RIO OLYMPICS - Men's singles - main tennis thread

[JAMES4578]

Del Porto had better start but Nadal takes the first 7-5 and think the Spaniard likely to be Andy's final opponent (though haven't been watching thus far myself).

[clancy]

Nadal takes the 1st set. hope DP comes back fighting in the 2nd but think now he has got his nose in front he will stay there. Think Andy would have a easier ride with DP than Nadal tomorrow and not a great Nadal fan anyway.

[-J-]

Now it's safe to ask what times the final

[pabbers]

Now it's safe to ask what times the final
Think 7.30 pm has been posted somewhere.

[clancy]

Nadal broken,and now 3-1 to DP!

[lovetennis]

Rafa lost 2 points because his water bottle fell over?? He's very OCD about them ;)

[roytennisfan]

delpo 3-1, into third set please

[Pam]

I swear Simon Reed wants Rafa to win the whole thing He's just SO annoying!!

Come on Potty!!

[cazza99]

They say the Brazilians don't like the Argntinians that much so they could end up routing for Andy in the final if Del Potty wins this match.

[lovetennis]

Delpo takes the 2nd. Feels like it could go either way

[Pam]

May the third set be long and VERY tiring!!

[pabbers]

Delpo takes the 2nd. Feels like it could go either way
Well actually, it can :big grin:

[cazza99]

Hope this set goes to a long tiebreaker.

[LC the fan]

Hope this set goes to a long tiebreaker.

a very long tiebreaker. Cant decide who I want to win this one. After all he has been through I think Delpo has done so well to come back so soon. On the other hand Rafa/Andy is the dream final.

Think Delpo would be better for Andy's Gold but who knows....At least he has a medal safe and sound

[LC the fan]

Why does Simon Reed choose such an interesting match to start discussing Federer's qualities and how much everyone loves him. Now without the sound - otherwise I shall throw up

[clancy]

Andy won't have crowd support tomorrow be it Nadal or DP but that won't worry him! Still rooting for DP to give Andy the gold over 5 sets.

[lovetennis]

I'd forgotten what a beast that forehand of Delpo's is

[roytennisfan]

May the third set be long and VERY tiring!!

And won by Rafa 22-20 in the tie break

[Pam]

Simon Reed is SO biased Very unprofessional imho

[RosieBear]

Andy won't have crowd support tomorrow be it Nadal or DP but that won't worry him! Still rooting for DP to give Andy the gold over 5 sets.


Andy will certainly have the crowd on his side if it's Delpo. The Brazilians and Argies loath each other in sport with a passion! Andy will become an honorary Brazilian :). But I honestly don't think Andy minds who he faces or who the crowd are behind - he's on his own private gold rush, everything else is irrelevant :thumbup:

[Sallydaisy]

Think 7.30 pm has been posted somewhere.
Reminder that it's a 5-setter ...

[jagmad]

I thinnk it's just fantastic to see Rafa back to somewhere near his old self.
What a match!!!

[dewster99]

This match is brilliant

[jagmad]

Got in from work less than an hour ago. Had to miss Andy, Doh.
One Chinese and a bottle of wine later.
This match is making up for it.
:wino::thumbup::wino::excited::battle::wino:
And just to top it all the Beeb ain't gonna make us change channel.
:dance:

[-J-]

Think 7.30 pm has been posted somewhere.excellent over on mainland tomorrow got cinema at 23:15 hopefully final will be over by then

[roytennisfan]

Disaster, cmon Rafa

[Pam]

Rafs's been broken!!!

[LC the fan]

Whoever wins they should be pretty whacked tomorrow

[jagmad]

I told you Rafa of old he ain't going away!

[jagmad]

0-40 c'mon Rafa

[Pam]

Disgusting from Rafa spiriting at the side of the court!

[RosieBear]

Oh Delpo :facepalm:

[jagmad]

What a hero Rafa rafa rafa.
What a brilliant match.

[roytennisfan]

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[clancy]

Magnificent from Nadal to level again.

[dewster99]

That's insane from Rafa!

[lovetennis]

What a match. Tie-break looming. You might get your wish Roy

[murrayfan89]

Hope Nadal loses now just to silence the crowd.

[jagmad]

Here we go.
:coaster::coaster::coaster:

[dewster99]

The speed of this court means del po can run round everything

[jagmad]

I don't care who wins.
It's just Fantastic to watch.

