Boodles Challenge 2012 (exho)

[cazza99]

http://www.theboodles.com/images/boodles-logo.png

The Boodles Challenge
Stoke Park (Club and Hotel), Park Road, Stoke Poges, Bucks, SL2 4PG
Boodles Challenge Website: http://www.theboodles.com/
The Boodles on twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBoodles
Stoke Park Website: http://www.stokepark.com/

DATES: 19-23 June 2012, 3 matches per day starting at 14.30pm
SURFACE: Grass (Centre Court and 5 practice courts)
FORMAT: 8 man knockout draw in theory.
In practice they accommodate various players so there may be 'alternates' at times.
Those who lose in the Quarter-Final are likely to play again later in the week.

EXHIBITION EVENT
The Boodles is an exhibition event played at Stoke Park, about 25miles from Wimbledon, and on an immaculate grass court with a 'garden party' atmosphere in a beautiful setting. It attracts many of the top players because they can play here as well as fit in practice sessions at Wimbers easily.

2012 Results19th June 2012
Stanislas Wawrinka beat Janko Tipsarevic 1-6, 7-6(5), 10-8

Gilles Simon beat Alexandr Dolgopolov 4-6, 6-3, 10-7
Fernando Verdasco beat Ernests Gulbis 6-7(4), 7-6(5)

20th June 2012
Janko Tipsarevic beat Andy Murray 6-7(5), 6-4, 10-7

Marin Cilic beat John Isner 6-4, 6-4

David Nalbandian beat Nicolas Almagro 3-6, 6-3, 10-4


21st June 2012 Novak Djokovic beat Andy Murray 6-4, 6-4
Juan Martin Del Potro v Alexandr Dolgopolov - Rain interrupted play
Stanislas Wawrinka v Gilles Simon - Match not played


22nd June 2012
John Isner beat Fernando Verdasco 7-6(2), 6-2, 10-5
Marin Cilic beat Nicolas Almagro 4-6, 6-3, 12-10
Oliver Golding beat Juan Monaco 6-3, 6-4

23rd June 2012

Cilic beat Monaco 4-6, 6-3, 10-1 - Cilic winner of The Boodles 2012

Haase beat Almagro 6-3, 6-3
Garcia-Lopez beat Ramos 7-5, 6-4

[cazza99]

It has just been announced that Djokovic will play

Boodles site (http://www.theboodles.com/?=may12aletc-t1)- BREAKING NEWS...Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic prepares for the defence of his Wimbledon title at
The Boodles 2012

[Linda]

I'm thinking I might try to get to this for a day again this year. Had a really good day last year despite the rain (Ferrer and Verdasco continued to play in the rain, on grass! :shocked:)

[Linda]

The Boodles ‏@TheBoodles
World No.4 Andy Murray (@andy_murray) will play matches at #TheBoodles @stokepark on Wed + Thurs next week. Gr8 to have him back!

[-J-]

The Boodles ‏@TheBoodles
World No.4 Andy Murray (@andy_murray) will play matches at #TheBoodles @stokepark on Wed + Thurs next week. Gr8 to have him back!that was quick

[Sallydaisy]

The Boodles ‏@TheBoodles
World No.4 Andy Murray (@andy_murray) will play matches at #TheBoodles @stokepark on Wed + Thurs next week. Gr8 to have him back!

Booked my tickets this afternoon before they made the announcement; thought it might be Friday as last year which would have been a problem 'cos they're completely sold out for that day. Suspect that's when Nole will be there ..... Anyhoo - seems I might see Muzzah in action on Wed and Thurs!!!

Other good news from Boodles is that there will be livestreams for the event - probably fixed cameras as they did last year but it's something I guess. Some decent players to watch that's for sure:-



•
Novak Djokovic
(ATP Ranking – 1)


•
Andy Murray
(ATP Ranking – 4)


•
Janko Tipsarevic
(ATP Ranking – 8)


•
Juan Martin Del Potro
(ATP Ranking – 9)


•
John Isner
(ATP Ranking – 11)


•
Gilles Simon
(ATP Ranking – 12)


•
Nicolas Almagro
(ATP Ranking – 13)


•
Alexandr Dolgoplov
(ATP Ranking – 19)


•
Stanislas Wawrinka
(ATP Ranking – 21)


•
Marin Cilic
(ATP Ranking – 24)




I'm also going on Tuesday - on a free ticket on account of the rain washout on the Friday last year.
:tennis:

[Linda]

So are you going Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Sally?

[Sallydaisy]

So are you going Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Sally?
Yep.
Sending you a PM.

[Linda]

I'm going on Wednesday, so I'll see you there then! :)

[Sallydaisy]

I'm going on Wednesday, so I'll see you there then! :)

Excellent. I've still got photos of you, me and Cloudy from last year that I think I said I'd email.
:shamed:

[Jan]

hope you both have a great time!

