Tennis in Tallinn

International tennis star, Lee Dowell, hits the courts in the Tallinn Yachties Open Doubles Championship

I played tennis today.  I was chatting to the Estonian family on the boat next door; mother, father and attractive daughter.  It turned out they were keen tennis players and they were most praiseworthy in their comments about a guy called Andy Murray, whoever he is.  No sooner had I mentioned I once had a girlfriend who played against Virginia Wade, the 1977 Ladies Wimbledon Champion, and that I often played with her (the girlfriend!) than I was invited to play with them.  They lent me a racquet, I donned my sailing shoes and shorts and away we went.  We played doubles and my partner was Iriina, the daughter.  It was all I could do to concentrate on the tennis I can tell you.  Iriina you see is a stunning blonde, drop dead gorgeous in fact, and I missed more shots I am sure than if I’d been playing with Ethel and Winifred at the Marnhull Tennis Club, which is where I used to play before I sold my cottage in May.  Next to the marina in which I am berthed is the Olympic Centre built for the 1980 Olympics and a pretty good tennis club is part of the complex.  It’s where I take a shower.  Well, Iriina and I thrashed them.  Well not exactly thrashed them ‘cos I was fighting for breath after 20 minutes of chasing round the court trying to hit balls.  But we did win two sets.  One of the most enjoyable games I’ve had in a long time!  If only I were 40 years younger.

I wonder if I can still run the 100 yards in 11.4 seconds?!  No, what I should say is I wonder if I can still run 100 yards?

Now I am sitting here in the evening.  I’ve just had dinner with a glass of wine and I’m feeling so pleased with myself.  I can’t imagine why.

I wonder if winning two sets in Tallinn qualifies me for Wimbledon next year?  I wonder if McEnroe would like to partner me in the vets championship?  Or even Virginia Wade?  That would impress Pat (the girlfriend).