RESIDENTS JOUrNAL

MATCH
Ahead of the Aegon Championships this June, Wimbledon resident, new Tournament Director and tennis pro Ross Hutchins speaks to Annabel Harrison about the event

Game, Set,

The Aegon Championships was the rst main tour tournament you played; what particular memories stand out from that experience? I had played well in challenger tournaments the rung of events below the main ATP Tour and this was a big step up. My partner Jamie Delgado and I were due to play an outside court match against Mardy Fish and Amir Delic, but then we got moved to Centre Court. I was nervous, because this was my rst match on tour and it was such a great opportunity; I remember that the court suddenly seemed huge compared to what I was used to. We won in two sets, which was a big win. To have had that experience at my favourite tournament is something I will never forget. Was accepting the role of Tournament Director an easy decision? It was very easy. The Aegon Championships is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world; it has a wonderful history, with many of the greatest players ever engraved on the Roll of Honour, including Rod Laver, John McEnroe, Boris Becker and Pete Sampras plus the courts are as good as any youll nd. It is also one of the players favourite tournaments. I had my rst professional ATP match win at the Aegon Championships. Ive practised at The Queens Club from an early age, and I even had the opportunity to face Stefan Edberg on the practice courts when I was 12 so it has always been a special place for me. I love the new challenge of this role, thinking about ways to improve the experience for spectators and players and trying to make it the best it can be. Did your involvement in organising the Rally Against Cancer help to prepare you for it? It did: that was when I realised just how special the event is. When I got involved with the Rally Against Cancer, I was struck by just how much went on behind the scenes. Chris Kermode, the long-time Tournament Director, invited me to join him in meetings, and I embraced the opportunity to learn from him. When he moved on to head the ATP and the Tournament Directors job became available, I immediately had a huge desire to do it. How did it feel to beat Matosevic and Przysieszny in your rst match at a Grand Slam tournament since your diagnosis with Hodgkin lymphoma? It was a big moment and very important to myself and Colin Fleming, my doubles partner. Coming back from such a long lay-off, you never know how and when your rst win will come. I hoped I would come back strong, but there is always doubt until you put that rst win on the board. It was a fantastic atmosphere, we went a set down almost lost but pulled it out, so it meant

The Aegon Championships is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world; it has a wonderful history

a huge amount to us. A lot was made of the fact that I had returned to the sport after my illness and won a Grand Slam match, but as far as I was concerned, I had been a professional tennis player again for a couple of months, and wanted to be treated the same as everyone else. How much of a support was your best friend Andy Murray during your treatment and recovery? He was fantastic. As soon as I told him, he said: Youre going to get through this, youre going to become a better person and a better tennis player. Youre going to be far stronger, mentally. When he won the title in Brisbane (shortly after I had told him) and he dedicated it to me, it was very special. I hadnt told the public yet, and Andy then saying it made it the perfect time for me to conrm I had Hodgkin lymphoma. Throughout the time I was receiving treatment he was researching the condition, sending me messages about people he heard had recovered and come back stronger. Andy is my best friend. He is loyal, genuine and great fun to be around. If you can be objective, what are your predictions for Wimbledon this year? Those players that have done well in the past will always do well on grass because it is such a specialist surface. Thats why Andy has such a good chance he is the defending champion both at Queens and Wimbledon, so he automatically goes in as one of the big favourites. Then, aside from former champions, you look at players that have a big game, those that can bulldoze people the way that Berdych did when he reached the Wimbledon nal in 2010. He will be at Queens this year, too, and it shows how seriously he is taking the grass court season. I would also look at young Grigor Dimitrov, who is probably the most talented of the next generation. Perhaps it will be his time to break through at the very highest level. What do you love most about Wimbledon as an area? I have lived here all my life; I went to school in Wimbledon at Kings College, and I love the social aspect of the area, how relaxed everything is. Everyone always thinks there is chaos during the Championships, but the Wimbledon I know is full of coffee shops, restaurants and families walking dogs. I spend about two hours a day on Wimbledon Common when I am at home, running and walking my dog. I play on the two golf courses, I like going to the Brew coffee shop and I eat at the Sticks and Sushi restaurant at least twice a week! It is my home, and I love it. n

All photographs courtesy of Getty Images

The Aegon Championships takes place 9-15 June at The Queens Club. For tickets, go to aegonchampionships.com

- 12 -

- 13 -