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.

Murray has now withdrawn from the Aussie open. I think he's wanting to avoid surgery, but it doesn't look good.

(I'm not 100% convinced Rafa will or should play either- though obviously I want him to.).

all the injuries this past year have got to be concerning for the tournaments though. They rely on big names as much as real tennis fans who will turn up to watch anyone.

Well, Serena has now withdrawn from Melbourne- though it's only a few months since she gave birth, so not a great shock. I'd have been more surprised if she had played really. I think she's too competitive to play if she isn't 100% sure she can actually win.

Yet another migraine ended up ruining my weekend(and yesterday) and sadly Kyrgios won in Brisbane.

But Del Potro will hopefully do ok in Auckland. (But he's up against Shapovalov, might be tricky ).

Murray has had hip surgery- in Australia. I would have thought he would want to go home to have it done, and recuperate there (I can't imagine it's the type of thing that heals in a week). The weather is better in Melbourne, than Surrey , though I guess. . He's hoping to be back playing in time for the grass season.

I thought it was nice that he said in the interview he wants to at least be able to play until Sophia is old enough to watch him, and understand what he did for a living. .

Have just got around to looking at the draw for next week. For once, Rafa hasn't been handed a rubbish one (though I'm still worried about his knee, and not that sure he will make it past the early rounds, much as I want him to win).

Roger, though, has been handed a pretty tricky draw. And could face Del po again, who beat him at the US Open. As well as Djok, Zverev or Stan. All before potentially meeting Rafa again.
Juan has Tiafoe in the first round, who has had a really good year, and could be difficult,. plus, it was Tiafoe who came close to beating Roger in the first round of the US open. Nice to see Del Po back up in the top 10 though, it's been a long time.

At least it's a more balanced draw, this time, with Rafa and Roger seeded 1 and 2. Theoretically , Stan and Novak are back (though Stan is looking shaky still, and pulled out of the event the other day). Even though a most of the players who were missing from the US Open are back, I'm not convinced they are all fully fit.

Will be interesting to see if one of the younger players will break through (Zverev falters in the slams though), or if Dimitrov can keep the momentum going.

I still can't get my head around the fact it is nearly a year since the Aussie Final. It really does feel like yesterday.

Del po and Ferrer in the semi final in Auckland. Nice to see David playing well, maybe it's his turn for a big come back.

Shame that Juan lost to Bautista Agut in the final, but still a good start to the year.

I'm looking forward to next week.

even if i end up talking to myself for a fortnight

And it's started!

Venus is out, and solid start for Dimitrov. Just need to get rid of pesky kids and I might be able to watch some!

(And I had forgotten how bad the Australian open phone app was!)

Good result for Kyle against Anderson.

Yay Kyle he is my new favourite.
I got all excited seeing that Dimitrov had beat Novak! disappointed it was Dennis Novak and not Nole.

Hugo

I wonder how many other people would make the same mistake?
Home from dropping the girls off at school just in time to watch Rafa. resplendant in pink. And sleeveless.So that's me not moving or a bit. ( sorry dog!)

sock is out, Sloane Stephens is out. Isner.

Horrible morning for the Americans ( who were beginning to think they were improving a bit, on the whole).

I suspect the bbc writers couldn't resist.

Good start for Rafa.

I'm not fussed about a long exciting match here

Rafa just told his opponent to challenge a call. And he was right to.

I've never liked this umpire.

I'm going tomorrow! I have ground pass this year so will be wandering around the outside courts. Will post a photo.
We Australians are excited about a lovely 18 year old, Alex De Minaur, who was runner up at Sydney last week. He is humble and charming and has good manners!! And plays well too.

Saffron have a great time! i hope you get to see some matches.

I have heard good things about Alex. There are some good Aussies in the ranks. It isn't stopping them wittering on about Kyrgios though (Wilander is obsessed today ). I'm used to Murray being shoe-horned into the conversation by British commentators, even when he isn't playing, but the length of time Matts has spent talking about Nick during the Nadal match is frankly annoying .

Well, this looks like being wrapped up in less than an an hour and a half. Which is not a bad way to get going.

I'm hoping Del Po gets off to a good start in his first match tomorrow. But Tiafoe will feel a bit of pressure with all the other Americans falling at the first hurdle.

And Ferrer sadly lost today. His brief resurgence has been short lived.

I can't remember the last time I 'saw' him play!

Aww, nice hug at the end.

Ooh, Jo-Willy up next. i really need to move though.

You get so close on the outside courts. Here is Albert Ramos Vinola

Looks awesome @Saffronwblue - hope you have a great time

Florian Mayer