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

[Raahh]

Before we run out .

By be Wimbledon

Apologies for quoting more McEnroe, but I wondered if he had anyone in mind when he wrote this about commentating.....

"I learned some time ago that less is often more behind the microphone, which is one reason I prefer not having three commentators in the booth, becauseit makes it more likely there'll be someone who doesn't know when to shut up. When the match is that good, you let it speak for itself. You don't have to blab on, because it's not about you, it's about the players."

It reminds me of a certain butterfly fancier.

Just saying

I wonder who you could mean kazza

Mac’s got a bit of a nerve really - he can go on a bit (although he is usually more interesting than most commentators - I’m looking at you Jim Courier!)

Courier and Castle in the same commentary box is my idea of hell (perhaps with a bit of Inverdale in there aswell!).
I'd definitely turn the sound off

Apparently, Stan is playing Dimitrov in the first round of the Rogers Cup tomorrow. They've met so many times now that when I just typed in "Stan is playing", my phone's predictive text automatically came up with "Dimitrov"!

I kid you not.

Oh dear, poor Grigor! His record against Stan over the past year has been terrible.

He must wonder what he's done to deserve it.

To be honest, Grigor's record against pretty much anyone over the past year has been terrible!

I see the ATP and various journalists are loving the Kyrgios title win and how he's showing he really cares about tennis now

Wonder how long it'll last this time? Although tbh I do actually want him to knuckle down and just play tennis in a normal, going about your business, non-eventful kind of way.

It's funny that there's such a fuss though, because some people had won all the slams by that age.

I enjoyed Mac's description of annoying commentaries kazza can't think who he meant.

Can't believe Grigor v Stan again Maybe Stan's going for the Grigor Masters series as well as the Grigor Slam? But yes withering - overall GD has been so disappointing this season, it's such a shame

I so hope Dick settles down. When he plays seriously he is an amazing player to watch.

Have had trouble with mn all day.

Private the ATP site is acting as though Kyrgios has won a slam. I can't be doing with it.

Raahh I know - that's exactly what was bugging me about the ATP site and as though he's some amazing new phenomenon as well

magi that's what I think also, but not sure how long he can make it last this time, or ever...

Fizzy I heard he asked where to serve on match point again that would really get my goat if I were his opponent. Like even a member of the crowd can outwit you!!

Private I also think it’s really bad form to do something like that at match point - gamesmanship much?

Anyway don’t get me started about Kyrgios - I had to stop listening to the Tennis podcast as they were fawning over him so much - I usually really respect the views of Catherine and David but they were talking about him as if he was the golden child - he’s won one measly tournament - grrr!

I need to calm down but there’s something about him that just winds me up!

I’m not sure if he will settle down enough to fulfil his potential - I don’t really care.

I know Fizzy, it was a bit of a love-in. I mean, big deal

Let's see if he can repeat it. If Medvedev had won that final, would he have had the same reaction? I doubt it somehow.

Ugh. The love-in - the 'are you entertained' rubbish on fb. Well no, I'm not. I find the under arm serve disrespectful, even if it is in the rules. No one else does it. At this point, some --idiot- on FB will cite that loads of players used to do it , back in the day.

What they mean, is that Chang did it. When he was exhausted. 30 years ago.
And I think Lendl has held a grudge ever since ..

I usually like Catherine- she is not afraid to say what everyone is thinking, usually. She's even criticised St Roger. .

Actually, I can't help wondering, if Fed had been on Dick's 'hit list' would the ATP still be bigging him up so much? They love Kyrgios- is Fed's absence- but Roger is still very much the number 1 crush on the ATP site.

Just watching a bit of Stan and Dimitrov - Stan is a break up in the first set. I have to say that Grigor does look more like a professional athlete than Stan.

Stan has gone for the beach bum vibe and looks a bit like all the wine and BBQs from his Instagram are getting to him. . He is about to win the first set though so looks can be deceiving.

The line up for Montreal looks pretty good.

Thanks for the reminder Fizzy - just tuned in. I know what you mean about the comparison between the two!!

Grigor's shirt is almost the shade of Rafa's napkins.

Jo-Willy is on now. Hope he doesn't get Struffed!

Oh dear looks as if Jo-Willy did get Struffed Private

Dimitrov’s year doesn’t seem to be improving either - he was beaten in straight sets by Stan.

It does Fizzy - I didn't see much of it but the result looks like it was fairly convincing for Struff

I saw the second set of Grigor v Stan, and I thought Grigor played pretty well really. He just keeps getting bad draws doesn't he (mostly against Stan) - if he'd been playing someone a bit further down the rankings he could have had a bit of a run. He'll be out of the top 70 after this week, which is really just... well, he shouldn't be there, that's all I can say.

Richard Gasquet beat Paire I noticed - bit of a turn-up for les livres

I was looking at the results in the early hours. Poor Jo Willy, though Struff is having a good year, getting solidly through early rounds against opponents most would think should beat him.

I'm pleased for Stan. But it is a worrying dip for Grigor- I don't even think he's had injury problems. He's just been in a huge slump. Which has lasted about 18 months, really.

No I can't think that he's had any injuries but who knows. Is he still working with Agassi? I thought not but then I saw Andre was mentioned so not sure. Anyway whatever's going on, he needs to try and get a grip of it because obviously the lower the ranking, the more precarious the possible draws etc.

One thing is, Private if he does pick up, he will be a dangerous 'floater' in the draw. But he just doesn't seem to be able to catch a break.

But if he falls too far, he will end up the position of needing wild cards and even qualifying- if he hasn't been injured, there will be no protected rankings.

Bunch of meanies

Am just watching Cilic playing some nice volleys in a shirt the colour of sherbet lemons

Wayne Ferreira still seems to be on his coaching team.

Oh now Cilic is "just starting to make a few more errors" after a brilliant first set.