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!

Rafa through, Roger gone, Andy in control.
I'm not surprised he's split from Amelie, but I read the statement as more that she can't put the time in and doesn't want to travel with her little 'un. Can't blame her for that. I think she has made a difference, but likely can do no more. I'm not sure he wants to sort his head out - he is who he is.

So happy Rafa got through that. He's looking good. The Kyrgios family seemed to be having a right row during that.

Hi tennis fans - I have missed you for the last couple of years - life! But I have been watching the tennis! And I recognise some names here from way back - may I please join back in?

Hello Three ! Welcome back.

Rafa up against Djok at 3pm-ish. I have everything crossed, that Rafa can get over the mental block he has playing Novak. VAMOS- you CAN do it! He can be beaten.

Hopefully the Djok that lost his first set yesterday 6-0 will turn up, can Rafa can capitalise on that.

Question marks over Federer's fitness for RG. And Stan has had a terrible run up to defend his title. Maybe last year really was all in the shorts.

And I really hope Thiem beats Nish. I think he can.

Hi three .

I hope these tights the Bryans have don't become a thing. Bring back the short shorts I say!

Tights -pfft!

Short shorts all the way.

I like Goffin- but he still looks 12, even with a beard.
Oh, ffs. Murray complains about the overhead cameras all the time in RG, and now here. It's the same for everyone, get over it.
I do agree that Murray has improved hugely on clay.

But Goffin scored a double bagel against Berdy, and I would love to see him do it again

Might ruin Murray's birthday weekend, though.

Lucas Pouille had the benefit of a W/O over Juan Monaco-not a bad result for him

Come on little Goff!

I don't think there is going to be an upset here.

Give him a game, little Goff!

Del Potro is going to miss RG.

I really hoped he would play, with a protected ranking. It's all looking increasingly likely his career might stall totally.(And only the top 4 players from each country can play at the Olympics, and Argentina have a fair few ahead of him- i will be a shame if he misses out on that).

it
The t on my keyboard sticks. It bugs me

And Potato says it's not injury related. I hope it is just a case of starting fresh on grass.

Andy through 1 and 5. Just need Rafa to take down Djok and it's all lovely.

That was incredibly stressful. Rafa had chances, and definitely played he best I've seen for ages.

Hopefully he will be positive about it, but I really wish he could have beaten Djok.

Brilliant win for Novak. What an exciting match

Rafa tried his very best but I don't know what it takes to beat Djokovich now Andy makes me laugh when he starts grumping about everything.

Well that was a good warm up for Andy

Hope Novak does the business later

Murray has definitely had the easiest of draws. But, as I often say, there is a lot of luck in tennis and all the players benefit at some time or other.

Still gutted for Rafa, but he was so smiley and positive in his interviews. Taking where he was last year and now, it's all getting better.

He lost to by far the best player of the moment (which it would be churlish to say Djok isn't). And he did play well- but crucial points got away-and the usual problem of not having a serve that can get him out of trouble, let him down.

Nish is currently 5-2 up. I'm not a fan of either but would rather see Djok in the final. Murray can't have it all his own way.

Ooh first set to Nish!

Can we talk about Stan for a moment? He's right off form atm isn't he?

NIsh has turned into a woman according to sky sports news- Kate Nishikori!!!! .

Want Djok to be beaten, he's had it all his own way too much, time fro a fresh winner for a while.

Stan, wear the shorts again, theyre good luck! .

oops, forgot to say sky sports news subtitles!

Don't know if its cos he's German and ginger but Boris Becker reminds me of Goldfinger!

Carabos- Stan is definitely not in good form at the moment. Which is a shame.

Rafa's draw for RG will be rubbish- which means Djok really has no excuses this year not to win. Federer is not really fit enough, and Murray isn't that good yet.

I'm hoping for a massive Cilic-like surprise winner.

Bummer - Kei nearly sneaked through there.