Source: Daily_Mail
Posh nosh at Roehampton, pity about the service
Some would say that it is appropriate they built the National Tennis Centre at Roehampton next to the famous Priory Clinic after all, following the British game could drive anyone to drink.[LNB]When it was constructed in 2006, the £40million base was meant to be the state-of-the-art facility that would drive a revival in the sport in this country.[LNB]We are still waiting, and at the moment it has the feel more of a modern university, staffed by some of the world's cleverest lecturers but full of some very average students.[LNB] Top man: Roger Draper, Chief Executive of the Lawn Tennis Association at Roehampton[LNB]The centre houses the Lawn Tennis Association's offices, gyms, a sports science centre, accommodation for staff and visiting players and 22 tennis courts.[LNB]One problem is that there are only six indoor courts, with the 16 others out of action and unused for much of the year.[LNB]Even the ones inside are not used as often as they might be. While the project was well-intentioned, the problem is that there is simply not the critical mass of outstanding tennis talent in this country for it to be of sufficient use at least not yet.[LNB]There is also a concern that the pleasant surroundings and fancy canteen perhaps make it too comfortable, and create a softness of attitude among many of those who use it.[LNB]Happily, Andy Murray, who uses it regularly, has not been affected. The question, though, will always be asked: just how many much-needed indoor courts and tournament centres could have been built elsewhere for such an enormous outlay?[LNB] Martin Samuel: Our game's more Pooh than TiggerWIMBLEDON 2009: Forget the promises, LTA must serve up a new breed to rid the Brit flopsWIMBLEDON 2009: The Locker Room - Elena Baltacha says sorry for swearing[LNB] Explore more:People:Andy MurrayOrganisations:Lawn Tennis Association
