains a middle class sport.
While private clubs may have broadened their views on the colour of tennis attire, a myriad of rules and regulations continue to thwart prospective British Serenas and Henmans.
The public and private club courts up and down Britain may well be overflowing with players during the Wimbledon fortnight but that is just a shrouded illusion to a sport fighting for survival in the home of its fathers.
Come the time the ATP and WTA tours switch over to the United States all you'll be able to hear is the rattling of empty soft drinks cans.
WORKING-CLASS DREAM
Today the old Eastern bloc is producing such players as Jelena Dokic, Daniela Hantuchova and Elena Bovina.
More often than not, families have poured their life savings into the coaching and fitness development of their children in the hope that eventually their standard of living will be transformed forever.
When the gamble pays off you bet you last dollar that a pushy parent will be in the stands watching their teenaged loved one make their mark.
SPIRALLING COSTS
But in Britain, until there is a standardised court hire fee and better management of racket and ball prices, no parent will be willing to fork out the earth in coaching fees and equipment for their child.
Equipment is considerably cheaper in the United States and in many European cities and public courts are also free to hire.
So are the opportunities of producing a future Wimbledon champion - who have honed their bodies to muscular perfection in the gym and their technique on court.
British tennis may be able to herald a Grand Slam champion one day, but until a revolution in the county and regional set-ups take place, the ghosts of Fred Perry and Virginia Wade will never be laid to rest.
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