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!

Hullo Grouchy

I often wonder that too ! It must be distracting sometimes, especially if there are huge roars. I suppose you learn to block it out.

Morning all

Hope you are managing to get some sleep Grouchy.

I see Bedene has taken the first set.

Sprink I only have Eurosport (not in UK). Quality of commentator varies. I want to switch off if it's Simon Reed, who IMO shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a tennis match because he hasn't a clue. I also dislike listening to Mats Wilander - he knows what's going on but his commentary style is irritating. I like Frew McMillan, he's so good on the technical side, and John McEnroe is also good.

Morning!

Bouchard about to lose, which means Nadal should be on soon.

Unless we have to stuck with Bedene.

FFS, they had better out the Rafa match on somewhere. Although one if the Euro sport channels goes off at 1.30 for cycling.

Oh, looks like Euro are going to show it....

Just heard that Raahh. Bet they stick with Bedene.

Although, John did say Rafa is coming up....

Urgh. Bet ITV4 don't then.

Aaaaaaarrrrrrrrgggggghhhhh !

Mats wilander still trying to make out Murray is second to Djok for the title. Has he actually watched him this week? I like Mats, but I do think he tailors his comments to his audience, rather than being honest, if that makes sense?

ITV4 still got Bedene.

Rusedski seems to be the only Rafa fan at Eurosport

Sadly wilander is commentating. And Simon Reed.

I'm hoping Bedene wins this quickly so they'll put Rafa on. That umpire is a right cutie isn't he?

Why are there so many empty seats???

Rafa's warming up. Bedene is losing the 3rd, so I guess I'll be watching to RG site scores.

Just heard announcer on PC call out RAFAEL NADAL !

Buggeringfuckingshittingbollockingcrappypissingsoddingtossingitv4

Rats.

Thanks all. In a gloriously indulgent experiment, my son and I are toggling the Bene match on both channels in order to decide which commentary we prefer.

We do agree that we both love what Mats Wilander has to say (agree he can be a bit underwhelming in his delivery).

Oops, Nadal's starting. So much for the Great Bene Double Viewing Experiment--I want to watch how Rafa is playing!

Jane

Spectators at RG are always poor for the earlier matches.

Not a good start Vamos

Jim keeps saying "the Spaniard".

THERES A MORE IMPORTANT ONE ON PC.

Argh.

If this Bedene match goes to 5 Rafa will probably have won.

Oh ! Apparently ITV4 will be with Rafa 'later on'.

Might be better not watching. Seemed to work the other day.

Rafa's starting the way he often does- I was spoilt by the way he came out of the blocks on Tuesday.

Not worried yet.

This is better- serving to go 5-2 up. Bagnis is a lefty (as is Rafa)- much was made before this of how tricky they are to play.

Rafa definitely easing into this now...with a warning a set point. I swear they do that on purpose.

Anyway, first set Rafa

There is very little atmosphere on PC. Very quiet.

Rafa is now cruising.

possible kiss of death

Me not watching seems to be working !

Busta is having a medical time out.

Set 5 could be a looooooong one.

Rafa will have won by the time they switch courts then I bet they'll put bloomin Novak on.