TENNIS thread- The Asian swing limps to a humid close- let's chuck away the ice towels and head to Europe.

[Raahh]

Via a couple of Exhibitions in Saudi Arabia.

Thread was coming to an end (if I can work out how to link it!).

Val is playing so well it’s unbelievable.

It's feeling a bit tense.

Val has nothing to lose here- everything he does is a bonus from where he was at the start of the week, so he can afford to just go for everything. Arthur is the one who, by ranking, should has the most pressure on him. He's probably feeling that too.

It's a fascinating match really- and more fun for a change than watching the usual suspects battle it out (although I like Jannik and Carlos- there's no real jeopardy- and nothing much on the line).

I think time violations at this stage are just pointless. Just Greg on a power trip

Arthur is worn out

Arthur not out of it yet. But he's got the physio out. Looks like he's having a nap.

Drunk woman singing Sledgehammer in the crowd.

Blimey. That was some game.

It’s crazy how fit Val must be considering he played qualifiers.

Ice all I can think, is that he hasn't played as much as the top players - gone as deep in big tournaments. His last tournament before this was a challenger in September- and he lost early.

So, he's not playing constantly and fatigued.

Plus theres' the adrenalin of this situation. It must count for something, and keep him going. It's not aposition he's been in before.

Fantastic.

Well done Val.

But lovely ending.

Well done Valentin! But don’t be expecting this every time you leave Monaco!

Well done, Val, deserves the win .

Wow, well done Valentin! Should venture outside Monte Carlo more often.

What a dream of a week.

I wonder if anyone had money on this result? Doubt it

No- but he might not need so many wild cards

Er no. I don't want to go to Wuhan.

Thank goodness for the red button.

Oh first time I have seen them taking a flag

Nice camera message.

My RB is playing up

Finally got it to work

It took me too long to realise that they both have surnames that mean pretty much the same thing .

Oh that’s funny - didn’t know what Rinderknech meant