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!

Oh, yy, we will get highlights. Of bloody Murray.

The FOK makes me smile. Its either that of they seem to just shout something random that's loud.

I'm frequently saying "pardon" to the tv.

Congratulations Grouchy

Andy seems to have changed his luck by changing his top.

If Bourgue can stay with him, he might stand a small chance.

'Petch' sounds like a canine flea treatment or something.

Just call him Mark, Jim.

Haha Mrs V, that's true!

On a shallow note, I like the dark blue outfits the ball girls are wearing, though not sure about the uneven hem thing. Smart light grey jackets for the umpires too. Trés chic.

Oops, the tv just turned itself off cos it's been on for hours without changing channels!

I like then outfits too. Don't like that the Umpires and Line Judges get to wear long trousers and jackets but the ball boys/girls don't. Bit unfair. Its been chilly there too. John tells me every morning.

I fear that's it now...

'Canine flea treatment'!

Looks like Murray will squeak through again. I hope his form improves, he can't afford to keep going AWOL mid match against the higher ranked players he'll meet later, assuming he stays in the draw.

Gilles Simon is staging a fightback. He was two sets and 4-1 down but has now taken the third against Pella (who?).

There's some good tennis going on elsewhere !

Completely agree Andy will need to up his game.

I Do Not like the green sweat bands and shorts.

Who chooses/approves these colours ?

Did you notice, Bourgue is wearing the same colours as Radek did ?

Ooh !

Oh yes !

Allez !

OMG and on it goes!

Shot !

Ooh ! Ooh !

Awwww

Oh Petch, STFU.

Oh la la !

Excellent final set.

Next !

Ouch. Boos not nice. Rude French people.

Wow! Those last 2 games!

Murray is going to be knackered, surely? He's got Karlovich next, I think they said ...

Oooh, interesting, Bagel.

This Bourgue is a very nice chap.

Phew, at last. I'm slightly glad I can't watch, it isn't good for my nerves.

Karlovic is going to be another tough one.

No more knackered than anyone else.

Makes a change for it to be someone other than Rafa who has a crappy route to (hopefully) finals.

Jeez, I really haven't got anything done today! Happy that I can still understand enough French to follow what they're saying after the match! I only get to practise if we go on hols to France.

Andy's chatting now Drama. He seems quite chilled out and relaxed. Easier after a win I suppose - he's hoping he has a faster match next.

Oops.