TENNIS thread - We wave goodbye to SW19, and look forward to the hardcourt season.

[Raahh]

Before we run out .

By be Wimbledon

of course, how could I forget .
I bet we don't see a repeat of that pairing again. She will be determined to win the singles at the US open, Serena. She won't want the distractions- or need the publicity- that playing with 'Britain's Andy Murray' brought at Wimbledon.

Just thought I'd better share this in case people hadn't seen it - Rafa to go sleeveless at the US Open.

Seems like only yesterday that he went sleeveless at last year's US Open!

No napkin-style trim this time though.

Now, that's a reason to watch, that is Private.

yes my thoughts exactly! I like those colours on Rafa a lot - much better than last year.

I feel like I can't get too excited about it though - I already feel like it's going to be another Djok victory! Must try not to think of it like that.

I agree Serena will be v focused on winning the singles. I do want her to break the record (so-called, although she's already the record-holder really imho.

I can't stand the thought of another Djok victory, but it does feel a bit inevitable. It would be nice if he could lose a bit of momentum , like he did earlier in the year.

I can't get behind Serena. I haven't forgiven her for the last US Open, for behaving like a diva at the French Open, and wearing stupid clothes for the attention.

But I have no problem with Margaret Court's record being surpassed, given what she has turned into .(i know it doesn't change her achievements, but it taints them- in the same way Serena threatening line judges has coloured my view of her for the last 10 year).

Grudgy McGrudgyson. That's me. .

And yes, the darker colours suit Rafa.

I just hope he can have decent run in the next few weeks. I don't want him slipping to 3 in the rankings, as that might mean yet another semi final clash with Federer.

I do wonder whether Fed will be mentally affected by Wimbledon, though. He has never seemed the type to be affected in that way (apart from crying occasionally), but to lose at his tournament after having match points- that has to play on the mind.

Grudgy McGrudgyson

So much of following sport is about bearing grudges for years - quite right too. Love it.

I wonder about Osaka, if she was a bit of a flash in the pan or if she can have a good run in NY. I hope the latter. Hard court is her best surface I suppose, so it would be good if she could do well again without any of the dramas (not of her making, of course) this time.

It will be interesting to see if Fed bounces back - he's surely got to think of Wimbledon as one that got away. Two match points on your own serve in a GS final - a Wimbledon final no less?! Surely that would prey on anyone's mind, even Roger's.

I have a problem with the women being inconsistent as it is . I do think Osaka made a mistake getting rid of her coach when she did.

Yes I wonder if she thinks so as well, with hindsight? Also I realised I just randomly started talking about Osaka even though you hadn't mentioned her I must have just been having a train of thought because of Serena and the final last year.

Remember that great match between Rafa and Thiem last year that was so nerve-wracking?! And Millman beating Roger (in his sweaty shorts)?! It was a good tournament last year (well apart from Rafa's injury and the eventual men's champ)

Ooh sleeveless Rafa and in black too - just what I needed thanks Private

I will hopefully post something more intelligent about the tournament at some point but not tonight

Perfectly reasonable Fizzy

Just looked up the dates of the US open & it all happens just before Igo on hols. Am sure it is much earlier than usual?

Any one know which TV it will be on?

Am also loving Rafa in black & purple & hoping cock Djok doesn not win!

It's on Amazon magi

It feels like it's come around really quickly - not sure if it's earlier or not though. I know last year it was still the school summer hols when it started.

Rafa does look good. I think that's one of his best outfits ever, it really suits him.

Rafa: THUD as the youngsters say.

Oh god, is this another word I have to learn?!

I see Tsitsipas/Kyrgios has become a big love--in
Although their partnership didn't last very long in DC.

It's like the odd couple. I'm surprised Andy didn't play doubles with his pal Dick.

It is - apparently Kyrgios said Tsitsipas smells good! As good as Henri Leconte I wonder?! (Didn't kazza smell Henri once?!)

Andy and Feli are playing together again in Montreal.

THUD

I will go off Stefanos if he becomes best buddies with Dick.

Private last year's US open did have it's moments. The Rafa/Thiem match was just crazy ( and I couldn't stay awake to the end).

Wimbledon already seems like it was ages ago!

It did - it was such a funny/weird tournament, v enjoyable really!

Agree about Wimbledon, it seems ages ago.

Stef posted "how beautiful it is to stay silent when someone expects you to be enraged". I wonder if it's a message for Dick?

Maybe Stef thinks he has 'cured' Nick .

What private ??!!

I haven't been that close to the fun loving Henri, although I can imagine he may smell of a fine claret or cognac, with a hint of fromage and a sniff of a large Cuban cigar

Haven't had a landline and, therefore, WiFi for the last 5 days, so desperately trying to catch up with everything now! Living in the country (although hardly the wilds of Dartmoor!) means any mobile phone signal or mobile data is patchy at best
A temporary solution fixed the problem this afternoon, hopefully a permanent solution tomorrow

I see that Dick also said that he'll steer clear of Stefanos off court cos he's (Stefanos) a young, good guy and he knows he (Dick) is a bad influence!
Most sensible thing he's ever said.

kazza it is, isn't it!