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!

[MrsVamos]

VAMOS RAFA !

Excellent.

[hugoagogo]

Cor Tsonga beat Fed!

Mmmm Tsonga

[Raahh]

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.

[tellmemore1982]

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.

[Raahh]

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.

[Raahh]

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.

[tellmemore1982]

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

[Raahh]

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

[MrsVamos]

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.

[MrsVamos]

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

Shame I wont see it.

[DramaAlpaca]

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

[carabos]

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

[Mama1980]

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.

[hugoagogo]

Jo Willy

[DramaAlpaca]

Ooh, thanks hugo!

[GrouchyKiwi]

Andy v Rafa. Ah how loyalties will be divided.

[hugoagogo]

Sorry Maryz

[tellmemore1982]

I like this thread already!

[DramaAlpaca]

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.

[magimedi]

Andy - go bonny lad!