ROLAND GARROS 2020, 28th Sept - 11th Oct. GRAND SLAM. Main Thread

[RosieBear]

Great effort from young Sinner, a star in the making.

[RosieBear]

Rublev served for the first set at 5-4 but it's Stefanos who takes it 7-5 :cheer:

[JAMES4578]

Good comeback from Stefanos and now seems to be controlling the match, up 5-2 in 2nd.

[Sallydaisy]

Stefanos now has a strong lead 7'5, 6'2 ... just has to keep it up for one more set!
:tennis::pierre:
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcScx8zq2wb1Mmc9OHHDCbp4YBHlCb_ IV1kGxg&usqp=CAU

[Sallydaisy]

Stef breaks, now serving at *3-1 in the 3rd set.

[Sallydaisy]

Tsitsipas through to his first Semi-Final at Roland Garros after a comprehensive win over Rublev 7'5, 6'2, 6'3 in just under 2 hours.
The Greek will face Djokovic or Carreno-Busta in the Semi.
:thumbup:

[RosieBear]

Excellent! Strong performance from Stefanos to get the job done in straights. Hopefully he has plenty in the tank to take on his next opponent:thumbup:

[JAMES4578]

Impressive from Tsitsipas :cheer::cheer: Rublev though could not sustain his challenge.

[themass15]

So pleased Stef won easily. Just love his smile.

[Sallydaisy]

Pablo Carreno-Busta (PCB) was up an early break but Nole has just broken back so it's on serve at 4-4 in the first set with Djokovic to serve.

[Hawkeye]

PCB breaks again and will serve for the first set.

[RosieBear]

PCB takes the first set 6-4. As we know from NY, his game niggles Novak, but the latter is out of sorts.

[Sallydaisy]

Nole doesn't look at all right, IMHO he looks ill.

[JAMES4578]

Not all well with Novak, however he has got break in 2nd for 3-1. Need to see if Carreno Busta can respond.

[Sallydaisy]

Nole takes the 2nd set 6'2. Time for PCB to regroup ...
;)

[Jan]

Has Djoko got tape on the back of his neck? Only just able to dip into the match, so sorry if it's been mentioned already.

[Sallydaisy]

Has Djoko got tape on the back of his neck? Only just able to dip into the match, so sorry if it's been mentioned already.
Yes, apparently he has problems with his back and shoulder and neck!
He's still edging ahead though ...up 3-1 with a break in the 3rd set ...
:facepalm:

... BUT, PCB has just broken back so it's on serve.

[Hawkeye]

Nole breaks and will serve for the set.

[Hawkeye]

2-1 Nole.

[JAMES4578]

Whatever the issues Djokovic looking in command, unless PCB can revive.

[Sallydaisy]

Yes, apparently he has problems with his back and shoulder and neck!


Per Carole Bouchard on Twitter:

Novak Djokovic trying to win a quarterfinal of a GS with one shoulder and half a neck being stuck. Sure. 4-6,3-1. PCB has been quite the curse for him this summer... Unreal level of bad luck.

Crazy as it sounds, he’s now a set away from actually winning a GS quarter final with half of his upper body on strike. Novak gonna Novak

[Rosalind]

Is it me being cynical or does Novak seem to be not suffering any aches and pains now he is way ahead? No need to call the trainer now......

[Alis]

Is it me being cynical or does Novak seem to be not suffering any aches and pains now he is way ahead? No need to call the trainer now......

I might sat typically Djokovic but that would be showing my prejudice!

[Alis]

Oh well .... c'mon Stefanos!

[RosieBear]

So after a slow start Nole goes through reasonably comfortably in 4. I'm pleased. As watchable as PCB, Stefanos and Diego are, a fit Novak has the best chance of stopping a yawnsome 13th title for Rafa.

[Rosalind]

I might sat typically Djokovic but that would be showing my prejudice!


It happens every single time!

[cazza99]

oop for Thursday - https://www.rolandgarros.com/en-us/order-of-play?date=2020-10-08

[harriet]

poor scheduling today, Djo playing today after yesterday's exertions

[Hawkeye]

???

[Jan]

Alfie Hewett has just won the first set vs the 2nd seed Fernandez. He served for it twice, but eventually won the TB.
Come on Alfie!:GBflag:

[Jan]

Numerous breaks, but Alfie took the second set 7-5 :clap::clap:
Into the final :GBflag:

[JAMES4578]

Good for Alfie, well done!:cheer:

[Alis]

Great stuff!

