Speaking of Maike Kesseler, having paid her dues over the years and notably on the European Tour circuit the referee looked extremely happy and proud as she waved to the 2,500 crowd doing the Tempodrom ‘walk of fame’ in the spotlight down into the main arena ahead of the two players. This was a first ranking final for Kesseler, though she has taken charge of a semi-final in Berlin and also the final of a PTC event. If the reception at this stage of the tournament sends shivers down the spine of the combatants, imagine what it must be like for the referees who are even less used to it. I think it is fair to say we will never see football referees get this sort of warm, red-carpet welcome ahead of a big match.