MONTE CARLO 2013, 14-21 April. Main thread

[Sallydaisy]

http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-ash2/50236_103391893069787_2549309_n.jpghttp://www.monte-carlorolexmasters.com/~/media/645F343F55174876B1D79FC68D94237E.ashx
MONTE-CARLO ROLEX MASTERS
MONTE-CARLO COUNTRY CLUB, 155 AVENUE PRINCESSE GRACE, 06190 ROQUEBRUNE CAP MARTIN, FRANCE
WEB SITE: www.montecarlorolexmasters.mc (http://www.montecarlorolexmasters.mc/)

56 DRAW (Q28)
SURFACE: RED CLAY
BALL: DUNLOP FORT CLAY COURT

EVENT DATES: SUNDAY 14–SUNDAY 21 APRIL 2013
Qualifying draw: Friday, April 12, 2:00 p.m.
Main draw: Saturday, April 13, Noon
Doubles draw: Saturday, April 13, 6:00 p.m.

ATP Ranking Points
W: 1000, F: 600, SF: 360, QF: 180, R3 (16): 90, R2(32): 45, R1(64): 0

SINGLES DRAW
Entry deadline and ranking on March 18, 2013
Seeding based on rankings at April 8, 2013

(1)Djokovic v BYE
Youzhny v Gimeno-Traver
Gulbis v (wc)Isner
Klizan v (14)Monaco
(12)Raonic v Benneteau
Nieminen v Troicki
Dolgopolov v Tomic
BYE v (5)Del Potro

(4)Berdych v BYE
Q Hanescu v Granollers
Q Ramos v Stepanek
Fognini v (15)Seppi
(9)Cilic v Zeballos
Janowicz v Anderson
Dodig v Paire
BYE v (7)Gasquet

(8)Tipsarevic v BYE
Malisse v Dimitrov
(wc)Balleret v Mayer
Bautista-Agut v (11)Simon
(16)Kohlschreiber v Bellucci
Q Andujar v Chardy
Matosevic v Verdasco
BYE v (3)Nadal

(6)Tsonga v BYE
Q Brands v Davydenko
Melzer v Q Galung
Goffin v (10)Almagro
(13)Wawrinka v Istomin
(wc)Monfils v Q Montanes
Haase v Q Roger-Vasselin
BYE v (2)Murray

[Sallydaisy]

Monte Carlo entry list is up ^^^ and Andy is on it.
;)

[Linda]

Can't wait! I see my boarding pass is ready to print off now :)

[RoastLamb]

Lucky Linda! One of these years.

[david1610]

I still cannot get used to seeing Andy's name above Rafa's for the first clay tournament of the year!

[themass15]

Envy you Linda; Monte Carlo is one tournament I've always wanted to go to along with Indian Wells. Someone my partner used to work with is going to the quarter-finals, her sister lives in Alassio, not too far away on the Italian Riviera.

[Linda]

It's a lovely place. I always say that I'd like to go there some time when the tournament isn't on, as of course when I'm at the tournament all day every day I don't get to do much sightseeing. There are so many places I'd like to visit and so little holiday from work in which to do it! If I didn't have to work I'd like to do the whole European clay season, from Monte to RG - that would be brilliant!

[themass15]

Rafa heaven!

[Sallydaisy]

Wildcard confirmed for Gael Monfils.

[RoastLamb]

Me too. Would love to do MC-Barcelona-Madrid-Rome-Paris one Spring. On my bucket list for sure.

[Linda]

You missed out Barcelona!

[RoastLamb]

So I did. :thanks:

[RafaFan]

Del Potro has been awarded a wild card :)

[Caro]

There are so many places I'd like to visit and so little holiday from work in which to do it! If I didn't have to work I'd like to do the whole European clay season, from Monte to RG - that would be brilliant!

..... If i didn't have to work and I didn't have a husband who didn't like tennis ;)

Can wish work away but not my dearest hubby :lol:

[DaveArneRiise]

Formidable lineup! Bring it on.

[RoastLamb]

So nice Fed isn't going to be there.

[Sallydaisy]

So nice Fed isn't going to be there.

Alexandra Willis ‏@alex_willis (https://twitter.com/alex_willis) 21m (https://twitter.com/alex_willis/status/321541199754301441) RT ‏@NovakSupport (https://twitter.com/NovakSupport) Latest on Serbian media:
Dr. Jakovljevic said that Novak has right ankle sprain, recovery - 10 to 30 days [kurir.rs]


I doubt Nole will be there either ... at least not if he's got any sense and wants to play well in Madrid, Rome and then Roland Garros.
MC isn't compulsory so he's not obliged to play and won't pay a penalty if he's out with injury.

[Sallydaisy]

UPDATE ON NOLE'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE ..... MC in doubt

09. 04. 2013.
http://novakdjokovic.com/en/news/tennis/statement-on-novaks-ankle-injury/
The world’s top player has undergone an MRI examination this morning which revealed no structural damage to the joint capsule and ligaments. A joint structures strain requires therapy and strict rest in the following days.

Depending on the recovery, a decision will be made on Nole’s participation at the upcoming tournament in Monte Carlo.

[Jan62]

Since MC isn't compulsory, I reckon Nole would be mad to attempt it. Probably better making sure the ankle is completely recovered before Madrid, Rome and RG. Bit of an opportunity opening up at MC for our boy? :cauldron:

Hope Nole isn't out for too long though, because we don't want all the Andy-bashers to say he's climbing the rankings because of the his absence. Would much rather Andy gathers lots of points and ends up #1 because he beats the other top guys.

[patmoren]

Andy might be No 1 seed at MC!!!!

[Sallydaisy]

Andy might be No 1 seed at MC!!!!
And ahead of David Ferrer as 2nd seed. That will make a lot of clay courters choke on their tea.
:laugh:

[Yorkie]

I doubt Nole will be there either ... at least not if he's got any sense and wants to play well in Madrid, Rome and then Roland Garros.
MC isn't compulsory so he's not obliged to play and won't pay a penalty if he's out with injury.

MC is an optional tournament but given he has entered won't he get a zero point that he has to count in his rankings total as a penalty for withdrawing if he does. Rafa is counting two zeros against 500 tournaments he presumably had entered but then did not play last October (Valencia and Beijing).

[Sallydaisy]

MC is an optional tournament but given he has entered won't he get a zero point that he has to count in his rankings total as a penalty for withdrawing if he does. Rafa is counting two zeros against 500 tournaments he presumably had entered but then did not play last October (Valencia and Beijing).
Doesn't a penalty (whether points or £'s) depend on whether the withdrawal is for illness or 'other' reasons???

[Madeline]

I think Rafa's penalties were because he had not fulfilled the commitment to play 4 500 tournaments in the calendar year. As MC is optional, and Nole has plenty of time to fulfil his commitment, I don't think he will get a penalty for withdrawing with injury.

