Golden Gates

I feel like I'm on a retreat, the same as being locked down except for no legislatory key being involved. I better not get too used to this. Being a recluse seems to be my equilibrium state. I guess it's only going to feel so good while I'm being productive, and I was today, staying focussed, permitting myself just the distractions of watching Emma Radacanu's terrific first round match against Sloane Stevens in the Australian Open, and another gentle run out on the moor, the calf holding up well again on what was a cold and beautiful day.

It was a tough draw for a first round match, pitting what were two quite unlikely grand slam winners against each other in a contest of extraordinary shifts in momentum. The match illustrated perfectly how the structure of the scoring system works in tennis to maximise jeopardy and tension. Having steamrollered the American 6-0 in the first set, Emma relaxed, made just a few mistakes, and was suddenly 0-2 down in the second, going on to lose 2-6. At that point, not too many people would have bet against the far more experienced competitor going on to win. But a few mistakes from Sloane and the momentum shifted again, although 6-1 didn't truly reflect how hard-fought that final set proved to be. The youngster seems to have the gift of being able to turn it on for the big occasion. 

I'm probably not alone in enjoying the women's game more than the men's at the moment. The Djokovic saga was a dreadful mess. No one has come of that sorry episode well. For the record.