[supergran]

Have a great time....you lucky people!!:)

[pabbers]

Have a fab time Sally and Linda - not jealous at all - and the lineup is better than Queens!

[xenon21]

Great lineup! Hope you guys have a blast!

[Genbrit]

Have a great time you two, should be fun.

[WimbledonAce]

Could someone explain the format of boodles? Might bare it in mind for future.

[Sallydaisy]

Could someone explain the format of boodles? Might bare it in mind for future.
Happy to 'bare' all - about Boodles anyway since I've been every year since it started .....

There is one Centre Court seating about a 1000 people; about 2/3 of them 'corporates'.
There are a further 4 grass courts which the guys use for practice.
Stoke Park also has a pool, gym and 18hole golf course which are made available to the players.
+ it's a rather swanky place to stay!!!

In theory it's an 8 man knockout draw with 2 Qtr Finals on Tuesday and 2 on Wednesday, 1 Semi Thurs, 1 Semi Fri and a Final on Saturday.

However, in order to have at least 3 matches per day for people to watch they add to the above as follows:-
- losing Q/Finalists play each other at random so that they can get 3 matches over the week if they want them
- there are usually extra 'guest' appearances e.g. this year Andy and Nole, who will play one of the 'losers'
- sometimes there are also doubles teams putting in an appearance e.g. the Bryans to bulk up the Fri/Sat OOP.
- occasionally they bring in British players/pairs e.g. 2 years ago Dan Cox played against one of the top guys

There are sometimes Brit players around because occasionally they have used the other courts for Junior Wimbledon Wild card playoffs and sometimes British players around for hitting practice with the main players.

All you need to know otherwise, including some stunning photos, is on the website: www.theboodles.com (http://www.theboodles.com)

[DaveArneRiise]

Where is Boodles?

[-J-]

Where is Boodles?http://www.theboodles.com/information/directions-map.html

[DaveArneRiise]

Im not far. I might see if I can go!

[-J-]

Im not far. I might see if I can go!if you see Denise lewis there tell her j said hi

[DaveArneRiise]

if you see Denise lewis there tell her j said hi

As long as the mentioning of your name won't send her into some sort of a traumatised fit :rolling:

[Sallydaisy]

From London it's a train ride to Slough station and then a free shuttle bus.

Prices not cheap and they've only got a few tix left for each day.
BUT, barring rain, you get to see some top guys play.

I'll post up the full monty on information in the first post tomorrow.

[DaveArneRiise]

From London it's a train ride to Slough station and then a free shuttle bus.

Prices not cheap and they've only got a few tix left for each day.
BUT, barring rain, you get to see some top guys play.

I'll post up the full monty on information in the first post tomorrow.

Thanks Sally :thumbup:

[DaveArneRiise]

I'll turn up in my jester hat :rolling:

No seriously considering buying tickets, just checked them out real pricy but IMO would be thoroughly worth it especially to see Andy play live. I've only ever seen him play live once at Monte Carlo 4 or 5 years ago now.

If anyone else is going then could grab a coffee or something, be good to meet some people off here. I'm a charming young man in real life ;) :rolling:

[JAMES4578]

Have a great time Sally and Linda, certainly a great line up! Hope you can make it too David!

[DaveArneRiise]

OOP for Tuesday

Tuesday 19th June
2.30pm
Janko Tipsarevic v Stanislas Wawrinka
followed by
Gilles Simon v Alexandr Dolgopolov
followed by
Fernando Verdasco v Ernests Gulbis

[Sallydaisy]

OOP for Tuesday

Tuesday 19th June
2.30pm
Janko Tipsarevic v Stanislas Wawrinka
followed by
Gilles Simon v Alexandr Dolgopolov
followed by
Fernando Verdasco v Ernests Gulbis

:jitterbug:

I'm very happy to sit for a few hours watching that lot play!!! I see they've snuck Gulbis in ... and Verdasco. Neither were on the original list published a few days ago. Wonder if Cilic will still play or whether Del Potro will make it back from Argentina; the latter surely needs the grass court practice ahead of Wimbledon if his knee is OK now!!!



•
Novak Djokovic
(ATP Ranking – 1)


•
Andy Murray
(ATP Ranking – 4)


•
Janko Tipsarevic
(ATP Ranking – 8)


•
Juan Martin Del Potro
(ATP Ranking – 9)


•
John Isner
(ATP Ranking – 11)


•
Gilles Simon
(ATP Ranking – 12)


•
Nicolas Almagro
(ATP Ranking – 13)


•
Alexandr Dolgoplov
(ATP Ranking – 19)


•
Stanislas Wawrinka
(ATP Ranking – 21)


•
Marin Cilic
(ATP Ranking – 24





Andy is scheduled for Wed and Thurs:

British No.1 Andy Murray will prepare for Wimbledon by playing two matches as part of The Boodles tournament at Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire, next week.

