Rafa Nadal.

 Of all the truly great tennis players of the last few years there are only a handful that stand out. In this small group, includes Rafa Nadal. Often referred to as the King of Clay, because of his dominance at Roland Garros. He won a staggering 14 times there. He won 22 titles during his career. However the Netflix documentary about his life is an examination in physical and psychological suffering. He says in the documentary ‘Ive been fighting against my body for many years with the highest demands and in time it will collapse’. His uncle Tony, was a constant presence in his training from a very early age. He pushed him harder and harder to improve his technique and stamina. Over time this becomes an increasing challenge and problem and the stress starts to show. There were many occasions when Rafa played in great physical pain, sustained by powerful pain killers and surgery. Along with Federer and Djokovic they were considered the ‘big three’ of world tennis for many years. The documentary is worth watching, just to see - how tough it is to be a top professional sports champion. He retired from professional tennis in November 2024 aged 38 after staring off back in 2003. He gave us so much joy and happiness during his long career. 

Another World Cup.

 England are in the L Group of nations in the forthcoming World Cup, that starts on 11 June until the 19 July. The L group comprise of: Croatia, Ghana and Panama. We are currently ranked at number 4th in the FIFA World Rankings after France, Argentina and Spain. It will held across three countries, the US, Canada and Mexico. There have been serious health concerns raised as some of the games will be held in searing heat in places like Miami - where temperatures can reach the mid 90 degrees in summer. I have little interest in the start of the games, until we see England play their first match on Wednesday 17 June against Croatia. It’s very unlikely we will eventually become the winners of the tournament, but we - live in hope. It will be either France or Spain who will hold the World Cup in July. 

Endometriosis.

 On Monday evening on BBC One the journalist Emma Barnett, explored the debilitating effects of endometriosis. According to the NHS website - ‘there is currently no effective treatment’. Apparently 10 per cent of women, can suffer from the physical disability. Emma Barnett, explained that since starting her periods, she has suffered excruciating pain outside her period cycle. How is it possible that such a universal condition, should have such little research money spent on it? Only in Edinburgh Universit combined with Birmingham University is research happening in this country. If this health condition applied to men, we would have a cure by now. It’s a mark of the rampant underlying misogyny and sexism in the male dominated medical profession. When Barnett interviewed the previous health secretary - Wes Streeting, he wasn’t exactly convincing - that more money would go into research and treatment. Disgraceful. 

Not Dixon of Dock Green.

 The long running and very popular police series Dixon of Dock Green (1955-1976). Was a benign, comforting and reassuring - as it was boring. Not so with current policing in the country. I was in the Metropolitan Police from 1960-1963 in Soho, London. We had the occasional noisy groups of young people at weekends, but nothing very exciting. The terrible killing of Harry Nowak, by a Sikh young man was unforgivable and has caused public outrage. Last night in Southampton, there were large public protests against the killing and the way police dealt with it, by hand cuffing a dying man. The police in general are on the back foot when it comes to multiracial policing. They are now accused publicly of - two tier policing and being more inclined to believe a racist comment if it’s from a - black person. We have arrived at a crazy situation in our country. 

The Mandy nightmare continues.

 It’s impossible now to think - why was Mandelson appointed as our ambassador to Washington? The tranche of files released on Monday, only confirms what a disastrous a stupid idea this was. Starmer, must be kicking himself for such an error of judgement. It’s very likely this saga will be a major contributor to his eventual downfall. It’s obvious now that it was a crazy and stupid appointment. What can be done to limit the impact of this disaster? 

The Champions League.

 We got close, but not close enough. On Saturday my beloved Arsenal, went into the penalty shootout after extra time. Penalties are always a nightmare and - so it was in Budapest on Saturday evening. The game hadn’t been particularly exciting and was something of an anticlimax. So in the shoot out - who would blink first? PSG won 5/3. There was a rapturous reaction by their supporters and the rest of the team. Arsenal on the other hand, were miserable and deflated. Nevertheless we got into the final of the Champions League and we had won the Premier League the weekend before. Overall we have - done better than many other clubs. Can we next year go on to win this converted trophy? We live in hope. 

Nicola Sturgeon.

 On BBC One this morning we had the one time leader of the Scottish Nationalist Party, being interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg, The reason for the cross examination was the recent - guilty plea by her ex-husband Peter  Murrell - for embezzlement of party funds, to the staggering amount of £400,00. We were expected to believe that she had no knowledge of her ex-husband’s financial misbehaviour. Is it really credible to accept this account of reality? She must believe we are as - purblind and myopic as she undoubtedly is. She was throughout this period, the head of the party. Did she not wonder how - where all these objects were paired for, including the brand new camper van? She is clearly under a lot of stress and strain and must feel desperately unhappy with the current situation, but her story lacks any credibility.