NEW GENERATION LEADING TEAM USA INTO TOKYO OLYMPICS

The delayed Tokyo Olympics has all the makings of a watershed between generations of athletes. With no competing nation at the Games does that look more likely on paper than with the USA.

As with all Olympic squads, there will be a blend of youth and experience. While veterans of this grand sporting stage such as sprinter Allyson Felix, who we interviewed before the last Games in Rio, will be looking to represent their country one more time, for others it passes them by.

It was recently confirmed that one of the all-time greats of women’s tennis and former two-time Olympic singles champion Serena Williams would miss Tokyo, according to CNN. As she turns 40 in the fall, it is almost certain this was her last chance to compete at the ultimate sporting gala.

Team USA have other hopefuls for women’s tennis, based on the ever-fluid WTA rankings from the professional tour. In track and field, meanwhile, such is the strength in depth of American athletes that run, jump, or throw that the US Trials are like a mini-Olympics in themselves.

New Breed More Impressive Than Ever in Trials

This school of hard knocks and tough competition just for successful athletes to punch their tickets to major championships readies them for the ultimate challenge. There are disappointments for many, and big reputations count for nothing if you do not deliver on the track or out in the field.

Justin Gatlin was a mainstay of American men’s sprinting for much of the last two decades, but trying to reach a fourth Olympic Games as he nears 40 was just a step too far. Oregon Live reported that he limped out of the final, which was his final chance to make another appearance at the Olympics.

Such is the quantity and quality that has come through the US collegiate system that this country produced six guys running the 100m in a season’s best time of under 9.90 seconds this year.

If US Trials men’s 200m winner and reigning world champion Noah Lyles, who turns 24 before the Olympics, makes Gatlin feel old, the men’s 400m world leader Randolph Ross was born in 2001! America’s gold medal hopes are many and plenty are in their early 20s.

Grant Holloway, another who delighted in Doha at the last World Athletics Championships in 2019, was just a hundredth of a second outside the men’s 100m hurdles world record at the US Trials. This has also been a vintage year for the longer distance hurdle race too with Raj Benjamin running the third fastest time in history in Eugene only for Norway’s Karsten Warholm to smash the world record on home soil at the Bislett Games in Oslo just days later.

US Firm Favorites for Most Gold Medals

New names and fresh faces are popping up everywhere on the road to the Games of the XXXII Olympiad. In the field, JuVaughn Harrison has been a revelation in both the sandpit for the long jump and clearing the bar in the high jump. He is just 22 years of age. The youngest member of the American track team is Athing Mu at 19-years-old, but an exceptional talent at 800m after setting the world lead time for two laps. She’s also among the top five women in the world over 400m this year too.

We may not know this new breed of American track and field athletes as well as icons of the sport such as Felix, Michael Johnson and others from previous generations, but their performances just to make it to the Olympics have seen some serious markers laid down. With so many gold medals up for grabs through running, jumping and from the throws, it’s no wonder that the USA are -700 favorites, as of 5 July, in the sports betting on offer with Betway on which country brings the most home from Tokyo.

Track and field are just one major piece in a wider puzzle at this festival of sport. Team sports that are popular in America like basketball are expected to yield more Olympic golds for the USA, with the action in different disciplines coming thick and fast. They won’t have everything their own way, but the collegiate system produces battle-hardened competitors who have been training to peak at these Games.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING ACCOMODATIONS IN MYKONOS

Mykonos is a destination that’s attractive to almost everyone thanks to its wide variety of offerings - bustling nightlife, fascinating culture, delicious food, and pristine beaches. Who wouldn't want to visit? The biggest problem you’ll have is deciding where to stay on the island, since there are many great options to choose from. The area you choose to stay in will largely depend on your personality and the type of vacation you are looking to have. 

Let’s look at some of the different areas to stay in Mykonos.

Mykonos or the Beach?

