It happens year after year, as the end of June approaches and we focus on a certain tennis tournament in London, SW19. Shots of children playing tennis at clubs all over the UK attempting to become the next Andy Murray are in the press and on TV indicating the powerful influence Wimbledon, the most popular tennis tournament in the world, has on all of us.
It doesn’t matter if it encourages us to get interested in the sport from our armchair or enough to take lessons, it’s hard not to be influenced by the historic tournament that takes place in the middle of the summer. The weather can be unpredictable but the appetite for the tournament worldwide remains strong and shots of people queuing to get in to see their favourite players are all a familiar part of this annual event. Even just sitting watching from Murray Mound (formerly Henman Hill) can capture the electric atmosphere, though nothing can match the feeling of that special day on the 7th July 2013 when Andy Murray made history.
Undoubtedly Andy’s win and the Wimbledon tournament in general gets us all interested in tennis, at least for a few weeks every summer. When the mania hits the UK, tennis racquets get dusted down and people start heading to the park, with the more enthusiastic amongst us taking things a step further by signing up for lessons. There are clubs up and down the country with indoor and outdoor courts for people of all levels of skill and experience.
When the bug catches hold of you, perhaps you should consider tennis holidays instead of your usual week or two on the beach? Tennis breaks are proving to be more popular as people look for an activity to stop the boredom of the sunbed and the latest bestseller!
Of course there are many activity holidays incorporating your favourite hobbies and sports available all over the world. Learn to cook in Tuscany, to paint with watercolour in Provence and improve your fitness and flexibility with a yoga holiday on a Greek island. The choice is yours.
Your tennis holiday would be tailor-made, depending on your needs and size of party. Whether you are a solo traveller, a couple, family or group of friends, you can arrange single or group lessons. Your holiday will also incorporate flights, transport to and from the airport, accommodation and meals.
Although designed to improve your game, your tennis break is still exactly that, a time for you to switch off from work and relax as well as an opportunity to learn from top class coaches. With stunning locations such as Spain, Portugal, Tenerife and Turkey, you will play on courts in the most picturesque of locations. With the choice of other facilities such as gyms, pools and golf courses, you can take your mind off the game by getting fit in other ways! Like normal package holidays, accommodation is varied with apartments and villas set around the resorts within walking distance of the tennis courts so you don’t have to go far to get your fix. So if you think your enthusiasm for the sport is high after Wimbledon, it will certainly be through the roof after your tennis break!