TENNIS: AO Men's Final and beyond

[JaneJeffer]

I've just seen that Norrie won the Delray beach tournament, and Alcaraz won in Rio.
Cilic has just lost his opening round match in Dubai, which is a shame.

So much tennis going on. Just realised Dubai & Qatar are on Prime.

Naomi Broady is doing a bit of commentary with Sam.

I was trying to find when Rafa was due to play (though it will probably at a time I can't watch) and saw that his opponent has changed from Opelka to Kudla. Opelka was Norrie's opponent in his final, so maybe he's tired.

Dan isn't giving up without a fight.

ooh - bit of drama in Acapulco! I was looking at the schedule, and saw that Zverev had lost his next match to a walkover.

When I looked into it, turns out he was thrown out during his doubles match after a sweary rant at the umpire, where he also smashed his racquet on the umpire's chair a number of times.
Apparently, footage shows the Umpire 'flinching in fear'.
Oh dear, Sascha. That's not going to do his reputation any good, after he finally seemed to be settling down producing decent results.

Rafa won. So that's good.

Another early loss for Murray though. Sinner was playing well.

(My picture on Prime was terrible though- sometimes it is really grainy).

Plays Hubi next- that should be good.

Oh no, naughty Sascha!

Just switched on as Djok was walking out. Come on Karen.

It's not looking good for Karen- and my blood pressure is rising because I have read that Djok will be able to go to Rome even if unvaccinated..

And Sascha faces being suspended for a year after last night. Which is a bit of a disaster- but reading what he did, not surprising. Although, other players have dodged suspension for pretty bad stuff (Fognini, for example, although he wasn't violent, just verbally abusive in quite a horrible way).

it took me so long to actually post my reply, the match ended .

At least Karen pulled things back a to make things closer at the end.

I heard on the radio about Sascha but haven’t seen any footage of it - I wonder what happened to make him behave like that? Being suspended for a year would be pretty bad for him

I’ve not seen any tennis - definitely don’t want to see Djok - can’t believe that they’re going to let him play in Rome but I suppose as restrictions are being relaxed it will no longer be as much of an issue (although we’d probably still be in lockdown if everyone followed his no vax lead ).

It’s still annoying that he seems to have got away with not being vaccinated (apart from Australia of course)

I keep seeing pictures of Rafa in Acapulco - he looks very smiley and relaxed - there was a picture of a very young Rafa biting into the pear trophy

I saw this clip of Zverev - not pretty, definitely deserved to be thrown out of the tournament.
www.instagram.com/p/CaUVwkSjq12/?hl=en
That eurosport account later reported his apology, to the umpire, his fans and the sport - damage limitation methinks

Plumbing problems are the worst, much sympathy for you Raah

Tottie thanks! It was rubbish- and why do these things always happen at night or the weekends?(the boiler broke in November - on the coldest weekend we've had so far). The house is a disaster area at the moment .

I saw the clips of Sascha- and totally agree, any sanctions are absolutely justified, and can't be argued against. The worst bit for me- apart from how violent he was- and clearly aiming at the umpire- was that he sat down- and got up again to have another go. So this wasn't a one -off racquet smash in a temper, this was prolonged- and then he decided to carry on.

It might take a while to come back from this - and on the back of the domesic abuse allegations too. Sponsors might even be a bit wary of being associated with him. I know players have done plenty of things- and Djok hit the line judge etc. But that could be explained away as a momentary lapse and swipe in anger, much as I hate Djok. . The Sascha incident really can't.

Just watching Rublev/McDonald- not a good start for Andrey- he lost the first set 2-6.

I know I shouldn't laugh (when has that ever stopped me?) but after Sascha had his outburst and there were some children shouting for him he went over with the banjaxed racquet and made sure the littlest one got it

Jane That's actually quite cute.

It's a pretty cool souvenir to have.

Rublev is now playing a lot better.

Every time I put the tennis on flipping Djok is on.

Vesely is very unusual looking isn't he?

Yes! He's got the first set. Love me a lefty he's covered in sweat from head to toe!

We've got thunder and lightning.

Are they playing an Irish jig?!

Wow Vesely amazing tennis!

I'm not able to watch - but come on Vesely!