TENNIS THREAD- Grass season is in full swing, stock up on strawberries and Pimms!

[Raahh]

at magi's request here is the first grass thread ( we will probably need more than one!).

Can't believe it time for Queen's again. Hope the weather holds out- bit gloomy in the north west.

( can't link to other thread as on my phone).

See you all later- the only thing I'm not looking forward to is the likelihood it will be Mr Castle in the commentary box.

*knows

And Kyle is through.

Well done Kyle - hope Murray will be ok for Wimbledon but he may decide not to put himself through it.

Yes he can be a bit hobbly anyway Raahh

I thought Andy was moving fairly well. Better than I expected. He did well and I think he’ll give Wimbledon a go.

Yes I thought he looked ok movement wise, although I've no idea really - I mean, he wasn't obviously limping or anything! I don't think that match means much in a way, just a step on the path I suppose?? I think he'll play Wimbledon though.

Btw. Has anyone seen the video Wimbledon has put up on Jana Novotna? I've been watching it and crying like a baby.

PS I really loved the Duchess of Kent: "I'm sure it will be third time lucky". You can tell she really cares about the players. They should get Kate to do the trophies this year - she's a genuine tennis fan I think.

I've just remembered this thread! I can't seem to navigate my way around Mumsnet these days.

Great day at The Boodles today, although was sad that Sasha didn't play Delpo as originally planned. My it was hot though. Could only stay in my seat for an hour at a time then we were forced, forced I tell you, to go and get some Pimms for hydration purposes 😀

I'm off to Wimbledon on Monday and Wednesday and I am praying that it's a little cooler.

Sad that Dan Evans didn't make it through Wimbledon Qualies. They made it really hard for him, having to play pre qualies. He's played 18 matches in June!
Last year they offered Sharapova a WC for qualies, even though she eventually withdrew injured. She had been taking a performance enhancing drug for years 🙄

I can't sit for an hour in the garden atm - let alone a hot tennis court.

Hope Wozniacki goes on to win Eastbourne. I really like her.

And a shout for Sam Smith - she is my favourite commentator. Do I get the impression she isn't keen on John Inverdale?

Sam Smith is ace magi. I like the radio 5 commentators best - Jill Craybas is on there and she is excellent, and they also often have Naomi Broady who's good as well. They tell it like it is. And there's hardly any dumb filler-type chat (beards, padded seats and the like) because they're always describing the actual match.

The Boodles sounds like fun. Apart from the heat!!

But beards are important Private

I like Sam Smith as well. Her voice makes me feel relaxed. But I did hear her chatting about cat versus dog people and her overflow bag the other day so she doesn't always stick to tennis either

magi I love Sam, and I definitely get the feeling she can't stand Inverdale. i was watching the Watson match they were both commentating on. it was on at the same time as Murray's match on Monday. When Murray's match ended, it was clear that John wanted to waffle about that. Sam basically shut him up, 'can we focus on this point first'

I don't know what happened at the end of my post there.

One hope you have a lovely time at Wimbledon.

Finally seen the Beeb's Wimbledon trailer. Nice to see Dustin Brown - love him - though he didn't qualify this year. May play doubles?

I like Dustin too- and don't worry Jane, I'm sure he will be mentioned several times in the roll call of 'players who have beaten Rafa'. Sue and her mates feel obliged to do this every year. .

Yes Dustin is one of the few players that I forgive for beating Rafa .

Thank you Jane, that is kind of you. I know how incredibly lucky I am. On one of the days I am taking my father in law, who has never been before and to say he is excited would be an understatement. 😀

The Boodles is fun, very relaxed. There is an annoying woman who chats to the players on court and asks the most inane questions, think she is the female equivalent of Inverdale. The seats are so close to the action and there is a little bit of fun with the players because it's only an exho.

Wimbledon draw tomorrow. I hope Andy Murray makes his decision before the draw is made, seems rude otherwise!

One I've read that he will make a decision before the draw, he got a lot of grief (not least from me ) for withdrawing from the US open after the draw was made- and that really left the two sides of the draw unbalanced

Shame that Kyle lost in Eastbourne, but he's had some good match practice.

I also like Sam a lot. Her voice is calming and relaxing. She talks a lot of sense. I also heard that part, Raahh, which made me smile. He was going on about some gossip that had happened a few years ago, can't remember what now.

Cant really believe Wimbledon is next week?! My OH and DD are going away on Weds to see his family & friends. I declined as it's just too bloody hot there. So I can slob out and watch as much tennis as I want 😬 And no "proper" cooking!

Dh is in London working from Tuesday- Thursday ish next week. It suits me, as the dc are much more laid back about what I throw in their direction feed them.

Sounds perfect Raahh and Bagel. No-one ever gets a proper meal round here when Wimbledon is on! I'm on countdown as well - we have got tickets for Friday 13th (unlucky for some!!)

Lucky you Bagel I wish everyone would stop eating. It's boiling. I decided a salad was just as much work as cooking so I made a really hot chicken curry!

One I always regret not trying to get to Wimbledon when I lived in London. I don't think I'd like the crowds nowadays though.

School finished today so I can doss about in peace for the next couple of weeks. Hurrah.

Ah dossing about in peace sounds fantastic.What shall I have for tea - I can't be bothered to make anything!

If this was any other thread I would be waiting for someone to come along and say why are you doing all the cooking?

Private if I didn't have other people to feed I'd probably just live on toast during Wimbledon.

Yes Jane the crowds are horrific now. I make a point of staying well away from Henman Hill, which I personally think has spoiled Wimbledon a little bit.

Raahh I remember all of the posts at the time of the US Open. As if 24 hours was going to make any difference to what we now know was a chronic hip problem requiring surgery. It's so discourteous to the organisers and the other players to faff about after the draw has been made. I do really like Andy, before anyone jumps on me 😀 But that US Open palaver was so disrespectful.

I think Kyrgios will be a danger if he gets his act together. The teenage behaviour is beyond boring now, I cannot stand his swearing, it was really bad at Queens with hundreds of kids in earshot!

I see Tim Henman has picked his 5 favourites for Wimbledon: Fed, Rafa, Murray, Djokovic and Kyle Edmund. I'm not sure if he actually means favourites for the title or just favourites to watch. I think Kyle could have a good run but I don't know about being a title contender yet. I think Zverev could be a bit of an unknown quantity myself. He'll probably have a decent draw as he's seeded 4th, which I find odd (that crazy formula again). I would definitely put Djokovic up there and Cilic.

One Delpo's slice backhand looked like it was only bouncing about 6ins off the ground yesterday - was it, or was that a trick of the TV? That could be a good "weapon"on the grass, as they say.