ALLEZ! ROLAND GARROS tennis thread (cont) as we head to the second week.[title edited by MNHQ at OP's request]

[Raahh]

I can't link , as I'm on my phone. And I now have to do BBQ things because dh has remembered he has a broken thumb

Aller! Richard!

Seeing those pics like that its a bit shocking, carabos and DarkBlueEyes.

Maybe its because she's lost the 'bulk'/muscle from playing ?

I'm trying hard not to be rude...

I like her as a commentator. Hope it wasn't anything to do with John Inverdale. I like hearing women commentate on matches. Love Virginia where has she gone? Also enjoyed Chris evert today.

Dark

Oh blimey, I hope not.

What channel do you watch on ? Never heard Chris do any commentating on ITV4 ?

Virginia tends to do Eastbourne and Wimbledon for the Bbc, iirc.

I didn't see a single ball being hit today, as we were out all day, but looking forward to an action packed afternoon. It's a shame it's not either Andy or Stan versus Djokovic in the semi final, as I would be happy to see either of those and Thiem in the final. It's looking like Serena vs Garbine for the women's final, but I'd love to see Sam Stosur go through. What's the forecast?

Creme

According to bbc weather, tomorrow in Paris is thick cloud, so probably like today. Few spit spots and Novak and Serena will be running for cover.

I saw on the news earlier that a national disaster has been declared in Paris due to the rain and flooding, apparently The Louvre is under water.

I did wonder if the bad weather has accounted for the lack of spectators ? There was a match on SL today with hardly anyone watching, John said it was because no matches were due to be played, so no tickets had been sold. The people that were there had ground tickets, and so had been able to watch.

You'd think after all the fuss of losing a day they would want spectators, but perhaps people can't get there ? I think I read something as well about the Metro being flooded in places too.

OMG, MrsV! The Louvre under water? I didn't realise the rain was that bad! It sounds as bad as the rain in Cumbria and North Yorkshire in December and January. As if the Paris ins haven't had enough to deal with in the past few months.

• Parisians.

Mrs V she says she finally feels in control of her body, whatever that means. According to reports, she's lost 15kg, around 2 1/2 stone, but it looks like more than that to me. I like her, enjoy her "insider" commentary, but the Serena- love is a bit much at times. I wonder if she's lonely.

I know, Creme. I think the storms have been very bad but I've only been paying attention (till now) to the tennis. [ashamed emoticon]

carabos

I'm not going to pretend I know what it means either. Perhaps not having to keep/put weight on for playing ? Eating lots of carbs etc ? Don't know.

I hope she's not lonely.

Trouble is, you can be around people all day, but I guess going to a hotel room or home on your own is lonely. It seems they all mix well together, players, commentators at tournaments etc, but I suppose lots of it may be a quick meal, a quick hello, so no-one actually there for you ?

I'm worried about her now.

I read an interview with her somewhere in which she said that she watches her Wimbledon win every day . I hope she's stopped doing that now she's busy with her media work. The combination of the weight loss regime and the fawning over Serena is rather concerning. She needs a pal.

Oh my goodness.

Lack of spectators was due to the fact that there were no matches scheduled for Lenglen yesterday so no tickets sold.

If you were in Paris today you could get on to Lenglen for 10 euros!!!

Marion does come over as a bit nervy/agitated/hyper (trying to find the right word..) at times.

I wonder how the weather is now and whether we'll get to see any tennis today.

Does anyone know who the foreign female tennis player commentator on Europsort is?

I like her, she has good knowledge and makes good points but I can't figure out who she is, though I feel I should.

Marion was coached by her strange father, who was a doctor, and seemed very controlling. I don't think he allowed her to mix much with the other players. I think that explains why she is the way she is. Thankfully, she eventually broke free of him.

Claig, I haven't got Eurosport any more, but it might be Barbara Schett, an Austrian former player. I know she used to do a lot of the interviews on Eurosport a few years ago.

Thanks, Creme. I think she sounds younger than Barbara.

She is very good because she is keen and sounds enthused (as Barbara also does) which makes a change from some of the commentators who make it sound like a bit of a chore.

cremeEgg so many strange fathers about in the tennis circus. Have you seen that latest one who reckons he's going to make his two DDs into the next Williams sisters? He's been all over the news the last week or so. It's just greed IMO.

On another note, I've got to go to a meeting this afternoon so likely to miss Andy v Stan. . Bloody bloody clients.

So Serena is unwell again

I know, Carabos. I am sad to see it still going on, as the strange dad's was at its peak in the eighties and nineties. I think Mary Pierce's dad was the worst of all. I hope your meeting goes quickly!

Claig, it might say who she is on the Eurosport website. Enthusiastic commentators about the sport (not just particular players! ) make a big difference to the experience of watching tennis on tv.

Eek! Dads not dad's!

C'mon Kiki! Serena's imaginary adductor strain might be a deciding factor. Or certainly if Kiki wins, it will be by the time Serena gets to the press conference .

After noon all. Have had stuff to do.

Gabi had the first set, I really can't face the Serena match, although at least on euros pity it isn't a Samarion love fest.

Come on Kiki!!

Carabos I read the article about the Aussie (?) Bloke with the daughters. Very worrying. I mean , there have to be youngsters ready to take over, but you don't need to go to the extremes some parents do. The kids say they love it, but it makes you wonder.

And mad dads exist with the men as well. Bernard Tomic's dad, for example.

Damn. I think I'll go back to watching Gabi.