Tennis - waiting for Australian Open

[magimedi]

And longing for lots of chat!!

We’re watching Elf now

I remember my DSs tracking Santa - it used to scare them and made them go to bed early (those were the days!)

I also watched Carols from Kings - it was lovely

Merry Christmas 🎾!

i hope i can ask but can someone tell me what young girls 7 or so like brand wise for tennis gear? i'm not in the uk and am planning for spring birthday gifts? i'm thinking skirt top etc.

Hi @fallfallfall sorry I don't have a clue but if you ask in the Sport section I'm sure someone will be able to tell you.

:), thank you

Hi all - hope everyone had a nice Christmas

I'm doing a repeat Christmas dinner today - sort of wishing I hadn't started now but oh well!

@fallfallfall I am not too sure either tbh. My DS plays in juniors and he has a couple of Under Armour tops that he likes - but he's a bit older though. We usually get stuff from Decathlon so I don't know if that's worth a look? Agree you will probably get some good ideas if you ask on the sports board.

I heard on the podcast that Rafa is going to pair up with Sinner for the Aus Open practice sessions. I think they have to stick with the same person for the whole time or something?? Not exactly sure. I wonder if Fed will play??

We're still on leftovers here. I'm getting fed up of them now!

Afternoon!
We have some leftovers- that no-one seems to want.

Tomorrow I have to go out and get a cake for ds's birthday on Tuesday, and sort out a balloon. The original plans were scuppered, so it's not going to be a very exciting 18th - but he isn't really one for big events anyway.

It's my birthday on Wednesday- and I'm feeling so fed up with everything at the moment, I would like to just go to bed and stay there til it's all over. But I get like that every year, not just during pandemics .

Clever move of Rafa to pair up with a 'newbie' btw, good way to get to know exactly how they play. He is working his way throught the pack. My mate Casper Ruud trains at his academy, so he probably knows his game quite well too.

Not sure how the 'bubbles' will work though.
Will they have to share a room? .

Federer is definitely on the list to play in Melbourne. After nearly a year out - and with so many of the young players now really starting to hit their stride- I think he might struggle a bit.

Pfft. We have snow. We NEVER get snow. The dog is not impressed. I need to go out, and the snow has made me grumpy. .

We've got a very light sprinkling of something, which is still there despite having rained for much of the last two hours.

Roger has pulled out of the Australian Open. He's played there for the past 21years and this will be the first time he's missed it.

I wondered if he might. Especially as he usually travels with his family etc. 21 years is quite a streak though!

No snow here, just some pointless sleet type stuff

Good luck with your shopping Raahh.

I've just read about Federer. I did wonder if it he would- it was such a long time away, and it's a fair distance to travel to potentially not do his best- and if this is to be one of his last years, he will want to end on a high.

The snow is not going away. it appears to be froen solid on the cars. I refuse to drive the hire car I have been given (bit worried about damaging it in this weather- plus it's a bit big for me anyway), so I am waiting for dh to get himself ready. He does not appear to be in any rush. .

I think Federer is ultra careful about his health and fitness, and rightfully so, especially as the tennis circuit is so relentless these days. Can’t believe we are on the roundabout again! I remember a few years ago I was due to watch him at the O2 but he withdrew as he wasn’t 100%. He very graciously came to the arena and apologised in person (half the audience were RF followers, so sensible decision). We saw an impromptu exhibition by Andy and Novak instead so went home a happy bunny.

I think that Fed would like to win Wimbledon & then retire.

Yes - or Olympic gold??

I think Rog has also got his eye on the Olympics magi (if they happen this year!) I wasn’t surprised that he’s not going to the AO - the quarantining would be a hassle for him especially if he has his family with him. It’s a tough competition to come back to when you’ve not played for a year.

We have snow today! Proper snow as well - good job I’ve not got any plans!

Happy birthday to your DS Raahh - lockdown big birthdays are rubbish but hope he has a nice day

Hope everyone else is OK - I’m trying to summon up the energy to get out of bed

Yes, Olympic gold in singles is the one thing he hasn't got.

I was up before 7 to take the car to the garage - it's going to be a long day!

Thank you Fizzy- it's not the most exciting birthday ever - but to be honest, he wouldn't have wanted a fuss under normal circumstances, he gets overwhelmed. Would have been nice if he could have at least taken his mates out for a meal or something, but I'm sure they will do something when all this is over.

So many big birthdays in our family over the last year that have been spoilt though. My mum's 70th is in a few weeks- lord knows what tier we will be in by then!

I agree Federer will be prioritising Wimbledon/Olympics. He does have an Olympic gold though- for doubles in Beijing. I imagine he will skip the clay season again. Not sure if Indian Wells/Miami are scheduled to go ahead as planned- it's hard to believe we are nearly back at that point again, when IW was cancelled last minute.

Dh has taken the reluctant dog out in the snow. I am very wobbly on my feet in snow/ice. It hasn't stopped here all morning.

I need to motivate myself to do something Now sure what though. .

*Not

Part of me really wants to take down the tree. All the birthday banners and stuff always clash with the Christmas things. But I like the tree- the positioning of it means I can't see the mess at the other end of the room .

Keep the tree up Raahh

Our family have had a few big birthdays this year - it’s rubbish just not being able to go out for a meal or to the pub

I’m sure I heard that Indian Wells wasn’t going ahead - don’t quote me on that though - it is scary that we’ll be coming round again!

Well I’ve managed to move from the bed to the settee - I think it’s going to be one of those days

Hope you get your car back soon magi - mine is under quite a bit of snow so it’s not going anywhere!

DD2 has been and made a 'snow mound'- then got too cold and came back in.

We have ordered birthday pizza.

We will follow this with the ubiquitous caterpillar cake- Asda version, extensive research over the years means we like this one best .

My mum was meant to be making a cake, but all the plans went adrift.

I think I read that Indian Well is doubtful- but who knows anymore. Things change almost daily. I was surprised when the US Open went ahead, tbh.

I've just seen the revised schedule published on the ATP site- and whilst Miami is on there (March 22nd) there's no mention of Indian Wells.

Indian Wells is not going ahead when it should be but could possibly be rearranged I think? I guess the pushing back of the AO will have a knock on effect on other tournaments?

Who’s up for another Autumnal (Arctic!) French Open?

Chris Kermode was interviewed on the Tennis Podcast and he said that the Monte Carlo open is definitely going ahead with or without spectators so that’s something to look forward to!