Tennis: Heading into the clay swing - Monte Carlo, Rome, Paris, don’t forget the altitude in Madrid

[Fizzywinegum]

New thread!

That's cheered him up a bit, bless him

Well done Ro-Botic!

Rafa was practicing at his academy today. Hopefully a good sign.

I see Benoit and his beard have arrived in Madrid

I saw Benoit had won a couple of qualifying matches.

The Madrid draw looks interesting. Stan is playing the lovely Maxime tomorrow.

I really want to think Rafa will be back soon. Missing the clay season totally would be a disaster really- since it's his best chance of getting decent results.
But it's best he doesn't play unless he is fully fit- or it really might be the end.

Uncle Toni has spoken rafaelnadalfans.com/2023/04/25/toni-nadal-rafa-needs-a-bit-more-time-before-return-from-injury/ 🤞

I suppose he went into RG less than prepared last year, after getting the foot problems in Rome. This injury isn't something he can play through with some injections though, I suppose.

But everything crossed.

(And that Djok's elbow issues last a few years while).

Dick is probably not going to be at RG- after previously saying he would be there, because his GF wanted to see Paris.
That's a shame.

I haven't had chance to watch much today. Just having a quick look around the matches. A very annoying shadow on the court in the Goffin match.
I think the Stan/Cressy match is due to start soon now the Svitolina match has ended (sadly she lost).

Back to see some of Stan- not many people watching today really. Maybe they were as confused by the tournament set up as we are.

Just seen Raducanu has withdrawn. Her pre- tournemant press conference sounds like it was a bit awkward.

Tie break to Cressy.

Stan was doing well, but that got away from him.

All change in the second set. I do like Cressy- but Come on! Stan

Just switched on - come on Stan although poor Stan is looking a bit knackered. Maxine was reading his little notebook at the change of ends - must be his inspirational quotes!

The crowd is very sparse - Barcelona and Monte Carlo always seemed to have good crowds - yes maybe these weird sort of two week tournaments are confusing everyone Raahh - they don’t seem to get going properly until the weekend anyway

The DJ seems to be going for an Ibiza chill out vibe - I think I prefer the wedding favourites DJ from Barcelona

Maxime - autocorrect wants to call him Maxine!

Fizzy I just said to dh that I preferred last week's dj

old school! I’m missing YMCA (not sweet Caroline though!)

Ooh tiebreak!

It's a shame these two have met now, because I do like Cressy, though I want Stan to win. That always seems to happen with Stan, though - he often starts off playing some one I like

I have to say, I find the ball girls kits a bit odd. A long sleeved crop top.

Oh, I can definitely live without hearing 'Sweet Caroline' again.

but I got quite fond of YMCA

Oh yes I’ve just noticed the ball girls kits - very strange - and skirts that blow up in the wind!

Well done Stan! Shame about Cressy - the DJ has got a bit more lively now

Quick look around the scores, Diego's poor run continues- it looks like he could lose to Grenier. Benoit lost his first set 1-6.

Poor Diego

Benoit just being Benoit?

it's a shame about Diego.

Benoit probably hates clay this week.

Talking of hating clay- Bublik won.

(but he plays Holger next- that could interesting ).