Tennis: Here we go again, all the slams ahead of us.

[magimedi]

Uninspired title but looking forward to the new year.............. as long as a certain cock does not win 'em all!

I’m still struggling to actually watch any tennis - work is crazy at the moment so just haven’t got much free time. I’m keeping up with the scores and the chat on here though!

Thanks for the round up Raahh - I haven’t watched any yet but will hopefully get to see some later

That’s a shame about Andreescu Ice - I think she was just coming back from quite a bad injury

I quite like the combined men and women tournaments and think there should be more of them - I don’t usually follow women’s tennis but watch more of it when it’s not a separate tournament

Ice I saw that Bianca's match ended with a retirement- I really hope it's nothing too serious for her .She seemed to be finding some form, would be very sad if this knocked her back again.

It's been a long time since the women's side of things has actually been more clear cut than the men's (apart from Serena dominating- the opponents changed like the weather).
I agree it's probably hard not to see past and Alcaraz/Danill final- but Fritz is playing well, and Rune could easily make another final, if he carries on the way he has been.

It is good to see the men and women at the same event- it's rare out side the slams. I'm not really a follower of the women's game (I did a lot more in the 80s- probably knew the players better than the men- apart frm Stefan ). I dont There are a number of players I enjoy watching when I do watch.

It's great now that the women don't have to make it all the way to the final only to be steamrolled by Serena's fair or foul means!

I think that might be why I’m enjoying watching women’s tennis more now Jane - couldn’t be doing with all of the Serena drama (and weird outfits although they could be quite entertaining!)

I didn’t win the IW competition (someone from California won - hmmm!) - never mind!

I totally agree about the Serena drama and outfits. . I saw something the other day that reminded of that strange thing she wore with the bed sheet 'train'

Catching up on scores now I'm home- Sinner currently getting the better of Rublev I see.

Stands are practically empty, considering it's Fritz playing, and Rune.

Although that might mean it's quieter and there will be fewer disruptions from the wandering crowd.

(I expect most of them will turn up late and then faff for ages).

Double faults all over the place so far.
Though Taylor has an early break.

Looks like Sinner will be the winner of the match against Rublev.

I think this may be a match too far for Rune today- he's not doing mch wrong, but Fritz is getting all the winners.

Bet the Ruusuvuori v Van De Zandschulp umpire is having a great time

Trying to watch in between making dinner. Rune doesn’t look comfortable.

DH is Swedish and insists I’m pronouncing Rune wrong, but when he says it it sounds exactly the same to me

I'm sure you're doing better than Tim who calls him Rooney Ice

That's brilliant Taylor - I don't have to play my best because I can still win

I suppose it's good to be confident

Oh Robbie is commentating on the aforementioned match (not typing those names again) can't wait for these puns

I think even Robbie might struggle to come up a play on the names of these two.

I'm sure he will try

Stan is 38 today!

Happy birthday Stan

You would get a lot of points in scrabble for these names!

Happy Birthday to Stan we'll never forget your lockdown birthday party

Stan and the bears!

Happy Birthday Stan
The lockdown stuff is starting to seem so long ago- and yet not, at the same time. 3 years!

I have just been reading that Delpo is hoping to make a return this year, with his eye on the US Open. I would love to see him back- although I thought he retired last year.

What?! I don't see that ending well for Delpo! Probably only more pain and misery. He was so emotional at his goodbye match

Barbora Strycova is 37 today.

No, much as I love Delpo, a comeback seems a bit strange.