[Linda]

MC is an optional tournament but given he has entered won't he get a zero point that he has to count in his rankings total as a penalty for withdrawing if he does. Rafa is counting two zeros against 500 tournaments he presumably had entered but then did not play last October (Valencia and Beijing).

As Madeline says, the zero-pointers were for not playing four 500s rather than for particular tournaments. Rafa was never entered for Valencia or Beijing. The penalties are just shown against the tournaments where the obligation fell due. MC is optional (and although it still carries 1,000 points it may be counted as one of a player's 500s).

[Linda]

Tournament website (http://www.monte-carlorolexmasters.com/News/Tennis/2013/Pretournament/Joueurs.aspx): Outstanding field in Monaco with 9 out of 10 top players and worlds N°1 and N°2

[pabbers]

Erm - are they still including Nole then?

[Elenive]

From what I've read Nole is very optimistic that his injury will recover soon, definitely in time for RG. I think for Monte-Carlo he will make his choice at the last minute. Doesn't matter if he plays or not so much anyway, Rafa will still win the title! :big grin:

[Linda]

From what I've read, it seems that it was just a strain rather than an actual sprain, so should heal quite quickly.

[Alis]

From what I've read, it seems that it was just a strain rather than an actual sprain, so should heal quite quickly.

................ and, as far as I can see, no-one in the press has called Djoko a 'drama queen'. Can you imagine what the press' reaction would have been had that been Andy? Call me cynical but my bet is that Djoko will play Monte Carlo and may well win it - and then, of course, the press will go into overdrive with their plaudits.

[Jan62]

Latest on Twitter:

‏@enricomariariva 15m
That would be a great help for Nadal n.4 spot RT @TheSixthSet: Looks like Ferrer is out of Monte-Carlo with a thigh injury

Not just a great help for Rafa, methinks :) Come on Muzz!

[Reef]

What have I missed....when did Nole injure his ankle??

[Jan62]

What have I missed....when did Nole injure his ankle?? Injured during Davis Cup at the weekend.

[nicki]

Yes, and I strained my calf muscle on Tuesday evening and am hopefully going to be fit to play a match on Saturday so if I can, I'm sure that Nole can!!

[Madeline]

................ and, as far as I can see, no-one in the press has called Djoko a 'drama queen'. Can you imagine what the press' reaction would have been had that been Andy? Call me cynical but my bet is that Djoko will play Monte Carlo and may well win it - and then, of course, the press will go into overdrive with their plaudits.

You are cynical.








*whisper* So am I!

[Linda]

- or if he loses, he'll have a ready excuse.

Maybe they haven't said it in the press, but I've seen plenty of 'drama queen' comments elsewhere.

[RoastLamb]

Drama queen and Djokovic together. Never! ;)

[banskogirl]

I didn't realise Daveed was out, that's a bonus for everyone!

[Sallydaisy]

The MC main draw is out tomorrow. Meanwhile, here's the TV schedule:-

TennisTV.com
http://www.tennistv.com/home

Tennis Channel
http://www.tennischannel.com/schedule/

Monday, April 16
4:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET (live) R64

Tuesday, April 17
4:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET (live) R64/R32

Wednesday, April 18
4:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET (live) R32

Thursday, April 19
4:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET (live) R16

Friday, April 20
4:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET (live) quarterfinals

Saturday, April 21
7:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. ET (live) semifinals

Sunday, April 22
8:00-10:30 a.m. ET (live)

[Caro]

Nole's days of being a drama queen are long gone. He is the number one player in the world so of course he is going to get positive press coverage and I think he deserves it personally ....

So does Andy mind .....

[Sallydaisy]

Andy and Nole to kick off Monte Carlo event with an 'exho' at 11am Saturday morning.

Nicola Arzani ‏@Nicarzani (https://twitter.com/Nicarzani) 1h (https://twitter.com/Nicarzani/status/322686049098805249) @DjokerNole (https://twitter.com/DjokerNole) and @andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) will play tennis at Casino square Saturday
at 11am to kick off the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters #tennis (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tennis&src=hash) #Monaco (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Monaco&src=hash)


Update on Nole's training ...

Eric Silvestro ‏@Eric_Silvestro (https://twitter.com/Eric_Silvestro) 14m (https://twitter.com/Eric_Silvestro/status/322703209175068672) Djokovic : practice Ã* 17h au MCCC sur un court annexe pour tester sa cheville. 1er entrainement pour Nadal Ã* la même heure sur le central...

[pabbers]

Testing his ankle already..........not a drama queen..........hmmmmm.

[Sallydaisy]

Tommy Haas out of Monte Carlo ... Gulbis IN from the Alts list.

Ben Rothenberg ‏@BenRothenberg (https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg) 2m (https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg/status/322742554519023616) Tommy Haas pulls out of Monte Carlo, which lets Ernests Gulbis into the main draw. (via @bastienrambert (https://twitter.com/bastienrambert))

Nole confirms he's playing.

BATennis in English ‏@BATennis_EN (https://twitter.com/BATennis_EN) 23m (https://twitter.com/BATennis_EN/status/322745418293329920) According to sources on location, Tommy Haas out of #MonteCarloMasters (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23MonteCarloMasters&src=hash) (rep. by Gulbis), and Novak Djokovic has confirmed his participation.

[cazza99]

Although the tournament starts on Sunday 14th April, Sky coverage starts on Monday 15th April at 9.30 am until 5.00 pm on SS 1. Highlights are on SS 4 at 9.00 pm.

[Alis]

Nole confirms he's playing.

Well there's a surprise - and what's the betting Rafa is in Andy's side of the draw?

[Linda]

From MC Website:
Saturday 13th April:

At 11.00 am, an exhibition featuring two top ten players will be organized on the Place du Casino, in front of the Hotel de Paris (free access).

Apparently it will be Andy and Nole this year (I remember a couple of years ago it was Andy and Rafa).

[Sallydaisy]

Here's Andy (far end, difficult to see) and Nole ...

Hannah Liu ‏@hannah5272 (https://twitter.com/hannah5272) 6m (https://twitter.com/hannah5272/status/323020131489951746) RT @Nicarzani (https://twitter.com/Nicarzani) @ATPWorldTour (https://twitter.com/ATPWorldTour) top two players @DjokerNole (https://twitter.com/DjokerNole) @Andy_Murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) hit on the Casino Square in Monaco pic.twitter.com/tw8mUOEKXk (http://t.co/tw8mUOEKXk)
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BHuGIWOCAAALYW3.jpg:large

[Linda]

Thanks - I was just wondering when we would get some pics of it!

