Tennis: Road to Turin, anyone seen Rafa?

[IceandIndigo]

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I wonder how this announcement will affect David Ferrer's thinking, as Davis Cup captain? There'll be uproar if Rafa doesn't play but it depends on who the strongest team will be. Spain will want to win it especially now, to give Rafa the perfect send off.

I read an article just now that said Ferrer’s in a tricky position now - pressure to pick Rafa as it’s his swansong but will that really be what’s best for the whole team? Very difficult.

I had Centre court tickets for Wimbledon Chessie and they put Rafa on Court No 1 - I'm not bitter at all!

It will be interesting to see if he plays singles at the Davis Cup - poor David Ferrer having to make that call

How frustrating Fizzy! DD was disappointed this year because we had No 1 court tickets and they put Emma on centre. It is a shame when a player you really like is on a different court.

Yes I think my DM still holds me responsible

I was just relieved he is playing the Davis Cup because when DS1 told me he had retired I thought he wasn't! I still want to cry though

Carlos struggling against Machac, down a set and a break.

It's like watching a kangaroo

Carlos on the pickle juice

Well done Tomas! Wow!

Well done Tomas. He played a really smart match. Sad day for Spanish tennis continues!

I can't bring myself to watch Rafa's announcement yet 🥲

Now they're trying to make me cry

Just seen photos on Davis Cup insta of a 14 year old Rafa being the flag bearer for the Spanish team in 2000. I only recognise Juan Carlos Ferrero in the team

Richard Gasquet has announced he will retire next year, after the French Open.

I heard the Gasquet announcement, and thought for a minute he already had, and then realised I meant Gilles Simon

There is only one player announcement we want to hear, though really.

I do wonder what Rafa will do next, I doubt he will take up a career in the media - I will miss his Rafa-ese.

Is Rafa still due to play the 6 Kings /Game of Thrones/ Scary Medieval looking tournament? That's next week, I think.

I saw that last night but forgot about it after the Rafa news. I don't believe the French players when they say they're retiring anyway

I think he is Raahh will it be televised I wonder

No, Jane .Mahut's retirement has been as drawn out as his match against Isner.

It's on Sky Sports, so who knows what they will choose to show instead . .

and didn't Clement play another Wimbledon after retiring? Not that I was complaining 😍

Part of me keeps thinking that Monfils announced he was retiring this year Jane- but I must have made that up- because he shows no sign of stopping.

Or he just keeps going, hoping everyone will forget. (Elina will probably retire before he does at this rate ).

I think Stan and Gael have a secret pact to just keep going

You are probably right- it is making it hard to tell where the normal tour ends and the legends/invitational events start .

During his match against Carlos earlier this week the TennisTV commentators were saying Gael has stated he thinks he has a few more years in him. Sadly I think Stan will need to retire if he can’t improve his ranking pretty dramatically, it’s not really sustainable to be relying on wild cards. I wonder how Richard Gasquet feels about Rafa stealing his retirement thunder