TENNIS THREAD- Australian Open continues- we're ready for the popcorn matches!

[Raahh]

I am not going to get chance to watch much more of this so this was a bit of a quick one...

Raahh. Djok cant be far off Feds weeks at number one record now? Maybe Djok will take that record and Nadal the GS record. Hopefully both semis will be epics tomorrow.

BGD no, about 30ish weeks in it. And I think it matters a lot to Djok (why else did he take part in small tournaments like Tokyo- it was purely points driven at the time). I think the number 1 might flip flip a bit, due to the points they both have to defend- Rafa had an iffy patch after Melbourne last year, and didn't really get going again til Rome. Djok hasn't much to defend til he gets to Madrid.

I see Djok is scheduled to play Dubai, which is unusual- that's Fed's tournament usually. Will be interesting to see if he plays.

*flip flop

So, to summarize if Thiem wins: Thiem's mum gets a tattoo (kangaroo maybe?! Or no, wait: penguin (adoptee) - maybe the penguin should be in Domi's players box for the semi final?!).

If Zverev wins: $4m to the bushfire fund.

If fed/Djok win: they just win another Slam. Yawn.

Now which is the most exciting outcome of those four?!

99 red balloons is a right ear worm btw, I've got it going round in my head now!

And I won't hear a word said against lovely little David Goffin

Actually, I feel like I need to watch a bit of Goffin disco dancing to cheer me up on this grey January day

Yes but, Spidey David beat Rafa too, at the ATP cup.

Maybe Rafa really is just rubbish?

(I obviously don't mean this)

I love your re-cap.

Sascha has to win, doesn't he. It is written in the stars.

He will win 25 grand slams in his career, give all his money away, but be very happy. With dogs. And clean pants.

I feel sorry for Dom's penguin.

He will never write, never call...

And January really is the pits.

It is has more weeks in it, than Federer has been number 1.

Oh god I know, it's already been going on for approx 1 million days and there's still more to go!! Argh!

I love your prediction for Sascha, I think it's destiny for him to win this tournament!! I have to say (I'm sure I've said it before ) he's completely won me over lately. I always thought he was a bit over-rated (not his fault) and that was annoying, but I've seen the error of my ways!

I forgot about Goffin beating Rafa - and it was only two weeks ago (or two decades in January-time ).

I always liked Sascha- and he is still pretty young- but felt he was inconsistent. I think this is because, as a Rafa fan, I unfairly measure a lot of players against what Rafa won at a similar age . That will prabably never be be replicated.

I'm not counting Dick in this - he is not as good as people think he is.

It's funny in a way that in the men's game, there have been 'young' male winners etc, (Becker, Rafa) and it has not affected them going forward.

But Coco Gauff is restricted in what tournaments she plays at her age, as in the women's game there have been problems with young players peaking too soon. Look at Capriati.

Morning all! Muguruza has just won a tight set against Halep, so will see how this pans out.

But in a shock result, Barty lost to Kenin which is sad. So I want either Simona or Garbine to win now.

It was Kenin, of course who beat Serena in the French Open - remember the picture of them at the net , Serena looked like she might murder someone.

And that was the day she demanded Dom leave the room in his press conference, because she wanted to use it. Of course, he is unimportant. So rude.

There are many reasons I have never been a Serena fan, this added to the list .

And Muguruza is through. I do like her- would have preferred Halep to win, but I'm glad to see Garbine making a comeback.

So there will be a new champion at the Aussie open, and not one anyone would have picked at the start of the tournament.

Can't believe the women's results!
A bit of a surprise.

Also see that Joe Salisbury is through to the men's doubles final with Rajeev Ram.

Go Joe!

Ah that's a shame for Ash, what a chance to win her home Slam. Fair play to Kenin though, she's a fighter from what I can remember of that Serena match and I was just hearing she saved loads of set points in each set.

kazza yes Salisbury and Ram are doing well. I think Jamie and BMS are still in the mixed as well aren't they?

Oh, well done Joe! Hope he starts to get some proper recognition.

aww, Ash Barty did her press conference with a baby (presumably Casey's)

Jamie & BMS are indeed still in the mixed. I love those two - they always look so happy & are obviously having a great time.

Ash Barty going out was a big shock. I'm now team Garbine.

I know, so cute! I think I read it was her niece? Only 11 wks old

The niece I mean - not the players

Is anyone watching? I'm just checking the scores, and Fed is 4-1 up...

Reporting for duty PrivateSpidey. Just settling in with a nice cup of tea, enjoying the squeaky tennis shoe sound as I type! You don't get that at Wimbledon!

Hello Spidey

It was Ash's niece?she was very cute.

I have just got back from school.

Djok doesn't look happy (not that he does ever) and already looks knackered. Apparently it's hotter today though.

tobee my DH has to leave the room if the shoes get too squeaky! He can't handle it!

Ooh I haven't seen any Jamie and BMS this year! I love seeing her outfits she makes for herself! Usually I see them at the US to playing on an far flung court to one man and his dog! Killing the opposition!

These Rolex/Fed ads are so old fashioned.

Surely Federer is going to be knackered after his Sandgren match?