London 2012: Becker Backs London Bid

The three-times Wimbledon champion Boris Becker has thrown his support behind London's bid to stage the 2012 Olympics. If London was to win the vote to be decided on July 6 at the International Olympic Committee's session in Singapore Wimbledon would host the tennis events.

"I had the pleasure of competing at the Olympic Games and at Wimbledon and was fortunate enough to win the gold medal in both events," said Becker. "Being there, I know from first hand that both are fantastic events, and I'm sure Wimbledon will host an incredible Olympic tennis tournament."

The 18-year-old Gael Monfils' 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 defeat by Mario Ancic on No1 Court yesterday hardly caused much of a tremor on the Wimbledon Richter Scale. With six other players still ranked above him in his home country alone, few will have noticed France's very own Andy Murray go out.

The difference is that unlike Murray, Monfils does not feel the burden of a nation's expectations. "This is all about not losing or winning, I just learn and see what I have to do to be the best maybe next year or two years after," said Monfils.

"This is the preparation right now. I didn't really play my game today but I think I learned something new."

Monfils won the junior title in three of the four grand slams last year, including Wimbledon. He was denied a full house at Flushing Meadows - by a certain Andy Murray.