Originally Posted by planets:
“I sensed on the ether someone was dissing Stanimal.....”
“I sensed on the ether someone was dissing Stanimal.....”
I totally would not kick him out of bed for eating biscuits!
The Tennis Thread (Part 31)
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It's weird to see such indifference to the Olympics this time around. After such a loaded field in London 2012 I really thought the tennis Olympic stigma had finally gone for good. I remember a point was made at the time that this generation of players would have been the first to grow up watching Olympic tennis, hence the renewed interest. Of course the fact that the medals were all taken home by top players helped too. So I think it's a little sad to see, although I'm sure for the players that are taking it seriously, they won't be complaining about the weakened fields.
Originally Posted by Irishguy123:
“It's weird to see such indifference to the Olympics this time around. After such a loaded field in London 2012 I really thought the tennis Olympic stigma had finally gone for good. I remember a point was made at the time that this generation of players would have been the first to grow up watching Olympic tennis, hence the renewed interest. Of course the fact that the medals were all taken home by top players helped too. So I think it's a little sad to see, although I'm sure for the players that are taking it seriously, they won't be complaining about the weakened fields.”
“It's weird to see such indifference to the Olympics this time around. After such a loaded field in London 2012 I really thought the tennis Olympic stigma had finally gone for good. I remember a point was made at the time that this generation of players would have been the first to grow up watching Olympic tennis, hence the renewed interest. Of course the fact that the medals were all taken home by top players helped too. So I think it's a little sad to see, although I'm sure for the players that are taking it seriously, they won't be complaining about the weakened fields.”
Winning a grand slam singles titles is still the pinnacle of tennis achievement ahead of winning an Olympics singles gold medal, no matter which of the 4 it is achieved at.
Originally Posted by striing:
“No dissing going on here. Nothing wrong with a fine booty.
”
“No dissing going on here. Nothing wrong with a fine booty.
”
Very glad to hear it!!
Originally Posted by tartan-belle:
“I totally would not kick him out of bed for eating biscuits!”
“I totally would not kick him out of bed for eating biscuits!
”
Hahahahaaa me neither
I haven't caught up on the whole thread (i've been a bit poorly so not around since this shiny new thread started) but did i read STan was spotted playing n a "not horrible" outfit?!
Originally Posted by striing:
“Bleugh I paid money for this... .
I'm out.”
“Bleugh I paid money for this... .
I'm out.”
I think it's got to do with the slow courts. At times it almost looked like they were warming up because the rallies were going on for so long.
Looks like the occasion got to Kucova in the end. Madison Keys will move up to 7th if she can beat Halep.
Originally Posted by amelia_lee:
“Luthi has said on Roger he is already working on his body and keeping upbeat.
He also said that if Wimbledon didn't mean so much to him, he may have skipped it. I really think it's quite something that at his age and obviously being in a bad physical state, he still made the semis and almost made the final.”
“Luthi has said on Roger he is already working on his body and keeping upbeat.
He also said that if Wimbledon didn't mean so much to him, he may have skipped it. I really think it's quite something that at his age and obviously being in a bad physical state, he still made the semis and almost made the final.”
That's one way to look at it. Another way is that Fed had a very cushy draw to the quarters and Cilic bottled it when the finish line was in sight.
Originally Posted by Lisa.B:
“The HJ is all about the divine goddess Blanka Vlasic, a pity she's made of glass like Nishikori though.
”
“The HJ is all about the divine goddess Blanka Vlasic, a pity she's made of glass like Nishikori though.
”
Too true. Blanka's eyes mesmerize.
Originally Posted by Irishguy123:
“Yep it would have passed Nick by the first time. I'm young enough to have got the full Pokemon experience as a child, I remember buying my Gameboy colour and pokemon blue with my first holy communion money, think the two of them cost me about eighty Irish pounds at the time”
“Yep it would have passed Nick by the first time. I'm young enough to have got the full Pokemon experience as a child, I remember buying my Gameboy colour and pokemon blue with my first holy communion money, think the two of them cost me about eighty Irish pounds at the time
”
I also chose Pokemon Blue...albeit on a bog-standard Gameboy. Returned it within the week though, just didn't enjoy the grinding. Personally I always preferred Rare platformers.
Originally Posted by roger_50:
“Yep, she's now about to start entering the tricky stage of having to defend her existing points as well as trying to climb even further. It often trips players up after their first 'breakthrough' year.