The World No.4 and three-time Wimbledon semi-finalist will play matches on Wednesday and Thursday at the prestigious grass-court event.
“I’m looking forward to playing The Boodles again to get some good matches on grass courts before Wimbledon,” said Murray.


No idea about Nole but I suspect he'd play either Friday or Saturday.

[DaveArneRiise]

Wow Almagro is playing Boodles as well. Didn't realise that. I think that has just confirmed my decision.

[Jan]

enjoy!!

[Sallydaisy]

Wow Almagro is playing Boodles as well. Didn't realise that. I think that has just confirmed my decision.

Almagro replaced Tsonga.

If you look at the list I posted you'll see it's 8 men + Andy and Nole.
The 8 form the main draw bit with others arriving to play ad-hoc matches.
Seems Ernie and Fernando are Tuesday's ad-hoc pair cos they haven't been mentioned before.
There are always a few other players around to replace any that don't/can't show up as planned (e.g. ??? Del Potro) or take on the 'guests'.

In theory the guys in the '8man draw' bit on Wednesday would be Almagro, Cilic, Del Potro and Isner.
The 'guest' match that day appears to be Andy + ???.

[DaveArneRiise]

Thanks for the information Sally. Just waiting to find out if I am working wednesday evening, chance I may be. If not then I'm going to go ahead and purchase tickets.

[Sallydaisy]

Oh my goodness, Wednesday could be a corker of a day ....... bet there's a huge press pack.
Nalbandian appears to have replaced compatriot DelPotro in the 8-man draw!!!
Probably a wise move not to play him against Cilic so soon after the Queens incident.
:sofa:

The Boodles ‏@TheBoodles (https://twitter.com/#!/TheBoodles)

Schedule Wed 20th - @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/#!/andy_murray) v TBC
f/b @JohnIsner (https://twitter.com/#!/JohnIsner) v Marin Cilic
f/b @NicoAlmagro (https://twitter.com/#!/NicoAlmagro) v @nalbandiandavid (https://twitter.com/#!/nalbandiandavid) & more sunshine!!!

[Caro]

Sounds like a really nice tournament to go to as only limited seating, I would imagine you're quite close the players aren't you Sally? I have all but 2 days of Wimby off work (not goin though sadly so will just be armchair viewing) so can't book time off this week as well.

Hope you all have a fab time.

[WimbledonAce]

Sounds like a really nice tournament to go to as only limited seating, I would imagine you're quite close the players aren't you Sally? I have all but 2 days of Wimby off work (not goin though sadly so will just be armchair viewing) so can't book time off this week as well.

Hope you all have a fab time.

Me too, off all wimbledon. Have fun all and let us know how it goes. Definitely looks good!

[patmoren]

I will be able to go next year!!!!

[Sallydaisy]

Sounds like a really nice tournament to go to as only limited seating, I would imagine you're quite close the players aren't you Sally? I have all but 2 days of Wimby off work (not goin though sadly so will just be armchair viewing) so can't book time off this week as well.

Hope you all have a fab time.
Well, it must be said that Boodles are milking it a bit this year ... Previously they've had non-corporate seating in sections of the East Stand and all the West Stand is non-corporate. Those tix used to be all the same price. This year they're charging £10 more to sit in rows 1-4 which is very sneaky. But yes, you are very close to the players and last year I was in the front row right behind the Umpire so about 8' away from Andy ... I never did get around posting photos, must do so during Wimbledon.

intriguingly last year Andy walked on court with Treacle. Never seen that happen before.
I wondered if it was some sort of forfeit 'cos there was much cackling from the rest of Team Murray!
:p


I will be able to go next year!!!!
So you will ... and why not with it on your doorstep (well, by comparison to Cornwall that is .......).
:thumbup:

[Sallydaisy]

Watch live tennis at Boodles.
:p

Stoke Park ‏@StokePark (https://twitter.com/#%21/StokePark) Check out @TheBoodles (https://twitter.com/#%21/TheBoodles) live stream online: http://ow.ly/bFFyS (http://t.co/IzmHHymO)

[pabbers]

Enjoy Sally!

[Jan]

Watch live tennis at Boodles.
:p
thanks - missed this earlier - so much going on with W'don qualies, Eastbourne, not to mention all the non-tennis stuff I'm doing!

[supergran]

I will be able to go next year!!!! Lovely for you Pat. Wish I lived nearer. Looks a great place to see top players.

[JAMES4578]

Andy is playing Tipsy tomorrow. A bit of challenge and they've had some tight encounters in the past. Let's hope Muzzah shows some good form.


