All new TENNIS thread- are we ready for clay? The road to Roland Garros starts here...

[Raahh]

well, it has already started so, get the vanish out, the orange stuff gets everywhere.

Highlights to include- can Rafa win a tournament this April?
Is Djok starting a losing streak wishful thinking ?
Will Murray get enough sleep to retain his title in Madrid? (Doesn't appear to be scheduled to play Munich)
Will Stan's shorts be a patch on last year's?
And never discount the Rog Bot!

So, Vamos! Allez! Let's go!

Every year I say I will go to RG next year. Some day...

I don't know how Stan can up his shorts game after last year.

Marking place & looking forward to some lovely tennis chat.

Thanks for the new thread, Raahh.

Best part of the year starts now!!

I won't mention 'C' (on this thread!) but I won't agree to not being mean about Djok!

50% ain't bad, Maryz.

I must admit when I hear him talk I think he sounds OK - but he looks so arrogant.....

I don't actually mind Djok these days. I know!! I also think he was unfairly dragged into the sexism row/equal pay stuff at Indian Wells. I just like that after seeming to be invincible, there is a chink in his armour. It opens things up a bit. For this tournament at least. Whether, psychologically, RG is beyond him-I can't write him off, however much I'd like to. He's pretty fit, has a good few years ahead of him.

Of course, yesterday was probably only a blip. But for this week, for today, I can hope Rafa has a chance.Vamos Djok has become his nemesis.

Well , Rafa has the first set against Thiem, doesn't look plain sailing though. Dom has definitely had a great year so far, but Rafa really needs to win this.

I think he's scheduled for doubles later too.

Stan and Murray through- Murray also close to defeat, though. Needs to up his game a bit.

Interesting to see how Fed does later. Also good to see Raonic through- I've a bit of a soft spot for Milos.

And relax...

Second set seemed easier ( of course I'm surmising all this from the scoreline)

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY !

That's all. ^

See you all later, maybe. xxx

wowsa. Novak LOST. at last! only cos it was getting boring the same person winning all the time...prob make an excuse!.

Andy's really having to work for it at the moment. He needs to hang tough - the tide will turn. Form is temporary, class is permanent.

Same goes for Rafa.

Murray really is making hard work of everything right now.

I saw a bit of the first set between Rafa & Thiem. It was really high quality stuff from both of them. To come through that match will be good for Rafa's confidence, and Thiem is definitely one to watch for the future.

I find Raonic so boring. Looking forward to Rafa and Stan later.

Andy's running away with the first set against Raonic atm. Fingers crossed he keeps going.

2 and love to Andy. Much better from him, but Raonic is carrying an injury.

Here we go!

Ah, with that scoreline in Andy's match I was wondering if Raonic was injured.

Rafa is going really well against Stan, just taken the first set 6-1!

Rafa v Andy in the semi - I love both of them .

Went to visit my mother, who has sky, so could watch the Rafa match. that wasn't the only reason I went honest 😁 Stan was in a bit of a strop today. Don't like his shorts😖

I'm definitely routing for Rafa next- I would love him to win here (for the 9th time?) Would be a massive confidence boost.

Poor Milos has really struggled with injury over the past 12 months - I like him. He is always very polite in interviews. but looks better with his hair ruffled up a bit.

Have missed Ferrer this tournament too.