US OPEN tennis thread- it's the last Grand Slam of the year- who will win?

[Raahh]

Obviously, my heart wants Nadal to end a shit year, with a massive (if pretty unlikey) win. But hey, the defending champ is Marin Cilic- so who knows what will happen. But he will face Coric in the first round, which might be tricky.

And Murray has Kyrgios. For a one-time only deal, I am firmly team Murray. The arrogant little Aussie needs to end 2015 with his tail between his legs- and come back next year more contrite. Of course, it has the potential to be as messy and sweary as their other encounters- which will trigger Nick's suspended ban. Here's hoping

Anyone watching?

Rog looks odd with stubble. Can't decide if that's good odd or bad odd!

Mama I bet your ds was thrilled - did you queue up somewhere or did you just stumble upon him?!

Hope you're feeling better today raahh. Tim and Andrew were discussing Belgium just now - basically they're playing a-wait-and-see game.

They seem to be cost cutting at the O2 a bit this year or am I imagining it? There's no dramatic heart-beat sound effect on important points and dramatic lighting seems to be absent?

Djok has come out fighting.

Some of the grand Slam predictions from th public are bizarre- no mention of Stan, who I wouldn't discount.

Juan I had to do a double take before, when I saw a poster called 1potato2 !

And yes- the atmosphere, which sometimes rivals Davis cup, does seem a bit subdued.

And people are coming in late- the buggers.

No! Hope he or she isn't a rival for Pot's affections!

Yes I noticed the lack of Stan as a contender from the tweets etc.

Don't know why Boris is biting his nails, his boy is doing good.

the crowd should have woken up earlier- might be too little too late for Fed now.

Castle is being very disparaging of the doubles winners. They are, in the main, professional doubles players. Gone are the McEnroe days when the game was less physical and the top players could do both. And for the most part, don't want to.

Jelena looks shattered, but I don't think there will be a 3rd set.

Was nice to see Rafa's mum earlier in the week, too.

Oh! well- Djok it is . He really is taking over - and barring injury, I can't see it ending.

But well done to Fed too.

(Can you believe the year is over? Aussie open soon )

Oh, it's those poor, down trodden ball kids. Slaves they are, battered with sweaty towels. .

I still can't believe that thread actually happened

I defected to Strictly , sorry. Kind of thought the outcome was inevitable.

No I can't believe that's another year done with. What thread do you mean raahh? Has someone been bemoaning the plight of the poor ball boys and girls?!

During Wimbledon, Juan after the fracas with Djok demanding a towel and upsetting a ball girl, someone started a thread. They were incensed that they were forced to do this demeaning job, getting covered in bodily fluids. They didn't seem to get that it's an honour, and they know what they are in for.

I think a couple of us suggested they wear hazmat suits next year.

here it is

(it does go off into a strange debate about Fed and Djok, with some heated opinions).

why don't the Davis Cup organisers just relocate the final?
I know it was the Belgiuns choice plus they wanted the home crowd and clay courts but would the UK be safer?
aren't there any clay courts here?

safetys more important than a tennis match of course but why hasn't anyone thought of that?

Thanks for the link raahh, will have a read later. I see no problem in handling Pot's bodily fluids

I guess there must be a reason why they can't relocate the Davis cup though I don't know what it is. If they decide last minute not to go ahead and play re-scheduling might be tricky.

I wish they would relocate the Davis cup. I have tickets, but I'm feeling anxious about going.

It's all very well Andy Murray saying he isn't scared but he won't be anywhere near public transport.

How the fuck could you relocate an event like that at such short notice?

Just find a clay court in another country with seating for thousands of spectators, with three days to go??

It's in Ghent, not Brussels. Ghent is not under lockdown.

It's all very well Andy Murray saying he isn't scared but he won't be anywhere near public transport.

Yes, I don't think Andy will be on a bus, but his participation in this event is so well publicised that he ( & the team) are a potential target. Probably far more than any random supporter of the event.

Er, not this weekend clearly that would be impossible, at a later date! Duh!

And actually I disagree that andy Murray is more of a target than any other spectator. The terrorists in Paris went for soft targets. Security at the actual event will be high, it's people queuing to get in and at train stations that will be most at risk.

Is anyone else watching this!?

Go Kyle!!

Now I'm watching through my fingers

Poor Kyle.

But what an amazing first 2 sets he played.

I'm watching :) Wish I was there. Wonder if trixy went?