Ah - here's another one

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BHuK203CUAANnYe.jpg:large


Hannah Liu ‏@hannah5272 1h
#NovAndy RT @tory_nolefan RT “@NovakSupport: Novak and Andy are ready for some fun #MonteCarlo pic.twitter.com/OzuKxgKd3K”

[Sallydaisy]

Linda - please can you add an 'attribution' to the photo i.e. where it came from?
If it's twitter just post a copy of the tweet in quote tags [ ]

[Linda]

Done.

Oh no, Andy's in Rafa's half :sad:

[Sallydaisy]

Andy's first match is against Haase or a Qualifier

[Linda]

Nick Lester ‏@nicklester 3m
Possible Mone Carlo QF line up,Djokovic v Del Potro,Gasquet v Berdych,Nadal v Tipsarevic and Murray v Tsonga.

[Sallydaisy]

Quarter-Finals per seeding
[1] Djokovic v Del Potro
Gasquet v Berdych [4]
[3]Nadal v Tipsarevic
Tsonga v Murray [2]


Tennis Panorama News ‏@TennisNewsTPN (https://twitter.com/TennisNewsTPN) 1m (https://twitter.com/TennisNewsTPN/status/323039455869038592) RT @nicklester (https://twitter.com/nicklester): Possible Mone Carlo QF line up,Djokovic v Del Potro,Gasquet v Berdych,Nadal v Tipsarevic and Murray v Tsonga

[Sallydaisy]

FULL DRAW

(1)Djokovic v BYE
Youzhny v Gimeno-Traver
Gulbis v (wc)Isner
Klizan v (14)Monaco

(12)Raonic v Benneteau
Nieminen v Troicki
Dolgopolov v Tomic
BYE v (5)Del Potro

(4)Berdych v BYE
Q v Granollers
Q v Stepanek
Fognini v (15)Seppi

(9)Cilic v Zeballos
Janowicz v Anderson
Dodig v Paire
BYE v (7)Gasquet

(8)Tipsarevic v BYE
Malisse v Dimitrov
(wc)Balleret v Mayer
Bautista-Agut v (11)Simon

(16)Kohlschreiber v Bellucci
Q v Chardy
Matosevic v Verdasco
BYE v (3)Nadal

(6)Tsonga v BYE
Q v Davydenko
Melzer v Q
Goffin v (10)Almagro

(13)Wawrinka v Istomin
(wc)Monfils v Q
Haase v Q
BYE v (2)Murray

[Linda]

One of these tweeters (twits?) must be wrong:


Adeline A. ‏@adel1609 1m
Nadal to start MC vs Haase or qualifier. Murray drawn in the same half. #MonteCarloRolexMasters


Nick Lester ‏@nicklester 9m
Andy Murray drawn in the same half as Rafa Nadal in Monte Carlo,AM will begin his clay court season against either Robin Haase or qualifier.

[Sallydaisy]

I'd trust Nick Lester - and the full draw bears out his tweet.

[cazza99]

Done.

Oh no, Andy's in Rafa's half :sad:

Don't you mean Rafa is in Andy's half? ;)

Not an easy draw for Andy

[Sallydaisy]

To stay at WR#2 Andy needs to reach the QF here i.e. win 180 points because after last year's MC QF points come off he's 100 behind Federer. The QF place would defend those 180 and keep AM ahead by 80 points.

However, since Andy's not playing Barcelona, where he's defending 90 points, he really needs to reach the SF here in Monte Carlo (360) to ensure he's seeded 2 for Madrid.

Chart here (http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?544-Andy-s-Ranking-2012-onwards&p=132814&viewfull=1#post132814)

[Jan]

A tough draw for Andy I reckon. Hope he proves me wrong!

[JAMES4578]

That looks pretty tough,hopefully Andy in form!

[Golden Lady]

Yikes, I hope Andy is ready for this. Looks pretty tough!

[Elenive]

That looks pretty tough,hopefully Andy in form!

Yeah, well thinking in a postive least it lets his clay court game be tested early on and gives him/Lendl info on what he needs to improve ready for RG.

[banskogirl]

Just looked at the draw and laughed out loud! What a draw :laugh: and what a test! I'm sure it will excite Andy though........and us :sofa: keep us all on our toes.

[Linda]

That's one way of looking at it :sofa:

[Sallydaisy]

It'll be interesting to see who Andy gets in R2.

Robin Haase has been playing in Houston and only played his QF match yesterday (losing to Martin Klizan) so he's got a long-haul flight/trip to Monte Carlo today, Saturday. He'll have to play his R1 match on Sunday or Monday so he might find it a little tough with the time difference and adjustment from American to European clay.

I guess it depends how the Qualifier plays ... it could be any one of the following:-

[1] Albert RAMOS (ESP) v Filippo VOLANDRI (ITA)
[2] Pablo ANDUJAR (ESP) v [10] Guillaume RUFIN (FRA)
[3] Victor HANESCU (ROU) v Matthias BACHINGER (GER)
[4] Daniel BRANDS (GER) v [12] Thiemo DE BAKKER (NED)
[Alt] Jesse HUTA GALUNG (NED) v [14] Philipp PETZSCHNER (GER)
[6] Edouard ROGER-VASSELIN (FRA) v [13] Sergiy STAKHOVSKY (UKR)
[7] Blaz KAVCIC (SLO) v [9] Albert MONTANES (ESP)

[banskogirl]

That's one way of looking at it :sofa:

It's always good bonding for us :grouphug:

[supergran]

Tough draw but it is what it is. To be the best you have to beat the best.;):thumbup::cheer:

[Linda]

Tomorrow's OOP (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410)

Essential lunchtime viewing: Dolgopolov v Tomic

But it's not on TennisTV tomorrow so maybe won't be able to watch :crying:

[banskogirl]

That's a good one to start with :thumbup:

[Sallydaisy]

OOP - Sunday 14th April





COURT CENTRAL Start 11:00 am (10.00 UK)
MAIN DRAW SINGLES AND DOUBLES





[16] Philipp Kohlschreiber (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/K435.aspx) (GER)
v


Thomaz Bellucci (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/BD20.aspx) (BRA)

H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)



Alexandr Dolgopolov (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/D801.aspx) (UKR)
v


Bernard Tomic (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/TA46.aspx) (AUS)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)



Gilles Simon (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/SD32.aspx) (FRA)
Mikhail Youzhny (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/Y061.aspx) (RUS)
v


Lukasz Kubot (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/K540.aspx) (POL)
Janko Tipsarevic (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/T742.aspx) (SRB)
ATP




Xavier Malisse (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/M680.aspx) (BEL)
v


Grigor Dimitrov (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/D875.aspx) (BUL)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)





COURT DES PRINCES Start 11:00 am (10.00 UK)
QUALIFYING





[6] Edouard Roger-Vasselin (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/R613.aspx) (FRA)
v


[13] Sergiy Stakhovsky (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/SC77.aspx) (UKR)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)



