Can you believe it? We got home to Abu Dhabi after a long and rather hellish journey and headed straight off to a tennis tournament. Not just any tennis tournament. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in ONE AFTERNOON This is the tennis equivalent of buying a Chanel and a Fendi bag in one lunch-break. Or driving to work in a Ferrari and home from work in a Porsche.

We were three rows from the court. I could see the ginger hairs on Andy Murray’s legs. And Federer’s rose gold Rolex and elegant hands. And the outline of the underpants that seem to cause Rafa such discomfort. It was incredible. And the tennis wasn’t bad either. Although I am sad to say the Mozart of tennis, Federer, lost to the young Scot. Tomorrow is the final between the Scot and Rafa, which should be good. Whatever else it is free (The National is a sponsor), there is no problem parking, no chance of rain and it is three minutes from home. What’s not to like?

I say home, of course I mean home in Abu Dhabi. The children told me today home is Sainte Cecile. They are right of course. Although I am happy to report that they, us, are not unhappy to be back at this home where the sun is shining and the tennis is grand.

Copyright: Helena Frith Powell 2009