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

[Raahh]

I knew Rafa would struggle

And ferrer and Raonic are out too. ,.

Leaves Rafa's section of the draw wide open.

[Raahh]

And he had a 2 set lead- he's never lost from that position before.

[Nishky]

So sad for Rafa, I haven't seen any of his matches this year. I hope he comes back strongly next season.

[GrouchyKiwi]

Oh, that's a shame. About all three, Raahh.

Did you see Federer's sanctimonious comments about players retiring due to heat?

In other news, the BBC needs to find a new verb for "stuns".

[Raahh]

First time in 10 years he won't have won at least one slam.

The way he plays, and with his injuries , a long career was always doubtful. Twenty years ago, retiring at 29 would not be unusual. But he's playing in the Fed era, when players are winning in their 30's consistently. so he is expected to go on, when he might, just might, have come to the natural end of his career. [Sad].

[Raahh]

I didn't, Grouchy. The heat has been severe this year, usually the problem at FM is rain. Lots of players who wouldn't normally be affected have suffered.

[Raahh]

I have just read SynthFed's comments. sanctimonious is right. Let's hope he doesn't encounter extreme heat next round. Must be great to be so perfect.

[BagelwithButter]

Sad about Rafa, I haven't seen the match but sad to see him struggle so much. Surprised at Ferrer and Raonic as well.

The Bouchard/Cibulkova match was really good, Bouchard seems to be back on the right track again, it's interesting that she has Jimmy Connors (the great) on board to help her.

Wozniacki looked that she was having a hard time in the heat during her match (she lost) she looked very, very hot. Federer's comments seemed to be sanctimonious, yes, didn't see it just heard presenters talking about it afterwards re. Sock's. More players have retired during this Slam than any other, ever. That must mean something!

[carabos]

Brilliant result for Jo Konta.

[BagelwithButter]

Yes, v good for Konta.

Another retirement against Isner apparently - so many this slam

[hugoagogo]

I've just seen Genie Bouchard has fell and hurt her head!

[Raahh]

Great result for Konta.

re- the retirements due to the heat, it can happen to anyone, and Isner's opponent Vesely (?) has been around a long time. He will have played in melbourne, and other very hot tournaments- clearly the climate this year is affecting player. As it has in Melbourne this year and last.

[trixymalixy]

Have to say that I really prefer tennis whites. Serena and mattek-sands look like they are dressed up for Halloween!!

[Raahh]

trixy I agree, although somehow Serena manages to make even her whites look peculiar. Mattek-Sands has a very individual style- on and off court.

I wonder if Boris is there with Djokovic. He was beetroot enough in the early summer. if he is at FM, I hope he is wearing a hat.

[carabos]

Better from Andy last night but Kevin will be a different proposition so he'll need to up his game somewhat. Roger still looking like the one to beat.

[trixymalixy]

All the net curtains at Wimbledon this year were hideous though.

I can totally understand why the players hate tennis whites though, especially the women. None of my tennis skirts are white, too impractical.

Has anyone found a way to watch any of the Murray matches without paying for Sky?

[Raahh]

Cilic is through- that makes me happy. And Tsonga looks about to end Paire's run.

[BagelwithButter]

Looking forward to today's matches.

Have lost track of women's side of things, though I see Azarenka is playing now and that Williams sisters will play each other next. Will need a complete media blackout tomorrow until I can watch Murray match.

wish Bartoli would have a more appropriate hem length when sitting on her stool!

[Raahh]

Been out so have missed a lot today- but just seem the results so far of the Stan match. Very upsy-downsy [technical term]

[Raahh]

And Jo Konta is playing Kvitova later- fantastic run for her. Kvitova (who I really like) hasn't had the best of years- so an upset is not impossible.

[hugoagogo]

Argh

Not good; lisicki and Murray out in one night.

I will have to cheer on Stan

[Raahh]

I hope Jo can take heart in that this has been a great couple of weeks for her- getting through qualifying and to the 4th round is a great result.

I am now in the position where I will be happy to see any of the remaining players win- yes, Stan for me , or Gasquet to too off a good year. or Cilic to prove last year was not a fluke:) realistically, it will be Fed or Djokovic though, I think.

[Nishky]

Gasquet for me now Andy and Murray are out -Allez!

Jo should be proud- hope it's a springboard for her career now!

[Nishky]

Andy and Murray? And and Rafa!!!!

[carabos]

Groan - Andy meltdown. Think he underestimated the toll that a virus can take, but Kevin has been threatening that breakthrough all season.

Roger for me now.