TENNIS- US OPEN finals weekend continues. Then it's onwards to Japan and China.

[Raahh]

Not the most exciting title.

I suppose Laver Cup and Davis Cup must be happening too soon.

Poor Jana.. That was a lovely moment.
Princess Michael is on a planet of he own.

I was sad to hear about the Duchess of Kent - she was lovely with Jana Novotna

I think she spent some of her later years as a music teacher in Hull (now that’s dedication!)

I’m also missing tennis - I’ve never really been able to get into the Laver Cup - especially now that Roger and Rafa aren’t involved - it seems a bit too ‘exhibitiony’ to be taken seriously

The Billie Jean King cup is also on but I can’t really get too excited about that either

I went to see the new Downton film yesterday - it was enjoyable nonsense if you like that sort of thing and also strangely moving (maybe I’m getting soppy in my old age!) - I’m hoping that really is the end though - not sure that His Lordship can deal with modern life!

There is also a film out called Islands about a washed up tennis coach at a holiday resort whose claim to fame is taking a set of Rafa Nadal! I do like a niche tennis film so might seek it out (or wait until it’s streamed somewhere!)

I have never really cared much for the Laver Cup Fizzy- watched it when Rafa and Roger were in it (though Rafa wasn't involved as often) - it does feel like an expensive exhibition.
I've never bothered with the BJK Cup really, but I did see Catherine Whittaker in the tennis podcast was critical of Raducanu for skipping it.

Yes that was interesting Raahh - the tennis podcast has always been very supportive of Emma R - that was the first time I’ve heard them being critical of her

I'm a big fan of Catherine- she not afraid of speaking her mind.

I think not participating might come back to bite Emma, since the GB team is pretty strong without her.

It did seem a bit of a strange decision to play in a relatively minor tournament over representing her country - an appearance fee was mentioned but how much money does she need?

I know that a tennis player’s career is relatively short but she has a lot of endorsements etc - I guess it’s up to her but it might be difficult if she decided she wants to play in the BJK Cup in the future

I think in Emma's case it might have been ranking points rather than money that swayed her decision- she will be wanting to be be comfortably in the seeding positions for the next slam. I can understand that, I guess, but if the team do well without her- she can't expect to picked next time just because it suits her.

Perhaps I'm in the minority but I think Emma made the right decision, she is close to being seeded for slams and BJK Cup isn't that important in the grand scheme of things. The qualifying rounds of BJK and Davis cup have always been an opportunity for lower ranked players to step up.

I see Taylor Townsend got in trouble for slagging off Chinese food. Jelena is probably laughing her head off.

My favourite thing about that story is discovering that Taylor thinks that eating frogs gives you warts!!

I agree Ice, I think Emma needs the ranking points more than she needs the glory of playing for her country. And it’s nice for others to get the opportunity.

I saw that and thought the same!

I've just seen that Matteo Berrettini is in action at the Hangzhou Open tomorrow morning. I am not sure if it is on Sky, but it should be on around 8am so I might try and watch. Cilic is the defending champion , he is playing tomorrow too. He will want to do well this week.

Ooh it will be nice to see Matteo if he’s on tomorrow morning

I think Matteo is just what I need to set me up for the day!

I think Matteo should play every morning.

For medicinal purposes.

I love Matteo, but he’s become one of the players that give me anxiety because I’m always worried he’s going to be injured.

Oh hello Matteo - although he has lost the first two games - hopefully his body will hold up - I also get nervous watching him

I'm only able to score watch at the moment ( didn't time this very well).
Come on Matteo!

This match is likely to be over before I get to watch.

Oh dear, not going very well for Matteo. Still, it was nice to watch him for a bit before work!

Finally getting chance to watch- Matteo was doing better, then I got in just as he was broken.
Svrcina seems to have got all the fabric in his shorts that hs compatriot Machac discarded .
Come on Matteo!He seems out of sorts.

Well done to Sxrcina- not a good day for Matteo, even his serve couldn't get him out of trouble.
He just can't watch a break.

Born Borg. Also interviewed on BBC Breakfast this morning (8.18 ish).

https://www.thetimes.com/article/06d028a1-6b24-437a-a3c5-a21496ee99f1?shareToken=8906117f42b78a4ba870d56a31361e47