Written by Steve Law | 25 June 2011

Who else but the Brits could produce a thirty-page booklet titled 'A Guide to Queuing'?
On the front page it gives a whole-page explanation of the queue, and two other pages on queuing including another full-page for ‘Code of Queue Conduct’. There is even a section entitled 'Enjoying the Championships', which I would have thought would be much easier without reading about queues. But that's another matter entirely.
Have you heard of Callum Abbott? You could be mistaken for thinking 'Invisible Tennis' refers to 'Rain at Wimbeldon'. But no, it's a creation by a performance artist.
Whilst queuing for Wimbledon tickets, I clocked this guy masquerading as a 1970's Bjorn Borg. This look-a-like wielded an old wooden racquet and was playing an imaginary opponent. While most people seemed to be ignoring the eccentric-looking enthusiast, I couldn't resist taking a closer look. After I'd got over my initial belly laughter, I started to take a few pictures with my highly-inadequate mobile phone camera. Seeing he had grabbed a little attention he came over, bouncing his imaginary ball and said, 'Fancy a game mate'. 'No, no. You're all right mate, I'll sit this one out,' I replied. But within a couple of minutes I'd changed my mind, unable to resist the moment. And the result? Well have a look here for a flavour:  http://callumabbott.tumblr.com/
Inside of Wimbledon things are more familiar: Stereotypical Britishness: a continual buzz around the grounds, Pimms and strawberries, roars of excitement, gasps of anguish, grunts and the thump, thump of racquet on felt. Oh and rain of course.
The Brits at play today included Elena Baltacha and Laura Robson. Both performances were gutsy. Unfortunately the results were more familiar reading. Two losses to much higher-ranked opponents. Robson is still particularly encouraging with a tremendous ball-striking ability and a maturity well beyond her 17 years. She appears to be in her element when in the big occasion. She is playing Maria Sharapova on centre and loving every minute. Robson whips up her forehand like a typical lefty, and shows she has the ability to prove a serious challenge to the big players. Her main downfall is her movement which may be an issue for future success. However, both Lindsay Davenport and Serena Williams have shown movement isn't everything.
Robson lost her match 7-6(4), 6-3. Baltacha lost in a tight match three sets to Chinas Shaui Peng 6-4 2-6 7-5
I’m queuing up right away for Monday’s matches.

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