Pimm's 'n' Maria

Maria Sharapova - In No Way Touched By The Ugly Stick

One year ago, The Soberius Tavern was launched. In my first blog entries, I talked of Henman bravely going out of Wimbledon, and Maria Sharapova brightening up a miserable summer. There seemed little point in discussing the men's competition, when Roger Federer is the draw. The only person who could beat him was the terminally angry looking Nadal, and grass is not his surface.

Not a lot has changed has it? Deja-vu or what. Henman did do much better than last year, beating Moya in a five set classic, but then succumbing to Lopez in another five set thriller. Which leaves my interest, once more at the door of the stunning Russian.

Before the rains came down again today, The current US Open champion Sharapova sent the talented Japanese player Ayi Sugiyami out in two sets, and seventy minutes. Bizarrely, they nearly went off for rain at matchpoint. Sharapova was also inspired against Bremond earlier in the week.

I just love watching her play, the clenched fist, the shout of "come on" when she is doing well, the body, the grunt, the dress, the face. Awesome.

In interviews, she always comes across as being an intelligent and decent human being. She has it all. No wonder she is the world's highest paid sportswoman.

Despite the ongoing monsoon, the thought of watching Maria all week, between deluges should help the Pimms go down well at the very least. Keep those decibels high Maria, and get that second Wimbledon title. It's the only thing that's keeping me remotely sane in this rain. Happy Birthday blog.