@TheBoodles We have@andy_murray v @tipsarevicjanko / @marincilic v @johnisner & @nalbandiandavid v @nicoalmagro what a #tennis and tweet fest!

[DaveArneRiise]

Unfortunately I'm not going to make it this year due to work commitments. Hope you all have a good time those of you going, and hope you enjoyed today Sally.

You will all be devastated at this news but not to worry as I may make a cheeky appearance at Wimbly :rolling:

[JAMES4578]

That's a pity David but hopefully you'll make Wimbledon.

[supergran]

Hope you had an enjoyable day today Sally and I know that you and anyone else going tomorrow will have a wonderful day. Cheer Andy on for us all.:cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer:

[Sallydaisy]

Had a fab day at TheBoodles but am pretty shattered now. Only just home having stopped for a drink or three at my sis-ex-laws (she came with me today), and really need my bed.

Here's the results from today:-
Wawrinka won 1-6, 7-6 (5), 10-8.
Simon won the 2nd match against Dolgopolov 4-6, 6-3, 10-7.
Verdasco beat Gulbis 67 76 10-4 to wrap up last match of the day

Tomorrow - Andy!!!
:dance::dance::dance:

PS - Linda, dunno yet where I'm sitting so I'll text you when I know!!!

[JAMES4578]

Glad you had a great time Sally!

[Sallydaisy]

My sis-in-law caved in and got Pat Cash's autograph yesterday. We watched him being filmed interviewing Stan Wawrinka for CNN - apparently it's being used for 'fill-in' during the Olympics coverage in the States.

Boodles have a better photo of them than mine so here it is off twitter before they had a 'hit'.

The Boodles ‏@TheBoodles (https://twitter.com/#%21/TheBoodles) Great pic Stan! RT @stanwawrinka (https://twitter.com/#%21/stanwawrinka): Yesterday with @TheRealPatCash (https://twitter.com/#%21/TheRealPatCash) @TheBoodles (https://twitter.com/#%21/TheBoodles) ... Great time with him! http://pic.twitter.com/Nh1OfGvn (http://t.co/Nh1OfGvn)


https://p.twimg.com/Av0QSDNCQAE2qS9.jpg

[Alis]

Does anyone have a link to a livestream for Andy's match today?

[Sallydaisy]

Try this link; wasn't working yesterday. I'm about to leave so cannot help further.

The Boodles ‏@TheBoodles (https://twitter.com/#%21/TheBoodles) Ready? We are! “Can't make it to @TheBoodles (https://twitter.com/#%21/TheBoodles) you can watch live streaming of the matches! http://theboodles.com/live-video-stream.html (http://t.co/cyljMN5c)”

[ljs]

http://www.hahasport.com/v-4/0/190/v-419163.html

in case you havent found one yet Alis

[traveller7]

Tipsy won it then

[Fina]

:sad: A win for Andy would have been a good confidence boost.

[Alis]

My livestream crashed at match point but I guessed Tipsy would take it. Close thing really - Andy just had one bad service game but Tipsy played well.

[traveller7]

Tight tiebreak it seems according to Neil harman Andy didnt play badly at all

[RoastLamb]

Darn, I missed this totally. Bummer.

[Alis]

According to Johnny Mac's autobiography, at exhibitions the players often agree to share the first two sets. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if this happens at Boodles - all the matches yesterday went to a match tiebreak. It would explain why Andy played a very loose service game in the second set when he had been serving so well. The match tie-breaker is a lottery and could have gone either way.

[jeannie13]

According to the boodles site. Andy's playing Nole tomorrow at 2.30:yahoo:

[JAMES4578]

Pity Andy didn't get the win but he was only a few points away and should take the positives from it. Don't think you can tell too much from this format but looks like Andy's got some confidence back and will get another few grass court matches under his belt. A tough one against Nole tomorrow, hopefully a good performance from Muzzah!

[Madeline]

According to Johnny Mac's autobiography, at exhibitions the players often agree to share the first two sets. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if this happens at Boodles - all the matches yesterday went to a match tiebreak. It would explain why Andy played a very loose service game in the second set when he had been serving so well. The match tie-breaker is a lottery and could have gone either way.

I've heard that too. Which is why I don't take much note of exhibitions.

[Alis]

I have to say I'm really surprised that Andy and Nole have agreed to play one another tomorrow - I wouldn't have thought that either of them would want to lose against the other before Wimbledon - even in an exhibition match. Having said that, what's the betting it goes to a match tie-break?

[SamP]

If he moved much better and served as well as they say, then i'm very pleased.

[jamie&andy's fan]

Poor andy but it still doesnt mean anything really. However Andy plays in Boodles does not reflect how well he'll do at Wimbledon

[DaveArneRiise]

Results are not important in these types of events. Chance to experiment a bit and most importantly test out the body and help it become accustom to the surface for the up and coming grand slam.