This will be your first and biggest decision to make when it comes to planning your trip. Should you stay in Mykonos, or stay on the beach? Staying in Mykonos will give you the best opportunity to experience the nightlife, shopping, and restaurants. But it’s also helpful to know that if you do decide to stay on the beach, buses run regularly between the beach areas and the downtown hub, so it’s easy to enjoy the benefits of either choice without missing out on the charm of the other. 

The old port of Mykonos is the most popular place to stay on the island and is known as downtown Mykonos. There are a large number of hotels, rentals, and luxury Mykonos Villas to choose from. 

What Kind of Vacation Do You Want?

The next decision you will have to make is whether you want a peaceful or adventurous vacation. Luckily, Mykonos has both - whether you are looking for a destination that is buzzing with life or you are after a quiet and peaceful retreat. If you choose to stay near the beach, they will be less crowded than downtown, but you will have to drive to get to the hub, where you will have a greater choice of restaurants and opportunities to mix with the locals. 

Stay In Mykonos Town for the Best Nightlife

If you’re the party-animal type, then you should probably stay in Mykonos Town. This is where you’ll find the most pubs, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Downtown Mykonos is the most picturesque urban landscape on the island and is suited for the active traveler, those seeking culture, shopaholics, and art lovers.

PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash /Feel Greece

PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash /Feel Greece

Psarou

Psarou is a gorgeous beach and a great destination choice for couples, families, and beach lovers alike. You’ll find a good choice of hotels as well as restaurants and regular bus links to Mykonos Town. Psarou is situated on a secluded bay and is one of the most exclusive corners of Mykonos. 

Platys Gialos: The Best of Both Worlds 

Platys Gialos is one of the most popular beaches on Mykonos. It’s set away from the Old Port and attracts beach-loving visitors from all over the world. Platys Gialos gets a good amount of sun and is never too breezy. There are also several other smaller beaches in the area for those who want a quieter time and a bit more solitude. These include Agia Anna and Cavo Psarou.

To Sum Up

Where you stay on Mykonos will largely determine what kind of vacation you will have. If you’re someone who craves being right in the action, where there’s the most activity, buzz, and things to do, then staying in the main town will be your best bet. Here you’ll find the most bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

If you crave a bit more relaxed pace, then you can consider staying in any number of the outlying beaches or smaller towns. For the best of both worlds, consider somewhere such as Platys Gialos which offers fast and regular connections to the main town.

WHY YOU SHOULD SUPPORT YOUR WORKOUT WITH SUPPLEMENTS

If you are serious about improving your workout results, taking some supplements can really help. Different supplements help in different ways though, so it is important you know which ones to take and how they can support your workout routine.

PHOTO CREDIT | Pixabay/Scott Webb

PHOTO CREDIT | Pixabay/Scott Webb

Beta-alanine Can Increase Muscle Endurance and Lower Muscle Fatigue

Whether you lift weights or cycle, taking a beta-alanine supplement can help you to improve your strength. It is an effective supplementation for increasing carnosine levels, which leads to improved lactic acid buffering. When your workout gets intense, lactic acid accumulates in your muscles and lowers their pH. The beta alanine effects help to support muscular endurance and fight muscle fatigue. Also, if you are bodybuilding, beta-alanine supplements can help you get more reps with a certain weight. There have been several studies on the effects of beta-alanine. Most suggest that a daily dose of between 4 g and 6 g of the supplement for a period of at least two to four weeks can improve workout performance. If you are performing high-intensity activities of any kind as part of your regular workout routine, you should consider using beta-alanine supplementation.

Creatine Can Make You Stronger

While you should not expect immediate miracles, creatine supplementation can make you between 5% and 20% stronger in your workout sessions. Creatine allows you to gain more muscle and lose weight. There are lots of different types of creatine supplements on the market. The best and most proven to work is creatine monohydrate. It is best to take creatine first thing in the morning or after you work out. That is because those are the times when your body is deprived of nutrients the most and therefore your body becomes more receptive to the creatine supplement. The amount of creatine you should take depends on your weight, but you should aim for between 3 g and 8 g per day. If you weigh more than 200 lbs, go for the higher amount. If you do not weigh much, stick to 3 or 4 g per day. You should start noticing results within three to four weeks. However, a few people are not responsive to creatine at all. If you are a non-responder, you will know it after using creatine for a couple of weeks. On the other hand, if you are seeing progress in your strength in the first few weeks after you start taking creatine supplementation, you will know it is working.

