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.

I loathe Tim Henman & really hope he isn't commentating @ Wimbledon.

The Sapalanka/Pliskova match was done by Sam Smith & Leon Smith & I don't think there was a word that didn't relate to tennis.

Lol magi I'm not much of a fan either. Was it Raahh who said he was more of a bank manager than tennis player?!

Ooh I love Leon Smith. What a great commentary duo - v insightful. AC should take notes!!

Private Delpo was keeping it incredibly low and the spin was vicious.

What I notice more watching live rather than tv is how they all keep the ball incredibly low over the net, sometimes clearing it by MMs, shot after shot. It makes me gasp out loud because I'm convinced the ball is not going over.

The Delpo forehand is terrifying when he fully connects with it, and the sound! He is also so smiley and social with the crowd. One of my faves.

I'm a huge fan of Tim Henman. Much maligned for no other reason than being middle class. Had a beautiful old school game which unfortunately was not quite enough to compete with the service domination of his era. In an earlier era he could have been a multiple Grand Slam winner. Makes insightful observations in commentary and has a lovely dry sense of humour.

Andy often moves around the court with a shuffle/limp/awkwardness. This almost always gets more pronounced if he is losing. You can probably tell I don't have a lot of time for him and am delighted that Kyle beat him. I'm not too worried that he then lost to Kukushkin as that means he can have some rest before Wimbledon.

Disappointing for Dan.

Did anyone see Eugenie Bouchard's interview the other day? What on earth gets into her sometimes?

Private- yes, I've always thought Tim looked like he worked in a bank, and I think his more corporate role at Wimbledon suits him .

I suppose Tim feels obliged to big up the Brits, even if it's wishful thinking that Murray will even get through the first week. I don't think even he expects to.

Ooh Wawrinka v Dimitrov in the first round of Wimbledon - and Monfils v Gasquet!!

I wonder what form Dimitrov will be in. He hasn't been play great lately. I'd expect Gasquet to win against Monfils.

I like Tim at Wimbledon. I love his sense of humour and he always has good banter with Mac.

Poor Stan. I'm not sure how Grigor will be, he can be an unknown quantity, especially when things haven't been going his way. So, Stan could have a better chance than it looks on paper.

Paire came very, very close to beating Roger in Halle. So it could be a tough match for Murray, despite the fact he beat him at Wimbledon last year.

Can never say it's a foregone conclusion for Rafa, whatever his draw (he always makes me nervous).

Monfils/Gasquet will depend, as ever , on which Gael turns up [grin ]

Jay Clarke I'd playing Ernests Gulbis. I haven't seen Clarke play as far as I remember. I hope they show that one.

*is

Is it wrong of me to want Serena to get beaten in the first round? It just annoys me that it's all about her no matter how well the other women are playing.

Jane it's Wimbledon- therefore it will be all about Roger (and Andy, until he loses), and Serena.

I will be pissed off mainly if she ends up playing only on the show courts, at the expense of higher ranked women. She's been seeded- no more preferential treatment. and yes, I want her to lose too, but not before I've seen what she's wearing

I just hope it's not a white catsuit.

Apparently it's not.i had a bit of a read. Wimbledon being very anal about their rules and all, Serena had to submit her outfit for approval to them even before the French Open.

Can you imagine what they thought when they then saw her in the black cat suit at RG?
other than 'dodged a bullet'.

Sam is throwing shade at Inverdale again.

Thank goodness for the Wimbledon clothing rules.

Lol at the image of the wimbledon catsuit (dis)approval committee - shaking their heads and tutting over the offerings!

I'm sure Serena will be on centre for her first match - when you look at the schedule, I can just see her being put there over the others.

I'm beyond excited now for Wimbledon. V v interesting what you said about Paire Raahh - he's a good grass courter isn't he - I guess all the French guys are really - but idk if I can see him gutsing it out on Centre Court against Murray. Who knows though. Exciting!!!

PS One thanks for sharing your lovely description of Delpo! Fab. Yes I know what you mean about seeing the power/accuracy close up - it's pretty mesmerising!!

Daddy Wozniacki sounds a bit cross today.

OH does cook bit it's mainly steaks and roasts, not v useful in this weather and my DD has decided to go veggie in the last 3 months so that's a bloody brain ache. I have some good recipes but it needs more thinking about. Thank god for Sainsbury's Indian style lentil burgers.

Re. commentators, it's just so silly that they feel the need to big up Murray etc quite so much, especially when he's patently not match fit yet. Don't they realise that many fans are fans of the game and will enjoy Lopez/Gasqet, Kerber/Wozniaki just as much (or more) than Murray/whoever. We admire the talent & skill, never mind who the player is.

Hear hear Bagel! (Also the veggie burgers sound good!) There are so many talented players, men and women - they deserve more airtime! (But they won't get it.)

What was up with papa Wozniaki Jane? Btw I saw that Caro made a v good point - she felt Azarenka should have been seeded too. She got to the fourth round last year (losing to Simona) and she's a double Slam champ etc. It should be a more transparent system, like they use for the men. It's annoying.

I haven't a clue what he was on about Private. We need a Danish translator. The only word I could make out was dobre which could mean good, maybe. I don't like the coaches coming on for a chat.

Oh they speak Polish!

I do like Wozniacki but I do find it odd that, at 27, she still relies on her Dad.

Am looking forward to the final tomorrow. I really like Sabalenka but wish she would tone down the shrieks. My mate, who saw Sabalenka the other day, says she is nor nearly as loud as Shrapova!

Bagel Get some packets of ready cooked Puy Lentils - they are by Merchant Gourmet. I dress them with oil & some herbs & spices & chop up lots of cue & toms into them & add crumbled feta. Served with a pita bread they are a great (& easy) meal.

Another use for them: Pack of lentils, breadcrumbs fried with lots of garlic & thyme, 2/3 hardboiled egss, chopped. Mix two thirds of breadcrumbs with lentils. Put hald that mix in a flattis dish, then harboiled egss, then rest of lentils then top with rest of crumbs. Bake for about 20 mins at about 180C> Lovely with a tomato salad.

Both great for Wimbledon as quick & easy. DH knows he has to cook or have sarnies for 2 weeks!

half flattish

Sabalenka is so loud.