Tennis Thread: it may be nearing the end of the season but no negative face! Still plenty to look forward to...

[PrivateSpidey]

Couldn't resist!

Happy wedding day Rafa and Maria/Xisca!

Raahh I thought Djok looked a bit pale, but maybe it was the grey court, dark background and dark kit just draining all his colour?!

Oh god that area where Mannarino is waiting looks so claustrophobic with all those lights etc

I missed the hoovering.

Erm.

Odd choice of entrance music- it's about a gay bloke unable to come out to his family. Do they realise that?

It’s very futuristic isn’t it? Like a bit of Communards though

I was sort of wondering that as well Raahh - with that haircut Mannarino could have been in The Communards!

Aww, Mannarino lives in Malta. I went to Valletta for the day on my 14th birthday.

Not all the way there just for the day, we were there from Christmas eve to new year's Eve. My birthday was the day before we came home

I was very hormaonal and spent a lot of the day in tears. Teenage girls, hey. .

I'd no idea that's what that song was about - need to pay more attention to lyrics!

I think it was Bronski Beat- the Communards came later. I love the fact Richard Coles bacame a vicar

Did everyone's screen look like it was covered in snowflakes when they showed Carlos Moya?! He looked like he should have been in a Christmas TV film

Oh yes you’re right Raahh - thought I knew my 80s music. Yes I think Richard Coles was very naughty and unvicar like in those days

I like Rafa’s outfit - pink, white and blue

Aww, Christmas with Carlos. How very Hallmark. Feliz Navidad!

Mannarino has a very graceful serve.

The spectators are annoying.

But they will soon be moaning about Rafa's time keeping.

Fizzy I loved them. Makes me feel old, how long ago it was.

Nadal always starts slowly. I wish he wouldn't. Why can't he just race through it .

I like Rafa's kit as well. He always gets it right apart from the napkin shirts. I give him the credit obviously, rather than Nike.

Rafa always looks smart. No UPS delivery outfits for him. Nice hints of pink

The pattern around Mannarino's neck line makes him look like it's an odd sort of collar.

Good for Hallowe'en though.

It's funny how I've noticed new balls being mentioned a lot more recently.

Is this in response to Roger's rant the other week?

Rubbish in plant pots.

Phew!

Rafa went off court to change - boo! Mannarino just stripped where he was.

Yes I heard the rubbish in plant pots thing Raahh - what was that all about?

Come on Rafa! Boo to no stripping on court!

Mannarino’s kit is a bit Halloweenish - he looks quite menacing actually.

DH is now building an ikea bed - that should keep him occupied for a good few hours (days!)

I missed the rest of that set as I had to go and have my tea, and I ate so much I just sat there for about 15 mins afterwards without even moving

Now I need to find the iPad as strangely, it's not where I left it

Wasn't there another tournament that had issues with plant pots. Was probably this one. This year has gone so quickly.

Rafa may have been changing his shorts as well as his top. But we really wouldn't object to seeing his Tommy Hilfigers (assuming they are still his pants of choice).

I was about to say Rafa's ace count is pretty good for him.

He will never be hitting 40 a match but he's not doing badly considering.

So Rafa (presumably) plays Stan next.

Bugger.

Sorry Stan.

Wasn't there another tournament that had issues with plant pots

I seem to remember Philip Kohlschreiber doing some light gardening somewhere while waiting to go on court Indian Wells maybe?!

Kohlshreiber doing some light gardening

Yes the winner of this match plays Stan