Not Before 1:00 PM




[1] Albert Ramos (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/R772.aspx) (ESP)
v


Filippo Volandri (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/V254.aspx) (ITA)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)



[3] Victor Hanescu (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/H528.aspx) (ROU)
v


Matthias Bachinger (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/BC65.aspx) (GER)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)





COURT 2 Start 1:00 pm (10.00 UK)
QUALIFYING





[2] Pablo Andujar (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/A596.aspx) (ESP)
v


[10] Guillaume Rufin (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/RA17.aspx) (FRA)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)



[4] Daniel Brands (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/BC72.aspx) (GER)
v


[12] Thiemo de Bakker (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/D776.aspx) (NED)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)





COURT 9 Start 1:00 pm




[7] Blaz Kavcic (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/K834.aspx) (SLO)
v


[9] Albert Montanes (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/M824.aspx) (ESP)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)



[Alt] Jesse Huta Galung (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/H704.aspx) (NED)
v


[14] Philipp Petzschner (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/P624.aspx) (GER)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)

[pabbers]

Am quaking at the thought of Andy maybe meeting Almagro in the quarters........eeeeek! Mind you, assuming Andy gets that far (and Almagro of course) :cauldron:

[harriet]

the fun section contains raonic, dolgopolov, tomic and del potro, fighting rats in a bag? winner plays djo.
i'd rather see andy play tsonga than almagro, more exciting? tho good workout either way.

[Linda]

I wish I were watching Dolly-Tomic. Anyone know of a stream?

[Sallydaisy]

I wish I were watching Dolly-Tomic. Anyone know of a stream?
No TV coverage so stream very unlikely ...

[Sallydaisy]

Dolly leads Atomic 6'2, 3'2 and is serving next with the break in the 2nd set.
The other matches are all FQRs.

[Linda]

Crazy to start R1 matches but not have it televised :grrr:

[Sallydaisy]

Crazy to start R1 matches but not have it televised :grrr:
Seems to be a deliberate decision relating to both ATP and WTA events in 2013.

[david1610]

Crazy to start R1 matches but not have it televised :grrr:
I do not understand the logic of it, especially tennistv. There is the cost of setting up cameras, travel and accommodation for the event for the TV crew and commentators. Adding one or two more days to that won't change the overall cost that significantly. Wonder how many more fans would pay for tennistv if it did this.... certainly those fans of players we do not get to see so often!
Not to mention those of us who expect tournament coverage to be just that!
Mind you, having gone to see Heather in qualifying for Estoril in the last two years, (make that Oeiras in 2013) I have realised that apart from those working on the stands, publicity, admin of the event, there are surprisingly few spectators (certainly outside the main court) in the early days of a 250 event and I suppose this might be similar worldwide.

Even when I went to Madrid I was surprised how tiny (in terms of spectator area) the second court of the "Magic Box" is, for a Master's Event.

[RoastLamb]

I didn't realise it started today and so I've missed the FTM main draw. Poo!!!!!!!!!!! :grrr:

[Sallydaisy]

Crumbs!!! Chaos at Rafa's practise session today in MC.


Carole Bouchard ‏@carole_bouchard (https://twitter.com/carole_bouchard) 4m (https://twitter.com/carole_bouchard/status/323412710031245312) Huge mess around Nadal's exit of his training court today.Lots of people who got totally out of control.
Security overwhelmed, kids panicking, and some fainting. Nadal had to be taken out of the crowd by security, seen folded in half at some point between secu guys. Frightening.

[Linda]

The trouble is it's a small area and there are hundreds of people who want to get close to Rafa - normally there is a cordon of security guards in place to keep the crowds back before he steps out - but it seems they slipped up this time.

[Linda]

OOP for tomorrow (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410)

[cazza99]

Qualifiers are now in the draw - http://www.atpworldtour.com/Share/Event-Draws.aspx?Year=2013&EventId=410&Draw=ms

[Sallydaisy]

In his R2 match Andy plays the winner of Haase, WR53 (who was in Houston until Saturday) or ERV (aka Edouard Roger-Vasselin, WR84) who took last week off and hasn't done very well so far this year on clay.

[JennieF]

What? No TV coverage?? And I've just bought new Macbook and Apple TV so I could do some livestreaming on my TV!!! Took me ages to understand it and get it set up as well!
:crying:
Ah well. I'll be cheering Andy and reading the forum!! :dance:

[cazza99]

What? No TV coverage?? And I've just bought new Macbook and Apple TV so I could do some livestreaming on my TV!!! Took me ages to understand it and get it set up as well!
:crying:
Ah well. I'll be cheering Andy and reading the forum!! :dance:

There is only no TV coverage for today. Coverage starts tomorrow, Monday. :)

[Guerkins2]

In his R2 match Andy plays the winner of Haase, WR53 (who was in Houston until Saturday) or ERV (aka Edouard Roger-Vasselin, WR84) who took last week off and hasn't done very well so far this year on clay.I think Haase was playing Morocco not Houston - so not so far to travel.

[Sallydaisy]

erm,

TENNIS.com ‏@tennis (https://twitter.com/tennis) 2h (https://twitter.com/tennis/status/323516259167789057) Novak Djokovic says his injured ankle is improving; he will decide on Tuesday
if he will play Monte Carlo: http://ow.ly/k3gSV (http://t.co/FWEgIpBfRq)

Simon Cambers ‏@scambers73 (https://twitter.com/scambers73) 5h (https://twitter.com/scambers73/status/323472578507329536)

Novak Djokovic said if this week's tournament was not in Monte Carlo - his second home -
he almost certainly would not be trying to play

Retweeted by Alexandra Willis (https://twitter.com/alex_willis)




Christopher Clarey ‏@christophclarey (https://twitter.com/christophclarey) 3h (https://twitter.com/christophclarey/status/323498752604241920) #Djokovic (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Djokovic&src=hash) practiced Sunday in Monte Carlo but hardly moved, protecting ankle,
says practice partner @julienbenneteau (https://twitter.com/julienbenneteau) via @ericsalliot (https://twitter.com/ericsalliot)

[cazza99]

They could at least have said this before the Bracket closed :grrr:

I had assumed his ankle had improved because he did that demo on Saturday.

[Sallydaisy]

I think Haase was playing Morocco not Houston - so not so far to travel.
:oops:

[supergran]

Sky Sports 1 from 9.30 am our time. Looking forward to seeing some great tennis. Good luck Andy!!