Intensify Your Workouts with Pre-workout Supplements

There are various types of pre-workout supplements available. They can intensify your workouts and help you to gain more muscle. The key ingredient in all pre-workout supplements is caffeine. The supplements also often contain whey protein, carbs, and water. Begin by taking small doses to evaluate your tolerance and then increase as necessary. Always follow the instructions on the packaging of the exact pre-workout supplement you are taking, but most pre-workout supplements should be taken between fifteen and thirty minutes before you work out. 

Supplements Enable You to Improve Your Overall Health

It should now be clear why it is a good idea to support your workouts with the right supplements, but it is just as important to take supplements in combination with a cutting diet. As your body becomes stronger, you will need more nutrients to support your intensive workout routines, which is where supplements come in. Supplements not only help you to build muscle, gain strength, and intensify your workout routines. They can also help to increase the growth rate of lean tissue, improve your immune system, and make your skin look younger. That is because they contain minerals and trace elements. The right supplements can even help your digestion, metabolism, and blood pressure. So, start using supplements to support your workout today!

THE TOP 5 CITIES TO VISIT IN ITALY, RANKED

Italy has been one of Europe’s most desirable destinations for years on end. From its monumental contributions to the world of art, countless historical monuments, and delicious quality cuisine, it’s no wonder the boot-shaped country is many a tourist's favorite destination.

However, with so many things to see and do, it’s helpful for those traveling to Italy to have a list that narrows down the absolute best spots. And remember, there’s a reason the best are also often times labeled as “the most touristic”! Here are five Italian cities sure to knock your socks off.

#1 — Rome 

It’s no surprise that Rome tops this list. This legendary capital city is home to some of the world’s most prized historical treasures and even one important Wonder of the World, the Roman Colosseum. You’ll definitely want to have your camera on hand for a walk around Rome, as snapping pictures of these structures is a must.

The Eternal City is also popular for its identity in the arts, the resting place of numerous artistic masterpieces and sculptures such as Michelangelo’s The Pietà, Raphael’s Frescoes, and Bernini’s Appollo and Daphne just to name a few. Not to mention the Sistine Chapel that holds one of the most recognizable paintings on the planet, The Creation of Adam, can be found here. A visit to Rome means a tour of ancient architecture, jaw-dropping art works, delectable gelato, and so much more.

PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Kit Suman

PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Kit Suman

Venice’s Grand Canal is jam-packed full of history and a host of vibrant colors 

#2 — Venice 

A place full of life, colors and canals, the City of Bridges is as romantic as it is historic. One gondola ride down Venice’s largest waterway, the Grand Canal, is all it takes to become completely enthralled with the beauty surrounding you. It’s also an easy way to sightsee, as all the city’s major landmarks are viewable from water taxi.

Some of these include Ca' Foscari, Doge’s Palace and Ca' da Mosto, the oldest building along the stretch of the canal which dates back to the early 13th century. Another notable structure that tourists are often interested in is the Casino di Venezia, the oldest casino in the world. This piece of history opened its doors in 1683 at a different location from where it resides today, but nowadays visitors can view its classy exterior from the comfort of their gondolas. No matter what you place at the top of your sightseeing list, one fact remains: you haven’t truly visited Italy until you can say you’ve been to Venice.

#3 — Naples

If you’re interested in eating your way through Italy, then Naples is undoubtedly the place to begin. Our number third spot on the list is a city that is not shy to show off its remarkable cuisine. Whether that’s through a Neapolitan pizza, Struggoli, Friarelli or a plentiful serving of ‘Pasta alla Genovese’, Naples is a foodies dream destination.

Besides being the proud founder of one of the world’s most beloved pizzas, the city is also home to different museums which are dedicated to Greek and Roman art. Additionally, natural wonders like the famous volcanic region, the Phlegrean Fields, and Nisida island just north of Naples make it a place where incredible outdoor exploration is possible and close by.