[RosieBear]

This is brilliant! Hope Andy's enjoying this as much as I am. Don't mind who wins. Just love a smug watch of a grueling semi when Andy's safely through :rolling:

[LC the fan]

This is brilliant! Hope Andy's enjoying this as much as I am. Don't mind who wins. Just love a smug watch of a grueling semi when Andy's safely through :rolling:

My thoughts exactly

[jagmad]

0-40 to a win wow.

[roytennisfan]

What a massive hold

[jagmad]

What a massive hold

My thoughts exactly

[LC the fan]

Hate to see either of them lose and then have to play the dreaded bronze match. Do believe they should give semi finalists a medal as they do in boxing. It's inhuman to make losers play again

[lovetennis]

Here we go, tiebreak. It just had to be

[Teresa]

Hate to see either of them lose and then have to play the dreaded bronze match. Do believe they should give semi finalists a medal as they do in boxing. It's inhuman to make losers play again

I do agree with you. I really want Nishikori to get something, (I just didn't want it to be a Silver or Gold).

[LC the fan]

How close was that shot

[RosieBear]

Hate to see either of them lose and then have to play the dreaded bronze match. Do believe they should give semi finalists a medal as they do in boxing. It's inhuman to make losers play again


I do agree with you. I really want Nishikori to get something, (I just didn't want it to be a Silver or Gold).


Sorry but I totally disagree. Boxing gives out 2 bronzes because it's not safe for boxers to fight again so quickly. Every other sport plays/rides off for the bronze. All medals are special and the bronze should be awarded for a win, not consolation prize for failing to reach final. After crushing loss to Fed, Delpo picked himself up to beat Nole for Bronze in London - Argentina's only medal. His cried with joy. That's the Olympics - agony and ecstasy.

[jagmad]

Quote "these two are fearless!"

[Stylus_XL]

WOW. :clap: I have to take my hat off to DelPo. He's beaten Nole and Rafa in spite of dealing with a nightmare injury that has created a significant weakness to his game. What an inspiring comeback story.

[Pam]

So Delpo it is then

[RosieBear]

What a stunning battle - :clap::clap::clap: - well played both :clap: and congrats DelPo.

[murrayfan89]

So happy for Del Potro and if he was playing anyone else in final I would be rooting for him.

[RoastLamb]

Good for Potty! So deserving! Sad for Rafa but at least he has won gold before, Potty hasn't.

[Bardot]

Athletics, swimming and cycling are great to watch but for sheer tension combined with excitement, tennis is unsurpassed. Fantastic match.

I hope Berdych, Raonic, Isner, Thiem and the other jessies were watching. :p ;)

[jagmad]

WOW. :clap: I have to take my hat off to DelPo. He's beaten Nole and Rafa in spite of dealing with a nightmare injury that has created a significant weakness to his game. What an inspiring comeback story.

Could not agree more.
We're in for a can't miss Final. Having just watched the last 2 points of Andy's match earlier. Woweee!

[roytennisfan]

Tough Rafa

[Bardot]

Just as well Ramos wasn't umpiring as both would have been defaulted. James Keothavong was very generous ie. he used commonsense.

[ljs]

wow , what a great match that was , soooo happy for Potty !!!!!

[LC the fan]

Sad for Rafa but so pleased that Delpo will pick up a medal after all his problems. A silver will be great for him
:GBflag:

[Teresa]

Pleased it's DP and so is he! If our boy should falter tomorrow (which he won't) I'll feel happier for DP to take it than anyone else. Certainly a more tiring match than Andy's.

That's exactly how I feel.

[RoastLamb]

Imagine Potty can't get direct entry into the USO. If he gets a wild card, which he should, he might WIN THE THING!!! :lol: What a great comeback for him!

[JAMES4578]

Didn't watch till the 3rd but certainly looked like terrific battle,fabulous for Del potro in coming through and credit to Nadal for a gritty display-tbh thought Juan might have missed his chance when he failed to serve it out and then didn't capitalise on 0-40 at 5 all. However he definitely was strong! Got to think that Delpo can also have a high level in the final (if he has enough in reserve) but the longer distance should favour Andy.

[ljs]

Andy will certainly have the crowd on his side if it's Delpo. The Brazilians and Argies loath each other in sport with a passion! Andy will become an honorary Brazilian :). But I honestly don't think Andy minds who he faces or who the crowd are behind - he's on his own private gold rush, everything else is irrelevant :thumbup:

the Brazilians and Argies are similar to Canada and the USA :lol:

[patlowe]

Wow! Speechless! That was one memorable match! Both guys deserved to win! The battle of the big forehands and the wrist injuries (though the latter didn't appear to hinder either man.) Tomorrow's final will be a DC preview! (Remember how Andy thrashed Goffin before Ghent!!??) Such atmosphere! Again, it sounded more like a footie match, poor James K had his work cut out to control it! It will be very flat now for the women's final.

