NO LOVE ROYAL BOX FOR THE RAFA For most, Rafael Nadal was the attraction star on the second day of Wimbledon. Even this morning on the subway, a Wimbledon fan told me, “I’ve seen Murray and Federer live, but I’ve never seen Nadal. I’m looking forward to something special and I’m looking forward to it.” But, paradoxically, there was almost no one in the Royal Box during his opening match at Wimbledon. Maybe they were tasting strawberries and cream somewhere. Wherever those celebrities who were to sit in the Box on Tuesday – including Bear Grylls and Mike Tindall – lost a pretty fun fight as Francisco Cerundolo threatened to tear up the script. TETXY KYRGIOS MEMORIES TO ELDERS Not even 90-year-olds seem to be able to escape Kyrgios’ firing line. During the five-set thriller against Paul Jubb, Kyrgios hit the referee, the line judge, the crowd, himself, Jubb … and the 90-year-old. “These people in their 90s can’t see the ball,” the Australian was heard erupting after losing a point in the third set. It would not be the most outrageous to leave Kyrgios on Tuesday, however, with the 27-year-old admitting that he spat at a fan who had “respected” him. SWIATEK EXCEEDS THE WILLIAMS BROTHERS If it has not already happened, we are witnessing something very special with Iga Swiatek. The No. 1 in the world did a light job against its Croatian opponent, losing just three games on the track to win in straight sets. Losing just three games is even a surprise to her these days, as is running. The victory was the 36th in a row and saw her surpass the record of 35 victories of both Serena Williams and Venus Williams to claim the record in the 21st century. However, Swiatek was as humble as they came and then insisted that she was far from the “legends” of the Williams sisters. As things stand, there is no reason why one day she could not go down in history as great as Aphrodite and Serena. SEARCH FOR PENISTON PATH When you are a British who just won at Wimbledon, your business is now interested in almost every man and his dog. Ryan Penston found out when it was revealed that someone had spilled beans in his search for a new board with British star Alastair Gray, who also won the first round match at Wimbledon on Tuesday. When asked by a reporter if he was chasing Gray home, Peniston replied: “Yes, I do not know where you heard this from, but it is quite accurate information (laughs). “Ali and I, yes, we are great friends. Yes, it would be nice if we could find a place to stay in this area. It would be great. But, no, we are definitely looking for that.”
