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.

From the beeb website: "BBC Two has daily afternoon highlights from the middle Saturday onwards."

If tomorrow does turn out to be Murray's last match, it's a bit rubbish that it won't be on the BBC.

I genuinely would be sad if Djok retired (secretly love him well - only a bit).

You are joking, Private??

Off to watch Ski Sunday in a moment. I've never ski-ed, hate snow but love watching this. Can't understand why!

Is it the theme music Magi?

I wouldn’t be too sad if Djokovic retired although now that he’s rejuvenated looks like he could go on forever

Can’t even bear to think about Rafa retiring but know that he can’t go on forever (buries head in sand)

Thanks for the info re the BBC coverage (such as it is ) . Realistically though, all the Brits will have gone by Saturday!

magi I also love Ski Sunday I have only been skiing once, 20-odd years ago, and it was a complete disaster (involving getting trapped on a chair lift ) but there's something quite cosy and nice about watching it and marvelling at how the hell they do it.

Kazza it's totally annoying about the Beeb, I don't understand the point of only showing highlights starting half way through the tournament! I'm sure they used to show more... Still, at least it will give us a chance to hear AC's dulcet tones!

Yes I am serious about Djok!! Until he starts beating my faves of course.

Happy Australian Open everyone!!

Morning all!

it's always a relief when he plays over night to wake up to a Rafa win. So, that's a good start to my morning.

Yes! I didn't see him but hope to catch up on so e highlights later.

I see Isner is out!

Wow Berdych
His outfit is making my eyes go funny though.

private I have been trying to catch up on results. Very good news about Isner. I saw Tsitsipas had won too, so that's good.

Not a great day for Harriet Dart, but it's all experience I suppose.

Come on Andy!!

Yes always a relief when Rafa goes through - I dread checking the scores when I first wake up but sounds as if he made a good strong start.

Just watching a bit of Murray but I need to go out in a bit. His serve has just been broken in the first set.

Morning all, glad to see Rafa safely through overnight
This Murray match is quite painful to watch, tricky for both players I think.
I've never been a huge Murray fan (on court that is) but I would love for him to be fit enough to retire on his own terms at Wimbledon. I'm not entirely certain why he's playing here, if he feels he can't win why not rest and train until Wimbledon and then just play then......?

Eurosport have changed the way the report scores and my phone had duckworth first.....made me panic momentarily when I checked
It's now written J Duckworth lost to R Nadal

They just want to keep us on our toes mama

This match is a bit more competitive than I thought it would be. Glad to see Andy's doing some chuntering, for old time's sake.

private it's not good for my nerves
Yep this match isn't totally one sided which is nice to see.

mama I wrote something very similar to you last week, re- Murray .

I think he has just wanted to play one match at a time, and had no real expectations himself. Unfortunately, the media do have expectations, and I'm wondering if that's what he doesn't want to keep going up against. The endless questions about when he will play and how he feels. Other players have been able to slowly wind down a career, but I doubt the British media would expect anything other than his old self (and that isn't going to happen).

It was heartbreaking to see Ferrer end his Slam career the way he did in the US open- I hope similar doesn't happen here.

Hmm. Well this match is over I guess.

Wow great lob/volley combo there though!..

Just trying to catch up with everything and following the scores online. Andy has just lost the 2nd set and Norrie is a break down in the 3rd, so it looks like two straight sets defeats there.
Saw Isner lost, that's more of an upset than Kyle losing, I'd have thought. Good wins for Evans and Boulter, although Dan will probably meet Roger next

Very envious of those of you watching on whatever ET station the AO is on

Raahh I think you're right re the media.

Am also catching it on line - I don't think I could bear to watch it, even if I could.

So, Norrie couldn't beat Fritz this week. I wonder what would have been the better win vis a vis ranking points and prize money - first round of a GS or a later round (was it quarters or semis?) of the Auckland event?

Busta Gut is playing very well, and I feel a bit sorry for him really. He is going to win this match- but rather like when Federer lost at the WTF, the discussion after won't be about him.

I knew Isner would have a crap season - albeit only 14 Jan! There are too many decent players coming back/getting better for him to keep having those results.

I'm still watching Andy. I feel a bit sorry for RBA - he's playing well and getting hardly any support. I suppose he would have expected that but still seems a bit rough on him.

raahh haven't read the whole thread, Ive been so busy I'm feeling like a bit of a fair weather tennis fan at the moment but hoping to watch a lot of the AO.
I agree that match with Ferrer was awful to watch.