TENNIS: Dubai, Golden Swing, USA

[JaneJeffer]

And in Rafa news, his IW stint may be short lived- he has drawn Raonic in his first round (Milos has done ok in his own come back trail) and Holger awaits in the second round.

VAMOS!

I’m still confused about IW - it looks as if some main draw matches are being played today and Rafa is playing tomorrow? It says at 7pm but then it looks as if all the matches are being played at 7pm

I agree Raahh - he’s not got an easy draw - he might squeak past Raonic but I’m not sure about Rune - that could be an interesting one if he gets that far

I watched the Rafa/Alcaraz Netflix slam - it was a bit weird and showbizzy - the clips of Baby Rafa playing with his tiny racquet were so cute - he looked quite talented

I got confused Fizzy but yes, today/night is the first day of proper play. 7pm (our time) is the first match on court. I think!

I always get mixed up and think the time difference is the same as NY- and of course, it's not.

Yes thanks Raahh - I’m still hoping that I’ll see Rafa’s match tomorrow but I think he might be playing the night session their time (whatever time that is! )

Baby Rafa looks pretty lethal with his mini racquet - he is very determined to get the ball

Baby Rafa looks pretty lethal with his mini racquet
he reminds me more of Andrey than Rafa

Speaking of which, Andrey won his appeal against losing his Dubai earnings.

"The appeals committee concluded that, beyond forfeiting the match, customary penalties associated with a default - namely loss of rankings points and prize money for the entire tournament - would be disproportionate in this case," said the ATP.
Rublev's fine of $36,400 (£28,700) for the code violation remains in place after the appeal."

I think that's fair, Jane- I mean, it wasn't great, but other players have done a lot more, and been penalised far less- so I'm glad he won his appeal.

Ooh I haven't been on here in a while!

Just watching Murray v Goffin at Indian Wells and it got me thinking: what a strange thing sport is; particularly watching tennis. How many times have these 2 played each other? How strange to take that into account and the differences their form has been over the years when playing together. Especially when you think of the current overall state of Murray's career.

I was thinking this recently about franchise cricket T20 games with players slotting in for different teams around the world; sometimes just playing for a few matches. Then jetting off somewhere else, mustering up the team spirit and competitiveness for another bunch of people.

Some of it being a jobbing player and earning money.

Those 2 comparisons are not the same of course. But keeping the competitive thing going I suppose.

Murray is currently up 6 - 3, 3 - 1.

(And I've not even had a drink tonight)

Rafa has withdrawn

I've just seen that Jane. Annoyingly, the nay sayers who criticised why he could play Vegas for the $$$$ will have a field day. But he was always testing his level, ( and fulfilling a commitment made a year ago).

The score line was fairly convenient for an exhibition match, it was fun- and nothing like playing 3/4/5 matches over tournament. He was playing one of the youngest, fittest blokes on the tour, and in competition admitted he wint get many more chances. So he took it.

So I don't blame him. If this is the last year, stick to what you know Rafa, and come back play on clay.

( still sad though).

Confusingly for Milos, he goes from playing Nadal , to playing Nagal .
.
Or maybe it's just confusing for me.

His match also appears to have been bumped. Presumably, the original slot against Rafa was more of a 'prime' one , and now things have been tweaked. I always think that's a bit mean!

Sad that Rafa is out I was contemplating investing in TennisTV so I could watch him but now glad I procrastinated. The time difference is always so awkward with IW.

Not a great tournament for the Brits so far, I see Draper and Boulter both lost in the first round. Andy keeping British hopes alive though!

This comment made me laugh

Stan is sadly out- started off competively - lost the first set on a tie break, won the second and then lost in the 3rd.
But good news for Jakub Mensik who won his match- and Sonego is continuing to be everywhere, all at once

And Milos won- which is good, since Rafa wasn't there, as I do really like Milos. (Obviously, had he been playing Rafa, I would not have welcomed the result )

Getting to see the start of a match at least today- Sinner playing Kokkinakis- 2 women in the crowd wearing bright orange wigs

I'm totally confused about the times!

Me too, I keep assuming it all starts around 4pm/5 like NY, (UK time) but it starts at 7.

Jannik's leg's are looking a bit pink.

Redheads and desert climates don’t mix Raahh.

No, Jane they dont'! And he seems to have forgotten his sunscreen. He will be going red as 'our' Boris is he's not careful

Not keen on Kokk's shorts. What is it about IW? it was there that the poo- stain shorts were first worn (don't remember if they were still worn after that or swiftly ditched !).

Those carrot wigs are very bright.

The Carota boys will have to turn up in shorts if they make an appearance- the full costume will make they melt. Carota puree.