TENNIS THREAD- and it's the US OPEN already! where is 2017 going??

[Raahh]

New thread ,as we are very close to the end of the other.

I'm in denial that it is nearly September.

I am looking forward to Flushing Meadows. I feels like ages ages since I was able to 'watch' any tennis.

I've just seen that. I'm really but so many of his fans before the tournament were saying he shouldn't even be going. But it's just like last year's Olympics, with his wrist injury. After missing London, he wanted to compete.That probably wasn't the best idea either. And going to the US open after it was definitely what ended his 2016 season.

It's not worth risking his career over, even if it's the only big title he doesn't have.

Annoyingly, it proves Rusedski right.

And makes things that bit easier for Roger.

I'm hoping Zverev has a good tournament now. Or Dimitrov.

Yes I don’t think he should have played either and I really hope it hasn’t made his injury worse - you’re right Raahh it’s just not worth it. I also worry about his poor knees long term

And Greg Rusedski was proved right - boo!

Hoping one of the newbies wins now - still got a soft spot for Thiem but could be anybody’s tournament really.

I like Dom too.

Ironically, last year Goffin played in London as the alternate, when Rafa withdrew having qualified quite early on (despite his withdrawal in RG/not playing Wimbledon etc). His year had started quite well before the wrist injury.

I'm quite now. RL is a bit pants at the moment, so I was looking forward to the tennis as a bit of escape. Since most of the commentators are always looking to stick the boot in where Rafa is concerned, I'm gutted that they will probably be delighted that their sainted Roger is now in pole position .

Sorry to hear that Raahh. I usually lose interest in a tournament a bit when Rafa’s no longer in it - they seem to lose their sparkle somehow.

I’ve never really understood why so many of the commentators seem to have got it in for Rafa - he’s a great player, usually gives it all he’s got (and more) and seems like a really nice bloke. And then they fawn over players like Kyrios.

Just hope there’s some good tennis in the rest of the tournament and it doesn’t end as a damp squib.

I think Busta-Agut is Rafa’s replacement so another new face.

Sorry it’s Carreno Busta - getting my players mixed up!

Yes, Carrena Busta was the last man standing- before Sock snuck in.

I'm even more gutted that Delpo isn't there now . That would have cheered me up a bit!

That's my fear, that it will be a complete Roger fest now. And much as it's great that's he's come back this year year, and done what he has, I don't want it to be all his way. Zverev has beaten him already this year, so I'm hoping he will not be intimidated and it will be competitive.

I think Dimitrov might come out on top in Rafa's group now. Maybe it's his time.

Come on Marin! I need to salvage something from today. I like Sock, but I think Cilic deserves a win.

Poor Marin.

Yes poor Cilic - he’s looking a bit fragile. Jack Sock just looks so American (not that that’s a bad thing!) - his Dad looked a bit like a thinner Donald Trump (with more sensible hair)

Yy- sock- and Isner- are both very 'All American ' looking

I am following the scores in the Roger /Sascha match, and am hoping Zverev puts the willies up Roger .

Seems close so far.

Of course, I can't watch

Well, Dimitrov is definitely the one with the upper hand against Goffin.

I've had to come out, and ha just seen the score. Why couldn't David have played like this against Rafa? ( thought Grigor was playing well What I saw if him).

I still think Rafa would have pulled put though, win or lose.

I am really hoping Grigor can win the tournament now. I think this year he has really shown

Don't leave us in suspense Raahh

Sorry

I had to go to a meeting at school.

And now I don't know what I was waffling about

Had a great time at the O2 last night watching Roger beat Sacha. Very close and competitive but Roger not happy with himself in the first two sets.
There is nothing in tennis like the roar at the O2 when Roger is introduced. It is spine tingling and last night was louder than ever. Not to say Sacha didn't have his supporters, just as Rafa does, but there is no one like Federer, the most loved tennis player over the last 15 Years.

I do think it is a pity that the ATP presented most of their year end awards at the Player Party rather than on court. Roger won three, including Fans Favourite which really does deserve to be presented in front of the people who voted for it.

Not sure if changes are due to Nitto now being sponsor, but no fan access to Practice Courts this year and much diminished Fan Zone and fan experience.

Back to the O2 tomorrow afternoon for the dead rubber v Cilic who is already out. Dimitrov was sensational today and he may end up in a semi final v Zverev if Sacha beats Sock tomorrow evening.

I really want to love this year end tournament, and the atmosphere once inside the arena is fantastic, but boy the O2 is hard work. Queues for everything, especially the ladies loos!

Only the seats in the top level are vertigo inducing. I always choose the lower tier and the views are great.

I'm glad you've enjoyed it so far one , it's frustrating when places make things awkward for fans though.

Sounds like a great day one. I must have been in the top level as I found the O2 very vertigo inducing when I went. I couldn’t look at the court for about the first half hour! The atmosphere was good though.

I’ve been at work and busy for the last few days so not really been watching apart from Cilic/sock yesterday.

Will hopefully try and catch up a bit tonight. I think Roger is through to semis but not sure about anyone else.

Also what is Nitto? Is it a bit like Netto? (Can’t imagine it is really!)

Thiem v Carreno Busta (dean gaffney!) tonight. Feel a bit sorry for him being called the alternate (Rafa’s replacement)

I had to Google Nitto! Apparently it is a Japanese diversified materials manufacturer..... 🤔 None the wiser!

Ref Rafa's hair. Isn't it common knowledge he has had a hair transplant or some such procedure? Certainly the bald patch on top has been much improved upon.

Nitto does sound Japanese thanks one.

Maybe my DS was right about Rafa having a hair transplant then (not a particularly good one though). Is it really common knowledge?