Graciousness In Defeat; Joy In Victory

Should anyone on the planet be unaware of the result of Wimbledon Tennis Ladies Final 2019 and not wish to know yet, look away now. I watched it on TV this afternoon, and there came a point when I just had to go and fetch my camera.

My photographs produced from the television screen reveal the result. I will let them tell the story of the unfolding of the contest between Serena Williams and Simona Halep. As usual, identification can be gleaned from the gallery titles.

These were the moments of high tension for players and spectators alike,

leading to what had become the inevitable conclusion at which Serena’s serene graciousness lived up to her name.

It was for Simona to display her joy,

and for Serena to reflect and offer genuine congratulations on her opponent’s amazing game.

The trophies were displayed

to a largely delighted crowd.

This evening we dined on Jackie’s delectable chicken Jalfrezi, pilau rice, onion salad, and parathas from the New Milton shop fried in oil. The Culinary Queen drank Blue Moon and I finished the Merlot.

68 comments

  1. As one of the people on the planet who had no clue there even was a Wimbledon going on (ducks for cover) ai would have sworn you were at the actual event hobnobbing with the various duchesses and celebrities. Following along through the first gallery I was left in no doubt how the game was progressing thanks to your excellent skills. And seeing the estimable Williams sisters at the end of a long and lauded career is always a joy. Thoroughly enjoyable thank you and just the right length for me 🙂 I do hope you can reprise this with the upcoming cricket game ……

  2. Great photos, Derrick! I don’t really follow tennis, but I was aware Wimbledon was going on. It’s nice to see the duchesses getting along. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

          1. Yes, I batch cook too and while I’m happy to eat something a couple of days running my husband isn’t. So I portion it up and freeze it for another day.

  3. Love your wonderful photos and reading your commentary, Derrick!
    I love seeing gifted athletes compete, and exhibit good sportsmanship!
    Oh, such a beautiful audience, including Princesses and Duchesses!
    We should all seek, every day, to be gracious in defeat and humbly joyful in victory!
    I played tennis in high school and college, so I love watching it in person, and on TV!
    HUGS!!! 🙂

  4. Derrick, I just had a comment from Brian…LordBeariOfBow. He said,
    “Carolyn I’m in hospital ticker trouble don’t know how long will you can you let those that read my stuff know and I hope to be back soon.”

    so I wanted to share it with you here.

  5. You have transformed the broadcast to a time lapse sequence in an impressive manner. As for Madam Serena, what a meltdown from tormenting Kim Clijsters!

  6. I popped in and out of the match and I was sorry to see Serena lose. Your photos are brilliant. I did exactly the same thing as this at Prince Harry’s wedding!

  7. I too watched the match – you provided an excellent synopsis with your photos and a worthy commentary.

    While believing that Serena would win on the basis of her previous form, it seemed as though she had little left to give in the Final. She has not had to compete for 7 games in a row for quite some time. That, and the possibility of matching Australia’s Margaret Court for most ever Grand Slam wins by a woman, seemed to restrict that famous Williams’ fighting spirit, i thought?

    As you rightly pointed out Serena was the consummate professional sportswoman being truly gracious in defeat and Simona had played the match of her life – almost faultless, and was a worthy winner.

    Hopefully Roger can emulate Simona and the Men’s final can be as entertaining as the Ladies.

    And with any luck the Cricket will be as good a spectacle also – whoever wins! 🙂

    Then i can at last relax and enjoy the views of the French countryside in the TDF in peace without having to keep switching channels!!

    Happy Bastile Day! 🙂

  8. I made paratha yesterday but haven’t quite got the knack (yet) of making them tasty.

    Anyway, I didn’t watch the Women’s Wimbledon final yesterday but I was touched by Serena Williams’ graciousness in defeat. In these troubled times, it is good to see decorum still exists.

      1. Yes, it could be that. We were eating the paratha like a sandwich rather than with curry, so it was more like calzone actually 😊

  9. Yay! I was so pleased for Simona! She played a clean, tough match and was a graceful, humble winner. <3 You captured it beautifully, Derrick. The Federer match was exciting to behold too. "So many missed opportunities," was Roger's comment in the interview that followed. But, they both are winners. Roger and Nadal both have earned the respect and admiration of the tennis world!

  10. What a win…! I have always admired Serena Williams in so many ways, and it was a sad moment–but new talent with grit and fire are what they are, so congrats. But I still think she is amazing, of course! Time will tell…

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