[jamie&andy's fan]

I hope people don't use this event and Queens' to write him off though ! I suspect they will :(

[-J-]

I hope people don't use this event and Queens' to write him off though ! I suspect they will :(as long as Andy knows he can win who cares

[jamie&andy's fan]

as long as Andy knows he can win who cares

I guess ...... if it doesnt bother Andy it shouldnt bother "us" (Andy's fans)

[Sallydaisy]

Exhibition or not I reckon (weather willing) I'll have some good tennis to watch tomorrow.

Andy Murray v Novak Djokovic
Juan Martin Del Potro v Alexandr Dolgopolov
Gilles Simon v Stanislas Wawrinka.

Today was a blast .......
:p

Tipsy beat Andy: 6-7, 6-4, 10-7
Cilic beat Isner (god he's tall): 6-4 6-4
Nalbandian beat Almagro: 6'3, 3'6, 10'4

[pabbers]

I hope people don't use this event and Queens' to write him off though ! I suspect they will :(

Writing him off maybe just perfect and take the pressure off him.

Who forgot to tell Isner and Cilic about the one set apiece agreement then? :doh:

[Linda]

Back from Boodles! Had a great day. Was lovely to see Sally again as I've missed the last two DCs.

I understand that there was a live stream so there's no need to tell you all how Andy looked, but once I've uploaded my pics I'll post a few words about my day.

I wish I could go tomorrow as well - it's a really great lineup!

[xenon21]

Will be great to have Novandy play! Hopefully fun to watch if exhibition! Wonder how seriously they will take it. Will miss it as on holiday tomorrow though

Thinking about going Boodles next year. Just realised it really isn't too far for me. Slough takes maybe 50 or so mins for me and they have a shuttle bus. Especially if Andy plays!

[supergran]

Well, they are exhibition matches and should be watched and enjoyed as such.

[Sallydaisy]

Meanwhile here is a piccy of Andy in action today ..........

https://p.twimg.com/Av2GrLHCQAQiE_h.jpg

(photo from twitter @TheBoodles)

[supergran]

Love the left hand!!:)

[jeannie13]

I think they will both treat it as fun & a chance to practice things. They are both clever enough to make it very even & they will both show off some lovely play. :highfive:

[jamie&andy's fan]

Me and Andy share the scruffy look lol.I never look smart no matter what I do !But Andy looks quite smart in that picture!

[Linda]

When seen close up, that shirt has some really strange seams on the back that make it look like he is wearing a bra! :rolling:

[Sallydaisy]

Glad you back home OK today Linda - it was great seeing you again!
Pimms was lovely .......
:wino:

BTW - sorry if you got stuck in a horrendous traffic jam; I saw it ahead and turned my car round and headed t'other way without getting stuck at all. Was going to text you but thought that might be difficult given we were both supposed to be driving!

[Linda]

Thanks for the Pimm's, Sally. I did get stuck there but not for very long. I didn't know the way from the other direction so thought it best to keep going the way I knew.

NB to anyone wondering - we only had a small Pimm's each.

[jeannie13]

:wino:
Thanks for the Pimm's, Sally. I did get stuck there but not for very long. I didn't know the way from the other direction so thought it best to keep going the way I knew.

NB to anyone wondering - we only had a small Pimm's each.

If you believe that-you'll believe anything!!:wino:

[Linda]

If it weren't for the fact that we were driving, we would have had a jug!

[Alis]

I hope people don't use this event and Queens' to write him off though ! I suspect they will :(

Oh, they have - BBC Breakfast's sports report this morning included ............ 'Andy Murray has his last chance to get used to the grass today in his lead up to Wimbledon next week, having suffered yet another loss yesterday after his first round loss at Queen's last week ...............' of words to that effect.

[Jan]

yes - nothing about the fact that it was an exhibition!

[harriet]

losing is losing, it's a bad habit

[Mickey]

losing is losing, it's a bad habit:shrug::no worries:

[JAMES4578]

losing is losing, it's a bad habit

of course a win would have been good but it's not even a 3 set match with the breaker in the decider so not like a Wimbledon match at all. However, the important thing is that Andy from all accounts was much improved from Queens, though obviously there i smore work to do.

[pabbers]

losing is losing, it's a bad habit

Nah - it's a ploy to lull everyone into a false sense of security then WHAM!!! ;) :lol:

[pabbers]

If it weren't for the fact that we were driving, we would have had a jug!

Just the one jug??? ;)

[traveller7]

Is there a livestream for andys match with Nole?

