After the Serve, the Verse

Wimbledon has appointed an official poet this year—Matt Harvey. He has been reading to the famous queues and other gatherings at the All England Club.

Wimbledon has appointed an official poet this year—Matt Harvey. He has been reading to the famous queues and other gatherings at the All England Club. He writes more about the atmosphere of the hallowed tournament than about players. The one player he would have loved to write about is no longer active—John McEnroe. “He shocked and delighted us with his temper and his touch, his awesome intensity. Of course, he matured to become a great champion… father, and, latterly, a top TV commentator—but it is the early John McEnroe who continues to influence my own on-court behaviour. And to a less extent my home life.” 

In response to the longest tennis match played in history between John Isner and Nick Mahut, Harvey invited fans to send in Haikus through Twitter.  You can check what’s on offer at wimbledon.org.

About The Author

Akshay Sawai