SW19 Diary: Tall order if you were sitting behind Dirk Nowitzki

The worst seat in SW19 yesterday? Anywhere immediately behind the players' box on Court One. Dirk Nowitzki, the 7ft Dallas Maverick and one of Germany's sporting superstars, was among compatriot Sabine Lisicki's entourage for the opening match of the day against Maria Sharapova. Lisicki, who is based in Florida, became friendly with Nowitzki, who won the 2011 NBA championships, after she went to support her compatriot when the Mavericks played in Orlando.

Balding enjoys some Goran aromatherapy

Have you ever wondered how Goran Ivanisevic smells? According to Clare Balding, anchoring the BBC's radio coverage through a rainy afternoon, the big Croat (is there any other sort of Croat?) has a "spicy, wooden" aroma. "Delicious," declared Balding.

Monty think outside the box

Scottie Pippen, once of the US Dream Team that won back-to-back Olympic golds, was another NBA star in SW19 yesterday, but the sport out in force was golf.

Ian Poulter, Paul Casey and Ernie Els were up in the Royal Box.

Colin Montgomerie, a regular tennis watcher, was also here but as last year was left to do his thinking outside the Box. Have the All England Club got something against the Scot?

Serena unhappy with colourful changes

Serena Williams may not always see eye-to-eye with the All England Club but she has made it clear she is more than happy with the all-white dress code.

When the Games arrive in SW19, during which the younger Williams sister will attempt to add to the Olympic gold doubles medals she won with Venus in 2000 and 2008, players will be able to wear colours for the first time here. "It's going to be a sad moment," said Williams.

Eagle-eyed Rufus ready to go back on patrol

Wimbledon's latest celebrity, Rufus the hawk (he has his own twitter account: @rufusthehawk), was back at Wimbledon yesterday having been discovered, still in his box, on Wimbledon Common and handed into the RSPCA. After being paraded for the media, Rufus was given the rest of the day off but is expected back on duty later this week.