Perhaps it's that sudden realisation that the *minimum* you must do is match how well you've played in the previous 12 months, just to hang on to your current ranking. It's an additional layer of pressure which she hasn't had to deal with up till the US Open begins.”
“Yep, she's now about to start entering the tricky stage of having to defend her existing points as well as trying to climb even further. It often trips players up after their first 'breakthrough' year.
Perhaps it's that sudden realisation that the *minimum* you must do is match how well you've played in the previous 12 months, just to hang on to your current ranking. It's an additional layer of pressure which she hasn't had to deal with up till the US Open begins.”
Good point, well made. Not many players are up to the additional pressure of defending points.
Originally Posted by Lisa.B:
“He's only retired from international football, he's bound to get a silly money offer from the Chinese league, etc.”
“He's only retired from international football, he's bound to get a silly money offer from the Chinese league, etc.”
I was thinking that. Or he'll probably head for the MLS.
Originally Posted by Lisa.B:
“She's having a hard time working out this Kucova puzzle. She's not being allowed to play her way and Jo's only solution so far seems to be to dropshot everything.
Kucova beat Wickmayer, CSN and Bouchard on her route to this match so she's definitely not to be taken lightly.”
“She's having a hard time working out this Kucova puzzle. She's not being allowed to play her way and Jo's only solution so far seems to be to dropshot everything.
Kucova beat Wickmayer, CSN and Bouchard on her route to this match so she's definitely not to be taken lightly.”
Kucova reminded me of Niculescu with her junky slice FHs, so unorthodox. Also can moonball and change the pace, so it disrupts opponents rhythm. They try and bash their way out of the web, but it just results in a ton of errors and frustration.
Originally Posted by computermaster:
“When Monfils isn't goofing around, he plays a similar style to Murray in my opinion. It would be interesting to see him take on Djokovic, who hasn't been in the best form recently.”
“When Monfils isn't goofing around, he plays a similar style to Murray in my opinion. It would be interesting to see him take on Djokovic, who hasn't been in the best form recently.”
Well, sort of. Monfils is arguably a better defender with his willingness to slide on any surface, but it's not wise to slide on HC when you have bipartite kneecaps (Murray). Monfils also has a weak rally FH compared to Murray, but is more explosive. His return is also markedly inferior.
Originally Posted by smude:
“Miss of the season from Stan.”
“Miss of the season from Stan.”
Man, it was even worse than his smash miss against Goffin at IW. Stan was mentally in Rio but still.
Originally Posted by Lisa.B:
“All these players ditching Rio because their life is sooooo in danger will surely have to conduct a mass evacuation from their training camps in Florida now too.
”
“All these players ditching Rio because their life is sooooo in danger will surely have to conduct a mass evacuation from their training camps in Florida now too.
”
The Zika excuse just went up in smoke. I bet it'll still get used though
Originally Posted by Jinga:
“Haha - I was actually thinking the same when I caught a glimpse of Denis Shara-wotsit the other day. He is going to have a very beefy behind - but, considering his age, it doesn't seem right to comment on it. But the thought "Stan's got some competition" popped into my head.”
“Haha - I was actually thinking the same when I caught a glimpse of Denis Shara-wotsit the other day. He is going to have a very beefy behind - but, considering his age, it doesn't seem right to comment on it. But the thought "Stan's got some competition" popped into my head.
”
Have you seen Lucas Pouille's behind? Is nice.
Quote:
“(I presume this is a 500 too).”
“(I presume this is a 500 too).”
Naw, this is a Masters 1000. If in doubt, look at all the gold around the on-screen graphics.
Full list - Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome, Canada (Montreal/Toronto), Cincinnati, Shanghai, Paris.
Originally Posted by computermaster:
“I think it's got to do with the slow courts. At times it almost looked like they were warming up because the rallies were going on for so long.”
“I think it's got to do with the slow courts. At times it almost looked like they were warming up because the rallies were going on for so long.”
Canada isn't slow...some of the indoor HCs later in the year will be though. Abominable that indoor HCs have endless rallies.
Originally Posted by dduk:
“Looks like the occasion got to Kucova in the end. Madison Keys will move up to 7th if she can beat Halep.”
“Looks like the occasion got to Kucova in the end. Madison Keys will move up to 7th if she can beat Halep.”
I recks Kucova just ran out of steam. She did come through qualies and prob isn't used to going deep in these events.
Originally Posted by planets:
“Very glad to hear it!!
Hahahahaaa me neither
I haven't caught up on the whole thread (i've been a bit poorly so not around since this shiny new thread started) but did i read STan was spotted playing n a "not horrible" outfit?!”
