Tennis Thread:- The players are all on holiday, 2018 is coming to an end, but 2019 is around the corner and there will be lots to look forward to!

[Raahh]

Although I can't think about January yet...

I'm still in denial it's nearly December- which means ds will be 16 , and I will be 47 and another year will be over.

True Jane. It must be so draining just trying to come back and being so up and down all the time

I still have hope that he can come back but it's hope over reality, probably...

Jane he was very good at commentating at Wimbledon. Knew when to keep quiet

Unlike AC- 'look there's a nice picnic hamper/beard/butterfly'

bless him!!

He could replace John Inverdale then we wouldn't have to listen to his trivia quizzing of his co-presenters and I'm sure Sam Smith would breathe a sigh of relief too. AC can stay (sorry kazza)

Jane we will keep AC for comedy value, there's nothing funny about Inverdale. Much as I don't like Murray when he's playing, his views on women are far preferable to Inverdale's too!

Poor Sam. She puts up with a lot.

For a start, they need to put her with some one at Eastbourne who is actually interested in the women's matches they are meant to be commentating on (not the men's that they don't have the rights to).

I love Sam - she is a great commentator & I feel sorry for her having to put up with Bartoli.

Talking of Eastbourne, is anyone going to come this year?

Friday June 21st is WTA quali & is free!
Sat June 22 is WTA & ATP quali & is £10.

Prices obviously go up for the rest of the week but the early free/cheap days can be great fun as you can watch many of the higher ranked players practicing from v close to the courtside.

I'm on another thread about an actress and people are getting so annoyed that posters are saying they dislike her. Hope they don't wander over here and see the things we say

I love Sam. Her voice is so soothing. She has the patience of a saint!

but we don't bitch about AC personally do we?! - it's just his commentary that's the problem! Anyway we love him really especially Kazza

Eastbourne sounds fab (ponders trip to the south coast...)

AC was actually pretty funny when he was interviewed with Annabel Croft at some point last year. He admitted he was basically rubbish, and took the job on ITV breakfast because otherwise his family were in danger of starving to death of they were relying on his tennis career.

I'd forgotten how young Annabel was- only 21 - when she retired. AC (male) was saying he should have been sensible and done the same instead of dragging it our to 28 or whatever it was!

Raahh the only reason AC waffles on so much about picnic hampers, beards and butterflies is because he knows sweet Fanny Adams about tennis - and he loves the sound of his own voice

Private I adore him, obvs! I'd adore him even more if I never heard him or saw his ferret like features again

Andy has walked out of his press conference in tears

After one question about his hip...
But then he came back. I can't bear it.

He is going to retire after Wimbledon.

If he makes it that far. He said the AO could be his last tournament.

Gah this will all be old news by the time you all see this thread! Why did he have to call his press conf at such a stupid time in the northern hemisphere?!

The thing is, you get so used to these guys coming back from injury, so to think he is actually going to retire is hard for me to get my head around
Really hope he can make it to Wimbledon for the send off he deserves. AHH feck it.

I've just read this on Instagram and came on here to see if I wasn't imagining things! It's brought tears to my eyes and I haven't even heard him speak

Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear this

It was awful to watch. Quite upsetting to see someone trying to hold back tears like that (and not succeeding). I just feel gutted for him.

Dh told me about this when I got up this morning. I'm not surprised, and although I'm not a fan of his (on court), I am sorry that it's come to this. I like players to retire on their terms, not be forced out.

Oh god all these messages to Andy from other players! I just can't, as I believe the kids say these days.

I'm so sad for him. I hope he can find something to do that he loves & it brings him much fulfillment. Such a lovely guy & what a great player.