[Bardot]

Remember Delpo played an even longer semi-final in 2012 and the next day he beat Djokovic in straight sets.

[RoastLamb]

Unfortunately the crowd will be mostly pro Potty tomorrow. Hope it doesn't distract Andy from his goal.

[patlowe]

Good for Potty! So deserving! Sad for Rafa but at least he has won gold before, Potty hasn't.

Errrr..I hope you are not suggesting Delpo is going to win gold!!! :lol: ;)

[cazza99]

Unfortunately the crowd will be mostly pro Potty tomorrow. Hope it doesn't distract Andy from his goal.


I think they will be anti Del Potty - the Brazilians have been anti Argentina a lot during the Olympics.

[RoastLamb]

Errrr..I hope you are not suggesting Delpo is going to win gold!!! :lol: ;)

Sure hope not but he does have a 50-50 chance and he's up for it.


I think they will be anti Del Potty - the Brazilians have been anti Argentina a lot during the Olympics.

Saw a lot of Argie flags and t-shirts in the crowd today, I imagine there'll be more tomorrow. And he is a South American so the Brazillians may support him for that alone.

[lovetennis]

Really enjoyed that. Great story for Delpo coming back such a long lay-off. We're going to get a very fitting final for the Olympics, come on Andy :GBflag:

[Linda]

Wonderful match :clap: :clap: :clap:

[RoastLamb]

Just so relieved that Andy WILL get a medal no matter what. Takes the pressure off.

[pabbers]

That was top tennis. Well done to both.

[ljs]

Just so relieved that Andy WILL get a medal no matter what. Takes the pressure off.

True , but heres hoping it will be GOLD !!!!!!!!

[lovetennis]

Wonderful match :clap: :clap: :clap:

You called it early on Linda :thumbup:

[RoastLamb]

True , but heres hoping it will be GOLD !!!!!!!!

In my heart it already is. I think he will win. But don't want to jinx it...

[scrapaddict]

Apparently the Brazilianz have said they will support anyone against Argentina!! No idea why!

[pabbers]

In my heart it already is. I think he will win. But don't want to jinx it...
OK right on cue.......:cauldron: :big grin:

[RoastLamb]

Apparently the Brazilianz have said they will support anyone against Argentina!! No idea why!

Here's hoping then!

[LC the fan]

Have a feeling that Andy could get off to a quick start tomorrow. Surely Delpo will be a bit flat after that...if not absolutely drained

[Bardot]

Apparently the Brazilianz have said they will support anyone against Argentina!! No idea why!

Sounds a bit like "anyone but England"........where have I heard that before???? :shrug: ;)

[supergran]

Really enjoyed that match and it was so close. It amuses me how delpo always seems so casual and sometimes languid in movement and mood. Wasn't sure who to support but found myself cheering on Juan Martin in the final set. Hope he's feeling very tired, tense and nervous tomorrow. He was obviously very happy to reach the final by his reaction.

[roytennisfan]

Think being over 5 should improve Andy's chance of winning

[RoastLamb]

Oh I forgot it was best of five. I think that will defo be to Andy's advantage.

[banskogirl]

Oh wow what a match! I was totally rooting for Delpo in the end and I do love Rafa. Just so happy for Delpo, I think he's a wee honey :)

Enough of that though, now it's Andy time! :boogie:

I will be out for church at 6:30 and off to friends for supper afterwards so will hide from scores and have another late night!

Bring it on :) one happy bunny here, pretty sure Andy will get this and I did call Delpo for todays!

[TizMurray]

*sigh* I was hoping for a Murray vs Nadal final from the start. So close and yet so far............ Oh well, good to see both DelPo and Nadal back in some kind of form. Meanwhile, GO Andy!

[traveller7]

Really pleased for delpo going to be a great match

[roytennisfan]

Mens Bronze on second on court1, not before 17.30 (after mixed doubles bronze), should be able to watch before men's final (not before 19.30)

[Genbrit]

Yes, couldn't believe my luck today. We were moving to our next campground but it was agreed that we wouldn't leave until after Andy's match. That meant I would miss Nadal/DelPo but it couldn't be helped.

