May 2009

[Sweder]

It's not often a wannabe sports journo plucks a scoop from under the purple-veined nostrils of Fleet Streets finest. Far less so that said scribe post the news right here on RC.

Tonight, at the Covent Garden Fred Perry store, for the launch of 'The Last Champion - The Fred Perry Story', I was lucky enough to chat with legendary doubles Slam winner Frew McMillan.

'I'm looking forward to hearing you sparring with (John) Inverdale on 5 Live again this year Frew' I simpered.
'Not going to happen I'm afraid' replied the congenial racqueteer. 'They've dropped me to the World Service.'
Clearly my slack-jawed gape invited more detail.
'Apparently they've got some young guns in'

Young guns? Have the Beeb gone stark raving mad? Thousands like me who care little, if anything, for tennis, once the plucky Brit's been trounced, continue to tune in to hear this rare exponent of dry South African wit. As if to underscore my point, McMillan stole the show tonight. Our co-host Hendo invited questions from the gathering.

Would (Andy) Murray be a worthy successor to the great Perry wondered one.
'What say you Frew?' ventured JH.
'They're working on the statue as we speak' flashed the instant reply.

I shared the news with assorted semi-sozzled sports writers and dismayed housewives. The reaction was one of universal disbelief. As in cricket (TMS) where sages have been usurped by google-happy Arlo White, so it seems in Tennis. Instant expert, just add water; makes it's own sauce.

Fools.