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Tennis
Armstrong maintaining family tradition
By K. Keerthivasan
SUCCESSOR TO THE CHAIR?: ATP's Supervisor Gerry Armstrong (foreground) is a familiar face in Chennai and has earned a name for himself as an able administrator. This time he is accompanied by his son, Matthew. - Photo: Vino John
CHENNAI, JAN. 5. He has been a familiar face at the SDAT-Nungambakkam Stadium here for the past four years in the Gold Flake Open Tennis tournament. One could spot this blonde-haired gentleman from Britain with a walkie-talkie moving here and there to ensure that things are under control at the stadium.
As an Association of Tennis Professional's (ATP) Supervisor this year for the Tata Open, 46-year-old Gerry Armstrong, having 11 years of experience in the field, has earned a name for himself as an able administrator with a charming disposition.
It's an interesting job which involves co-ordinating with the officials, tournament director, and ensuring the successful conduct of the tournament. ``A tough job, no doubt. One has to essentially have a feel for it,'' Armstrong told The Hindu.
Coming from a family of umpires, Gerry as his friends call him, has come to Chennai this year with his son Matthew, who is clearly enjoying his role of a ball boy at the Tata Open. ``I think it is a great experience for him and it is good to see him mixing up with other people and see how they live,'' says Armstrong.
A self-confessed football addict, the 12-year-old Matthew plays for Polegate Grass Hoppers Football team. Matthew's first visit had the usual experiences for a foreigner. ``The slums shocked him no less and he even wanted to go home immediately,'' says his father.
Matthew has adapted to the surroundings well, and has also made some friends, and is apparently enjoying his stay. ``It is really exciting to do it. I like running around the court and it is good fun,'' says the petit and sweet-talking Matthew, ``I also learnt the rules of tennis by being a ball boy.''
For Armstrong, problems are to be faced head-on, but the earlier editions and the Tata Open have not thrown up any complex situation so far. ``In April, we had heat problems, Luckily, there has not been any rampaging elephants,'' he smiles.
Chair umpiring during normal times is difficult as it involves immense concentration and focus. Imagine an encounter involving the tantrum throwing John McEnroe at his peak. ``I was at the 1990 Australian Open, McEnroe did lot of things like shouting at the umpires.. and I defaulted him for unsportsmanlike conduct on court. The crowd did not like it at all. I wanted the match to get over soon so that I could get out,'' recalls the Briton.
``Today's players don't misbehave a lot, their attitudes have changed, so has the game over the years.'' Armstrong was initiated into umpiring by his father George, who himself has been a reputed official, having chair umpired the famous 1975 Wimbledon final between Arthur Ashe and Jimmy Connors.
Armstrong had the privilege of officiating at the hallowed lawns of Wimbledon for 29 years. ``Walking around the Centre court of Wimbledon is a special feeling. It has a special mystique, a history and a tradition. I think it has more to do with the crowd and the atmosphere.'' He also has the honour of officiating the 1987 and 1997 Wimbledon singles finals and the 2001 doubles final.
Unlike many, Armstrong took to the profession as just his favourite hobby. He is having a whale of time with the job. ``I really can't explain how important India is to me. I love coming here. Many of my colleagues refused to come but I differ.''
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