#4 — Amalfi 

The town of Amalfi can be found on the expanse of the Gulf of Salerno and is most famous for its picturesque views which merge cliffs and houses together alongside the bright blue waters. A prime Italian summer destination, the Amalfi Coast is an ideal spot for chartering a boat, hiking through the hills, or simply tanning seaside.

PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Tom Podmore

PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Tom Podmore

The Amalfi Coast is the perfect place for a relaxing boat trip around the Mediterranean

#5 — Turin 

Last but not least, Turin is a non-seaside city that should be just as high on your list as the others. Known for its breathtaking views of the Alps, this northern destination boasts in huge and elegant palazzos, a variety of castles, and of course, truffles. Turin is world-famous for its white truffle production as well as high-quality wines and cheeses. It’s traditional drink, Bicerin, is a delicious combination of espresso and chocolate topped with a healthy portion of whipped cream. Visitors can enjoy a hot cup of Bicerin while walking through one of the city’s gorgeous squares.

THE BIGGEST FITNESS MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE

It’s great that you’re upping your fitness game and getting into working out more. But if you want to stay motivated and see results, it’s crucial you don’t make any of the following mistakes.

PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Jonathan Borba

PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Jonathan Borba

Not Putting a Plan Together 

One of the biggest mistakes people make is hoping they’ll improve their fitness without thinking about the specifics they want to improve. Some workouts are better for cardio while others are better for gaining muscle. So, you need to set goals if you want to see tangible improvements. Setting goals is part of the wider recommendation of creating a plan. Once you know what areas of your body and fitness you want to focus on and what steps you need to take to achieve your set goals, you can purposefully and accurately work towards achieving your aims. That doesn’t just include workout goals. To maintain your optimum level of fitness, you also need to pay attention to your diet. To achieve your goals, you’ll need to calculate how many calories and macros you’re putting into your system and burning. The best way of doing that is to use a calorie and macronutrient calculator that computes your individual macro and caloric input based on your personal information, lifestyle habits, diet, and so on. When you have a plan in place, it will be much easier to track your progress and challenge yourself to develop further.

Working Out Too Much Too Soon

Are you one of those people who has suddenly thrown yourself into working out and are now pushing yourself more and more every single day? If so, you may be feeling proud that you’ve traded couch and cookies for exercise. While you should indeed be proud of yourself, there’s a problem if you have hit working out like a bull in a china shop. That’s because doing too much exercise too quickly can lead to injuries. But not only that. It can also soon turn into boredom and a lack of motivation, which in turn can lead back to couch and cookie land. So, don’t make the mistake of doing too much too soon. Focus on doing what’s right for your body and level of fitness.

Not Pushing Yourself Enough

On the flip side of the last point, many people make the mistake of not pushing themselves enough. While we have seen how doing too much exercise too soon is the wrong approach, it’s just as important that you commit to working out and exercise regularly. If you want abs to die for but only spend twenty minutes in the gym and don’t work up a sweat, you’ll never achieve your goals. It’s okay to take some time out. The important thing is setting that plan in place and sticking to it. You can then ensure you do the right amount of exercise to achieve your fitness goals. At the end of the day, hard work brings results. So, push yourself.

Working Out Incorrectly

You not only have to ensure you work out regularly as per your plan. You also need to make sure that you work out correctly. If you perform exercises in the wrong way or lift more than you should, it could quickly result in injury. Too many people make the mistake of not educating themselves on how to perform specific exercises and how many reps and weights they should be doing. So, make sure you get your technique right when exercising and using gym equipment. You can read online guides, watch online videos, or get advice from a professional or your local gym. Once you know how to do exercises correctly, you will see your fitness level rise up in no time, as long as you don’t make the other mistakes listed above.

