Get your strings tightened and your balls polished - gearing up for Aussie Open

[JuanPotatoTwo]

Happy New Year tennis folks (and others of course, if there are any) :)

Getting very very excited to see Pot back in action, feel like a hyperactive child rather than a middle aged woman. He didn't make it to Brisbane so wasn't counting on Sydney but he's there. Look:

www.facebook.com/245291448857687/photos/a.519072434812919.1073741828.245291448857687/784944874892339/?type=1&theater

Whoop whoop !

VAMOS RAFA !

Blimey, that was hard work.

Phew!!

I wasn't getting any work done. Kept having to stop to check the score.

I had to go shopping straight from nursery- have just embarrassed myself in the queue at Asda, shouting 'Thank god for that!' whilst checking the scores on my phone.

It could have been worse, I could have sworn. Or been in Waitrose

His next match needs to be a quick, uneventful affair. A triple bagel, if possible.

No doubt Smyczek is now the best new talent on the block with the press.

Raahh

well that was hard work watching score updates online, and also not working much! (Drama ) My boss isn't interested in any sport and is humouring me I think.

Home safe, and early! Roads not as bad as I expected.

Hope your ds is ok Raahh.

off to school, but glad to see Ferrer through.

Have been watching Monfils and Janowicz. Jerzy is maturing nicely, I must say.

He's 2ft taller than me, which still blows my mind.
Don't mind who wins this really.

I've just read that Bouchard was asked to 'twirl' by a presenter on court. WTF? She's a professional sports woman, not a bloody model. Knob.

Morning all, pleased to see ferrer through, and Stan.
Am team monfils this morning :) I can't warm to Jan not sure why.
I hope Bouchard told him to bloody twirl! Grrr.

I'm a little nervous about dipping my toe into these waters or my comments into this thread after feeling slightly bullied during Wimbledon. But I'm an addict, and I'm itching to talk tennis, as well as read about it, so I'm back.

I would also like to point out that Americans do not enjoy much televised tennis for free. Even the US Open has gone to cable, which you have to pay for. I think all we have left on broadcast tv is the French Open (finals only). It's very sad.

Twirl indeed. Should have told the cheeky bastard to swivel.

carabos- if only!

Grrrrrrr. Can't sleep. ( thanks amigacat! )

So I thought I'd get up and listen to 5 Live extra, either Federer or Murray, u don't mind. It seems there's some strange cricket thing on instead! Why? Just why?!

It's real shame the Dimitrov match was on early it looks like it was a good one. I've always had a soft spot for Baghdatis.

It should be on Tivo- I might watch it later - after Nadal (who is going to have a nice easy match today ) Vamos

And Roger is out! Which is a shame- no more Stefan

Yay seppi!

Now Vamos nadal
A nice calm 3 setter today please

more stress for my boss as I score-watch Rafa at work.

Poor Roger

And I'm sorry, Diyas, I'm sure you are a lovely woman- but i would like (for once) Shrieky to win in half an hour. I'm not usually on her side, but today I have a reason.

Anderson/Gasquet is looking interesting- Anderson has quietly crept up the rankings, whilst Gasquet has slipped. Anderson could be about to go 2 sets up.

Right- get the talky bit over- and Rafa on court asap Vamos

Here we go!

Good start- but it was the other day too.

Anderson through.

I like this. I'm not sure Sela is too keen- but 3 sets like this and I am happy. (I have to go out at 11.45, and don't want to be score checking at the shops again )

Vamos

mmmmm- just seen the lovely Goran, who has been coaching Jaziri.

I love Goran.

Lovely smile, Rafa