[Jan]

http://www.theboodles.com/live-video-stream.html

this was working yesterday. Rain at the moment :sad:

[cazza99]

Game by game updates by the Telegraph are here

http://aggbot.com/Sport-News/article/17138974

They are not expected to play before 3.30 pm

[traveller7]

They had the covers off and some presenter lady was introducing the ball girls and lines people and then sorry covers are back on! :doh:

[supergran]

I was very quick doing my shopping and arrived back at 2.25.....sadly no play as yet. It is drizzling, and has been drizzling for most of day now here but hoped it would be dry in Bucks

[Madeline]

They had the covers off and some presenter lady was introducing the ball girls and lines people and then sorry covers are back on! :doh:

Yes - I saw they were getting the courts ready, went off to put all the shopping away - and came back to find the covers on!

[Fina]

Looks like being a frustrating day. Hope the court's not slippery if / when the match does eventually get underway...

[traveller7]

Covers off, net up set to go again....

[supergran]

Starting soon. Enjoy!

[traveller7]

Andy losing 3-1 at the moment

[RoastLamb]

Haven't seen these two play each other in a while.

[traveller7]

stopped play for a few minutes to dry the baseline up a bit hehe Nole tried helping out with his towel and then took over the machine v funny

[RoastLamb]

It'll be interesting to see if Andy gets the second set as per the script. I love how Djoko chatted with the ball girls during the break.

[Madeline]

Hmmm, first set to Djokovic 6-4. I know it's only an exho, but I don't like the way so many of Andy's shots are finishing in the net.

[RoastLamb]

Wow! Straight sets for Djoko. Bit casual from Andy today. Hmmm.

[pabbers]

Strange - guess that's an exho for you - neither looked particularly engaged in the match. Nole more interested in playing the clown and Andy just looked like he wanted to get the whole thing over with.........long sleeved shirt so must be feeling the cold.

[RoastLamb]

Who is that woman interviewing them? Not as classy as Sue Barker, that's for sure.

[Bardot]

Andy made his intentions clear about the match, playing in a training top, no towel between points, fetching his own balls and being ready to serve before the score had been called.

[Alis]

I agree - neither of them looked as though they could be bothered today - Andy even less so than Novak. Maybe it was down to the rain delay and they both had somewhere to go tonight.

[traveller7]

I can understand that they dont want to bother all that much but on the flip side the spectators have paid to watch a match and see some good tennis, tickets arent cheap. I would be a bit annoyed at the 'effort' they put in today.
I evidently missed the 2nd set as got a call from my agent about some filming im doing tomorrow.

[harriet]

another defeat, is that funny? why play at all if not to win - entertaining is fine, but satisfy yourself surely

[SamP]

I didn't see it, but these exhibitions are essentially glorified training sets. 'Glorified' because people paid to go and watch them. I'm sorry, but the fact people got to see two of the best players ever on a tiny court is pretty special, even if they weren't playing 100%. I've paid crazy amounts to go to the world tour finals the last three years, and I still haven't seen Nadal or Djokovic play. (Federer 3 years straight :shocked:)

Besides, Andy spent all morning in press conferences and interviews, and he fitted a session in at Aorangi Park too, so it was a ridiculously busy day for him.

[HoopGirl]

Not sure what to think of all of these loses.

I hope andy will do well atwimbledon - he seems to have lost form and confidence to me

[Bardot]

The conditions weren't conducive to encourage anything more competitive and on another day with warm dry weather I'm sure it would have been more entertaining although they did get a couple of tweeners and some drop shot scrambles. ;) Andy already had a busy day with the Olympic announcement and endless pre-Wimbledon interviews according to Stu Fraser on twitter.

[Alis]

I really wouldn't read anything into this result at all - I'm pretty sure Andy wouldn't be keen to show Nole the results of anything he has been working on. Weren't there still 2 matches to play? They were probably encouraged to get off the court asap.

[rondun]

If it weren't for the fact that we were driving, we would have had a jug!
Do they still do the food hampers at Boodles?

[Linda]

Not as far as I know - they have different caterers now. They do quite a nice selection of food: salads, ciabattas and BBQ stuff with potatoes and salad.

[Sallydaisy]

Do they still do the food hampers at Boodles?

Nope. They stopped it 2 years ago. Partly because I think Stoke Park realised they were missing out on 'sales' by allowing in concessions from either Harrods or Fortnum & Mason to do the hampers. Also, Stoke Park figured out that it wasn't what people wanted ... too expensive, not much choice and not much food for the money!

Last year, and this, they've operated their own public catering - and very good it is too. A brasserie menu supplemented by BBQ mains and salads - highest price £14.50 and for that you get a good plateful of food. Hot and cold drinks between £2/3 which is no worse than many sporting venues It's way better .....
:thumbup:

I'll make some notes later on the tennis etc. Not long home.


Weren't there still 2 matches to play?
Yes, there were and they started the 2nd one between Dolgo and Delpo.

