Roger Who?

Less than 3 weeks after winning his first French Open, completing the career grand slam, and tying Sampras' record for 14 major titles, 5-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer might as well not be here.

On day 2, Murray's Mount (formerly Henman Hill) was as packed for a 1st round match as it usually is for the Men's final. Every sports page, every day, seems to have a Murray headline - even on days he's not playing. In the press room, the British reporters, known for their
(no offense) kind of nosy questions, are asking about details of his life down to when he plans on getting his driver's license, and whether he's been practicing since he got here (he said he's been a little busy). They are not shy about demanding to know how he intends to bring the Brits their first Wimbledon title since Fred Perry in 1936.

When asked how significant a win here would be for British tennis, he said "I'm sure it would be huge, huge news for quite a few weeks and stuff. But, you know, I don't know. You never know until those things happen. It's been such a long time, and people have been waiting for it for -- well, forever now."

So of course he gets it. But he's pretty good at brushing off the attention without sounding impatient, although he did say that it doesn't matter "if some guy thinks I can win the tournament, or, you know, whatever."

My favorite bit of Murray Mania so far comes from a nearby church in the Village, known for posting Wimbledon-themed messages during the tournament rather than scripture:

Two years ago, the same sign said "God Made Roger Federer."

So, no pressure.

--Lena M. Glaser