The Tennis thread

[The Iron]

Well done to Nishikori for winning two games against Djokovic

 

[Super_horns]

I'd be a bit gutted if I had tickets for the Djokovic/Federer group and they aren't playing each other.

Won't see a contest.

Just as well there is the doubles thrown in which Murray won.

Kyle Edmund won a clay court title in Argentina which must put him in contention for the 2nd singles role in the Davis Cup final.

Although I understand Aljaž Bedene is appealing against his veto from the GB team which is heard before the final...

 

[SALTIRE]

I don't think Bedene would have a chance of playing even if he is successful in his appeal. Smith will stay loyal to those that have helped get us here and it'll be Ward or Edmund that backs Andy up in the singles.

I hope this week goes smoothly for Andy. Not too concerned with how he does, as long as he gets his eye in, plays decently and isn't knackered or injured by the end of the tournament.

 

[The Iron]

Murray starts the tournament with an excellent straight sets win over David Ferrer 6-4 6-4. Well done Andy.

 

[Super_horns]

I agree Saltire - can already see the press headlines if he dumps those who have got us there for a "plastic Brit" as the Mail call the athletes who come over here and gain British citizenship.

3 one sided matches so far - expect Rafa v Stan will be closer.

 

[SALTIRE]

Andy played excellently today once he got going. Ferrers us an excellent test to see where his game is.

Don't usually watch arse-picker but I do like a bit of Stan so may watch the night match.

 

[Leewilson]

I'd be a bit gutted if I had tickets for the Djokovic/Federer group and they aren't playing each other.

Won't see a contest.

Just as well there is the doubles thrown in which Murray won.

Kyle Edmund won a clay court title in Argentina which must put him in contention for the 2nd singles role in the Davis Cup final.

Although I understand Aljaž Bedene is appealing against his veto from the GB team which is heard before the final...

I wouldn't play Edmund. He's not played in the lead up to the final, plus he's young and inexperienced and it's questionable if he can handle the pressure of the occasion. Really, his role is taking over from Murray who I very much doubt will take part in next year's Davis Cup.

Ward has come good in big DC matches before and Evans relishes the big events. It has to be one of them two. Neither are particularly good on clay but then I don't think Darcis/Bemelmans should be feared at all.

 

[SALTIRE]

I'd go with Ward, he always wins a set no matter what, if he can hold it together he is capable of doing a job.

 

[Munkiki]

Watching Djokovic-Federer. It's insane how good they are. The scariest thing though is that you just know if he needs to, Novak still has another level to step up to.

 

[SALTIRE]

Watching Djokovic-Federer. It's insane how good they are. The scariest thing though is that you just know if he needs to, Novak still has another level to step up to.

Yet he loses the set. We'll see him up it in the second no doubt.

 

[Munkiki]

Yet he loses the set. We'll see him up it in the second no doubt.

think that's only the second set he's dropped in 17 games

edit - turning point. broken back straight away.

 

[Munkiki]

maybe not. great straight sets win for the goat.

 

[SALTIRE]

goat vs. goat, they'll meet again in the final no doubt. Federer wasn't that great but he didn't have to be, Djokovic looked flat from the off.

 

[Super_horns]

Djokovic will be keen for revenge!

 

[The Iron]

I'm looking forward to watching Murray v Nadal tomorrow, it should be a cracking game and hopefully Murray can get the win.

 

[SALTIRE]

Going to miss it as busy with a family birthday today. Probably wouldn't watch anyway as that Spaniard gets on my tits.

 

[The Iron]

Murray's constant moaning is getting really irritating now. Just get on with the game FFS.

 

[Munkiki]

Nadal breaks to love and takes the first set

edit - Nadal breaks to love again. Murray looking vulnerable on his serve (faced break points in 5 out of 6 service games so far)

 

[Dazza]

Broken for the second time. Poor from Murray. Too much moaning and talking to himself.

 

[Super_horns]

Murray will lose in the semis either way - if he gets there!

Not many 3 set matches so far - signs of a lack of fitness from some players?

 

[Munkiki]

Federer's lost it. Was 4-1 up, now Nishikori is serving for the set.


edit - wins in 3. strange performance. clinical on break points (6 out of 6 converted) but suspect on serve. pretty much the opposite of what you expect.

 

[SALTIRE]

It was a strange match. I stopped watching at 4-1 in the second as I thought that was it. Watched Car SOS then saw that he lost the set from there! Nishikori played pretty well but Federer was dipping on and out of form weirdly all match. Anyway he got the job done in the end.

 

[Leewilson]

Can see why Murray is splitting from John Peers. They make a great team but Peers is an absolute choker and has been in their biggest matches for a while.

How on earth Murray and Peers just lost to the Bryans, I do not know. Peers had some staggering misses on set and match points. Gutted for Murray, he played some brilliant stuff.

 

[Munkiki]

Most spectacular bottle-job I've seen for ages.

 

[Munkiki]

Djokovic not playing particularly well but now serving for the first set.

edit - so Djokovic-Nadal it is. Rafa is playing well and Novak looks beatable at the moment but I can't see past him making another final.

 

[Super_horns]

Murray out - won't be that fussed.

 

[The Iron]

He can get plenty of rest now, and hopefully next week he will be in top form.

 

[SALTIRE]

Djokovic not playing at full pelt but still takes the first set with a couple of breaks. Both aren't playing their best thus far, but Federer is still such a phenomenon. Connors wasn't playing at that level when he was his age.

 

[The Iron]

Having to change channel half way through the match is really annoying.

 

[SALTIRE]

Having to change channel half way through the match is really annoying.

Bloody BBC and their awful sports coverage.

The Federer love-in from the fans is really nauseating.