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

[Fizzywinegum]

New thread!

Oh no kazza I was wondering last night while I was trying to get to sleep whether Rafa will even make it to RG

I had to go out- I'm really surprised at the Fritz result- well done to him. I suppose I shouldn't be that surprised, Stef has been struggling with injury and form of late, but it is still a good result for Taylor. Stef will be bitterly disappointed.

This match should be a good one.

Nooooo!

Oh Rafa

Things must be bad- I can't see him making a comeback at Madrid really, since it's the 'weaker' of the clay tournaments for him- it won't be the first time he has gone into RG, only playing Rome (and last year he barely managed that).

I really hope he makes it to RG. I can't bare the idea of Djok winning. Because he will.

Maybe he's saving himself for one final RG and then will call it a day.

Is Holger rubbing his shoulder a bit?

Maybe. So long as he wins it, and doesn't lose in the first round.

Or worse, in the 3rd or 4th round to Djok. Which is possible, since he will go into it, seeded in the the 13-15s ish- if he doesn't play anything beforehand.

It's not the way I want his career to end.

Hello AURELIE

And first set to Holger.

Daniil needs to be careful

He does- he's going to get himself into Djok style bother if he doesn't watch out.

Plus Aurelie will not take as kindly to net dismantling as Carlos did!

Holger is probably just happy it's not him having the tantrum

There he is Raahh

Yes, it does take the pressure off Holger that it's Danill acting like a teenager!

Yay! It's like Where's Wally

Can't wait for Rome.
If Nicola doesn't pop up behind statues on his court, I will be very disappointed.

I love the Roman statues.

I'm so cold sitting here I've put my coat on and now the dog thinks we're going somewhere!

It's so cold. I remember thinking, when I was freezing in December, that by March it would start to get warm. Now, it's colder than ever and it's the middle of April. Fed up now.

I moved my boots an inch, and the dog got excited.

If Daniil loses this game he'll probably go off on one

I love how Holger isn't afraid to try different shots on the off chance they'll work

I'm impressed by Holger- considering 12 months ago most people were focused on Carlos and wouldn't have known who Rune was - look how far he's come. At this rate (and with all the injuries flying about) he could end the year comfortably top 5.

Oof.

I know there will be excuses about Daniil's long match last night (and that will have played a part) but Rune is fearless really.

The bloke in the suit behind Daniil's canopy looks very unsuited to the weather - like something out of Men in Black.

He's done so well and got himself right up there. He got so much negative press and yet others like Dick Kyrgios who behave way worse are held up as heroes! It's amazing he's only 19 and hopefully has a long career to look forward to. I love him.

like something out of Men in Black
He's got very sinister posture