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 think that Andy said after the match that he might play Eastbourne... and he might not play Wimbledon. I think that's pretty reasonable. When you look at Delpo for eg, his comeback has involved him skipping Slams and other big tournaments to protect his wrist and make sure he doesn't do too much. Tbh I'd just assumed Andy would play Wimbledon, but as you say magi, 5 sets has got to be pretty demanding for someone who hasn't played competitively in almost a year and it does make sense not to throw himself back into all that straight away. I don't know. I'll take what I can get at the mo. It was good to see him out there.

Out of interest 84 did you not want Murray to win because you don't like him or because you like Kyrgios?! Or because of media going on and on about Murray? Just interested to know.

@PrivateParkin. Because I would rather watch Kyrgios play again rather than Murray. I have a soft spot for a bad boy!!

I like Kyrgios too 84. He adds a bit of interest, that's for sure!!

just getting chance to watch.

In the absence of Murray, his fans can now support Mayer here- they share the exact same birth date.

I do like Tiafoe though.

Good win for Tiafoe- I'm looking forward to seeing Stan. Wonder how his hair is today?

I've been watching a bit of Halle. Nishikori is struggling against Khachanov.

Afternoon Jane - I have been following the scores in Halle- I think I can only watch it in the evening.

I won't really be sorry if Kei loses, but I really want there to be someone who can give Federer a run for his money. Zverev was the obvious choice- but he's out now. Thiem is in his half, but he's really not a grass player- but he might have more confidence, coming out of RG.

If it gets as far as the final, I have high hopes for Coric, who keeps coming close to beating him. But not quite.

Stan is looking good today.

Quite smart. For Stan Very white socks.

Andrew Castle is obsessed with beards! He has just commented on the 'growth' on the face of Sam Querrey's coach .

Blimey! Some of Querrey's serves could kill pigeons.

I'm switching back and over. Heard him on about the coach, wondering if he looked as old as him

Tsitsipas is up next in Halle. He's not used to the grass. Some great young players around now.

I do like what I've seen of Tsitsipas- of course, he came up against Rafa in the Barcelona final, but I think he played well that week. Don't know how he will do on grass.

I think Andrew Castle is getting old, and a bit barmy. He's just rambling .

I know what he meant about seeing someone else looking old and then realising one looks just as old though. I remarked on it the other day when I saw Robbie Williams at the World Cup and I have five years on him

I think I've caught the Castleitis now too...help

I always forget how much the school run disturbs my tennis watching at this time of year (another reason I like RG, it coincides with the holidays).

AC has moved on from talking about how many matches Murray has played in the past year, to telling us how many Stan has played.

ooh, Stan has changed his shirt. He's all in white now.

Poor Stan, not going well for him and his return from injury either, really.

Let the kids crawl home, Raahh!! first.

I remember when DS & DIL announced their engagement. I asked them when they were thinking of getting married. Next June came the answer & DS quickly said: "But not during WImbledon, Mum,. I know where your priorities lie"

Am not a Stan fan so was pleased to see Queerrey win.

Hope we get to see some of the doubles later.

I don't enjoy watching Querry. I'm not a fan of the big servers. Sampras put me off for life.

Federer is through in Halle. Thiem and Sugita playing now.

School holidays from the end of next week here so they'll be able to fend for themselves until dinner time.

Magi you have brought up your son well.

Bit worried about Cilic here- but Muller is a really good player, and was always going to be a tricky opponent.

I've seen no tennis at all today
I am not a fan of Querrey either - he seems a nice enough guy but agree, that big-serving style is yawnsville (unless we are talking about Goran of course, who could bash the ball around with a frying pan for all I'd care).

That was a tough draw for Stan though against the former champ, and grass is not Stan's best surface is it? But he needs matches.

Just managing to catch some of Cilic/muller match. Still remember the trauma of muller beating Rafa at Wimbledon last year

I don’t have to do the school run any more but my teenage DS’s still wait for me to come home from work to cook their tea - grrr

Castle-itis is very contagious jane - I usually get a bad case when I’ve spent too long on the settee watching tennis . I’ve quite missed listening to AC rambling on today!

Sad to hear that Stan is out - I didn’t get chance to check out his new smart look.

Fizzy that Muller match was the match or the tournament, even if it didn't have the right result. Although the way the commentators and journos talked about it after (as though Rafa had been thrashed in straight sets) really pissed me off. After the clay season he had had, I think he did well to get that far. I think he will be very happy to repeat it this year.

And they've taken the tennis off now.

Anyway- I shall look forward to tomorrow, and the continuing saga of Andrew Castle and his discussion on beards. Amongst other things .

I know it was a good match Raahh but I didn’t enjoy watching it.

Tennis is still on red button if you have access to it .