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

[Raahh]

Before we run out .

By be Wimbledon

interesting outfit!!

That match was odd, strange atmosphere. Gasquet won quite convincingly really. I suppose it's just the start for Andy though, v early days.

They are showing TTPFKAPHH ( have I got that right?!) now but it's bed time for me - been a long day!

I think I prefer him when he's grumpy

Everyone on that plane looks high and I don't mean high in the sky.

Aah that’s a nice picture Jane - it does look like a bit of a party plane

I’m warming to medvedev a bit - he said that he thinks the only reason the Montreal crowd liked him was because he speaks French . He does usually look like a grumpy old man though (still can’t believe he’s only 23)

Wonder if Grigor will have better luck against Stan this time - I think they’re on at about 4pm.

Fizzy I just can't imagine Grigor winning can you - it must be such bad deja vu for him! He hasn't won any of their matches this year has he? Unless Stan is having a real off day I just can't see it. I really can't believe they're playing each other again!

I quite like Medvedev as well but I'm not sure why - I do think he comes over as grouchy but I like that he doesn't seem to care

Still, he does look v cheerful in the plane photo so maybe the grumpiness is just an act!

It will certainly be interesting to see how it pans out for Grigor, Private.

I've just been reading that Murray won't be playing singles at the US Open. That's probably wise. I feel like he has been pushed into playing singles a bit sooner than maybe he should have. The thing is, he may never be at the right level to play singles again- at least not a level he would be happy with.

Private no I can’t really see Grigor winning either - the thing is that Stan doesn’t usually go on to win many if any matches after beating Grigor so that must be even more demoralising for him. Cilic seems to have the same inevitability of losing about him as well these days.

Is Andy still going to be playing doubles at the us open - he seems much happier when playing doubles. He was back to his usual grumpy, moany self yesterday. It was difficult to tell how well he was playing because it was such a strange match.

Fizzy I think it said he plans to play men's doubles and mixed (don't know who with though!).

They are just talking about Grigor's happy memories of Cincinnati. Presumably they mean the visit to the vase factory?!

Sorry I know I always mention that but it makes me laugh - like he's a Royal going about meeting the employees etc

That's a good point about Stan Fizzy - he hasn't really been able to string a few wins together lately has he

Raahh are you looking forward to the debate over who Murray will plays mixed doubles with in NY?!

Private oh, you know I am .

I've just seen that Stefanos and Dick make up the final 2 spots on the respective Laver Cup teams. I wonder how this will be handled- will Fed really want Dick acting like an idiot (and stirring things up with Rafa) at what is 'his' tournament. Or will Dick actually behave himself?

The vase factory was funny.

The vase is so very ugly, however .

Well fancy that, Grigor has won the first set. Perhaps the happy memories of the factory visit are sending him some good vibes after all!

Grigor has won the first set

I don’t think I saw Grigor’s visit to the vase factory - sounds like fun

Was it Andy Murray who managed to smash a commemorative plate at a tournament? It just fell out of the box

That was funny but my favourite was when Tim Henman won in Tashkent and had to wear a special outfit (including hat!) as part of the ceremony

X post Private - yes those happy memories of the vase factory must be spurring him on

yes they must be!! Although... I still can't see him winning it, sorry Grigor.

Yes it was Andy who dropped the commemorative plate, I think it was just loose in the box which is obviously asking for trouble!

I don't remember Tim's Tashkent outfit - am off to Google.

There are a couple of tournaments where wacky outfits are required of the winners.
Like the sombrero at Acapulco. That's my favourite- I also like the big pear trophy .

I'm not convinced Grigor will win either .

I've just switched to Goffin v Fritz - Goffin is 3-1 up in the third set, and Fritz is wearing brown shorts

That's all I've got to report for now!

I can’t do photos but you need to google the Tashkent outfit - it’s like an embroidered dressing gown with a special hat

Not looking good for Grigor

Fizzy I love the Tashkent winner's outfit! The embroidery is beautiful - although admittedly probably not Tim's best look.

David is serving for the match.

I didn't know he was coached by Tomas Johansson (or did I?? )

The crowds in Cincinnati seem quite sparse, it was the same yesterday for the Murray match.

Anyway, David has won, yay!

Also Thiem has withdrawn because of illness, so Gasquet plays Delbonis next (instead of Thiem).

The Stan/Grigor match has turned into a bit of an epic - it would be a shame for either of them to lose

I hope these withdrawals don't make things even easier for Djok to retain the title.
If Stan winstoday, that's 5 in a row, against Grigor.
And before Wimbledon last year, I don't think he'd beaten Grigor since 2013.
It's bizarre.

I can't watch at the moment. Prime is being annoying.

And Stan gets it.

That was close though. You’d have to have a heart of stone not to feel sorry for Grigor.
And Tiafoe just beat Monfils..

Adelie I know of the two I probably like Stan more, but I did want Grigor to win today. When I switched over to Goffin, Stan was 4-1 up in the third, and I thought it was all over honestly, years of tennis watching have obviously taught me nothing!

I thought they were showing highlights when I switched back and then I realised.

Grigor is a good lad though isn't he, signing autographs at the end etc when he must be gutted. Hope he gets some better draws soon.