TENNIS- It's CLAY -time! Where Hubi (and everyone else) goes to Monte Carlo!

[Raahh]

Looked like the thread was about to run out- and for once I noticed.

Still sad we can't start this thread with better news of Rafa- but fingers crossed for the next one!

What a view.

God! Even a tiny hair on a lens was excruciatingly painful, when I used to wear contacts. Wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Djok, however.......

I know, it's horrible. I wore lenses from 14- 35. Then I got a really bad eye infection, and haven't worn them since.

It would be a terrible fate to befall Beelzebub.

Happy birthday Matteo!

Oh dear it would be very bad if a little speck of clay dust got into Djok’s contact lenses (I am a fellow visually challenged person who used to wear contact lenses but can no longer deal with the faff!)

I’ve just watched bits and bobs of MC this week - hopefully I’ll get to see some of the semis tomorrow - I’ve been loving the crowds - they’re so passionate compared to the US crowds (who just want to eat and drink!)

Will definitely be cheering for Casper against Beelzebub tomorrow

I'm actually not all that sure who will win this match between Stef and Jannik. Stef has had a pretty poor year,by his standards, but this is probably his favourite and most successful tournament- so he will have high hopes.

It's hard to see beyond Jannik but Stef may have the edge over him on clay.

I have been checking for news of whether Rafa is actually going to play next week. The draw hasn't been made for the singles at Barcelona yet.

The crowds have been very vocal this week- but also have spent a lot of time wandering when they shouldn't be. And taking ages to sit down.
I never understand why - only a handful of games into a match- the spectators need to have moved from their sests in the first place. Go to the loo first!

First set Stef.

I am watching and wishing I was somewhere with a lovely view like that.

It's my favourite tournament, for the view, Chessie.

Break for Sinner- and the Italians have woken up a bit in the crowd.

Jannik settling into this now.

I don't really mind who wins to be honest - so long as they can back it up tomorrow (assuming Casper loses today- though fingers crossed he has the best match ever!).

I don’t really mid who wins either although probably edging towards Jannik, would be good to see him extending his good run.

I agree with that- I like the consistency- and it puts the wind up Djok when it's someone else doing all the winning.

I don't like Stef's trainers. Can't decide if they are meant to deliberately look like he's walked through mud- or are they actually dirty?

Stef not about to give up this set.

I want it to go to three sets though.

His trainers do look weird, but they’re better than Daniil’s hooves.

Katie seems to be doing well in the BJK Cup.

I have just seen that Rafa has been drawn against Cobolli at 9am Monday morning (which I will miss the start of, if he does play, and Sky shows it.).

Not sure how Rafa does with very early matches - but it might be the first time a 9am start has more packed stands.

Daniil hooves really are a bizarre design.

9am is a very early start for a tennis match! I have to travel for work on Monday so won’t be able to watch.

Of course, it won't 9am there, will it? It will be 10. Still early though. Hope the weather is good!

Get a move on, Stef!

No point arguing with Aurelie!

Katie has won her match so fingers crossed now for Emma.

I'm reading different things about the Barcelona draw- some say Monday, and some say Rafa starts Tuesday.
So I'm .

Good shot.

This is a tough game.