Defending champion Novak Djokovic believes the blue tit that invaded his opening round Centre Court match was a good luck charm:
“From where I come from, from capital of Serbia, Belgrade, there's a special sparrow bird called jivjum. I believe this bird came all the way from Belgrade to help me.”
Seven-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer discusses house rentals and cleaning duties: “...13, 14 years now, [I] stay around the village. I used to stay in a bed and breakfast. I used to stay with a family, you know, just in one room. I had a flat, then a house. Last 10 years or so I had probably a house, probably not quite. As the entourage grew and the family grew, we needed bigger. The bigger it is, the more problems you have as well because you need to clean more and you need to do more things, so you need to get organised in a different way.”
Does Federer help out? “Sometimes, of course. It's just part of the grind, you know.”
Nadal-slayer Dustin Brown reveals the inspiration behind the tattooed face inked on his torso: “It's a portrait of my dad. I got it last year in April, I think. I've always wanted to have a tattoo. I have the portrait of my dad at home in my bedroom, also. I don't get to see him that often.”
The Duchess opened up her bag and my wristband was in there
And world No.4 Maria Sharapova is impressed by Brown’s style: “I like individuality. I think that's the great thing about fashion. People are able to express their characters, their personalities, their spirit. I think he's done a great job with that.”
Although Sharapova wishes she was better at other sports. “I'm not good at many other sports besides tennis. It's actually frustrating because I'm so competitive.”
Indeed, sport is the reason why Caroline Wozniacki purchased the key-charmed necklace she has been wearing this Championships: “I bought that for myself before the [New York City] marathon as a present for myself. Once I bought it, I knew that I had to finish, otherwise what was I rewarding myself for? It was kind of like a pre‑thing. I thought it was pretty.”
Bethanie Mattek-Sands discusses the drawbacks of Wimbledon tradition and fashion: “You can't even wear off‑white or cream. I was going to joke about that. I was like, man, if you wash your whites too many times, they will be illegal. Better be washing it in cold water.”
While compatriot and world No.1 Serena Williams embraces it: “They have a rule about your attire. The [US] Open, you can imagine them in New York them saying, you can't wear this. It would be kind of weird. It works well here. It's part of tradition. As a club member, when you come here to play, you have to wear white. They want everyone else to, too. I think it's unique. I think it's beautiful to see white against the grass. I think it makes for great photos.”
Andy Murray learns that the Duchess of Cornwall was delighted to receive his sweat bands following his 6-1, 6-1, 6-4 second round victory over Robin Haase:
“I heard that she was coming today. I saw her briefly after the match. But the wristband actually hit the chairman of Wimbledon. He was there with her. Normally you see who catches it. Then the Duchess opened up her bag and my wristband was in there, so he obviously had given it to her.”
Ivo Karlovic, who ousted No.13 seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the third round, responds to the suggestion that a fifth‑set tie-break may be a good idea:
“No, I think the fans like that there is no tie-break, that it can go on and on, and they like to look who is gonna die first on the court.”
World No.1 Serena Williams reflects on the Centre Court atmosphere following her 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 third round win over Heather Watson: “It was really intense today. I don't think I've ever played with a crowd here like that. They were really vocal, in between points, during points, so... at the end of the day they were rooting for their champion to do well. You can't blame them 'cause, like I said, if I were here, I would probably be rooting for Heather, too. Being a local, you want to see your girl do really, really well.”
And Watson learns that Andy Murray tweeted his respect for her during the match which she was two points away from winning. Was she aware that she had made Britain proud? “It would have been a lot better if I would have won. But, uhm, I hope I did. I hope I fought for them and showed that, you know, it's not going to be a walk in the park for anybody that plays me.”
