Murray Mania!

This afternoon Andy Murray will play in the semi finals at Wimbledon. Anyone that is British and is interested in tennis is really excited. Even people that aren’t particularly interested in tennis will be tuning in to see how Andy does.

Although Wimbledon is arguably the most popular of all of the grand slams, us Brits rarely do well there. Some people say that we don’t have a strong enough work ethic when it comes to sport, I wonder if Lewis Hamilton or David Beckham would agree!

If Andy Murray wins today he will be the first British player to reach the Wimbledon final in 71 years. The last British player to win Wimbledon was Fred Perry, but that was in 1936! Andy wears the Fred Perry brand of tennis clothes, maybe that will bring him luck.

Andy Murray is Scottish. He has been described as ‘a dour Scotsman’. This means that he is quite serious, and not very jovial. Some people say that is unfair and he is just serious about his sport and doesn’t enjoy being in the limelight.

At Wimbledon there is a small hill where people can watch the Centre Court matches on a big screen. When British tennis player Tim Henman was the British number 1 everyone called this hill ‘Henman Hill’. Now it’s Andy Murray’s turn they are calling it ‘Murray Mound’. Murray Mound will be packed this afternoon. Many people will be waving their Union Jacks and hoping they are going to see a British player in the finals at last. Fingers crossed!

Glossary

Tuning in – v. to find a television or radio station

Grand slam – n. the biggest tennis tournaments in the world held in the UK, France, America and Australia

Work ethic – n. attitude to work, a ‘strong work ethic’ means you work hard and work is a priority for you

Jovial – n. fun and light-hearted

In the limelight – n. to have attention when you are important

Mound – n. small hill

Packed – adj. very busy, lots of people

Union Jack – n. the British flag

Fingers crossed – v. hoping for good luck, if you literally cross your fingers it is a sign that you are hoping for good luck

Image from The Guardian