[Sallydaisy]

They could at least have said this before the Bracket closed :grrr:

I had assumed his ankle had improved because he did that demo on Saturday.
The demo was patball for those 2!!! And bear in mind that Nole lives in Monte Carlo so will have wanted to keep the organisers and sponsors sweet ...
;)

Update on Nole via twitter (from L'Equipe):

Carole Bouchard ‏@carole_bouchard (https://twitter.com/carole_bouchard) 1h (https://twitter.com/carole_bouchard/status/323710892946620416) "He did too many things off court, had issues to focus.
Wasn't in shape in I.Wells & was out of shape in Miami" Vajda on Djokovic in L'Equipe
In L'Equipe, new MRI today for Djokovic. Vajda saying he's fine except for
a little issue remaining + moves+ doubts. Pain could stay a month



Mr. Pigz ‏@MisterPigz (https://twitter.com/MisterPigz) 1h (https://twitter.com/MisterPigz/status/323711678283907073) @carole_bouchard (https://twitter.com/carole_bouchard) I wonder what these off-court things were.
Carole Bouchard ‏@carole_bouchard (https://twitter.com/carole_bouchard) 54m (https://twitter.com/carole_bouchard/status/323713774156673024)
@MisterPigz (https://twitter.com/MisterPigz) the exhib, the NBA games, etc ? That's how I got it.



And a common sense comment that everyone is probably thinking ...

Barry Flatman ‏@Barry_FlatmanST (https://twitter.com/Barry_FlatmanST) 5m (https://twitter.com/Barry_FlatmanST/status/323737655957389313)
Djokovic heads the Monte Carlo draw but is not sure if he'll be fit to play.
Isn't this an unnecessary gamble with the French Open so close?

[LC the fan]

It doesn't look an easy draw for Andy...but what's new. Not sure there is such a thing these days and anyway Andy seems to function better when the draw is tough. If he's going to get to the very top he has to beat them all, all the time. Ok tougher on clay but he improved so much last year

[cazza99]

And bear in mind that Nole lives in Monte Carlo so will have wanted to keep the organisers and sponsors sweet ...
;)


I'd been thinking along those lines too.

[david1610]

I'd been thinking along those lines too.
Me too. If Nole is sensible, he will "reluctantly withdraw" and satisfy the PR fellows.
Unless it was much ado about nothing and he really is fine.
He is still theoretically capable of getting a calendar grand slam and if Soderling is not around, your best bet to take Rafa at RG is probably a year like this after months out with an injury....
A few more ranking points or making history.... no decision to take surely, unless it really was much ado about nothing.

[cazza99]

Simon is having a bit of a battle. He lost the first set and was a break down well into the second. He managed to break back so its on serve at 6-6 in the second set.

[cazza99]

This is what Nole actually said in his pretournament interview - http://www.atpworldtour.tennistv.com/video/clip/2190612

[cazza99]

Simon has lost - I had him down to reach the quarters :grrr:

[JAMES4578]

Not the way I wanted that match to go!

[Andy's girl]

Does anyone know if Andy is playing tonight... and what time? Thanks

[hfwardhouse]

Does anyone know if Andy is playing tonight... and what time? Thanks

They're still on R1 matches - not heard yet when Andy will play his R2 match v Roger-Vasselin.

[Sallydaisy]

Andy will play his R2 match on Wednesday 17th April.

Here's the provisional OOP for Centre Court on Tuesday
Tipsy v. Dimitrov
Gasquet v. Paire
Tsonga v. Davydenko
Del Potro v. Dolgo


Neil Harman ‏@NeilHarmanTimes (https://twitter.com/NeilHarmanTimes) 3m (https://twitter.com/NeilHarmanTimes/status/323813606720434176) And little time for @JohnIsner (https://twitter.com/JohnIsner) to recover from jet-lag after winning Houston -
plays Ernests Gulbis (a cracker in prospect) 4th on Princes

[supergran]

Just announced the above a few minutes ago on SS1.

[Sallydaisy]

Dimitrov has beaten Tipsarevic 7-6 6-1
Wawrinka beat Istomin
Ramos beat Stepanek
Matosevic leads Verdasco 7'6, 5'1 and is serving for the match.

OOP - Tuesday, 16 April 2013





COURT CENTRAL Start 10:30 am





[8] Janko Tipsarevic (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/T742.aspx) (SRB)
v


Grigor Dimitrov (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/D875.aspx) (BUL)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)



Benoit Paire (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/PD31.aspx) (FRA)
v


[7] Richard Gasquet (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/G628.aspx) (FRA)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)



[6] Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/T786.aspx) (FRA)
v


Nikolay Davydenko (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/D402.aspx) (RUS)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)



Alexandr Dolgopolov (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/D801.aspx) (UKR)
v


[WC/5] Juan Martin Del Potro (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/D683.aspx) (ARG)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)



Julien Benneteau (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/B747.aspx) (FRA)
Nenad Zimonjic (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/Z072.aspx) (SRB)
v


Daniele Bracciali (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/B570.aspx) (ITA)
Andreas Seppi (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/SA93.aspx) (ITA)
ATP






COURT DES PRINCES Start 10:30 am





Marinko Matosevic (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/ME05.aspx) (AUS)
v


Fernando Verdasco (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/V306.aspx) (ESP)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)



[16] Philipp Kohlschreiber (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/K435.aspx) (GER)
v


[Q] Pablo Andujar (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/A596.aspx) (ESP)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)



[WC] Gael Monfils (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/MC65.aspx) (FRA)
v


[Q] Albert Montanes (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/M824.aspx) (ESP)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)



Not Before 3:00 PM




Ernests Gulbis (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/G858.aspx) (LAT)
v


[WC] John Isner (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/I186.aspx) (USA)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)



[3] Robert Lindstedt (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/L335.aspx) (SWE)
Daniel Nestor (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/N210.aspx) (CAN)
v


Gilles Simon (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/SD32.aspx) (FRA)
Mikhail Youzhny (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/Y061.aspx) (RUS)
ATP






COURT 2 Start 10:30 am





[13] Stanislas Wawrinka (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/W367.aspx) (SUI)
v


Denis Istomin (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/I165.aspx) (UZB)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)



[WC] Benjamin Balleret (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/B946.aspx) (MON)
v


Florian Mayer (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/MB02.aspx) (GER)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)



Jerzy Janowicz (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/J397.aspx) (POL)
v


Kevin Anderson (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/A678.aspx) (RSA)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)



Not Before 3:00 PM




David Goffin (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/GB88.aspx) (BEL)
v


[10] Nicolas Almagro (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/A479.aspx) (ESP)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)





COURT 9 Start 10:30 am




[Q] Albert Ramos (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/R772.aspx) (ESP)
v


Radek Stepanek (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/S694.aspx) (CZE)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)



[Q] Victor Hanescu (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/H528.aspx) (ROU)
v


Marcel Granollers (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/G710.aspx) (ESP)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)



Jurgen Melzer (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/M762.aspx) (AUT)
v


[Q] Jesse Huta Galung (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/H704.aspx) (NED)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)