Anyway, imagine my surprise when we arrived, got setup and when I put TV on there was Rafa/DelPo in the third set which I then got to see most of.

Like both of them but after Rafa's antics this week and the fact he has already won a gold in the doubles this Olympics and a prior singles gold I decided I wanted DelPo to win.

Should be a good final. C'mon Andy :olympics::OGwave:

[Linda]

I so hope that Rafa wins the bronze today. It will be difficult as he spent a lot more time on court than Nishikori yesterday. If they gave the bronze to the losing semifinalist who had put in most effort, he would have it already.

[RoastLamb]

I so hope that Rafa wins the bronze today. It will be difficult as he spent a lot more time on court than Nishikori yesterday. If they gave the bronze to the losing semifinalist who had put in most effort, he would have it already.

I think he will. And if not at least he has the gold in dubs to console him. Plus he'll have a lot of confidence moving forward - as will Potty!

So looking forward to the gold medal match. Cannae wait!!! :yahoo:

[ljs]

Kei breaks .. up 3-2 & serving

[Elizabeth]

Are they showing Rafa/Kei on tv?

[RoastLamb]

I'm watching on a livestream. Rafa is struggling or Kei is just playing better. I'm trying to think if these guys have played against each other before, they must have.

[RoastLamb]

Ooh er two breaks down.

[ljs]

Are they showing Rafa/Kei on tv?


im watching here http://live.robinwidget.com/streamvideo4/free-live-video-streaming-nadal-nishikori-court-1-tennis-379422.html

5-2 Kei 1st set

[Linda]

Nishikori didn't think he could beat Andy so didn't even try, preferring to conserve his energy for the bronze match. Measly worm :grrr:

[cazza99]

Are they showing Rafa/Kei on tv?

on-line BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/olympics/36798553

[lovetennis]

Can't even find it on BBC website. Only mixed doubles final on red button too

[RoastLamb]

http://live.shwidget.com/static/freeplayer/3946042378404130.html

[RoastLamb]

Nishikori didn't think he could beat Andy so didn't even try, preferring to conserve his energy for the bronze match. Measly worm :grrr:

You think? I don't. I can't imagine any player going into such an important match with that mindset.

Kei defo has more spring in his step - he's been on court far less. He's also so fast around the court and plays the ball low and hard.

[ljs]

Nishikori didn't think he could beat Andy so didn't even try, preferring to conserve his energy for the bronze match. Measly worm :grrr:

your not serious

[cazza99]

Can't even find it on BBC website. Only mixed doubles final on red button too

From the list of sports on the BBC website you need to click on the mixed doubles option - another screen will come up with some more options too.

[lovetennis]

Got it online now, thanks Cazza and RL

[cazza99]

Nishikori has taken the first set.

[lovetennis]

Not looking good for Rafa, now a set and a break down. Yesterday must be taking its toll

[ljs]

3-1 Kei 2nd set ... hes playing well

[ljs]

Kei to serve for the bronze medal :clap:

& broken :(

[JAMES4578]

Thought that might happen with big lead and now 5-4,hope Kei can take chance now-Nadal already has Doubles Gold anyway. Nishikori broken again for 5 all,Rafa may well be tough now.

[ljs]

oh Kei , how did u let that slip away :( 5 all now

[Teresa]

Staggered that Nishikori threw that away, and hacked off that we are probably going to have to wait even longer for Mr M:-(

[cazza99]

Staggered that Nishikori threw that away, and hacked off that we are probably going to have to wait even longer for Mr M:-(

Why will we have to wait longer for Mr M? Andy is on after the mixed dubs on centre. The bronze medal singles is on court 1.

[RoastLamb]

Well there's a turn up for the books! Rafa goes from 2-5 down to winning the set and seems to have gotten his second wind, in the nick of time! :shocked:

[-J-]

I only have till 11:15 then I gotta go out

[lovetennis]

Impressive comeback from Rafa, but got to say Kei bottled that. Keeping us amused while the mixed dubs holds up Andy

[JAMES4578]

Staggered that Nishikori threw that away, and hacked off that we are probably going to have to wait even longer for Mr M:-(

Well looks like Kei choked somewhat and Nadal stepped up,however Andy follows the Mixed final on centre and not this match-Mattek Sands/Sock up 5-0 and should take 2nd to level up against Ram/Venus-mtb then played.

[ljs]

well I think the tide has turned here , Im picking Rafa for the win now

[Linda]

Where is Nishikori? Gone for a nap?

[RoastLamb]

well I think the tide has turned here , Im picking Rafa for the win now

Except he's down a break already. Poop!

