TENNIS THREAD!- From the Road to Rio, to Flushing Meadows...

[Raahh]

before my phone decides to give up altogether, here's a new thread to get us on our way.

Andy Murray still in the Olympic Singles, as is Rafa,

Jo Konta through for the women.

Lots of missing names from the top players- but we are edging towards the US open- without Federer- and who knows, maybe even without Djokovic.

Could we be heading for all change at the top?

Milos is now looking a lot more comfortable.

Rafa is looking pretty solid too. But it's very early day's. His serve is looking so much better at the moment tries not to jinx it .

Morning Raahh. I'm at work so can't watch, but will be keeping an eye on your commentary on Rafa's match this morning

They have just shown the draw as it stands now - I wish I could have predicted any of it and put a bet on. Mischa Zverev versus Federer might have made me some money .

Drama

I will try not to get too stressed.

The dog has been entertaining himself by barking at bin men. He knows that a walk is not happening any time soon (He did go out at 6am - bloody cold it was too!).

It was also cold.

And foggy.

Grey dogs and fog don't mix.

I digress....
This set is going very well Rafa has a break and it's 5-2

I like Monfils, I do.

But- he cheats. He employs little tactics, feigns injuries, (Mac is discussing them now) and is really just getting into the head of the opponent. He starts to throw points and 'tanks' when it suits to conserve energy. I don't like it. and then he has the nerve to complain to the umpire over tiny little things when it suits. it's all mind games.

Vamos Rafa. He doesn't seem to be letting him get to him. Not at the moment, any way.

Monfils played his silly games and broke Rafa's serve- and Rafa played a blinder to break straight back

Vamos.

Monfils is in danger of losing the support of the crowd by messing about.

Arghh! Monfils has a break. I need Rafa to break back and take then go on to take set. And win the match.

'Doctors' starts again at 1.45pm - and I need to walk the dog before school pick up!!

Right, get on with it now...

Arghh!!

Vamos Rafa!

i hate Mondays. Raahh dog is now barking at the recycling truck.

I knew this would go to 5 sets .

I did not want it to go to 5 sets

VAMOS RAFA!

from RaahhDog.

Whoop!

it was a bit shaky, in parts, but also amazing parts. Some of his shots were definitely getting back to their best.

Monfils had opportunities there, though.

next match- I'm torn, but still team Rafa (sorry Milos ).

Xisca has a lovely smile.

Does anyone remember last year, when as ball girl was hurt, and Jo-willy helped her off court? Well, she wrote him a letter -

bbc link here

it's very sweet.

it doesn't look like the Federer match is going to go the distance. the dog will be pleased.

It was funny how the Rafa match ended. It really did feel like it was going to a fifth, at 4-2 to Monfils in the 4th. Then, in what felt like 10 minutes, it was all over in Rafa's favour. Was quite odd. Like I'd missed something .

Fed now laying Stan- all Swiss affair. He could end up with 4 grand slams titles at the end of the tournament even.

playing Stan! Laying Stan would be a different thing entirely .

Hate that Milos & Rafa are playing each other! They are my 2 favourites.

Will have to be supporting the Canadian of course...

Hearts I know, it's rubbish. I'm Team Rafa, because it's been so long since he's been in this position, and he is playing well. This will be a massive match though.

But, I really like Milos ( who beat him the other week in Brisbane), so if he's going to lose to anyone at this stage, then I'm glad it's him .

Go! Jo!

You can beat Serena!

Go Jo! indeed. Blow Serena's silly sleeves off.

I just wrote a long post and lost it.

My mind is blown by the fact Carlos Moya is playing in the legends doubles with Mark Philipoussis over night. They are both only 40! . And it's weirder still, when you think that it was Mark that Roger beat to win his first Wimbledon title- and here Roger is, still in contention. At the whopping age of 35.

it's a match I'd love to see though- they are against Todd Woodbridge, who i loved as a doubles player, and Mansour Bahrami, who is brilliantly funny to watch.

I need Goffin/Dimitrov to play a lengthy match, so that Rafa/Milos can start their match around 8.30am (u.k time). I hope that can be arranged

I'm Team Rafa, I have to admit I'm not a Raonic fan

I think Jo could do well against Serena. I don't think they've played each other before?? Anyway, Jo seems to be made of steely stuff and I don't think she'll let Serena intimidate her. Good luck to her.