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.

Jane that's so awful for Jay Clarke. I remember Sloane Stephens re-tweeting some terrible comments she'd received after she lost. I don't know how players can be on social media and put up with that stuff (although obviously they should be able to use it without fear of that). It's awful.

I like seeing the Brits. It's nice to see how they're coming along and it's the only opportunity to see some of them as they don't make the draws of other tournaments.
Sad to see Goffin and Petra out though I did think Petra had a tough opening round opponent.
Now, shall I watch Simona or Katie Boulter?

Yep that was tough for Petra ferrier. Some good players have gone out today. Grass is a funny old surface!

Raahh just bloody wittering on about how funny it would be if a line judge got hit with a ball 😦 just irrelevant assholery. Going on about how most tennis fans wouldn't know Thiem!! Really. How about the many fans who, like us, watch (at least) all 4 majors and so see him on a regular basis, as we aren't blinded by the glorious aura of the GB players and can actually appreciate other players. Grrrr. And I'm annoyed cos I was out earlier and missed the DelPo match. Will definitely make sure to watch on Thursday.

Also annoyed by an FB post on a local group about a dog in a car with no windows open, left for about 30 mins. Apparently owner said, I just popped to the bank for 10 mins. NO!

In Halep Bingo, I will wait and see how many times they mention she doesn't have to worry about having won a slam now. .

She's doing well. I like Simona.

The Sock match feels like it has been going on for ages, and it's 2 sets to 0.

Djok is playing now. I'd forgotten about him, almost.

Love the phrase “irrelevant assholery” Bagel - just about sums them up.

Poor Thiem - what an idiot saying that no one would know who he was. Some people are proper fans that follow it throughout the year not just for 2 weeks at Wimbledon - grrr

Also poor jay Clarke and any other players who are racially abused - just awful.

Bagel he's an absolute idiot- especially given the fact a line judge once died after being hit by a ball.

(And it was sadly and accidental freak shot by Edberg as a junior that caused it).

And why wouldn't people watching know Thiem? Or is he another one who thinks Wimbledon is the only tournament, and Roger/Serena the only players people want to see?

I did notice a lot of dumbing down at Queen's actually- a lot discussions as though they were commentating to people who had never watched a match before. It was quite odd, really. I've never noticed it before.

x post Fizzy

I'm sure the commentators never used to be this bad, and treat the viewers with such contempt.

Anyone who doesnt know Thiem can hardly call themselves a tennis fan

I think AC has always been one for dumbing down. Eg I really remember when Rafa played Dustin Brown a couple of years ago, and AC was talking as though Brown had just rocked up from the local park to Centre Court. It's so patronising towards the players and the viewers - even if people don't watch tennis all year round, they may still know that Thiem was a very recent French Open finalist, for example. It drives me nuts. I mostly mute the TV commentary these days. I wish they could sync TV and radio (radio is always a bit ahead) so that I could watch with radio commentary! Argh!!

Private oh yes, just turned up , in his camper van. Hadn't been on the tour for years, oh no.

I usually like listening to the radio commentary on 5 live- (when I'm in the car) but yesterday/today it's been taken over by football.

I think it is a general dumbing down - the commentators think they have to provide extra “entertainment” as if the tennis isn’t entertaining enough in itself.

Most tennis fans are happy to watch some good tennis with knowledgable and considered commentary and don’t need all the “irrelevant assholery”.

Phew, glad it's not just me 😬 was soothed my Sam Smith afterwards, although I've switched to see the last set of the Boulter match, as I don't think there's any chance of Halep losing.

Assholery is from the excellent Wynonna Earp on Netflix, although I think it's from S2 which isn't there yet. Not sure this link will work.

media1.tenor.com/images/6268d74ebd455543811d3812adbcaf01/tenor.gif?itemid=9739110

Agree with everyone above about AC commentary. He is so patronising, it's like he wants to show he is in with the in crowd and tv viewers couldn't possibly know as much as he does about players and the tour.

He is also the archetypal mansplainer. Sue has had to put him in his place more than once.

Sad for Kvitova, the best killed her I think. Given I couldn't bear sitting in it I can't imagine how they play in it. I think No 1 is so unforgiving, no shade at all.

That should be "heat" not "best"

Apologies, bloody autocorrect!

the archetypal mansplainer love it, One!

Magi

Mirka always steps it up for Wimbledon, a change from the usual scraped back pony tail look! She is super pretty with a gorgeous smile.

Speaking of mansplaining I remember an Australian Open match where Liz Smiley was the analyst, and her male co- commentator (ie journalist/TV presenter) started explaining the ins and outs of some technical issue with someone's serve, talking over Liz and "correcting" her!! I was Liz remained very calm!!

Shapovalov 1 set up against Chardy, I see.

Djok easing through against Sandgren. I'm actually quite glad to see that- bit of an odd character to say the least, Tennys.

Djok stripping is not really what I turned over for .

I don't want to the the arm thing either, so I will make sure I don't see the end of this match.

*see

Bench beat Garcia which I'm pleased about on both counts.
Foggy also did a shirt change - end of set 3 I think

*Bencic not Bench

Our Hev up next against Kirsten Flipkens. Should be a nice match even if she loses.

I have had to let people watch football.

At least I have been able to watch most of the things I wanted to today. Which was nice.

Just seen it's 1 apiece now in the Shappy/Chardy match. The Sock match is still going!