Martin Klizan (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/K966.aspx) (SVK)
v


[14] Juan Monaco (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/MA21.aspx) (ARG)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410#)





COURT 11 Start 12:00 noon





Marin Cilic (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/C977.aspx) (CRO)
Marcelo Melo (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/M919.aspx) (BRA)
v


Milos Raonic (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/R975.aspx) (CAN)
Bernard Tomic (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/TA46.aspx) (AUS)
ATP




Not Before 1:30 PM




[WC] Fabio Fognini (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/F510.aspx) (ITA)
Nicolas Mahut (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/M873.aspx) (FRA)
v


David Marrero (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/M984.aspx) (ESP)
Fernando Verdasco (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/V306.aspx) (ESP)
ATP




Ivan Dodig (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/D646.aspx) (CRO)
Radek Stepanek (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/S694.aspx) (CZE)
v


Benoit Paire (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/PD31.aspx) (FRA)
Stanislas Wawrinka (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/W367.aspx) (SUI)
ATP

[Sallydaisy]

Matosevic beat Verdasco 7'6, 6'3
;)

[cazza99]

Dimitrov beat Tipsy :grrr:

[scrapaddict]

Dologopolov takes first setoff DP 6-1!! 3-3 in the second

Goffin takes first set off Almagro - interesting scores!

[supergran]

I'm watching Delpo and Dolgo......have been watching off and on since this morning but interrupted by h/work and manicure. Just hope highlights (hair) is not during Andy's match tomorrow.

[cazza99]

oop for Wednesday is out - http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410

[Alis]

I see that Marray and Nielsen are on opposite sides of the net tomorrow - that could be interesting!

[Sallydaisy]

OOP - Wednesday, 17 April 2013





COURT CENTRAL Start 10:30 am (09.30 UK time)





[4] Tomas Berdych (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/BA47.aspx) (CZE)
v


Marcel Granollers (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/G710.aspx) (ESP)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/scores/schedule.aspx?year=2013&eventid=410#)



Marinko Matosevic (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/ME05.aspx) (AUS)
v


[3] Rafael Nadal (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/N409.aspx) (ESP)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/scores/schedule.aspx?year=2013&eventid=410#)



[1] Novak Djokovic (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/D643.aspx) (SRB)

v


Mikhail Youzhny (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/Y061.aspx) (RUS)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/scores/schedule.aspx?year=2013&eventid=410#)



[Q] Edouard Roger-Vasselin (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/R613.aspx) (FRA)
v


[2] Andy Murray (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/MC10.aspx) (GBR)

H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/scores/schedule.aspx?year=2013&eventid=410#)





COURT DES PRINCES Start 10:30 am (09.30 UK time)





[12] Milos Raonic (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/R975.aspx) (CAN)
v


Jarkko Nieminen (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/N289.aspx) (FIN)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/scores/schedule.aspx?year=2013&eventid=410#)



[Q] Albert Ramos (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/R772.aspx) (ESP)
v


Fabio Fognini (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/F510.aspx) (ITA)

H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/scores/schedule.aspx?year=2013&eventid=410#)



Jurgen Melzer (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/M762.aspx) (AUT)
v


[10] Nicolas Almagro (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/A479.aspx) (ESP)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/scores/schedule.aspx?year=2013&eventid=410#)



Ernests Gulbis (LAT) OR John Isner (USA)

v


[14] Juan Monaco (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/MA21.aspx) (ARG)
ATP







COURT 2 Start 10:30 am (09.30 UK time)





Colin Fleming (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/F454.aspx) (GBR)

Jonathan Marray (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/M983.aspx) (GBR)

v


Julian Knowle (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/K263.aspx) (AUT)
Frederik Nielsen (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/N390.aspx) (DEN)
ATP




[9] Marin Cilic (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/C977.aspx) (CRO)
v


Kevin Anderson (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/A678.aspx) (RSA)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/scores/schedule.aspx?year=2013&eventid=410#)



[13] Stanislas Wawrinka (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/W367.aspx) (SUI)
v


[Q] Albert Montanes (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/M824.aspx) (ESP)

H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/scores/schedule.aspx?year=2013&eventid=410#)





COURT 9 Start 11:30 am (10.30 UK time)





Florian Mayer (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/MB02.aspx) (GER)
v


Roberto Bautista Agut (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/BD06.aspx) (ESP)
H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/scores/schedule.aspx?year=2013&eventid=410#)



David Marrero (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/M984.aspx) (ESP)
Fernando Verdasco (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/V306.aspx) (ESP)
v


[2] Marcel Granollers (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/G710.aspx) (ESP)
Marc Lopez (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/L480.aspx) (ESP)
ATP




[1] Bob Bryan (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/B588.aspx) (USA)
Mike Bryan (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/B589.aspx) (USA)
v


Philipp Kohlschreiber (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/K435.aspx) (GER)
Florian Mayer (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/MB02.aspx) (GER)
ATP






COURT 11 Start 2:00 pm (13.00 UK time)





Not Before 2:00 PM




Milos Raonic (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/R975.aspx) (CAN)
Bernard Tomic (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/TA46.aspx) (AUS)
v


[8] Mariusz Fyrstenberg (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/F364.aspx) (POL)
Marcin Matkowski (http://www.atpworldtour.com/tennis/players/M844.aspx) (POL)
ATP

[Yorkie]

Not long now to find out whether Djoko is going to play hes next on once Rafa has finished off Matosevic (already up a set and 3:2 but on serve in set 2)

[Jan62]

Well Nole is playing, but is 3-0 down and according to the oracle known as Neil Harman @NeilHarmanTimes
He is not himself, or anywhere near

[Yorkie]

Well Nole is playing, but is 3-0 down and according to the oracle known as Neil Harman @NeilHarmanTimes

Unless Djoko can turn it round it might be Andy time sooner than was forecast 4:0 now to Youzhny. When was the last time Djoko was bagalled??? Ok so he fought back to only lose the set 4:6 and hes up on serve at 2:1 - is Youzhny going to be able to finish an injured Djoko or is he going to win despite being nowhere near himself?

[supergran]

Nole has a break now in second set. 3-1

[david1610]

One heck of an OOP on centre court for a second round!

[RoastLamb]

Sad for Milos! Happy for Rafa!

[Jan62]

Nole won through in the end 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.

Now its Andy Time!


Oh - and for those who didn't know, this morning Fleming/Marray won their dubs in straight sets. Well done :)

[cazza99]

There is drama in the Gulbis Monaco match.

Gulbis got a game violation so was down in the third set and is fighting back at 3-5.

[cazza99]

oop out for Thursday. Andy is 3rd on centre with an estimated start time of 13.30.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Scores/schedule.aspx?EventId=410

[Sallydaisy]

Carnage in Monte Carlo!!!
The seeds are falling (11 out of 16 have gone!) and there's some 'different' names in the 1/4 Finals.
Even recognised 'clay-courters' like Berdych and Del Potro couldn't make it into the Quarter Final.

