WIMBLEDON officials have played down reports that swine flu has hit the Tennis Courts
However, they reported that a ‘small number’ of championships’ personnel – believed to be four ball boys and girls – have reported a ‘flu-like illness’.
In a memo issued to all staff, they insisted the problem was not a concern but advised anyone who thinks they might be contagious to stay away.
“Having consulted with the Health Protection Agency, we have been reassured that since the incidence is entirely in line with the wider London community,” said All England Club chief executive Ian Ritchie.
“There is no particular risk to those connected with the event, be they players, media, staff or spectators. We are able to carry on with The Championships as normal.”
* SPOTTED enjoying the Wimbledon VIP treatment yesterday.
British Olympic Association performance director and World Cup winning coach Sir Clive Woodward, Private Eye editor and HIGNFY panelist Ian Hislop and the wonderfully named Francesco Ritti Bitti, president of the International Tennis Federation.
* TIM Henman’s second year in the BBC’s Wimbledon commentary box hasn’t gone much better than his first.
More wooden than Bjorn Borg’s racquet, he’s tried his best. But much like his tennis career, his best is not quite enough.
Meanwhile, GMTV presenter Andrew Castle is expected to be the lead commentator for this weekend’s men’s singles final.
* ANDY Murray’s success has produced a ticket surge for the Barclays ATP Tour World Final, to be staged for the first time in London later this year.
The big-money event, which features the world’s top eight men, will be staged at the O2 Arena for the next four years.
Organisers report that only 40,000 of the quarter of a million tickets remain – and they expect those to be snapped up by the end of this week.
It’s welcome news for O2 owners Ansco Arena Limited, who are reeling after the death of Michael Jackson, who was due to play a two-month sell-out residency at the venue this summer.
* WHILE it is expected to sizzle this week, this won’t be the hottest Wimbledon on record.
In 1976, the average temperature across the week was 31 degrees and it didn’t rain once.