Not surprisingly the latter took some while to get going and as a result Dolly took the first set 6'1. Delpo started finding his range at the start of the 2nd set and broke Dolly twice to go 5'2 up.

At which point the heavens opened - and they announced that play was over for the day.
It rained for only 15mins but it would have taken 30mins for the covers to be off and the court playable and by then it would have been 8pm and I doubt Stan v Gilles would have got started let alone finished.

[Sallydaisy]

I'm sorry, but the fact people got to see two of the best players ever on a tiny court is pretty special, even if they weren't playing 100%.
Dead right. Sitting front row for that was brilliant. Folks can pooh pooh the exhibition events all they like; being up close and personal watching those 2 guys in action playing relatively laid back tennis for a couple of hours was wonderful. Neither of them at their bestest, one a tad more grumpy than the other, one won, one didn't, both got a good feel for the court (very slippery) and grass and I don't think it matters one jot who won because they were there to get matchplay practice without the pressure of points and prizes.

It cost me £58 and I don't begrudge a penny of it. I also got to watch Del Potro and Dolgopolov and would have seen Simon v Wawrinka had it not been rained off. That's a decent bill for the money .....
:p

[Alis]

Seems like good value for money to me - glad you enjoyed it SD.

[-J-]

Seems like good value for money to me - glad you enjoyed it SD.Pet hate of mine hearing people moan about player x not turning up or player y not giving good value for money, folk should count there blessings they have cash to waste on tennis

[WimbledonAce]

Pet hate of mine hearing people moan about player x not turning up or player y not giving good value for money, folk should count there blessings they have cash to waste on tennis

Disagree with this comment. I work hard for my money and am stringent elsewhere so I have money for tennis events. I dont't see why I should count my blessings for that. Plus I don't view it as "waste".

That aside, think Boodles looks v good event, will certainly look into it next year.

[Sallydaisy]

folk should count there blessings they have cash to waste on tennis
bread and spit for me to eat the rest of the month ..........
:lol:


That aside, think Boodles looks v good event, will certainly look into it next year.
Whereabouts do you live WimbledonAce?

[-J-]

Disagree with this comment. I work hard for my money and am stringent elsewhere so I have money for tennis events. I dont't see why I should count my blessings for that. Plus I don't view it as "waste".

That aside, think Boodles looks v good event, will certainly look into it next year.cool disagree away, il stick with my point of view, people who have spare cash to waste on entertaining are very fortunate
i say this as someone who has literally spent thousands going to various sporting events

[-J-]

bread and spit for me to eat the rest of the month ..........
:lol:i would have loved some bread and spit when ah where a ladhttp://images.zaazu.com/img/beggar-beggar-hobo-homeless-smiley-emoticon-000589-large.gif

[WimbledonAce]

bread and spit for me to eat the rest of the month ..........
:lol:


Whereabouts do you live WimbledonAce?

Dorset, just outside Bournemouth. Bizarrely it is better get to the train from salisbury though when we go to queens and wimbledon. My mum has already been looking at trains to slough, hehe.

[supergran]

I would have loved to have been there.....I would waste money watching Andy (if husband agreed). I worked hard for my pension but if I was single would spend a lot of it watching Andy.

[ljs]

gonna spend some of mine on seeing him at Rogers Cup .... hopefully anyway

[RoastLamb]

gonna spend some of mine on seeing him at Rogers Cup .... hopefully anyway

I'm only planning on going once this year. Can't afford it.

[HoopGirl]

I would have loved to have been there.....I would waste money watching Andy (if husband agreed). I worked hard for my pension but if I was single would spend a lot of it watching Andy.

Andy has not played the game for me!

I went to the US finals for my 20th wedding annisversary and he got knocked out before we arrived.

Have been to the O2 twice and both times seen Federer - who wasn't who I wanted to see!

Went toQueens for semis and he was out!

Now have tickets for next sat centre court Wimbledon - canonlyhope that I see him then!

Trouble with tennis is there are no guarantees - wish I could guarantee seeing him though!

[patmoren]

Good match between Andy and Nole yesterday. Some brilliant shot making from both of them and Andy's serve was really good.

[Caro]

I would have loved to have been there.....I would waste money watching Andy (if husband agreed). I worked hard for my pension but if I was single would spend a lot of it watching Andy.

Totally agree SG. I am still working hard for mine and I do spend a lot on DC and other tennis trips when I can. Would spend way more if I was single!! Not that I want to be of course

[Caro]

Trouble with tennis is there are no guarantees - wish I could guarantee seeing him though!

That is so true!! I have had very good luck in terms of seeing Andy (2 semis at Wimbledon can't be bad plus all the home DC's he's ever played!)

