TENNIS - When in Rome - the clay court season continues!

[Fizzywinegum]

New thread!

oof.

It feels right in a way that it's Sascha he plays last because of the abandoned match.

I suppose it is fitting really.
It was such a close match before Sascha's injury, that it could have gone either way.

I thought at one point he was going to take that second set.

Such a shame he’s gone out like this. Very frustrating draw.

Nice for Sascha not to celebrate too much.

You're right Jane :( And Sascha did paly well, even though I was rooting for Rafa.

Oh here comes Rafa's interview😥

The best players know when not to make a 'last' match about them. RBA did it (at Murray's premature AO celebration) Casper, when Tsonga retired.

Aww, look ar baby Rafa's coat!

Ooh fingers crossed for Rafa and Carlos in the doubles in the Olympics

Aah lovely Rafa

Baby Rafa hasn't got a clue what is going on

I love Rafa’s merci beucoups

Baby Rafa is so cute - maybe we’ll see him on the court when he’s older

Did Babs Nick one of the ball girls skirt?

Rafa was amazingly composed during his speech, especially considering he was absolutely in pieces when Roger retired.

Baby Rafa is adorable.

I agree with Mats, the combination of things made it an unlucky day for Rafa- a different opponent, outside, better weather.

Could have been a very different result.

Agree with all the comments. Rafa would probably have beaten just about anyone in the draw but Zverev, who is the in-form player. Shocking draw! Rafa could easily have played himself into the tournament.

I don't how Rafa kept it together after being persuaded by Amelie to speak.
Sascha was very respectful.

I know it's done now- but they could have seeded him. Wimbledon set the precedent with Serena. With his clay court pedigree, I doubt anyone would have argued with it, really (I don't think he would have gone on to win).

Amelie will be kicking herself.

I like the Adidas kits

It's growing on me, Jane. I think it looks good on Maria- but then most things do!

I am now going to concentrate very on hard on 'ABD' (Anyone But Djok) winning the tournament.

Hope PHH has an early night.

Sascha's was nice as well

When is Holger playing?

Adidas have done better than Nike recently.

ooh- I think we have thunder. Either that, or it's someone's wheelie bin.

I wonder what happened to Christopher O'Connell. I'm sure he withdrew from his last tournament as well.

Tomorrow? Playing Dan Evans at about 2.30.

I'll be at the orthodontist with dd2. Only waited 5 years for the appointment...

Wow that's a long time Raahh!

It is very annoying, Jane- and this appointment has been cancelled 3 times since April! They won't even do anything tomorrow, it's just a first appointment. It really is a mess.