Tennis thread: towards the end of the season, lots of tennis still to be played!

[PrivateParkin]

Hi all, I wasn't sure if Raahh was around so I thought I would start a new thread (thanks ferrier) in case of any urgent tennis news that we might need to start posting about immediately! I'm looking forward to Shanghai this week

And rightly so Fizzy. You're not going anywhere at Wimbledon even if you've got sunstroke

Indeed Jane - wait until the change of ends

It’s just shown Taylor Fritz talking to his coach via a headset. He said that he hopes they change the headsets as he’s really sweaty and feels sorry for the next person who uses it - eeeeew! Raises a whole new question of hygiene (along with the manky towels). I’ve not see an actual rack yet - they seem to be draping them over the back of the court.

Thanks for the rules info Jane. I am all for the towel rule. The short warm up is ok, it's neither here nor there really. I disagree with the rest, especially the short sets, no deuce/advantage and no let rule. Oh and the coaching (ok that's probably all of them). I can see see why they're using the youngsters as guinea pigs - can't imagine the seasoned pros being on board with a lot of this!!

And yuck to sweaty headsets!! So is the coach not actually on the court then?

Sorry about all the questions btw - I should be able to watch tomorrow and see for myself!

Private the coach was in the stands which I was surprised about - I just assumed they’d be on the court bout no they communicated using (sweaty) headsets. It was quite interesting to hear what they were saying.

Yes can’t imagine the old guard liking these rules (don’t think I do much either) - I am also old and grumpy and resistant to change!

The coach doesn't come onto the court. Earlier the commentators spoke to one of them via his headset which was distracting as the match was going on.

Can't say I approve of these new-fangled ideas!!

mama do you know which matches you're going to see at the O2 yet?

I see Tsitsipas is none too keen on the towel rule - he thinks it should be the ball kids' job

I think he's fighting a losing battle there.

They need to send Mac in to give these boys a talking to!

Mac would be having none of it. Tsitsipas should have a word with himself - he genuinely thinks it's ok for children to bring him his sweaty towels?? I expected better from him!

The more I watch of the next Gen, the less I like the format. If you blink- you're in a tie break. And I hate tie breaks. I really hope it doesn't become the norm for the whole tour.

I can remember when you hardly ever saw a towel on court, and if you did, it stayed on the player's chair, only to be touched at the change of ends. Talking of chairs, they never used to have those either - just imagine how the poor little snowflakes would cope with anything like that now! No doubt a breach of their human rights, bless them

I know, it's daft. I've been watching this afternoon - the sets are short but the match is long (same as yesterday I think?) so I'm not sure what the benefit of having shorter sets is?

Munar (I think, I have to admit I've never seen or heard of him until this tournament) has just realised he left his towel at the wrong end of the court. And he wasn't allowed to get it! I guess they'll have to remember to pick up after themselves!!

Lol kazza - I definitely remember Jimmy Connors drinking a can of Coke at the change of ends while standing!!

Munaur's nickname is Jimbo after Jimmy Connors because apparently he has a similar playing style. I've seen him playing doubles with Rafa before but can't remember which tournament it was.

*Munar's

I remember hearing John Lloyd moaning about the whole towel/ chair thing earlier in the year ( probably at Queens, when he wasn't calling Kyrgios 'box office '.)

if John Lloyd had ever played with the intensity or speed that today's players do, he would then possibly appreciate the need for a towel or a sit down.

Not sure who the commentator is here, but he keeps saying 'fricking'. Now, I know this Sky, but Dan Maskell would not approve. However young they are.

I have seen Munar play a few times this year, he's definitely one offer up and coming Spaniards. Not that they ever have a shortage.

Raahh Oh, I say! Dan would be spinning in his grave

Call me old fashioned or just old but I miss the Dan Maskell style of commentary. He let the tennis speak for itself and didn't feel the need to fill every single second with mindless drivel - Boris, Courier and AC, for example, take note!

So do I kazza. That's the way it should be. Andy Murray was quite good at that when he commentated at Wimbledon wasn't he?

private I've never been a Murray fan, but I loved his commentary at Wimbledon. It helped that it was probably one of the best matched not the tournament, of course, , but there were actual periods of silence, no inane chatter, just watching two great players, play.

But AC's beard chat and nature watching, can be amusing.

'look, a butterfly'

*matches of the tournament

I know. AC's commentary used to irritate me so much until I found this thread - now I just find it quite entertaining (but in an irritating way)