The only guarantee with the O2 is to go to 2 group days for both sessions, which is mega bucks! I've been lucky enough to do this too ..... but of course you can't guarantee he will be there in the first place I guess

[Caro]

I actually came on here for a bit of reasurrance so sorry for all the posts ..... I have been telling everyone I'm not worried by Andy's losses in terms of Wimby but I haven't been able to watch any of the matches due to work so difficult to gauge. I think I am reasurred by most of the comments so thank you all .... but for Andy's confidence it would be good to have had a win on the green stuff.

[supergran]

So I've been very lucky, haven't I? First time I saw him was at Wimbledon. Had booked Hospitality package for 29th June 2009..last 16 and prayed he'd get through. He did and played Stan under the roof. In 2010 we went to US Open with Ground passes for the first Tuesday & Wednesday. Saw him practise on Tuesday. Judy told me he was on Ashe on Wednesday so bought tickets and watched him win. He went out on the Sunday. Have seen him play twice at the 02..won one, lost one and have seen him play in two Davis Cup ties.

[Linda]

Dorset, just outside Bournemouth. Bizarrely it is better get to the train from salisbury though when we go to queens and wimbledon. My mum has already been looking at trains to slough, hehe.

You could get there very easily by car - straight up the M3, then M25 and M4 - it's only a short distance from the Slough junction of the M4. I've driven up both times I've been. There is plenty of free parking.

[Sallydaisy]

OOP for Friday 22nd June

Verdasco v Isner
Almagro v Cilic
Monaco v Golding

[cazza99]

Andy has not played the game for me!

I went to the US finals for my 20th wedding annisversary and he got knocked out before we arrived.

Have been to the O2 twice and both times seen Federer - who wasn't who I wanted to see!

Went toQueens for semis and he was out!

Now have tickets for next sat centre court Wimbledon - canonlyhope that I see him then!

Trouble with tennis is there are no guarantees - wish I could guarantee seeing him though!

Hope you manage to see Andy play this time Hoopgirl.

[Linda]

I think you stand a very good chance of seeing Andy this time, Hoopgirl!

[WimbledonAce]

Andy has not played the game for me!

I went to the US finals for my 20th wedding annisversary and he got knocked out before we arrived.

Have been to the O2 twice and both times seen Federer - who wasn't who I wanted to see!

Went toQueens for semis and he was out!

Now have tickets for next sat centre court Wimbledon - canonlyhope that I see him then!

Trouble with tennis is there are no guarantees - wish I could guarantee seeing him though!

Looks like you got the right day this time as he plays tues,thurs and sat - if he wins! I have been fairly lucky as seen him 3 times at wimbledon, 2 queens and the o2. Was a bit of a shame last year at wimbers as got tix for centre second round from ticketmaster and they put a rod on instead! You should be ok with third round though.

[Sallydaisy]

The Boodles ‏@TheBoodles (https://twitter.com/#!/TheBoodles)
18-year-old @oli_golding (https://twitter.com/#!/oli_golding) d. Juan Monaco (@PicoMonaco (https://twitter.com/#!/PicoMonaco)) 6-4 6-3 @ #TheBoodles (https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23TheBoodles). "It's a nice boost before my 1st Wimbledon" says Oli.


@JohnIsner (https://twitter.com/#!/JohnIsner) beat @FeVerdasco7 (https://twitter.com/#!/FeVerdasco7) in 3 sets
Cilic beat Almagro 46 63 12-10

[JAMES4578]

Amazing, well done Oliver!

[Linda]

Oli beat Pico? :shocked:

[Sallydaisy]

Pico has never done well on the grass and he's gone out in the R128 in each of the 4 years he's participated at Wimbledon (05, 07, 09, 11) so I'm surprised he's considering giving it another go this year. Perhaps he'll go further since it's an 'even' year???
:p

[WimbledonAce]

What happened to the simon v wawrinka match from thursday? Not played at all?

[cazza99]

oliver golding ‏@oli_golding

very good last match before #wimbledon @Theboodles . Got the win against @picomonaco 64 63!
well done Oliver :clap:

[Jan]

great result from Oli, even if it was exhibition - hope he can do well at Wimbledon!

[Sallydaisy]

OOP Sat 23 June:

Marin Cilic v @picomonaco (https://twitter.com/#!/picomonaco)
@NicoAlmagro (https://twitter.com/#!/NicoAlmagro) v Robin Haase
Guillermo Garcia-Lopez v Albert Ramos

[Linda]

I've just uploaded my photos from Boodles - here's the link: http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd287/Granny_Linda/Boodles%202012/

I took photos of players practising first - mainly Dolly as he practised for ages - but they're not very good as I didn't have my camera on the best setting :shamed: The ones from the matches are better.

You can see Sally in this one:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd287/Granny_Linda/Boodles%202012/055.jpg

[pabbers]

Wow - you were sooooooooooooo close! Lucky you.