TENNIS THREAD - The clay season is in full swing, and it's onwards to Roland Garros!

[Raahh]

Shiny new thread.

Hopefully we will see some players return from injury in the next few weeks.

Munich/Istanbul in play this week amongst other tournaments.

Madrid week beginning the 7th (hopefully with Delpo playing)

Well done Sascha.

Looking good for Dom.

Commentators are saying nishikoris wrist problem has reoccurred.

lady I wondered- maybe he got some treatment at the end of the second set, which was why he was able to pick up a bit over the next two sets?

Zverev/Thiem will be a big match. I think I want Thiem to win it though.

I think that's pretty much what happened according to the commentators. I feel a bit sorry for nishikori, injuries are no fun for anyone.

Just seen on FB that Rafa got a very nice cake from the organisers- I think he's only had an 'on court' cake on days he's actually been playing, but he does usually get a cake.

I wonder if he actually eats any though?

I remember a very big cake being wheeled out one year- must be about 5 years or so ago now. It had balls on it.

He has worked hard to come back this year, Kei, so it must be awful if you know you can't do your best. It reminds me of Rafa in 2016- he played so well in the first two matches, and seemed to be getting back to his best- only to have to withdraw from the tournament. Also with his wrist.

Who'd be a tennis player, with all the injuries?!

Blimey- the Djok match is only in it's 3rd game. Deuce number 7!

Cecchinato has taken the fist set against Goffin, and it looks like Novak is in control now of that set (after spending half an hour on 3 games ).

I know Raahh how did those first few games take so long to play?

I hope that playing on 3 consecutive days isn’t having an effect on Goffin.

I’m sure someone will eat Rafa’s cake - I think it was the cake with tennis balls that I remember from a few years ago - Rafa seemed a bit embarrassed by the whole thing!

I’ve been watching tennis on the iPad in the garden - sometimes teenagers can be useful (when they get out of bed!)

It’s even better now that the sun is going in a bit and I can see the screen rather than a reflection of my face!

I've seen a video now on the RG website, and can report that Rafa ate some cake .

Verdasco not having a good day of it against Djok. Had a break, but promptly lost it.

All level in the Goffin match now.

Does look like Goffin's exploits over the last few days are catching up with him

Goffin making up for the fact Cecchinato kept him waiting earlier.

So pleased that Rafa’s cake didn’t go to waste!

Going back to the earlier matches another tough 5 setter for Zverev although I’m sure it will be giving him good experience of coming through long matches.

I think it’s quite unusual that he is second seed and this is the first time he’s been to the quarters in a grand slam.

Also hope that nishikori’s injury not too serious.

I hope Goffin can pull this back- with respect to Cecchinato, I don't think his luck will hold out against Novak.

Shame that the Verdasco/Djok match didn't continue the way it started.

And Cecchinato wins.

Wow!

He's so happy.

He's so happy.

Oops!

Jane Yes, he was happy

I have realised I might miss most of the Rafa match tomorrow (if it's a fairly straightforward one). I have to go out at about 12.30, and will be out until about 3. Which is very bad planning .

I don't mind missing it, if he wins it easily though . (I'm sure Marterer is a nice bloke.).

Somebody has to bring Sascha to Yorkshire next time he's in England

Somebody has to bring Sascha to Yorkshire next time he's in England

The app has gone a bit crazy.

I'm going to miss Zverev/Theim on Tuesday because I have to see eye specialist which I'm a bit scared about.

He can come and live at my house . I’ll make sure he gets up in time for his matches - I’ve had lots of practise!

Jane I hope your appointment isn't too stressful.

This week seems to have gone quite quickly- but not, at the same time . And I'm going to to end up confused, because the older two go back to school, and the youngest in primary , still has another week.

(And it's the older two I will still have to make sure are awake in the morning- as DD2 will already be up!)