Seeds exiting in:-
R1 - (11)Simon, (15)Seppi
R2 - (8)Tipsarevic, (10)Almagro, (12)Raonic
R3 - (2)Murray, (4)Berdych, (5)Del Potro, (9)Cilic, (14)Monaco, (16)Kohlschreiber

Quarter-Finals

(1)Djokovic v Nieminen
Fognini v (7)Gasquet
Dimitrov v (3)Nadal
(6)Tsonga v (13)Wawrinka

[Linda]

This seems like Bercy in disguise! I'm not bothering to check the Bracket any more although regretting my heart over head pick for today. Who knows what else might happen?

[Caro]

Are you there Linda? Monte Carlo I mean .... thought I heard you shout 'come on Rafa' in his match yesterday

[Linda]

Yes I'm here. Yelled my head off today for Andy and then for Pico but it didn't help either of them :sad:

[Sallydaisy]

;)


Micaela Bryan ‏@MicaelaBryan (https://twitter.com/MicaelaBryan) 1h (https://twitter.com/MicaelaBryan/status/324933924960735232) In Monte Carlo the swim instructors ain't cheap! @vika7 (https://twitter.com/vika7) @RedFoo (https://twitter.com/RedFoo) pic.twitter.com/5QEdkSYXWL
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BIJlruVCEAARCgr.jpg
(http://t.co/5QEdkSYXWL)

Retweeted by WTA (https://twitter.com/WTA)

[supergran]

What a match between Rafa and Grigor. Three sets and Dimitrov gave his all. As Neil Harman said "A star is born". Rafa won 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 and said he is mentally exhausted.

[RoastLamb]

That was a close one for Rafa! Phew.

[cazza99]

The oop for Saturday is out - http://www.monte-carlorolexmasters.com/Schedule/Live-OOP.aspx

[DaveArneRiise]

Great effort from Fognini to reach the semis. Dominating form against Richie. Always thought of Fognini as someone who just gets a lot of balls in play. Showed today there's a lot else to his game. Kudos!

[RoastLamb]

Yeah well, Milos beat Fabio in the DC 1/4. Cannot believe Milos and Tomic are in the dubs semi.

[banskogirl]

Have just watched the Rafa/Gregor match, wow! All of a sudden people have noticed how great he is, about time he showed them, now Andy needs to watch out, I think it came down to fitness in the end today. Looked like cramp at the end didn't it?

[banskogirl]

Uh oh that doesn't sound good....Rafa has a bad back?!

[VamosVixs]

Aw come on, Rafa doesn't need any more injuries!!! :facepalm:

[supergran]

Rafa leads Jo 6-3, 3-0.

[JAMES4578]

Well the back injury doesn't seem to have affected Rafa too much,though Jo's given a bit a way since he failed to convert 3bps but Nadal in some sparking form and now serving for it at 5-1.

[supergran]

Jo seems to be staging a bit of a comeback. Match points saved and now ad at 2-5

[banskogirl]

Well Jo is finding something from somewhere, could he not have found it sooner!!

[banskogirl]

Woohoo now it's a bit of a match!

[supergran]

Wow...Jo now 5-5 on second set. What a fight back!!

[JAMES4578]

Seems I spoke too soon, amazing spirit from jo to get back in contention even if Rafa did give a few opportunities. Tsonga must hold now though to take it to the breaker.

[banskogirl]

Would love it to go to a third now!

[banskogirl]

Oh well Jo just delayed the inevitable really but well played anyway. Who can stop the King of clay?! Would rather he won than Nole!

[banskogirl]

Barry shut up! Sorry but Cowan and sick do not mix.....

[JAMES4578]

We certainly seen some entertaining tennis as Jo fought back,think Rafa was always going to win this one but pity it didn't go to a 3rd.

[RoastLamb]

Well done Rafa! :yahoo: And some amazing shots from Tsonga along the way.

[banskogirl]

Guys is there anywhere to do ftm for the next semi? Have I missed it somewhere?

[RoastLamb]

i think we only do ftm for both semis in slams.

[banskogirl]

Oh thanks RL I don't mind that, was panicking in case I was letting teammies down!

[banskogirl]

I'm staying with MC and recording Fed Cup! Anyone else doing that?

[JAMES4578]

If Nadal/Tsonga had still been on would have kept eye on both of them but am just watching Fed Cup now. Can't see Nole having too much trouble.

[supergran]

I turned to Fed Cup as Novak winning was a given.

[banskogirl]

Yes me too! The girls did good :)

[JAMES4578]

Rain delay in Monte Carlo but the plus is I can hear more of Marcus, Greg and Barry! Not too long a delay though as Rafa and Nole on court now! Nole really was awesome in the initial stages taking the first five games and Rafa certainly wasn't playing poorly even if he couldn't put Djokovic under much pressure,he avoided the bagel that looked likely at one point and got something going but double faulted to lose the first 6-2 on the 8th set point. Of course could be some mileage in this yet, 2 all in 2nd.

[Madeline]

Hmmm. Is anybody else trying to watch on tennistv? I can't get it to work today.

[JAMES4578]

Hmmm. Is anybody else trying to watch on tennistv? I can't get it to work today.

Afraid not,Have sky and don't subscribe to it,hopefully the problem will be sorted out. Anyway Rafa gets the first break of the 2nd to lead 3-2,had missed chances in Nole's previous service game.

[Madeline]

Thanks for the reply, it decided to work in the end. It took about 15 minutes!

[JAMES4578]

oh right,at last! Nole's won three successive games form 4-2 down, Rafa under a bit of pressure. Nole takes it 6-2. 7-6 and overall a tremendous performance from him, well done. All credit to Rafa too but couldn't make it 9 in a row as he was outplayed today. However, feel he let it slip a bit in the 2nd, would have been interesting had it gone to a decider. Still a great season for him after the injury time out.

[cazza99]

Nole has won. I wouldn't have expected that at the beginning of the week.

[Elenive]

Oh wow, definitely would not have predicted that at the start of the week!

Shame that Rafa's monte carlo reign is over though :sad: :sad:

[RoastLamb]

:crying: :crying: :crying:

[Jan62]

Well well. Who would have thought that Nole would beat Rafa in MC. Especially when at the start of the week we still wondered if Nole was fit to play at all! Congrats Nole, but my goodness that is going to scare the rest of the players for the rest of the dirt season. And unfortunately for us it shows us how far Andy has to go if he is going to have any chance of overtaking Djoko....... WC to Barcelona or Portugal anyone????

[supergran]

I had a sneaking feeling Nole would win. Just wish he'd stop now!!:grrr: But have to give him credit and say well done.

