Anyone for WTA lawn tennis, Nottingham?

… in England’s Green and Pleasant Land

Returning to Nottingham is a massive trip down memory lane. I’m here for the Nature Valley Open tennis. I pinch myself sitting in the centre court grandstand under the imposing eye of the Nottingham University Trent building with its distinctive clock tower. 

Little old Wren is alumni of the University of Nottingham. That clock tower brings back so many memories, from my Sherwood Hall days. Back in my day, Sherwood Hall was dominated by the rugby boys and our claim to fame was being there alongside Brian Moore, columnist, broadcaster and Former England Rugby Union International.

Would you believe Nottingham Uni now has three international campuses, including one in China with a replica lake and Trent Building tower – sweet. No such luck for international travel whilst gaining a degree back in my day. Of course, some will say that’s never held me back haha!

But I’m not here to talk rugby, let’s talk tennis!

Who would have thought that ten years ago when our family signed up to be a housing family for Tennis Australia and the Australian Open that we would have formed friendships that took me all over the world – Wimbledon, Roland Garros, Malaysian Open, Eastbourne, Birmingham International and now the Nature Valley Open Nottingham. 

The great thing about Nottingham’s Nature Valley Open is that it operates both a women’s WTA and men’s ATP singles and doubles tournament. I am in seventh heaven to return, tennis in Nottingham, it doesn’t get much better. Although I found out I wasn’t much of a tour guide as the major landmarks I could point out all appeared to be pubs!

I love the regional tennis tournaments. They are wonderful for the public. Tickets are affordable, accessible, it was, for the most part, great tennis watching weather. No need to sit there under a thick layer of suntan cream, or turn up disappointed when your allocated seats don’t have the word ‘shade’ written on them.

Everything seems so much more relaxed, for spectators, not so much the players behind the scenes. You see I’ve just had my first WTA win and won twice at Connect Four in the Player Lounge! In the corner there is a huge crowd of players and officials watching Australia play France.

I particularly liked the huge numbers of kids playing at Nottingham. The music was blaring and the players were invited to join the tennis clinics. It all seemed tremendous fun, learning the great sport alongside some of your favourite tennis superstars.

I always get a buzz of seeing grass courts. Nothing sums up summer than a beautiful lawn tennis court with the lawnmower stripes across it does it? Nottingham gets into the swing of a fun summer of tennis with large robins around the place and an impressive topiary in a nod to the legend of Robin Hood and Maid Marian. 

Nottingham is one of a number of pre-Wimbledon tournaments around the UK and a great opportunity for players warming up for the Grand Slam to get vital match practice on grass. It is a quick turn around from the clay courts at the French Open. I’m always well impressed with the way the players make this transition.

Talking of transitions it won’t be long before I’m switching sports again. I’m counting down to Russia 2018 and the FIFA World Cup I’m off to Moscow!

Linking with thanks to Maggie at Normandy Life’s Mosaic Monday and all the hosts at Our World Tuesday