Buckle up possums, it’s the Australian Open!

[IceandIndigo]

New thread.

I'm sticking with the tennis - that was a quick set!

Do they have fireworks every night?

Come on Matteo!

Come on Matteo!

Feels a bit like Stef gave the second set away (though Matteo's serve has been solid throughout).

Damn. Never mind Matteo- good week all the same.

Well done Stef.

Well done Stef. Matteo had his chances in Stef’s last service game, too bad he couldn’t take them.

Has Stef always danced around manically while he’s waiting for the other guy to serve? I haven’t noticed it before, it was a bit distracting!

Well done Stef

Yes he's like a goalie Ice

The umpire might as well be talking to the wall as far as Tallon is concerned. He's in the zone.

They were both very bouncy at the net- it was like watching a pair of posturing peacocks.

I think the coin toss lady was afraid she was going to get walloped by the racquet

Well done Stef

Sleep is proving elusive. Well done to Tomas Machac who has made it to the Acapulco final.
The ADF/Shapo match has just started.

ADF won his match, so playing Tomas Machac in the final. Don't really mind who wins that- would be a big boost for either of them. I think at a pinch, ADF is my favourite - he had a rubbish year last year and his ranking has slumped.

(AdM must be wishing he had defended Acapulco, rather than chased the money in Doha/Dubai where he hasn't done as well as he would have hoped.).

Stef and Felix in the Dubai final- Stef will really want a title win, he's had too many relatively early losses, dropping out of the top 10. Felix is on the best form he's been on for a while though.

I see Paula had to retire from her match hope she's ok

Oh that's a shame about Paula. Randomly, I have started seeing her teeth braces advert doing the rounds again. Always thought that was a bit odd.

No blanket today Julia?

I had almost forgotten the final was on now. I feel like i've been up for days

I read that it was a flare up of Paula’s back injury, which must be a big concern for her. Serious back injuries tend to be career ending. And right after she’s played so well to get back into the top 10.

I’m hoping ADF wins Acapulco, not that I’ve seen any of Acapulco…

Why are finals on a Saturday now? I don't understand tennis any more

The fact that this is Stef’s 12th 500-level final and he’s never won one is making me root for him here.

We know you're just reading the names off a list mister

Cool hairdo

Wow that porcupine hair is something else!

Great minds Jane

It must have taken ages

Great serve