TENNIS thread - It's still Clay-time, and we're off on a European tour- next stop Barcelona, Madrid and Rome.- before landing in Paris.

[Raahh]

amongst other places it would have taken too long to put in the title.

I suppose it’s only the really top players who are likely to win multiple cars etc. Maybe they give them to family members. The players themselves will hardly ever be home to drive them!

No- the top players travel all over, or have multiple houses. where would they put them?

Can't imagine what the insurance would be like .

These women are loud!

I haven't see much today, apart from the last few games of the Osaka/Bronzetti match.

I'm suffering from from 'post Bank Holiday' confusion, and have no idea what day it is

They have very tall 'ball kids' in Madrid. But at least they are suitably dressed this year.
Is Feli still the tournament director in Madrid? I think he might be.

Nadal.......

www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/4ac5b1623ac58771

Yes Katie keep him talking 😍

Sorry Rafa I won’t be watching any golf even if it’s you

Jane I agree.

He looked very smart at the Laureus awards, with Xisca. Carlos seemed to be enjoying himself too.

Stef and Paula looked gorgeous in white as well

The kerfuffle about whether the ball was out turned things in Katie’s favour

Keep Petch Emma

Is that cap glued to Arango’s head because she took her hoodie off over her head without it moving.

Thanks for that link to the Rafa interview Jane - I’m happy that he seems at peace with his decision to retire - last year must have been difficult for him wondering if he was making the right decision

It’s also made me realise how much I miss him - just watching him at the Real Madrid match reminded me of his passion and commitment on court (and the agonies he put us through )

Maybe he could run Novak over with the golf buggy if he gets to play him

It was @impossibletodaywho posted the link Fizzy

Sorry it was Impossible who did the link - thank you

Yes I just saw that Jane - should have read your comment before I posted - think I’ll go to bed now

Hey my emojis are back! This is a weird week of tennis where Madrid doesn’t really get started properly for a while yet - I still don’t really understand these 2 week tournaments

The 2 week Masters are weird because they seem to spend the first week dragging out the first round, and the players that progress still have to play back to back days in the second week. In the slams the schedule seems to be more spaced out with proper rest days.

Apparently Carlos has pulled out of Madrid due to the injury from the Barcelona final. Djok is in his half, so someone else better step up!

Ice that is my problem with them- the top names don't start playing until late this week-and if they are to make the final, face playing pretty much daily.
And the clay/in to grass schedule is so packed anyway, it's no wonder injuries and withdrawals happen.

I'm not surprised Carlos pulled out, I guessed he would when he was playing on Sunday. It's not really worth jeopardising his whole season- even though 'home' tournaments are important he's lucky he had Barcelona to play in as well. He has plenty of years (hopefully) topickup some Madrid titles.

Stef is in Djok's half, but they won't meet til late, also Musetti. Tomas Machac is an outside threat.
But these are late on- could Arnald or Coric trouble him? Seb Baez might.

I feel like the top half is more stacked.

The Cam Norrie Court. No you can’t call it that. Please shut up!

The what now??

I'm watching Eala very calming starting well against Swiatek.

Altitude - BINGO!

I’m in the office today so just scorewatching. I did manage to see some of Emma’s match yesterday which was good.