[pabbers]

Hmmmmm not the result I wanted. Bodes I'll for Rafa at French Open and for us in terms of Andy's progress towards #1. Want the slams to be shared around. Plus the comments after Andy's loss about Stan having played 12 matches to Andy's 2 look a bit sick now when Nole wins a tournament with no previous clay practice and on the back of an ankle injury.

[JAMES4578]

Think we'd have to say that in terms of clay court pedigree Nole is in a different class to Andy,Murray needs a few matches on clay before he feels comfortable. With regards to the ranking whilst Djokovic winning makes it more difficult for Andy to close the gap it's not mytop priority at the moment,,focus is more on Andy winning another slam and also doing well in the Masters.

[pabbers]

With regards to the ranking it's not mytop priority focus is more on Andy winning another slam and also doing well in the Masters.
Aren't they synonymous?

[Elenive]

Aren't they synonymous?

One leads to the other yes, but in terms of concentrating on one more than the other I'd much prefer to see Andy win Wimby or the USO again than reach No. 1.
In terms of ranking though, if Andy does OK for the rest of the clay season and gets to semies in RG, if he wins Wimby (oh what joy that would be!) he will have a good shot at getting close to Nole through Cincy and Canada... although he'll lose the gold medal points he has lots to gain at Cincy/Canada, so I expect he will make a leap in the rankings around then.

[JAMES4578]

Aren't they synonymous?

Well you can still do well in Slams/Masters and not be No1 though,if Andy doesn't improve much on clay difficult to reach top in near future.

[david1610]

the comments after Andy's loss about Stan having played 12 matches to Andy's 2 look a bit sick now when Nole wins a tournament with no previous clay practice and on the back of an ankle injury.
For 2013 yes, but Nole has played very well on clay in past years, so knew he had it and it was just a case of finding it.

Andy has not yet found it and, in the analysis of his clay performances in the last three years I posted on the Stan MC match thread, he really does need more experience and more victories against top players - for example, he has never beaten somebody in a season who has gone on to be a candidate for the top eight by the end of the year.

In fact, I would regard it as a successful season for Andy if he won one more GS. You can't get to number one when your opponents get a sizable chunk of the 5000 points available from the 3 1000 tournaments and the 2000 Grand Slam unless you win a couple of slams yourself and mop up a lot of the hard court masters (and the WTF I suppose). I am also not that bothered (yet) about it. The next target after no longer being the "best of his generation not to get a GS" is to go beyond the "yes but the 1 GS was probably a fluke" accusation that somebody could make ten years down the line.

And don't forget that today makes Nole's chances of getting all four GSs this year that bit more likely now Rafa is not quite as invulnerable on clay. It could well be another wonder season for Nole - but this time focused on the GSs.

[Golden Lady]

For 2013 yes, but Nole has played very well on clay in past years, so knew he had it and it was just a case of finding it.

Andy has not yet found it and, in the analysis of his clay performances in the last three years I posted on the Stan MC match thread, he really does need more experience and more victories against top players - for example, he has never beaten somebody in a season who has gone on to be a candidate for the top eight by the end of the year.

In fact, I would regard it as a successful season for Andy if he won one more GS. You can't get to number one when your opponents get a sizable chunk of the 5000 points available from the 3 1000 tournaments and the 2000 Grand Slam unless you win a couple of slams yourself and mop up a lot of the hard court masters (and the WTF I suppose). I am also not that bothered (yet) about it. The next target after no longer being the "best of his generation not to get a GS" is to go beyond the "yes but the 1 GS was probably a fluke" accusation that somebody could make ten years down the line.

And don't forget that today makes Nole's chances of getting all four GSs this year that bit more likely now Rafa is not quite as invulnerable on clay. It could well be another wonder season for Nole - but this time focused on the GSs.

I agree David, I am not bothered about the no 1 ranking at this point in time. Neither am I too bothered about the clay. Sure Andy can improve his clay court game and he will want to but in my opinion, this year, he has absolutely every chance of winning Wimbledon and a good shot at defending his US Open title. One or both of those 2 Grand Slam titles would be a great season for Andy given the era we are currently in. As you say though, we could be looking at another 'wonder season' for Nole, he had the aura about him yesterday and if he wins another of the clay masters and the French, he is going to be very tough for the rest of the season.

[Caro]

It would not surprise me at all if Nole went on to be the first player in a number of generations to win the calendar GS. He is more adept on all surfaces imo than Fed or Rafa have been. Love him or hate him, you have to admit that the world no 1 is there for a reason .... he is by some distance the best player in the world right now.

[pabbers]

Have to admit that I had written Nole off about 3 years ago - wish whatever he's found, Andy would find too. I'm afraid time is not now on Andy's side - every year is on the wrong side of the hill from now on. I'd like to see the slams divvied up among Andy, Nole and Rafa and the same with the Masters - that way Andy would be in with a chance sooner rather than later. Miami was a start.

[MurrayAOne]

This is the time when Andy can now play with more freedom without the pressure of will he/ won't he all the time - I think you can see this in his whole demeanour - so I hope he enjoys this time in his career without the pressure of feeling time is not on his side. I think he is in a great place at the moment and look forward to him winning lots of titles!!! I'd like to see the Grand Slams divided up between Andy, Andy and Andy! :)

[supergran]

I just hope that he's happy and not feeling pressure. Like MurrayAOne I'd like to see him win them all but we're having a lovely time supporting him aren't we?:jitterbug::jitterbug:

[MurrayAOne]

I just hope that he's happy and not feeling pressure. Like MurrayAOne I'd like to see him win them all but we're having a lovely time supporting him aren't we?:jitterbug::jitterbug:

Absolutely!!!

[harriet]

yesterday pabbers wrote "I'm afraid time is not now on Andy's side - every year is on the wrong side of the hill from now on. "
and it seems to me that andy agrees with this reading of his career plan. andy is now taking business steps and maximising his appeal and puchasing power with bhupathi/simon fuller in their globosport package. i suppose all players look to make money off court, eg federer has been playing in brazil, cultivating his fan base already ahead of the rio olympics.

[pabbers]

yesterday pabbers wrote "I'm afraid time is not now on Andy's side - every year is on the wrong side of the hill from now on. "
and it seems to me that andy agrees with this reading of his career plan. andy is now taking business steps and maximising his appeal and puchasing power with bhupathi/simon fuller in their globosport package. i suppose all players look to make money off court, eg federer has been playing in brazil, cultivating his fan base already ahead of the rio olympics.
Nooooooooooooo - I don't want Andy to agree with me :crying:

[Mickey]

I certainly don't think that Andy is on the wrong side of the hill. If he was then there would no point in him maximising his appeal and purchasing power as no one will buy into Andy or sponsor him if he was a has been. He is getting to the best and strongest part of his strength and playing power.