Wimbledon invites Sachin to Royal Box

Ref :

http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_wimbledon-invites-sachin-to-royal-box_1395231

Mumbai: That Sachin Tendulkar is a tennis fan is known. His love for Wimbledon is also well documented. He never misses an opportunity to watch ‘live’ action on the hallowed lawns of Big W. He was seen there last year. He will be seen this year too.

However, this time, the Maestro will be there as a guest rather than as a visitor. He will watch the proceedings ‘live’ from the box. The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club has invited him to witness the matches from the Royal Box. His invitation is for June 26, the first Saturday of the Wimbledon fortnight. It is also known as Sporting Saturday when guests from the field of sports are invited.

As a guest to the Royal Box, Tendulkar could be watching the match alongside Tim Phillips, the Duke of Kent, who also happens to be the life president of All England Club. “That’s right. The Duke should be there alongside him,” a spokesman for the club said.

The invites are sent by the club “taking into account suggestions from members of the championships’ organising committee.” The Royal Box has a capacity of 74 seats with dark green Lloyd Loom wicker chairs.

When approached, Tendulkar confirmed the invite and his acceptance. “Yes, I have been invited there and I will be going,” he told DNA. Wimbledon starts on June 21. As per a club communication, British and overseas Royal Families, heads of government, the world of tennis, media organisations are among those who get invited to the Royal Box.

Tendulkar, however, has a dress code to follow. Protocol says: “dress is smart, suits/jacket and tie etc.” The other protocol to watch from the Royal Box is that ladies should not wear hats, “as they tend to obscure the vision of those seated behind them.”