Tennis: waltzing into winter

[JaneJeffer]

Oh yes, kazza Dan Maskell.

Sometimes after a thrilling rally, all you would hear from him would be an approving “mmmm” and we all knew exactly what was meant.

Quite right also the comparison between Castle and Wallace. Gregg Wallace gets so many high quality, well paid gigs on the BBC. Why? Is he filling some sort of ‘irritating prat’ quota?

I think Sue Barker should do the odd commentary. She and Tim might make a good team, at least they wouldn’t prattle on to fill every second of air time.

Apparently, Andy Murray was good when he commentated a couple of years ago at Wimbledon. I didn't hear it though because I was on hols abroad but I think the general consensus on here was that he was insightful, witty and didn't rabbit on

I was reading about the possible delay to Australia last night. I suppose it makes sense if they want quarantine, and to give the players chance to practice (which arriving on January 1st and being confined to a hotel room wouldn't).

It was strange watching some of the matches that had no commentary- but I got used to it. I think I got used to a lot of things this year, I got used to the lack of crowds too after a while ( though I do think they need one for a proper 'atmosphere'). I don't miss waiting for spectators to stop eating/wandering about/ talking.

It's one extreme to another again, for the players, I suppose- who last year had Davis and the ATP Cup almost back to back and very little break- and this year possibly nothing. There's been no official statement on the ATP Cup that I can see, but I can't see it going ahead- certainly not spread across the country.

Feels like ages already since the tennis ended .

kazza that was the Rafa/Delpo match. Murray was good because he knew when to keep quiet, and just let the match (which was excellent anyway) speak for itself. AC is scared of silence .

I am very fond of Sue Barker, even if I do think of her as the 'Voice of Doom' because she is often relegated to just continuity and telling up to change channel. She knows her stuff. I am worried the BBC are trying to push her out though (I am still not happy at the way she has been dumped from QoS)- and hope she is still going to be doing the main Wimbledon shows.

I was on holiday as well kazza so didn’t hear Andy Murray but he was supposed to be good. I don’t think he plans to continue doing it though which would be a shame if he was good.

I’m on here trying to distract myself from Tier news and Christmas bubbles - still looks as if I’ll be cooking Christmas dinner for everyone - thought I’d get away with it this year!

This year, on top of bubbles and tiers (and being in Manchester we probably can't go anywhere. Still)- it's ds's 18th birthday- on December 29th. It's my birthday on the 30th, but I'm used to shit Christmas week birthdays , so it is probably a good thing that my 50th is next year.

Hopefully you’ll be able to celebrate your 50th properly Raahh - that’s rubbish for your DS and DD

Both of my DS’s had big birthdays (18 &21) this year when we were still in full lockdown in the early summer - it’s rubbish!

We’re also in Tier 3 but everyone can still come round for Christmas dinner - seems mad!

Anyway I’ll stop moaning now - I need some tennis (or nice pictures of Rafa!) to cheer me up

Sorry Raahh I added another birthday in there for your DD

DD2 was thrilled when she ended up in hospital for surgery just after her birthday (it should have been on the day- so she got lucky!).

It has not been a good year for people with 'big' birthdays- we had such a hassle over my gran's 90th. My mum was glad when it was over. My niece was 21, and my Bil was 50. They had planned big trips away- at least I never have great expectations. My mum is 70 in January- she has decided to just put everything on hold.

If Rafa comes round for Christmas dinner, I'm not fussed where my family goes. .

Casanova's t-shirt is spelt wrong, and it is annoying me.

or is it deliberate, and am I just old? .

Wrong thread

Watching Doctors and failing to multi task.

I do like a tennis/Doctors crossover

Yes Rafa is always welcome to come round for Christmas dinner

It's been a while.

@kazzaD66

Apparently, Andy Murray was good when he commentated a couple of years ago at Wimbledon. I didn't hear it though because I was on hols abroad but I think the general consensus on here was that he was insightful, witty and didn't rabbit on

I heard him and he was absolutely great. Instinctively knew when to speak and when to hold back. He demonstrated fantastic insight into the play, and offered genuinely fascinating commentary on the skills of the players.

Would love him to take this up as a career when he chooses to stop playing tennis on the tour.

Yes Andy was really good. He had a lot of insights firstly as a top player himself and also he had played them both, so he knew what he was talking about. And the match itself was great (one of my all time faves) which helped! No waffle/ irrelevant anecdotes. He was commentating with Tim and Andrew Cotter, who's also a good commentator, I wish he was on more often.

I see the Tennis Podcast has done a special episode with John Millman, about how he had to quarantine when he returned to Aus from Europe. Not listened to it yet, saving it for tomorrow so something to look forward to!!

Karen Khachanov has tested positive for Covid as has his wife and son

Love the doctors post Raahh. I need to know more about this t-shirt

That's about Karen.

Jane the t-shirt was very dull.. Two men were going on a stag do- and one had tshirt saying Cassanova. The extra 's' annoyed me..

That would annoy me too. What's Val up to these days Raahh?!

That's not good news about Khachanov is it - hope they are ok.

Val does not appear to have replaced her cat. But currently she is lusting after a chef at a cookery class. It's all going on in Doctors.

You think that t-shirt is bad - Emmerdale have a toilet door with acccessible written on it!

Even typing that made my skin crawl!

Jane

Missing chatting to you lot! We need more tennis.

Poor Roger has to sell caps down the market for Christmas because his Swiss bank account is so depleted after this year mobile.twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1333772910868230147

Oh dear God Jane
Hammier than a pig farm
Poor Roger! He's turning into Del Boy

It's very odd to not have tennis chat and we may have to wait a good while longer, depending on what the Oz govt decides re travel.

I’m missing the tennis and chatting to you lot as well!

Thanks for sharing that link Jane - I think Roger needs to get back to playing tennis - not sure about the middle aged shirt and jumper combo!

Has there been any more news about the Australian Open?

Spidey I listened to the podcast about John Millman having to quarantine after returning to Oz - it sounded grim! 14 days in a hotel room with no windows to open and no balcony . He did mention wine tasting which sounded more fun - I think I would have been wine guzzling

Hope everyone is ok