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!

Umm, no you're bloomin' not ! He still is.

Sorry MrsV

I was just a bit . You've never suggested it before.

Troicki won.

Dh is making me watch football.

Today is rubbish. Apart from Stan and Richard.

😋

Marcus Rashford, 18 year old local lad, has just scored in the first 3 minutes.

Dh has just shouted so loudly that bloke in the space station probably heard him .

Football ? Oh, is it England ?

Waste of time. Euro team full of oldies who should be put out to pasture and young players who don't connect as a team. Always Englands problem.

John is talking to Chris Kermode. Waxing lyrical about the problems tennis is facing.

Don't like that they are making more about match fixing/rigging than they are hoping that a drug cheat gets a 'fair' punishment.

Although to be fair to Chris, he thinks drug cheats should get a lifetime ban.

Interesting that ex-players think otherwise.

I doubt we will see Sharapova play again. At. least, I'd be surprised. Like Serena, she has her fingers in many pies, and is one of the wealthiest athletes ever. She doesn't need to play.

The Russians are in big trouble, really- so many historical drug abuses coming to light.

I hope you're right.

Agree re the Russians, its so shocking.

Well, I say shocking, it is, but its not, iykwim !

I remember the enlightened times of the mid 80s- when everyone thought all the Russian/GDR shot putters were actually men. They've always been dodgy. And so many suffer from heart problems

Apparently John MacEnroe is going to coach Milos Raonic !

Raahh

So is this a thing now? We are wearing the same outfit as our opponent?

Zverev looks like he could be in the juniors still, bless him.

Hi All, I am sad to say I haven't been feeling the love for the French this year. No Roger. And now no Rafa. Massive blow to the tournament! I will watch some later, but I want to go out first.

This Thiem fellow is a nice looking kid.

Have decided the zebra stripes are ridiculous but maybe they're all supporting EDS/HMS awareness month?

I like Thiem, and remember first seeing Zverev about 18months ago and liking his hair.

This is a good match- these 2 could end up having a lengthy rivalry Roger/Rafa. I hope it continues- I've had high hopes before, Dimitrov for example, and they have not fulfilled the promise.

I think Kyrgios should also be one for the future- but I can't take to him. His attitude may end up being his undoing.

MrsV- interesting about Raonic. I know he divides opinion, the bi serving is not everyone's cup of tea, but I really like him. I think he has more than just a serve. Wish he would stop slicking back his hair- looks better when it is ruffled[head].Mac might inject some personality into him- he already has a pretty solid game, just needs an extra something.

Zverev is throwing some lovely strops.

DH has taken the older girls to the beach so baby and I are having a quiet, peaceful day. It's warm and sunny so we might go outside. What matches are coming up?

Enjoy your day, grouchy. We are on our way to Ikea .on a bank holiday weekend. Which is nuts.

Gulbis plays Tsonga later, and Djok plays bedene. Come on little Aliaz!

Oh Lordy Raahh you are a braver woman than I.

DH has arrived safely and is snoring away leaving me to watch as much tennis as I want today!

Oooh, Raahh. Hope you make it through unscathed!

I want all the commentators to go on a name pronunciation course.

Ikea ? Are you on glue ?

Watched Zverev and Thiem, very impressed. Felt the same as you re rivalry, Raahh.

Couple of bright young lads who look like they have a very promising future.

Its started to rain. Watching Serena V Mladenovic, she's a good player. Just hoping she can stay with Serena in the 2nd...

Makes me laugh the way John keeps going on about Djokovic V Bedene.

Sadly, I don't think its going to have the big billing attraction he is desperately trying to build up. More of a blink and you'll miss it affair, I think.

ALLEZ KRISTINA !

Chucking it down. Play suspended.