TENNIS thread- We're saying good bye to Rome, and counting down to Roland Garros.

[Raahh]

Looks like the old thread is ending and I had a Jannik-panic .

I’m watching Maria Sakkari playing a qualifier, Chwalinska. I think Chwalinska is struggling with injury. Maria has won the first set with ease.

Yes he was funny Raahh - the 2024 bits were also making me sad

His English did get much better but I still enjoyed his Rafaisms

I think I’ll have to eke it out - not sure if I can deal with too many episodes at once - it’s weird how he’s winning everything (in Paris anyway!) but also in so much pain - poor Rafa

Yes, watching it, knowing how much pain he was in, even in the early years (and it was not well known then) is really sad.
It was great seeing how he gradually worked out how to finally beat Roger on grass. The 2008 final was iconic for so many reasons- not least Roger's cardigan. And bored Gwen Stefani .
And Roger never did get to beat him at RG.

The scenes with baby Rafa are so cute.

Cobolli is playing really well- Tien is having a very bad day.

I've just seen that Chwalinska has turned the match against Maria around- and has a break in the 3rd.
Come on Maria!

Yes, Maria has completely fallen apart.

Not helped by bloody fireworks! Why is someone letting off fireworks at this time of day?!

Well done Maja. Sad for Maria though.

And Chwalinska has won.
Well done to her, as a qualifier, but massively disappointing fro Maria.

Probably something football related.

It usually is. .

(PSG are playing Arsenal later ,Dh informs me- though they aren't playing in Paris, I don't think).

Well done Flavio.

I have the Matteo match on my laptop. Doesn't seem to be on the red button, annoyingly.

Marion is looking very nice today.

Comesana's kit reminds me of DD2's old brownie uniform.

First Cerundolo match (Francisco) ended in a loss, and a win for Svajda.

JMC now starting his match against Landaluce.

TNT are annoying (as usual)- loads of matches in play- but let's spend ages re-showing all the oncourt interviews , and wittering in the studio.

Every time I’ve put on the proper TNT channel it’s just the studio people wittering on so I’m watching everything via the HBO Max app so I can choose which match I watch and it’s not interrupted by wittering!

it's so bloody annoying, Chessie. Anyone would think there wasn't a tournament happening, or that it's not still very much the first week, with loads going on.

The only time they need to go back to the studio, is if it's raining. (not necessary now they have a roof) Or an interview when nothing else is going on.

When I run the ATP, that will be the law.

Agree.

Matteo is looking very hot and sweaty. He might need to change his shirt.

It's too hot for a shirt. Why bother with a shirt?

TNT still wittering in the studio- now Mats and Mac droning on about why Djok lost.

PUT A MATCH ON

It would be much cooler without wouldn’t it?!

Bloody ads interrupting my viewing pleasure!

Definitely cooler.

it's going to cool off considerably after today, according to Laura and Mac in the studio. Because that's way more interesting, than actually showing any of the play , for more than 10 seconds at a time.

And then going straight to an advert.

I think I saw more of Cobolli in the Renault ad, than on the match coverage on TNT.

I missed the end of the second set, and it's now 1 set all for Matteo and Francisco.

Forza! Matteo.

Matteo now 2 sets down. Hope he can claw it back!

This match has been going on for ages. I keep feeling slightly guilty that I’m not doing something more productive, and then I remember that I’ve spent £30 to get TNT to watch the French Open, so I’m just getting my money’s worth.

It’s too hot to do much anyway so I’ll just continue sitting here watching them get all sweaty instead.

I had to go out, so missed a huge chunk. The Matteo match has been very close- glad he's come back into it.
Can't beleive the 'other' Cerundolo match is already at 4 hours and they are only in set 4.

This is far too tense