This is my favourite spot in Devonshire Park.  I’ve often sat in the shade over the past eight days, looking out over the practice courts and hearing the cheers from the main stadium.

Sometimes I’ve been joined on this out-of-the-way bench by fellow lovers of tennis.  We talk.

But today I wonder: Do I still love tennis?  There are moments, such as a back-and-forth rally of twenty shots, where each player draws the best from their opponent.  But mostly I feel more flat than vivid.  Perhaps the days of Centre Court heat have worn me out … physically and emotionally.  My passion for the game is leaking right now.

Cycling is the sport that thrills my heart today, especially since the Tour de France has started.  I love the colours of the riders’ kits as the peleton flows along.  And the breakaway that’s streaming up a 7% slope ahead of the big group.

***

Last night my friend and Airbnb host Jean accompanied me to a concert at the Eastbourne Bandstand.  A Neil Diamond look- and sound-alike was belting out the hits – Sweet Caroline, Cracklin’ Rosie, You Don’t Bring Me Flowers …  The last one wasn’t a “belting”.  It was a tender duet with Neil’s backup singer Harriet.

I sat next to an eight-year-old girl named Evie.  Her eyes were bright, she was funny, and she ran up to the dance floor to move and groove with a group of women.  I loved her on first sight.

My eyes softened as the evening proceeded.  How I wish that I had become a father, that I could have cheered on my daughter, that I would have heard the word “Daddy”.

Alas …

***

I leave Eastbourne today with a wistful smile