[ljs]

what do I know eh ? :lol:

[RoastLamb]

All the livestreams have gone down. Another poop!

[ljs]

wow , how annoying !!!!!

[RoastLamb]

:bronze: Well fair play to Kei! Deserves the bronze. :bronze:

Good fight back from Rafa but not enough. At least he doesn't go home empty handed.

[pabbers]

Well there's a turn up for the books! Rafa goes from 2-5 down to winning the set and seems to have gotten his second wind, in the nick of time! :shocked:
You think? How many times have we watched Andy and Rafa pull a set/match out of the fire? Rafa already has a gold so I don't mind who wins but would quite like Kei to get a medal. He's so sweet.

[lovetennis]

Kei gets the :bronze: . Well done :clap:

[ljs]

yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy 4 Kei , Bronze medalist :cheer::cheer::cheer:

[JAMES4578]

Nishikori finally takes it 6-3 in the 3rd to achieve the Bronze, well done! Good to see him with medal ,particularly since he lost the big lead in the 2nd. Still a good Olympics for Nadal with the run in singles and Doubles gold,maybe was a bit tired.

[Linda]

Kei certainly wasn't sweet in that match. 11 minute toilet break. They were saying on Twitter that he had taken a shower :grrr:

[patlowe]

So pleased Kei won the bronze. But,oh boy, did Rafa make him work for it! Very cool handshake from Rafa at the net...think he was hacked off with Kei for taking a rather (too) long bathroom break. Must say I tend to agree with him. Not a fan of these lengthly bathroom breaks. But Kei...:bronze:. Well done! Will see him on the podium later.

[cazza99]

:bronze: for Nishikori

[pabbers]

Fantastic run for Rafa given he was coming back from injury and the type of injury too. He seems to have come back with greater confidence than after his last bout of injury. Great to see him back in the mix especially with Federer missing at the moment.

[dewster99]

Gutted for Rafa

[Teresa]

Pleased for Nishikori, although I really thought he had thrown it away. On to the main event.....

[Alis]

Really pleased for Kei and for Rafa - they both go home with a medal.

[Caro]

Long bathroom breaks shouldn't be allowed .... but they are no point complaining about them. Andy took a crucial one in the USO final 2012 don't forget! And this is coming from a Rafa fan. Thought Kei could have looked a bit happier at the medal ceremony though. Really happy Rafa has his doubles gold and previous gold medallist in the singles.

[LC the fan]

Is it me or is Kei turning just a bit surly and distant ? Maybe its just in the inscrutable oriental way.

So very pleased for Delpo though - such a long way back from really nasty setbacks. Good to see him do so well - although I do feel the man is going to be a bit of a 'pain in the rear' over the coming months

[pabbers]

Haven't noticed that about Kei. Just always thought he's quiet and reserved.

[LC the fan]

Kei certainly wasn't sweet in that match. 11 minute toilet break. They were saying on Twitter that he had taken a shower :grrr:

That's down to the officials - they should not have let that happen.
Have to say from the ballboys up through the stewards I thought this tournament was pretty poorly presented

[JerryD]

I do think they need to address these long bathroom breaks. 11 minutes when some are penalised for going over the serving time is madness! It is up to the officials to enforce but the players shouldn't take the mick because they can. Having said that I do like kei and am glad both he and Raffa went home with medals.

[Bardot]

A live stream of Delpo's return to Tandil.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWolPcYO0hs

I'm sure Andy will get a similar reception when he returns to Oxshott. :p ;)

[TizMurray]

I do think they need to address these long bathroom breaks. 11 minutes when some are penalised for going over the serving time is madness! It is up to the officials to enforce but the players shouldn't take the mick because they can. Having said that I do like kei and am glad both he and Raffa went home with medals.

I agree its up to the officials to deal with this BUT, it shows a level of behaviour and gamesmanship on the part of Kei that I find unacceptable. I've generally tended towards liking and supporting Nishikori, despite his seeming lack of commitment. Now I'm just disgusted with him.

[RosieBear]

Maybe Kei just totalled up the amount of extra time Rafa had taken throughout the match, and decided to level up all in one go.:p

[JerryD]

Lol Rosiebear

[Bardot]

Nishikori told Japanese media that for some reason the official directed him to the toilets on centre court and being the polite guy he is, didn't like to challenge him.

[JerryD]

It wouldn't surprise me. Between the green pools and lack of plumbing some of the organisation leaves something to be desired