Tennis thread: looking forward to the new season

[PrivateSpidey]

While we dream up our Australian Open advent calendar, the chat continues!

Magi

Fizzy yes hopefully. I'll be sick as a dog if AC's prediction actually came true, not only because I would be truly gutted for Delpo, but because I couldn't bear AC to actually be right!!

So, Rafa has already played his match.

I am fed up with this tournament. The website and the way it sets out the timings is annoying.

But he got his sportsmanship award. Which is nice.

magi excellent!
See, we can't all be wrong in our opinions about he who shall remain nameless.
So, who has he got dirt on that he continues to work at the BBC

magi
I didn't manage to catch any tennis earlier, and I've completely lost track of what's happening. These team cups confuse me....,I need the simplicity of a old fashioned grand slam

I've just seen that Australia beat GB, and that means they will play Spain next (if they beat Belgium).
No doubt Dick will be up to his tricks, if playing Rafa.

Obviously, Spain have to beat Belgium first, but that's tomorrow, I think.

Goffin was playing very well the other day- but I did worry about how red he was looking- he didn't look well!

Did Kyrgios do an underarm serve in one of his matches - probably practicing for Rafa if so.

Shame about GB, although good win for Dan Evans in the tie.

Saw some reports saying Andy Murray's injury could be linked to his hip?? I really hope not.

Oh, I have no doubt Nick messed about with underarm serves and tweeners.

He's so entertaining.

If Andy is suffering with his hip, it's not really that surprising, it's less than a year since the surgery, and really it was pretty major stuff. I wonder if part of him would actually have like to have quietly retired- his hip fixed to make him comfortable, but no pressure to play?

This photo made me laugh.

Marin Cilic is asking what is the most important bit of equipment they'll need when baby comes along. I was tempted to reply boobs!

i think Tim is making me laugh more than Dan in that photo. He looks like a very patient and tolerant Dad waiting for his son's tantrum to blow over

Marin, difficult to say, but don't bother with a changing bag, you'll never use it

That is such a typical wry Tim expression! He does make me laugh
Having said that, Dan has had some excellent results this week - did I read that the ATP Cup carries ATP ranking points? - I hope he has a kind draw at the Aussie Open and has a good run. Although he usually comes up against Roger in the second round

Yes Tim has the look of someone who has seen many tantrums over the years

Fair play to Dan Evans kazza he has had some good results this week.

I think Rafa is due to play Goffin at about 8am tomorrow - I won’t be able to watch it . Goffin did look very red in his last match (I don’t deal with the heat very well either so I sympathise)

If it comes to it I don’t think I could cope with another Rafa/Dick match - I don’t think I’ve recovered fully from their Wimbledon match!

Actually, I don't think Dan is even having a tantrum there. I think that's his celebration at the end of his match!
He's not the best looking bloke who's ever walked this earth

Oh haha yes it probably is a celebration isn't it?! Well there's a fine line I suppose

The ATP cup does carry ranking points kazza, I think that's why players whose countries didn't have enough top players to enter have been complaining, as it shuts them out and puts others at an advantage. Does seem unfair.

But it's good news for Dan fans because apparently he's going to be seeded in Melbourne. Which is all a bit weird considering GB wouldn't even have been there without Andy... who didn't even play

Anyway good for Dan - he deserves it on the back of his results.

I am definitely not up for Rafa v Kyrgios!! But I should be able to watch tomorrow morning. I hope!

I won't be watching tomorrow. I am going to a funeral in Romford - and we live in Hampshire, so a fun journey up the M3 and round the M25
Suffice to say, I'm not looking forward to tomorrow, on many levels!

Sorry to hear that kazza

I'm sorry to hear that kazza I hope today goes as well as it can do.

kazza hope today goes o.k.

I wasn't expecting to be able to see this this morning - I was surprised to see it start this late.

David is putting up a fight early on, will see how long it lasts.

I was reading that in theory, if Spain do go through, and Australia play by the rules, then Rafa will not play Kyrgios, he will play De Minaur. They are supposed to play their top seeds against each other. But so far, Australia haven't done that. I'm not sure how strict the 'rule' is.

ooh, Rafa in trouble in this game.

Sorry to hear about your day ahead kazza

Goffin is playing well here but could he fight it out and win against Rafa? Not so sure.

They've just pointed out that Rafa played his first matches in Perth, now in Sydney in totally different conditions. Daft.

Also stop going on about how the players need to change clothes!! We get it! Argh!!

Great shot from Goffin on break point.

He looks very determined at the moment...

Goffin is playing great obviously want Rafa to win but glad to see Goffin playing so well.....I love how the Spanish aren't even talking they're just trying to help Rafa cool down.

Mama I know - priorities!!

Rafa's looking a bit dejected.

I am a big fan of Goffin. Jim just described him as a "featherweight" compared to Rafa and I know what he means. But he's great to watch, and I like the contrast of styles v Rafa.

I don't even know the score in this tie btw - is this the first match or second?

Well, I didn't get to watch much, as I had to go out quickly, and then Prime went funny- and it doesn't appear to be going Rafa's way, from the scores.

VAMOS

It's the second- Busta Gut won the first.