Wimbledon Diary

Men's final extra costlyEquality now exists at Wimbledon - up to a point. While the winners of the men's and women's singles finals each earn £700,000 for their two weeks' work, which brings Wimbledon into line with the other three Grand Slam events in New York, Melbourne and Paris, London still believes the men's final is worth more to tennis fans.

The face value for a ticket in to Saturday's women's final is £80, while punters will be expected to pay £87 to get on Centre Court the next day for a seat at the men's final.

Serena's secret revealedSerena Williams will have been fulminating in her boudoir yesterday morning. The princess of pain will have read all about the top-secret information she writes down and uses as motivation during her matches. Some quick-eyed photographer with a telephoto lens snapped a picture of the private notes during a changeover. Now that they are out, see what you think.

My good thoughts are powerful.

My only negative thoughts are weak.

Decide what you want to be, have, do and think the thoughts of it.

Hang on to the thought of what you want. Make it absolutely clear.

Positive thoughts.

You will look at balls.

You will move up.

You R 1 (number one).

You are the best.

You will add spin.

TURN FAST.

You will have long follow-throughs.

You will win WIMBLEDON.

Security moves irk localsThe concrete blocks that have been placed around Wimbledon to prevent would-be bombers attacking the gates with explosive-laden vehicles have come under fire from the local residents. The leafy suburb does not take well to being turned into a military zone for the duration of the championships.

Ever sensitive to the requests of residents, the All England club have been painting the concrete to help it blend into the surroundings.

Wily Williams prevailsVenus Williams was accused of gamesmanship in her rain-interrupted match against Daniela Hantuchova on Monday night. After coming back for the final act of the match, Williams asked for what she said was a badly needed bathroom break as her opponent was about to serve. Told by the umpire she could take the break but only on her own serve, not her opponent's, Williams crossed her legs, duly broke her rival's serve and changed ends.

When then asked by the umpire whether she wanted to take the much-needed break, Williams responded that she was now alright and didn't want to go. Wonderful what a bit of momentum does for the bladder.