TENNIS THREAD- The Clay season continues- onwards to Paris, via Madrid and Rome...

[Raahh]

and a few smaller tournaments in between....

The big question at the moment is- will Medvedev ever win a match on clay??

Greg and Tim- builders for hire.

The 'changing of the guard' has been happening for years now.

But I do think this next couple of years will see a big change.

I'm a bit scared for Sascha tomorrow now. Matteo looks so strong.

I don't think Djok is ready for the changing of the guard just yet!

So it's fairly late tomorrow as well.

I am really hoping that Djok has another early loss next week , and it sends him into a bit of downward spiral for a bit.

Then I will feel better, for feeling sorry for him for 5 minutes, in 2018.

idiot

Simona's fishbowl

you lot make me laugh!

I didn’t see the second semi but pleased that my (random) prediction came true - I think that Casper will get to a final soon

Madrid is a bit weird - I also wondered if the late matches were to fit in with Madrid late dining times and possibly a siesta? The shadow is also very distracting

I always feel a bit sorry for doubles players when their partners do well in the singles and withdraw from the doubles (John McEnroe still hasn’t forgiven Steffi from withdrawing from the mixed doubles at Wimbledon I think)

I am watching Felix AA who is struggling again in a first round match.

I was going to say- I hope Casper (much as I like him) doesn't make the Rome final- because the initial draw had him in Rafa's half.
But I've just seen he has withdrawn- which is a shame, but he has had a good run. I hope he is ok for RG.

And my mother rang whilst I was writing that- Felix has won the match now .

They do not seem to have any fans in Rome.
That's rubbish.

It was weird turning on Rome and seeing no fans- eerily quiet again.
Looking forward to the final - so who so we think? I think Sasha will win but hope it as good match

Or even who do we think will win - sorry

Mama I hope it doesn't affect Rafa having no fans again.

I really don't know who is goingto win this final to be honest- before I actually watched Matteo properly, I would have definitely said Sascha would win. But Berrettini played so well last last night- and has really not had as much pressure on him up til now- he might think this is his chance. But Sascha has been serving so much better.

I want Sascha to win but Matteo is very good.

Me too raahh it must feel very weird - however if it upsets Djokovic again I won't complain

That very loud man in the crowd is annoying me!

Anything that rattles Djok is fine by me.

I am very tired today, and might nod off at any moment .

I don't think Sascha expects to be let win Greg

Aargh

Why are they singing happy birthday?

It's very close really, even with the break.
Sascha needs to break straight back, or he might get rattled and let it slip away.

I think it's Santana's birthday, tomorrow?

Yes!