UNDERSTANDING ANTI-AGING CREAMS AND WHY YOU SHOULD GET CUSTOMIZED TREATMENTS

Surely everyone wants to stay looking young. While, there is no fountain of youth waiting to be found by intrepid explorers, as far as we know, there is an abundance of anti-aging creams on the market that claim to prevent or reverse the signs of aging. But do those creams actually work? Well, to some degree, many do indeed help to put the brakes on your skin aging. However, if you want to really see results, you should consider using specially customized skincare treatments rather than over-the-counter products.

PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Park Street

PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Park Street

The Key Ingredients of Anti-aging Creams 

Whether an anti-aging cream actually works depends on the ingredients it contains. Retinol is one of the key ingredients that can help to prevent wrinkles. As you age, your body naturally loses vitamin A. In turn, that means you are more susceptible to gaining wrinkles and a dull complexion. Retinol can reverse that by increasing cell turnover, building collagen, and improving discoloration. Antioxidants are also commonly used in anti-aging creams because they protect your skin from things like pollution and UV damage.

However, even though such ingredients help to prevent or reverse the signs of aging, they need to come in a high enough concentration to work. Furthermore, everyone’s skin is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution. That is one reason why you should get customized anti-aging treatments instead.

Why You Should Get Customized Treatments

The aging process is driven by genes. But the way that your individual skin ages is not necessarily going to be the same as someone else’s. Everyone has a unique skin type. With a customized skincare treatment, such as those available from NavaMD.com, you can get treatment for your specific skin type.

So, how does customized treatment work? The process is straightforward. You complete an online consultation with a qualified clinician. Based on the consultation, a dermatologically designed product will be created, tailored to your exact skin type and taking into account any other health issues you may have. Unlike over-the-counter products, the ingredients that go into your customized treatment are carefully chosen and mixed in the right concentration levels to produce a unique anti-aging cream. You then simply purchase the cream and have it delivered to your doorstep.

A Customized Treatment Is Worth the Investment

While it is true that a customized anti-aging treatment usually costs more than over-the-counter products, it is still very affordable and it could save you money in the long term because you will no longer need to experiment with countless products bought from the store. Trying different over-the-counter treatments without knowing which ones are best suited for your skin can soon become a major expense. Besides, when the results of a customized anti-aging cream are so noticeable, it is more than worthwhile investing in it.

In Conclusion

An individual approach to skincare will always work better because experts carefully consider your unique skin type and your precise needs. You can be certain that the right ingredients and the right concentration and mix of ingredients are used for your individual skin’s requirements, as opposed to over-the-counter products that use generic ingredients and levels of concentration. So, if you want to prevent or reverse the signs of aging, you should definitely consider getting a customized treatment that is created by medical professionals. Combine a custom anti-aging cream with a lifestyle that keeps you mentally and physically active, and you can feel and look young for years to come.

ACTIVITIES FOR SPORTS FANS LOOKING TO MAKE THEIR FANDOM MORE OF A LIFESTYLE

Who doesn’t love cheering on their favorite sports team or donning their preferred player’s jersey to wear to important tournaments and competitions? People all around the world share a love of some kind of sport, no matter what it may be. You probably even know at least one extreme fan yourself. However, there are actually even more ways those sports followers can take their enthusiasm to the next level. Check out below some great hobbies and activities that sports fans should try at least once.

Listen to sports podcasts

One way fans can stay up-to-date on their team’s stats and rankings while gaining a valuable entertainment opportunity is by listening to podcasts related to sports. Podcasts of all kinds are quickly becoming a first choice for information by people everywhere and, nowadays, users can find hundreds of sports themed segments. Just search for your sport and filter through the offerings that interest you. Some of the best out there today include That Peter Crouch Podcast, The Ornstein and Chapman Podcast, and the Match of the Day Podcast.
Follow your team's odds and wager on your picks

There's nothing sports fans love more than watching their team compete live on the field or court. When sports season is afloat, everything else is just seemingly less important. Betting is one great activity for sports followers who are looking to take their fandom to the next level. Combining aspects of competition with skill and entertainment, wagering on your favorite sports organization can be done before, after, or even during a match.

