There’s still a strong sense of tradition in this historic city of ours, and summer is no exception.

Every couple of years, the England football team crashes out of a major tournament – usually, like this week, on penalties – and the nation’s expectations are foisted instead onto the shoulder’s of our country’s sole tennis hopeful.

The St George’s flags – only just returning as a symbol of simple, good, ol’ fashioned patriotism – were still flying in the West End last night, even if the bunting is wilting a little.

It reminded me how important sport is to this city, as our Olympic Torch concert took place outside Buckingham Palace last night.

As I sit typing this ‘Our Tim’ is stringing out what should given their relative rankings have been a fairly clinical dismissal in his inimitable, painfully drawn out style.

Yet I’ve enormous respect for Henman. For every sportsman labelled ‘naturally gifted’ who rises swiftly through the ranks, there are hundreds who painstakingly adapt, tweak and refine their technique to maximise their potential.

After all, it’s just not in our tradition to win anything without a fight.