Passtheport

I decided to bite the bullet yesterday and get my photo taken to renew my passport.

It is a requirement now that you don't smile or show teeth - and the end product was a sort of distorted grimace which made me look like a 'lifer' at Wormwood Scrubs.

The rather disappointing aspect was that - for reasons best known to myself - I thought I looked a bit like Andre Agassi. Judging by my new passport pic, the resemblance is confined to the top of the brow and upwards!

Having said that, for those of you out there who think they play tennis (or look like) like Roger Federer or Justine Henin, that's a very positive attitude and can bring you success. Confident tennis players have clear pictures in their mind of playing shots perfectly. Winners see in their minds what they want to happen - and there is nothing to stop us doing that too.

So by all means tell yourself you're 'wonderful' or 'the best player on the planet'.

Just don't boast about it down at the pub!

Island in the Sun

Just returned from 10 days in Barbados

Now I know that sounds a bit pretentious - but being on the tennis court at 0830 every morning does not allow for too many rum punches the night before!

The local islanders have a remarkably low key approach to life, their movement being slow to the point of being ponderous (apart from when they're in the cockpit of a banana boat!).

I guess they wouldn't serve too many double faults - my theory, albeit simplistic, is that most faults on the second serve are caused by 'rushing'. It is perhaps better to take a few deep breaths before serving and picture palm trees swaying in the breeze!

My impression of Barbados is one of a paradise lost. When Virgin jumbo jets disgorge hundreds of Brits onto the island on a daily basis, it is extremely difficult to immerse yourself in the local culture. But it was great to play tennis in the sunshine.

Ps Sorry about the postcards (lack of) - but do you really appreciate a PC from Barbados in the middle of winter?