Whether you're into basketball, baseball, football, or even cricket, dozens of sports are covered with expert stats and insights from the best pundits in the industry. For example, in some Midwestern states, online sportsbooks have been legalized within the last few years and offer users the chance to review odds on a variety of sports, making wagering decisions entirely in the virtual realm. Especially in states like Michigan more recently fans can even choose from a large selection of free bet offers to make the starting process more welcoming. Betting on sports can enhance viewing experiences and fan involvement, allowing you to quite literally team up with your franchise in their pursuit of victory.

PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Roberto Nickson

PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Roberto Nickson

 Viewing sports events is more convenient with the best streaming services available that provide constant access
Sign up for a streaming service

For a dedicated sports fan, there’s nothing worse than missing an important game on live T.V. Thankfully, nowadays, people don’t have to worry about this as much because of sports streaming services. These platforms allow their users to enjoy around-the-clock access to a variety of competitions and even player interviews at any time and place. Gone are the days of setting your alarm to be ready at a specific time for kickoff, as more and more fans are jumping aboard the streaming train. Right now, some of the best include fubo TV, Hulu Live, and YouTube TV. Fans can get their sports entertainment fix in a much more convenient way without breaking the bank.

PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Phillip Goldsberry

Hosting events like a Super Bowl watch party is another great way to get together with friends and enjoy the game even more  
Start a sports blog with opinion and feature articles

Lastly, if you want to take your fandom to new heights, consider starting a personal blog geared towards the sport you love. Even if you aren’t an avid writer, you may find that this endeavor will connect you easily with other fans of the industry through the magic of the internet. You’ll be able to forge new relationships with fellow sports lovers and even improve your writing skills in the process. In fact, if you become good at it, you could possibly use your copy skills to fund your way to big games! After all, blogging is an industry that has exploded in the 21st century and many use it as a way to make a living. If your thing is sports, why not tell the world about how much you love your team?

ROGER FEDERER'S THREE MOST IMPRESSIVE WIMBELDON WINS

The world-famous Wimbledon Championships returns this summer following last year’s coronavirus enforced cancellation. Sports fans in the United Kingdom and beyond will be delighted to see SW19 back in full swing. Tennis betting online will also return with a bang as fans aim to predict the winner and beat the bookies.

The Wimbledon men’s list includes the usual names. Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev are just some of the stars expected to show up in London this summer.

"Roger Federer" by Clive Brunskill/Getty is licensed under CC BY 3.0

"Roger Federer" by Clive Brunskill/Getty is licensed under CC BY 3.0

FedEx, the king of SW19

However, Roger Federer has made this tournament his own in recent years, and he’s known in these parts as Wimbledon’s most successful champions.

FedEx has eight Wimbledon gongs, lifting his first in 2003 with the most recent in 2017. Approaching 40 years old, does the Swiss star have another title left in him? We’ll find out this year as Federer aims to bow out with a victory.

Taking a quick break from the Wimbledon build-up, we look back at three of Federer’s most impressive Wimbledon final wins.

2003 beat Mark Philippoussis

Wimbledon 2003 will go down in history for fans of Federer as it was the year he won his first title at the London venue. FedEx beat Australian Philippoussis by three sets to love, claiming his place in the history books, joining an exclusive club of Wimbledon champions. The scoreboard that day showed just how impressive the winner was, reading 7-6, 6-2, 7-6.

His first Wimbledon title was also Roger’s first career Grand Slam, making him the first Swiss player to win a men’s singles Grand Slam tennis title. It kick-started his love affair with playing on the centre court of SW19.

2007 beat Rafael Nadal

Think famous rivalries in sport, and you can’t exclude Federer and Nadal. The two have massive respect for each other after competing head-to-head and carrying tennis for much of their careers. In the 2007 final, Federer came out on top, beating Nadal in a five-set thriller.

The score in that final was 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 2-6, 6-2. The game swung back and forth, keeping fans in attendance and watching around the world on the edge of their seats. It was a match no player deserved to lose, but no one could deny Roger his spectacular win. Interestingly, that was the first time Federer has played all five sets in a Grand Slam final, but coming through victorious bagged him a record-equaling fifth consecutive title, matching the efforts of Bjorn Borg. Roger wasn’t finished there, of course. There were plenty more thrilling Grand Slam finals played out between Federer and Nadal, with the pair winning more than their fair share of titles during a dominant period.

