younger man -- a left-hander, full of energy. He was wearing baggy shorts and a sleeveless vest which showed off the prominent musculature of his arms. It was the proudest moment of my life when the younger player held me aloft and displayed my gleaming newness to the whole world. A smart gentleman sitting in a tall green chair seemed to be in charge of proceedings. "Quiet please," he said. Amazingly, 15,000 people obeyed him. All fell silent. There was tremendous tension and expectancy in the air. I heard the 'swish' of the racket before it hit me on that first serve. Next thing I knew I was flying across the court at over 130mph. Wow, what a fantastic feeling! I bounced off a white line at the far end of the court and swung out wide. The tall elegant player hardly moved. "Fifteen -- love," announced the man in the green chair. How wonderful to be in the action. Several points later, the left-hander inspected me closely for fluffiness before choosing me for another serve. I could see right inside his flaring nostrils. His eyes were wild and intense. He held his racket like a frying pan. I was the egg he was about to cook. He adjusted his shorts and prepared to serve. He bent over and bounced me on the grass. Bounce, bounce, bounce. I felt nervous this time. Bounce, bounce, bounce. I was afraid of his power. Bounce, bounce, bounce. Very afraid now. Bounce, bounce, bounce.