Centre Court Tickets for the Final Saturday, 8th July 2006, with beautiful weather. What more could you ask for?

The Order of Play gave us the Ladies’ Final and the Men’s Doubles Final on the Centre Court and the Boy’s Final on Court 2 starting at midday.

Thiemo Serving High

Boy’s Singles Final

We had arrived early to soak up the atmosphere and went watch the Boys Final while we ate our lunch.

Thiemo De Bakker of the Netherlands (left) was playing against Marcen Gawron of Poland (right).

Their serves were a bit slow compared with the men’s; only just exceeding 120 mph. I wish I could serve that slow!!!! One benefit of the outside courts is how close you are to the play.

Marcen Serving High

Thiemo dominated the first set with Marcen looking a bit overawed, but then Marcen started to settle and gave an excellent account of himself in the second set, which went to the tie break.

Thiemo then managed to use his more powerful serve to clinch the match. An excellent appetiser and good timing for us to get to the Centre Court.

Ladies’ Single Final

Amelie Mauresmo (France) verses Justine Henin-Hardenne (Belgium) and the players came out on cue. Last Year we waited 5 hours in the rain to see Amelie.

Sitting in the east stand 15 rows up and looking directly down the southern baseline, we sizzled in the sun.

Amelie warming up High

Justine in full flight High

Amelie started nervously whilst Justine showed considerable confidence and power, cruising to take the first set 6-2.

It was looking like a comfortable match, but tennis is a funny old game. Amelie came out in the second set all guns blazing. Under this onslaught, Justine faded and started to loose key points and went down 6-3 in the second set.

Justine fought bravely in the decider, but the power had gone. Amelie forced the two crucial service breaks to take it 6-4 and the Championship was hers.

Amelie with her family High or Full

As is now traditional, Amelie then rushed up into the stands to be with her family, very close to where we were seated. I had the presence of mind to stop clapping and take a picture.

Then back down through the crowds to receive the coveted trophy and an interview with Sue Barker.

An enthralling match!

Amelie, the Champion High or Full