Even if it rains outside, a white Christmas is guaranteed, according to the Hamburg-based BAT Leisure Research Institute. We won't need to hope for Arctic low-pressure systems in 1985. Nor will we have cold feet from biting frost, except perhaps if Boris Becker falls behind in his seventh match. Because on the fourth Sunday of Advent, tennis will draw the German public to their television screens.

Despite a wide range of leisure interests, one prediction is bold: there won't be an empty seat in German living rooms. For the first time in years, fathers can gather all their loved ones around them on the last weekend of Advent. Only the German's beloved pet, whose canine soul still hasn't grasped the difference between a tiebreak and a teacake, will insist on its usual stroll even during the decisive fifth set. Lucky are those who have a less tennis-enthusiastic grandmother who is also baking Christmas cookies and buying last-minute presents.

That yellow tennis balls flying over a lush green carpet fit into the Christmas (leisure) season just as well as glittering gold Christmas tree ornaments on fresh fir greenery will be clear to all of us after this three-day tennis marathon.

But even those who aren't gripped by tennis fever and complain about such one-sided television leisure time won't be left out. Santa Claus will be waiting exclusively for them in the shops on the last Saturday before the shops are open – unless, of course, he's also stayed home and…