Tennis thread: looking forward to the new season

[PrivateSpidey]

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

I'm really against it (the ATP Cup I mean). I just don't like it. Why don't they just merge it with the Davis Cup and only play it every other year or something like that. And not start matches so they finish in the middle of the night, and not have players traversing time zones to play the next day?? Just a few thoughts.

Anyway. Delpo is officially out of the Australian Open not really a surprise, as he hasn't played at all since Queens, but still. He's obviously eyeing Delray Beach, great place for a comeback, so I've heard.

Since he won the US Open, he has missed 18 Slams through injury

What time will he be appearing at DelRay Beach? I need to set my alarm

from the tournament website:

"Taking the court Tuesday night, Feb. 18th (session 8) will be del Potro"

Strange phrasing - it sounds like it was announced by Yoda

Anyway I hope their confidence in Delpo's appearance is not misplaced.

He's been quiet on Instagram lately. I wonder whether his recovery isn't going as well as at first.

Well, my faith in RBA was not misplaced , he has beaten Dick, which is good. Really pleased for him. Unfortunately Serbia won their tie 3-0, which means a meeting with Djok in the final for Rafa if Spain get there.

Rafa has not started well, though.

VAMOS my nerves can't cope with this, on a Saturday morning . Plus I've got loads to do (I really shouldn't be sitting here ).

Oh crumbs.

Right, come on Rafa.

Blimey. Where's he finding this from??

Don't know-wish he'd flipping lose it! Rafa taking advantage of the new balls, but can't seem to break him.

I need to walk the dog.

I need to do a lot of things.

Rafa is just not playing like ...Rafa. I'm getting Melbourne flashbacks.

Though Alex is playing very well.

Of course, he has almost the entire crowd behind him.

Even though it's getting to a crucial point, I might have to go out briefly. Which is annoying.

Right- VAMOS.

If it goes to a tie break, I am not hopeful.

And he wasn't on court for over 4 hours yesterday either! Probably puts him at a bit of an advantage...

Well, quite!

I don't like this tournament.

Me neither!!

I'm still watching it though

I know - me too

Right- now he's won a set, I'd better take the dog for a wee.

vamos!

Well, I did say that would be a quick sprint round the block (dh can take him out properly when he gets back from the football)- and I didn't expect to come back to see Rafa turn things around this quickly, but I'm glad to see he has!

Although, it's going wrong now I'm back!

Vamos! Just got in relieved to see Rafa so far ahead in this third set.

Phew!

I was worried for a while.

Should have taken the dog out sooner

Phew just watched the last set - poor Rafa must be knackered - it’s not great preparation for a Grand Slam. I wonder if he’s playing any other warm up tournaments?

You’ll have to remember the dog walking trick if things start going a bit pear shaped against Djok tomorrow Raahh

Well done to RBA as well - I also had faith in him - just shows that beyond the messing about kyrgios hasn’t really got much to offer.

Surely Rafa won’t play in the doubles?

I don't think they are bothering with the doubles, because they have won the tie 2-0. At least, I don't think they are! That really would be daft!

Rafa will be exhausted tomorrow- and I truly hope it is not a repeat of Melbourne! I want it to be a repeat of Rome .

And yes, if the going gets tough, I will walk the dog .

Djok is apparently playing in Adelaide next week, before the Aussie Open. Which is nuts. I wonder if he actually will.
He has played a few more 'small' tournaments of late- Tokyo for example- I think this was a ploy to hold onto the word number 1. He won't regain it, even if he wins in Adelaide, though he will come close. Though he will then have to retain his AO title too.

oh, it sounds like they are playing the doubles, I do hope Rafa isn't.
He doesn't need to. They have loads of players on the bench who have barely played at all.