TENNIS - clay continues

[JaneJeffer]

My prediction that the 2 matches before it would be quick ones, came true.

I suppose they didn't want to risk a lengthy match before the Rafa one - people will be there specifically for that.

The Arantxa Sanchez stadium suffers from annoying shadow issues.

I don't know if I can take any more stress today. Is it too early for a drink?

I've just come back from 'Doctors' Daniil in trouble, then.

That was a hard fought set for Daniil.

Rafa on his phone, wondering where his pizza got to.

Quick fizzy subscribe* *to Tennis TV
Will try to watch Rafa this afternoon.

It's my 29th wedding anniversary today (obviously I was a child bride....!!). I have now been married for half my life (you do the math )
Still, at least I'm going out for dinner tonight at one of my favourite restaurants

Congratulations kazza!

Enjoy your evening ( hopefully with Rafa win).

I am waiting for Dd2. I have warned her not to be too late coming out of school. Or decide to faff with her mates. I had better nit miss too much!

Thanks Raahh

• *Feli

Hurry up Rafa

Phew! Not missed too much.

And at least it's not Anne today. I have found her commentary really annoying this past few days.

Just tuned in. Rafa looking good!

See- this still annoys me. It's fine to stop Rafa mid serve, because the spectators are wandering in late, but if he goes over time, he gets a time violation.

Just put it on.

Happy Anniversary kazza

Vamos Rafa!

I'm not sure what Naomi's problem is, Rafa doesn't need to play all out at the moment- why risk anything if he doesn't need to? If playing conservatively is getting it done, that's enough for now. He's been around long enough to know when to turn up the power.

Happy anniversary kazza - are you sure you should be looking at Feli - enjoy your meal tonight

Fortunately the TV is still intact although they do keep showing Cam in the gym!

Looking good so far for Rafa - the commentators seem to have gone from every match being his last to him winning the French Open

Fizzy yes, the back peddling is quite something, really!

The Casper match is now scheduled for 16.20- at this rate, Rafa may have finished this

Oh shut up about the challenge.

Nowt wrong with a bit of window shopping fizzy
Glad* *I'm not seeing shots of Norrie in the gym!

This is Madrid, where they have brought in the 'wandering about' rules during the doubles.

Not during the singles though Feli, sort it out.

Oh- has someone fainted?

Oops!

I knew they were going to mention the challenge !

I'm not sure that Rafa fully understands the rules about challenging on clay (I’m not sure that I do either)

oh no I think someone is ill in the stands - they want Feli to sort it out!

Fizzy I do think there is an argument in defence of Rafa, for the fact he didn't play the clay season last year - when a lot of the automated line calling on clay came in. He is still used to the old ways, and it's only the second tournament he has played. (Barcelona doesn't have it). His automatic reaction- as they said at the time- was to circle the mark.

I mean, he should know the rules . But you can see why he was confused.

First set - done.