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!

VAMOS RAFA !

Excellent.

Cor Tsonga beat Fed!

Mmmm Tsonga

Stan being out is only ok, because Rafa beat him and he didn't seem to be happy today- he took it out on a racquet.

Definitely think the ultimate winner Rafa will come from the Rafa/Murray semi. But stranger things have happened- if Rafa doesn't get through, would be a great win for Monfils or Tsonga.

And Barca next week. Love April even if it is stressful as a Nadal fan these days.

Place marking, I'm new to tennis chat (but a regular on MN) and would love to join you all for the upcoming season. The road is long and paved with silverware!

Would love to see Murray have a strong year if he's rested and maybe a surprise or two from newer faces. 2013 feels along time ago. Also agree with many that although Novak's domination is impressive, a change would be welcome.

Remind me to stock up on Pimm's.

Tell Welcome! We generally waffle throughout the year, but get more vocal during the slams and this part of the year when more starts being shown on 'proper telly' .

(Not all of us have Sky , and I'm always forgetting I have Eurosport, so we do a lot of latenight results refreshing via the tournament websites)

We all support different players-though it might seem more Rafa focused, as us Nadal fans do get quite passionate strident . It's a tortuous road bring a Rafa fan.

I agree it is exciting times with the likes of Thiem, Coric and Zverev coming good.

We probably don't pay as much attention to the women, but like a Konta win.

Oh,yes. The shrieking! I wouldn't mind it so much if it looked like there was any effort behind the noise. But some of them barely move and sound like strangled cats running a marathon.

Thanks Raah I'm not averse at all to some healthy Rafa appreciation! I have sky but not a lot of opportunity to watch it so this will be a great way to keep up to date with more than just the scores

It's very important to also have an opinion on what they are wearing this season, and photos of them not wearing much is a welcome distraction

Hello tell

Jo finally beat Fed ! Bless him. Haven't checked who he's got next....I bet he wishes he could beat Rog at RG or Wimby...maybe this year ?!

Rooting for Rafa tomorrow.

Jo's got Gael, could be an entertaining match !

Shame I wont see it.

Hello tell

As Jo-Willy beat the Fed today I came on here expecting to see the lovely naked photo that Maryz pulls out on occasions such as this... I am sadly disappointed

Speaking of clothes, both Rafa and Roger looked great today.

Hi all had to drop off the internet for a bit, real life got too busy but have managed to catch a bit of tennis this week. Hope to be around to chat more.
Glad Novak is out though ds1 is not! I like him but things are more fun when it's a more open tournament (and easier for Rafa hopefully ) think the winner will come from the Rafa/Murray match, but could be anyone really.
noticed Stan was wearing a lemon shirt earlier.......maybe Rafa will win now he's wearing orange instead.

Jo Willy

Ooh, thanks hugo!

Andy v Rafa. Ah how loyalties will be divided.

Sorry Maryz

I like this thread already!

I honestly don't know which side I'm going to be on Grouchy. I'd love to see Rafa win a tournament again, but I'd also like to see Andy do well on clay.

Andy - go bonny lad!