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 not too surprised by the Rafa scoreline-his last match was long, and he's not as experienced in 5 set matches.
PCB is a very underrated player, though, lost a bit amongst all the great Spanish players they have had.

And Belinda seems to have completely lost the momentum she had in the first set.

And Elina has won.

Rafa is making a come back in set 3.

Maybe he likes 5 sets?!

It's annoying TNT are not actually showing the Jodar match- they have Zverev on the one channel they have available today , and also on the red button .

I have Jodar on HBO on my laptop, but it's not the same.

In the men’s draw now:

1. who would you like to win?
2. who do you think will win? For the more experienced top names this is their BIG chance. Sky Tennis have been playing some amazing highlight shows. Just watched when Murray beat Rafa in the U.S. open semi final. Rafa had just won that epic 2008 Wimbledon final. Andy plays superbly - he really was a fantastic player. I am a Rafa fan but that last Wimbledon where Roger neatly pipped Novak at the end killed me. The Rafa doc has been great. And also reminded me of Roger’s beautiful style. And not just his blazers/cardis!! My first tennis love was Borg and I love that you can watch some of the old matches on YouTube. And I love watching Safin. He is a fabulous player to watch and also, to me, an absolutely god. As for the women still love a classic match. Steffi is my absolute icon.

Went out thinking Rafa was on the way out, came back and now it’s 2 sets all. I don’t think I can remember a tournament with so many 5 set matches, it’s crazy.

@ThisJadeBear I would really love Casper to win , but he's in the same half as Zverev- the other half is much more open.
From that half, it would be great if Berrettini could get to the final.

I haven't quite finished the 4th episode of the Rafa doc yet. It's been really interesting. I was never a Roger fan, although I appreciate the skill. I do really like that Roger and Rafa have what is clearly a genuine friendship. The tears when Roger retired at the Laver Cup- that image sticks with me.

And VAMOS! Rafa has levelled the match.

Like to win, Ruud or Berrettini. Most likely to win, Zverev.

Rain?

ooh. Heavier conditions will favour Casper later.

Do you think they will? Joao said he preferred the conditions as it got later in the evening when he was playing Djok.

I would love Matteo to win. I think Sascha will win though.

This the first chance I’ve had to watch NuRafa. Although I am watching on a phone screen as I’m at my mum’s, so not really a good way to appreciate his skill! It would be great if he gets through.

It probably helps them both, really- but I'm clinging to the hope that Casper can win one day

Meanwhile , it's raining. and Rafa has the break in the 5th , and really just wants to get on with things.

But they don't want to shut the roof , because they think it's a passing shower.

I like PCB- but I would really like NuRafa to get through. He's done well to pull it back, but I think PCB has an injured arm/shoulder.

Sascha has taken the first set on a tie break. It's Jesper's birthday, apparently. .

Talking again in the studio, when they could be showing the Jodar match.

(The rain has stopped and play has re-started).

It’s Iga’s birthday as well, probably not the best birthday she’s had

Oh dear, no, not the best birthday present for Iga! Jesper probably won’t mind too much if he loses as he’s already got further than he probably expected to.

NuRafa is racing through to the finish line now.

No, it won't be. She was very 'un Iga like' in her match. She just seems to be struggling a lot more recently than I've seen before.

Do you pay extra for HBO Raahh?
TIA

I don't ,because I already have TNT. I thought I would have to, but figured it out eventually !

Annoyingly, my picture quality on the tv isn't great, compared to the other channels- but I can watch on my phone/ laptop.

The main channel is finally showing the last games now of the Jodar match.

It's been a good comeback- but I think it's as much to with PCB being injured, as NuRafa playing well.

Struggling to serve it out, though.

Ok, Rafa needs to settle here.