“Very glad to hear it!!
Hahahahaaa me neither
I haven't caught up on the whole thread (i've been a bit poorly so not around since this shiny new thread started) but did i read STan was spotted playing n a "not horrible" outfit?!
”
Hi Planets! As a welcome back, I suggest you check out this twitter account, just so you can be up to date on Rafa's progress. For research purposes.
https://twitter.com/Anuskafande
Originally Posted by striing:
“It's not because of Zika it's because unless they're in with a real chance of a medal the top players have calculated it's not worth messing up the rest of their season. It doesn't bother me as it means that players further down the rankings who will enjoy the Olympic experience get to go. I reckon one or two of the higher ranked players might regret their decision when their careers are over and they realise they missed out.”
“It's not because of Zika it's because unless they're in with a real chance of a medal the top players have calculated it's not worth messing up the rest of their season. It doesn't bother me as it means that players further down the rankings who will enjoy the Olympic experience get to go. I reckon one or two of the higher ranked players might regret their decision when their careers are over and they realise they missed out.”
You've described the real reason, which I think is understandable. But the majority of players have cited Zika concerns as their reason for not going. Which i'm fairly dubious about. I think Lisa.B and cherry-choc called BS on that excuse from the get go.
Originally Posted by striing:
“Come on Gael. There's not many men I'd wait up for. ”
“Come on Gael. There's not many men I'd wait up for.
”
Bet you wish you hadn't bothered.
He looked very tired which is understandable considering his recent schedule.
Have to say I prefer to watch the showman rather than this Gael.
Great improvement from Djoko after the QFs, pleased with his performance.
Why don't players just say as there are no points on offer at the olympics, unless there is a chance of a medal what's the point.
I think they have made a mistake dropping them. How long did they last? Four years? One year?
I think they have made a mistake dropping them. How long did they last? Four years? One year?
Originally Posted by Mark F:
“Means the Murrays will be seeded 2nd?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennis...en%27s_doubles
BTW What are the pairings for the Mixed doubles?”
“Means the Murrays will be seeded 2nd?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennis...en%27s_doubles
BTW What are the pairings for the Mixed doubles?”
The mixed pairings really seem to be up in the air atm, with all the various withdrawals. Can't remember if it was this shambolic four years ago.
Originally Posted by Jenny1986:
“You've described the real reason, which I think is understandable. But the majority of players have cited Zika concerns as their reason for not going. Which i'm fairly dubious about. I think Lisa.B and cherry-choc called BS on that excuse from the get go.”
“You've described the real reason, which I think is understandable. But the majority of players have cited Zika concerns as their reason for not going. Which i'm fairly dubious about. I think Lisa.B and cherry-choc called BS on that excuse from the get go.”
Indeed Jen. It became very obvious to me when top male golfers were giving Rio the swerve, but top female golfers will be present and correct on the first tee.
Originally Posted by lyn2:
“Bet you wish you hadn't bothered.
He looked very tired which is understandable considering his recent schedule.
Have to say I prefer to watch the showman rather than this Gael.
Great improvement from Djoko after the QFs, pleased with his performance.”
“Bet you wish you hadn't bothered.
He looked very tired which is understandable considering his recent schedule.
Have to say I prefer to watch the showman rather than this Gael.
Great improvement from Djoko after the QFs, pleased with his performance.
”
Showman Gael wasn't a threat to top players and failed to make a serious impact. This version does and can reach the WTF if he stays healthy. Goes to show that talent is just one component required to reach the top, mental focus and application are crucial. Wonder if Kyrgios is paying attention...he's said that Monfils is his favourite player to watch.
Originally Posted by smude:
“Why don't players just say as there are no points on offer at the olympics, unless there is a chance of a medal what's the point.
I think they have made a mistake dropping them. How long did they last? Four years? One year?”
“Why don't players just say as there are no points on offer at the olympics, unless there is a chance of a medal what's the point.
I think they have made a mistake dropping them. How long did they last? Four years? One year?”
Believe me, the removal of points was no mistake. ATP took this calculated swipe at a rival tournament. One more chapter in the endless turf war between the ATP and ITF - and moolah is always behind it. Tipsy's coach goes into a bit more detail here
Originally Posted by Cherry-choc:
“.
Indeed Jen. It became very obvious to me when top male golfers were giving Rio the swerve, but top female golfers will be present and correct on the first tee.”
“.
Indeed Jen. It became very obvious to me when top male golfers were giving Rio the swerve, but top female golfers will be present and correct on the first tee.”
