NEW TENNIS THREAD! Happy 2016! Gearing up for the Aussie Open.

[Raahh]

Here we are again- last year has flown. Soon be Wimbledon.

Hope everyone is well- very wet here (NW).

So, Qatar has started, Rafa has won his first round in Doha after a shaky start. So that's already better than last year!
Hopman cup underway.

Here's to an exciting 2016, Olympic year, can anyone stop Djok, who is starting to look unbeatable?

I'm really hoping Rafa can have a better year, and of course there is a wee Murray on the way . (Might not be a fan of Andy, but babies are always good news).

Aargh lost the thread again

I know it's months away, but I have a question about Wimbledon tickets.

Has anyone here (or anyone you know) ever been successful at snagging the tickets on Ticketmaster for next day's play?

I am checking my email every 20 minutes or so for news that the AELTC has granted me tickets through the overseas ballot, but it has begun to dawn on me with a terrible, sad, cold reality that I have (again) been left out.

Thing is, I'll actually be in England this year.

Sorry, I haven't. Don't give up all hope on the ballot yet. They usually keep going for a while as tickets get returned.

You're right, RafaIs. My confirmation email says tickets will be ballotted through the end of March.

But it's already the 10th!!

(Taking deep breaths. And perhaps a little gin.)

I believe I'll watch a little Juan Potato tonight. That will cheer me up.

Indian Wells has started!

at everyone

Hello all! I wondered how gutted y'all would be about Shrieky.

I wonder whether this will now detract from the match fixing thing- just as that was getting juicy.

Potato did well- throws me when tournaments start midweek

Think of all the money we'll save on earplugs now.

it will definitely be quieter. I don't know how long she is likely to be banned for, the fact she appeared so contrite may work in her favour. But the excuses she is coming out with are a bit odd, and taking a medicine meant for heart conditions (for 10 years, despite being healthy)is also a bit suspect, imo. Not that my opinion counts for much

Ah, there you all are, Id lost thread!

Okay. GB davis cyup team should be renamed the MURRAY brothers team.

Shrieky. Hmm. on the fence. she has enough strength to scream eh? and did she mention diabetis? shugarpova anyone?

as for serenas david Cameron/holly Willoughby ''concerned'' ''caring'' demaeaner ''supporting'' Maria..... ooh, look, a flying pig.

shes perob happy to get rid of some of the competition.

dammn. missing indian wells as I haven't got sky sports. .

I think they raised the minimum ban for a first time offence to 4 years. I think there's room to negotiate that down if there are mitigating circumstances. Presumably like having taken a medication for 10 years on the advice of your family doctor and not applying the principles of marie kondo to your inbox.

I don't think it was diabetes. She appears to have been being treated for having a family history of diabetes and them maybe suspecting it 10 years ago.

Its getting nasty now. According to some ex-French Minister, in 2012 Rafa tested positive for something banned, and that's why he was out for 7 months.

I've seen Rafa speak and as always he's he's usual honest self.

Real Madrid have issued a statement of support, because he's an honorary member.

Hope he sues her arse off.

he's his*

Have to add, can't say I'm surprised people are trying to implicate Rafa.

Saddened but not surprised.

I'm not surprised either, MrsV- and from his statement, neither is he. Do they use that logic for all players who have injury time outs?

I find comments from Djok and Williams that Shrieky is 'Brave' and 'courageous' quite laughable too. For what?Coming clean when she got caught out, instead of lying about it?

Fucking ridiculous, Raahh.

Lets just say certain other people I am watching with interest and reserving judgement on...

I think it's probably debateable whether she's actually come clean yet.

Rafa-true.

Djok and Rafa both through, though neither appear to have had it easy.

Del Potro lost in the singles, (but was against Berdych, so in the scheme of things, to be expected), but beat the second seeds in the doubles, so lots to be positive about. I think he is being very realistic about his come back, and I'm just glad he is getting through matches.

Rafa plays against Verdasco next (who got a w/o when Klingon retired). I hope he starts well-don't want a repeat of the Aussie.

Busy refreshing scores- Rafa up a set against Nishikori. Vamos

He was very nice about Zverev yesterday - it's good to see the young ones doing well. Thiem, Zverev, Coric and Goffin (who looks about 6) are all coming good.

woot! I was worried Nish would be trouble for Rafa- am glad to see he got through relatively easily. Hopefully it will be a confidence boost.

Rafa playing Djok- VAMOS !

It would be great if he beat Djok. Even if he didn't win the tournament, it would be such a good result after the past year.

Feck it!