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?

Fed has a good chance at another Wimbledon and US Open, if he stays healthy this year.

I wouldn't write Djokovic off yet. He's not even 30.

I think Roger could do 20, get Wimbledon and the US. And Rafa can get his 10th RG . Nice round figures, Rafa with 15 and Roger with 20

Murray will keep the number 1, purely because he has a cushion, and Djok has over 5000 points to defend in the next 6 months. And his heart isn't in it. Becker certainly doesn't think so.

I want to write Djok off, just because the media were so quick to do it to Rafa. It's pay back.

But I know that really it's very premature. I do think he is suffering some sort of crisis though.

It was just lovely to see the respect those two have for each other.

I would have loved Rafa to win but it's just great to see him back on form. Well done Roger.

Davis cup next week. No Murray, and no Raonic for Canada either.

Dan Evans is playing so well though, and Kyle, that for once, I think they are actually a 'team' and won't miss Murray.

I'm looking forward to Del Potro coming back soon too.

Del Potro had a lovely twitter message of congratulations for both Fed and Rafa, bless him.

I'd love to see the back of Djokovic, but this isn't the last we've heard of him, although I would never have expected him to lose the plot the way he has. I wonder if we'll ever find out why?

Creme I doubt we will find out why. I think Becker knows. I think that's why he is no longer in the Djok camp. He was quite critical after his loss to Istomin, suggesting Djok wasn't trying hard enough. At the time, I thought Boris was being a bit harsh. I mean, it wasn't like Novak hadn't won a few things since they had been a partnership .

He might put it in a book one day. I don't know; I'd be inclined to agree with Boris, as one of my reasons for disliking Djokovic is all the times he didn't try hard enough and retired when he was younger. I felt it showed a lack of respect for the game and it's history and honour. How many people have dreamed of playing in a top tournament, and along comes Djokovic retiring from hugely important matches, such as the semis of Wimbledon and the quarters in Australia (this is going back to 2007 and 2009). It just used to make me fume!

I find Djok and Murray very similar in that respect. In the early days, Murray's attitude when he was losing was horrendous He still has his moments. the difference was Djok became successful sooner. It took Andy way too long to mature, and for that reason I never took to him . He could be the best player on the planet, but his attitude pissed me off.

So, in conclusion, the last week has been lovely, with neither of them in it.

I've just realised we are going to need a new thread soon.

You've got a good point there, Raah. I suppose the difference was Djokovic "retiring" in high profile matches, while at the same age, Andy was behaving like a spoiled brat and "cramping" in 2nd and 3rd round matches. A friend of mine is similar to you about Andy, and always calls him "the baby"! I far prefer him to Djokovic, but I like the way Lendl won't put up with his petulance and sulks.

Creme- I wonder how long Lendl will stick around if this blip of Andy's turns out to be more than a blip. Probably is just a blip though. He probably just needs some time out. Has worked for Roger .

I was flabbergasted Lendl came back to Murray last year, actually. The arrangement must all be on Lendl's terms. Any nonsense and he'll be off, and Andy needs Lendl a lot more than Lendl needs him.

Creme definitely. He doesn't need to do it. I can't see it being long term.

What a great tournament it has been. I'm thrilled that with my day 2 tickets I saw Serena and rafa, 2 of the finalists. Thought both men were outstanding last night in their graciousness as well as their tennis.

Lucky you, Saffron.

saffron- you definitely got to see some great stuff.

I've watched some good matches, this fortnight, from the comfort of my sofa. From lots of players, actually. It's been fantastic.

The Rafa/Grigor semi was fabulous. Bloody nerve wracking though.

Wasn't it a fantastic match ?! I had to listen via R5 live, at least it wasn't bloomin Castle...but watching bbc highlights later even he only had good things to say.

I spent the match feeling very lucky to have seen the 2 greatest players of all time playing with such respect and sportsmanship. Yeah, yeah, I know, pass the sick bucket....

Such lovely comments to each other afterwards too.

Did wonder if Roger was implying he might to be around this time next year, although I would guess he has had to concede that yes, he is human and cant go on forever..much as the mind is willing, the body may not be ?

I just thoroughly enjoy watching when he and Rafa play now. This was an unexpected but fabulous bonus !

It will be a sad day when they retire.

Would love to see Rafa get RG10...cant see The Djoker getting another one to be honest, I wouldn't worry about that Raahh.

I think I detest Djokovic as much - if not more - than Creme and agree with things said upthread.

Anyway, even if I don't post I do lurk and read, so don't be strangers you lovely lot.

Cant help it, it has to be done...

VAMOS RAFA !

RG#10 HERE WE COME !

What a great match today, and while I'm disappointed for Rafa I'm delighted for Roger. Great speeches from both at the end.

See you all soon!

VAMOS indeed.

Wouldn't RG10 be great?

I must admit, I was just happy to see Rafa get safely through each match at first, especially after last year! The draw was not a kind one. To either of them. They were the 17 and 9th seeds

Don't be a stranger MrsV, there will be a new thread soon, so don't get lost!

I only got to see the last set but ... Wow! Great set and lovely speeches from both of them.

Aw MrsV. Lovely to see you again. Are you me?? I had to listen to it on R5 live and watch the highlights later too and wondered if Fed was hinting at retirement too!

RG10 would be fantastic !

I don't mean to be a stranger, its just very hard to get here these days. I'll keep an eye out and mark my place on the new thread.

Hearing Rafa played so well was brilliant these past couple of weeks.

I shall cross everything that he stays fit, well, injury free and keeps enjoying playing. If I could will him to win RG10 I would !

We're all tennis sisters, Creme

You're all my Lovelies !