A bit questionable when pregnant women are in the most danger. I think Lisa mentioned McIlroy using the Zika excuse, except he was perfectly happy to go on holiday to a place also hit with the virus. If it is a genuine concern then fair enough. I just don't like it as a phoney excuse because it reflects badly on countries we are talking about. There are risks of viruses and illnesses everywhere, if we worried too much about it, we would never go anywhere. Surely malaria is a risk in the places they travel, i've never heard any concerns about that.
Quote:
“Believe me, the removal of points was no mistake. ATP took this calculated swipe at a rival tournament. One more chapter in the endless turf war between the ATP and ITF - and moolah is always behind it. Tipsy's coach goes into a bit more detail here”
“Believe me, the removal of points was no mistake. ATP took this calculated swipe at a rival tournament. One more chapter in the endless turf war between the ATP and ITF - and moolah is always behind it. Tipsy's coach goes into a bit more detail here”
That's very interesting, I never thought of it that way. I don't think i've really considered the ITF and ATP as rivals before.
As a long time viewer of the thread i thought it was about time that i actually posted!
The Olympics are meant to be the pinnacle in sports but with Tennis, Football and Golf it really isn't. For most the majors are more important and there are a lot of Tennis players that would rather win the US Open than Olympic Gold. The games are however an opportunity to play for your nation. Being able to contribute to a medal table is something completely different. Looking at it in a Tennis sense you feel that Novak really wants it. Olympic gold is the only thing missing from his CV. And with Roger not playing and Nadal and Murray already having Gold's you sense that it will make Djokovic's hunger higher that Murray and Nadal. Still it should still be a good tournament and at least the problems it has are not as bad as the problems the Golf has had!
The Olympics are meant to be the pinnacle in sports but with Tennis, Football and Golf it really isn't. For most the majors are more important and there are a lot of Tennis players that would rather win the US Open than Olympic Gold. The games are however an opportunity to play for your nation. Being able to contribute to a medal table is something completely different. Looking at it in a Tennis sense you feel that Novak really wants it. Olympic gold is the only thing missing from his CV. And with Roger not playing and Nadal and Murray already having Gold's you sense that it will make Djokovic's hunger higher that Murray and Nadal. Still it should still be a good tournament and at least the problems it has are not as bad as the problems the Golf has had!
Originally Posted by Jenny1986:
“You've described the real reason, which I think is understandable. But the majority of players have cited Zika concerns as their reason for not going. Which i'm fairly dubious about. I think Lisa.B and cherry-choc called BS on that excuse from the get go.”
“You've described the real reason, which I think is understandable. But the majority of players have cited Zika concerns as their reason for not going. Which i'm fairly dubious about. I think Lisa.B and cherry-choc called BS on that excuse from the get go.”
Yep it's the lame Zika excuse I've always taken issue with. Funny how they weren't so concerned about the Rio Open earlier this year when ranking points were on offer.
Just be honest and say I don't want to burn myself out for the USO/I need to work on my ranking/I can't be arsed. At least someone is excited for Rio.
Originally Posted by Jenny1986:
“A bit questionable when pregnant women are in the most danger. I think Lisa mentioned McIlroy using the Zika excuse, except he was perfectly happy to go on holiday to a place also hit with the virus. If it is a genuine concern then fair enough. I just don't like it as a phoney excuse because it reflects badly on countries we are talking about. There are risks of viruses and illnesses everywhere, if we worried too much about it, we would never go anywhere. Surely malaria is a risk in the places they travel, i've never heard any concerns about that.”
“A bit questionable when pregnant women are in the most danger. I think Lisa mentioned McIlroy using the Zika excuse, except he was perfectly happy to go on holiday to a place also hit with the virus. If it is a genuine concern then fair enough. I just don't like it as a phoney excuse because it reflects badly on countries we are talking about. There are risks of viruses and illnesses everywhere, if we worried too much about it, we would never go anywhere. Surely malaria is a risk in the places they travel, i've never heard any concerns about that.”
A risk Rory was unwilling to take and here he is risking it all with his fiancée in Barbados.
I understand the real non-Zika excuse reasons behind it, but it's a bit of a slap in the face for all that effort gone into getting golf in the Olympics. Should've gone for something like squash instead, that level of global exposure would've meant the world to them.
Originally Posted by smude:
“Why don't players just say as there are no points on offer at the olympics, unless there is a chance of a medal what's the point.
