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The real returned to the tennis court on a cold evening at the - and it was a sight for sore eyes.

He beat Andreas Seppi for the loss of just six games with a stylish display full of vitality and variety. Best of all, we were able to welcome back an old friend - the Murray backhand.

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"Can you write a piece on Andy Murray?" asked the editor, putting the straightforward bit first. "Explain why he is playing so badly."

Just an easy one then.

As attractive assignments go, that is right up there with being sent to - quite possibly the most atrocious football match I've ever been to.

There, at The Valley, I peered beyond hoping to catch a glimpse of the sparkling Mediterranean, but the view was obscured by a south London tower block.

Deciding to strike , was heartbreaking as you can imagine.

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Way back in a time when we were half-decent at tennis, press conferences (especially announcements of Davis Cup captains) were austere affairs.

The very best function room would be reserved, with Pimms on the balcony if the afternoon went long. Oh for such heady days.

Fast forward to 2010 and in a backroom at the , with almost as many PR folk as journalists and 50p for a cup of coffee in the nearby canteen.

I must confess it was very nice coffee, quite possibly the best value in British tennis, but It was undoubtedly a third division unveiling for a third division team.

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