"Roger Federer win vs Rafael Nadal" by Ryan Pierse/Getty is licensed under CC BY 3.0

"Roger Federer win vs Rafael Nadal" by Ryan Pierse/Getty is licensed under CC BY 3.0

2017 Marin Cilic

Federer’s most recent Wimbledon win came in 2017, which was, arguably, his most impressive. We love his victory over Marin Cilic because it ended a five-year wait for another Wimbledon crown, proving he can never be written off in London. He upset the odds before. Will he do it again this year? It would be a brave pundit who says no.

The 2017 final was won by Federer in straight sets, dominating Cilic. The scorecard read 6-3, 6-1, 6-4. Roger was favourite to win that game after blazing a trail of glory to the final, and he didn’t disappoint on centre court. Many players are fazed by the splendour of the occasion but never Roger. He’s as calm when a set down as he is when a setup. It’s that winning mentality and steely character that has set him apart over the years, and although he may be getting on in years, his desire and will to win never drops.

Dates for your diary

Wimbledon 2021 begins on 28 June, with the final played on 11 July. Novak Djokovic enters as the men’s defending champion and favourite to retain his title. He already has five winner’s medals from this competition, and a sixth could be on the way.

The ladies defending champion is Shimona Halep, and many pundits have picked her to continue her rise with another win on Church Road. She showed that she is more than talented enough to win on the London grass, and another big effort is expected this summer.

CAN'T GET TO THE GOLF COURSE? 5 WAYS TO KEEP PRACTICING AT HOME

It’s not always possible to visit the golf course as regularly as you’d like, so rather than letting your skills stagnate, it’s a good idea to pencil in some practice sessions to your domestic schedule.

While it may not seem like it, there are actually lots of things you can do at home to maintain and even improve your game, so here are just a few tips to boost the effectiveness of your practicing.

PHOTO CREDIT | Pixabay/Brendan Dalley

PHOTO CREDIT | Pixabay/Brendan Dalley

Invest in a smart device to enhance your swing

While some people convert entire rooms of their homes into fully fledged golf simulators, with a golf swing training aid like the Home Swing Studio, you can ameliorate your abilities without monopolizing large amounts of space.

So-called ‘mini-simulators’ are smart devices with built-in sensors that monitor your performance, suggest tweaks and use software to track your progress over time. All you need is a compatible smartphone or tablet to run the associated app, and you are good to go.

Use a mirror

Knowing that you need to alter your stance to improve your swing is all well and good, but unless you can actually see the changes being implemented, you will not know whether you have been following the advice accurately.

The simple solution is to practice swings in front of a mirror, preferably one which is large enough to let you see your full body so you can become your own coach, and scrutinize your grip and posture, making changes if you spot any obvious weaknesses.

Practice putting

Putting is an often overlooked skill, but if you cannot get to the course because of bad weather and you have no choice but to practice at home, then it is one you can definitely focus on overhauling without getting in the way of other members of the household.

Carpeted floors are a little better for this purpose because of the additional friction they provide compared with wooden or tiled surfaces, so use these if available, or invest in a dedicated putting mat. Setting up an empty coffee mug, turned on its side, at one end of the room and putting a ball into it from the other is a tried and tested way to train indoors.

Exercise regularly & eat a healthy diet

There is a reason that modern golfers are in good shape; if your body is physically fit all-round and you have a nutritious, balanced diet, you will be better able to perform when it matters.

The same applies to amateurs, so remember that even if you are stuck at home, it is a good idea to stay active, maintain an effective exercise routine and avoid the temptation to gorge on fatty foods and alcohol.

Watch the pros

You can learn so much from simply watching top tier professional golfers play, so when you are not practicing your own skills, know that simply sitting down to check out the action from a recent tournament on the TV is also a good use of your time, as well as being entertaining.