I think they have made a mistake dropping them. How long did they last? Four years? One year?”
“Why don't players just say as there are no points on offer at the olympics, unless there is a chance of a medal what's the point.
I think they have made a mistake dropping them. How long did they last? Four years? One year?”
The points lasted a year, like normal.
Originally Posted by Lisa.B:
“Yep it's the lame Zika excuse I've always taken issue with. Funny how they weren't so concerned about the Rio Open earlier this year when ranking points were on offer. Just be honest and say I don't want to burn myself out for the USO/I need to work on my ranking/I can't be arsed.
At least someone is excited for Rio.”
“Yep it's the lame Zika excuse I've always taken issue with. Funny how they weren't so concerned about the Rio Open earlier this year when ranking points were on offer.
Just be honest and say I don't want to burn myself out for the USO/I need to work on my ranking/I can't be arsed. At least someone is excited for Rio.
”
Ah bless the triple K!
even though he hasn't played all year
Originally Posted by Lisa.B:
“A risk Rory was unwilling to take and here he is risking it all with his fiancée in Barbados.
I understand the real non-Zika excuse reasons behind it, but it's a bit of a slap in the face for all that effort gone into getting golf in the Olympics. Should've gone for something like squash instead, that level of global exposure would've meant the world to them.”
“A risk Rory was unwilling to take and here he is risking it all with his fiancée in Barbados.
I understand the real non-Zika excuse reasons behind it, but it's a bit of a slap in the face for all that effort gone into getting golf in the Olympics. Should've gone for something like squash instead, that level of global exposure would've meant the world to them.”
Rory is surprisingly not hairy...at all
Jamie & Bruno made the final yesterday too.
Originally Posted by planets:
“Very glad to hear it!!
Hahahahaaa me neither
I haven't caught up on the whole thread (i've been a bit poorly so not around since this shiny new thread started) but did i read STan was spotted playing n a "not horrible" outfit?!”
“Very glad to hear it!!
Hahahahaaa me neither
I haven't caught up on the whole thread (i've been a bit poorly so not around since this shiny new thread started) but did i read STan was spotted playing n a "not horrible" outfit?!
”
Yup! Red fading into pink...didn't think it was bad at all
Originally Posted by Lisa.B:
“Yep it's the lame Zika excuse I've always taken issue with. Funny how they weren't so concerned about the Rio Open earlier this year when ranking points were on offer. Just be honest and say I don't want to burn myself out for the USO/I need to work on my ranking/I can't be arsed.
At least someone is excited for Rio.”
“Yep it's the lame Zika excuse I've always taken issue with. Funny how they weren't so concerned about the Rio Open earlier this year when ranking points were on offer.
Just be honest and say I don't want to burn myself out for the USO/I need to work on my ranking/I can't be arsed. At least someone is excited for Rio.
”
lol, I like to think he photoshopped that himself.
Indeed, they weren't too fussed earlier in the year. That's exactly why Rafa is going, he's not worried at all.
Originally Posted by tartan-belle:
“Rory is surprisingly not hairy...at all”
“Rory is surprisingly not hairy...at all
”
More importantly, how is he engaged again!? The jewellers must rub their hands with glee when he walks in.
Originally Posted by Jenny1986:
“More importantly, how is he engaged again!? The jewellers must rub their hands with glee when he walks in.”
“More importantly, how is he engaged again!? The jewellers must rub their hands with glee when he walks in.”
Will he wait until before or after the wedding invites have been sent out this time?
Originally Posted by Jenny1986:
“Hi Planets! As a welcome back, I suggest you check out this twitter account, just so you can be up to date on Rafa's progress. For research purposes.
https://twitter.com/Anuskafande”
“Hi Planets! As a welcome back, I suggest you check out this twitter account, just so you can be up to date on Rafa's progress. For research purposes.
https://twitter.com/Anuskafande”
Oooooo thank you Rafa's looking good
I thought it was rather lovely that Andy has been over at Manacor. Lovely to see.*faints*there must have been a mix up and he got someone else's kit by mistake
Originally Posted by Jenny1986:
“lol, I like to think he photoshopped that himself.
”
“lol, I like to think he photoshopped that himself.
”
Originally Posted by Lisa.B:
“Will he wait until before or after the wedding invites have been sent out this time?”
“Will he wait until before or after the wedding invites have been sent out this time?
”
We were all thinking it.I'd insist on an immediate elopement. Grab a couple of randoms in the street for witnesses. No planning so he can't get cold feet. Ah, who says romance is dead lol.
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