Today was day one of qualifying for the Rothesay International tennis tournament in Eastbourne.  Twenty-four women were trying to get one of the six spots still available when the tournament starts on Monday.

The only ticket I could get today was a general grounds admission, which allowed me access to three courts with very little seating.

So … I got to be very close to the six women playing three matches on Court 12.  I saw the sweat and the stretching muscles.  I heard the huge exhales and “boing” of racquet against ball.  It was intense.

I marvelled at the line judges.  They loudly called “Out!” when the ball missed, sometimes incurring the wrath of the player who felt hard done by.  Once, seconds before the ball was to be served, a judge leapt from her chair, corralled an umbrella that had opened with the wind, and then scurried back … ready to make the next call.  What a willingness to act when there was a need.  What precise movements to get the job done.

I watched my favourite player in the world make a stirring comeback from one set down to take her match in 2 hours and 17 minutes.  Camila Osorio from Colombia.  Both her and Magdalena Frech from Poland hit many astounding shots.  After Camila had signed countless programs and big tennis balls, and taken lots of selfies, I made eye contact with her and simply said “Congratulations”.  Camila said “Thank you very much.” 

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Tonight I was one of hundreds at the Eastbourne Bandstand.  We sang along with a Fleetwood Mac tribute band.  Well actually I hummed because I didn’t know the music.  Fleetwood and I have hardly known each other.  Here they are:

And then there was dancing.  I shook a leg or two.  Feel the vibe …

We had fun – we the audience and they the band.

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I was dragging myself home an hour ago when I stumbled across a bar full of more singing and dancing folks.  Portugal beat Turkey 3-0 in Euro 2024 and it was time to celebrate:

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And that is enough for one day …