Courtside with Tim Henman.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
The world famous Gstaad Open tennis championship is set to begin on July 23. With it, all eyes will turn to the Swiss mountain resort, as world-class players battle it out for the coveted title. Swiss News talks to retired tennis professional, Tim Henman, about the sport he loves, his career in the limelight and Switzerland's important role in the pro-tennis calendar.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
When we think of role models--and let's face it, there are precious few around--36-year-old Tim Henman definitely fits the bill: a gentleman with a winning smile, a communicative demeanour and, perhaps most importantly, authenticity and integrity. Kids at Heart--a charity Henman founded in 2000 to support children's causes across the UK--reflects these traits wonderfully. He is a man with a heart, not only for tennis, but since his retirement in 2007, a man passionate about golf, skiing and travelling to faraway places.
Tennis in Switzerland
It was during the relatively relaxed atmosphere of the ATP Champions tour stop in Zurich--an event to entice former greats back to the tennis court to rekindle some of their previous rivalries--when I had a chance to catch up with Tim Henman. The tour not only offers fans an opportunity to get up close to their favourite tennis stars, but also allows them to watch the action unfold on the courts, with champions playing alongside young talents. The competitiveness and standard of play is impressive. Sharing expertise with the next generation is central to the event, which suits Henman's style perfectly.
"You've got to encourage at the grass-roots," he explained. Henman has been playing tennis since he was three and has spent most of his life on court. The Swiss Indoors, which takes place each October in Basel, proved to be an important event for him, and it is one he remembers fondly. Over a period of 11 years, he won on two occasions: in 1998, against Andre Agassi, and three years later, against Roger Federer. "I always played well there and that's perhaps why I enjoyed the tournament so much," he told Swiss News.
He played Federer 13 times in all, winning on six occasions. It wasn't long before the conversation turned to the so-called 'Federer effect', which has increased the popularity of tennis significantly; not only in Switzerland, but all over the world. "For me, he is the best player that ever lived!" he enthused, smiling, perhaps a little proud to have beaten him...
Pour continuer la lecture
SOLLICITEZ VOTRE ESSAI