[Jan]

Oh I was so wrapped up in what I was doing, I didn't notice that Alfie and Gordon won their doubles! Into the final :bravo:

[cazza99]

oop for Friday - https://www.rolandgarros.com/en-us/order-of-play?date=2020-10-09

Diego vs Rafa 1.50 pm

Nole vs Tsitsi not before 5.00 pm.

[Hawkeye]

Cet...

[Jan]

Hewett and Reid take the first set in the final! They were 2-5 down at one stage, but fought back and took it on a TB :clap:

[Jane]

Now 0 -4 down in the second set. :sad: Come on guys:thumbup:

[Jane]

Lost the second set 1 - 6 :sad:

[Jan]

Bah that's what happens when I go out.
Come on guys!

[Jan]

Oh it's a MTB :sofa:

[Jan]

Meanwhile Jordanne Whiley and partner are doing well in their Semi 6-0 *4-1

They won 6-0 6-1 :clap:

[Jan]

Hewett and Reid are the champions!! They took the TB (3) :trophy::GBflag:

[Jane]

Hewett and Reid take the mtb 10 - 3 and the championship Well done, guys!! :cheer::cheer::cheer::GBflag::GBflag::trophy:

[Sallydaisy]

Buckle up folks, it's just taken 14minutes for ONE game between Nadal and Schwartzmann.
:facepalm:

[JAMES4578]

Fab for Hewitt and Reid, welll done! :cheer::cheer:


Nadal not unduely affected by that long game, lost serve once but he is up 4-2 and takes it 6-3. Schwartzman feeling the pressure on some key points.

[Sallydaisy]

Nadal with a 2 set lead (6'3, 6'3) over Schwartzmann.
Long way back for Diego now .....

[JAMES4578]

Nadal a level above, think will challenging for Diego to extend the match unfortunately.

[Sallydaisy]

Ooooh! If Diego holds serve we'll have a tie-break!!!
:lol:

[Jane]

Diego certainly not making it easy for Nadal, and serving to make it 6 - 6 in the third set

[JAMES4578]

A bit of a flourish from Schwartzman when all seemed lost, will be TB to decide 3rd set.


Fizzled out, Nadal takes breaker 7-0 and a few unfortunate errors from Diego- has still not dropped a set. At least the 3rd became more interesting though, credit to Diego for his run in the French. Nadal though having another dominant display as he reaches 13th final.

[Sallydaisy]

Ooooh! If Diego holds serve we'll have a tie-break!!!
:lol:
Erm, tie-break. Rafa 5-0, 6-0

[Sallydaisy]

GSM Nadal: 6'3, 6'3, 7'6(0)

[Hawkeye]

:sleepy::sleepy::sleepy::sleepy::sleepy:

[Hawkeye]

First set to Nole.

[Alis]

:sleepy::sleepy::sleepy::sleepy::sleepy::sleepy::s leepy::sleepy:

[JAMES4578]

Djokovic controlling matters, expected more from Tsitipas. Nole now up 5-2 in 2nd with some unfortunate errors from Stefanos who failed to capitalise on 7 break points (though 5 of those were in the first).


Takes it 6-2.

[Hawkeye]

Nole broken while serving for the match!

[patlowe]

AT LAST!!! On break point #11. Come ONNNN Stef!!

[exislander]

Yes! 7-5

[Sallydaisy]

Golly gumdrops!!!
The Greek has taken a set 7'5, game on maybe?
:tennis:

[patlowe]

Sorry if I'd given up on you Stef!! Do we have a match now? Will Djok get rattled? Come on Stef. Lets make it 5.

[Alis]

Well done, Stef ....it just got a whole lot more interesting!!

[JAMES4578]

Stefanos certainly turned it on close to defeat, maybe an interesting 4th! Djokovic with a bit of thinking to do.

[Alis]

C'mon ..... don't drop your first serve!!

[Alis]

Well done, Stef ..... now break!

[Alis]

Rats! Back on serve .... c'mon!

[Sallydaisy]

:phew:
Stef held serve. Nole to serve to stay in the 4th set.

[Jane]

:yahoo: :yahoo: Two sets all!!

[Alis]

Well, well, well ..... who'd thought it!!!!! :cheer::cheer::cheer: Keep it going, Stefanos!!

[patlowe]

Yayyy! We are going 5! Would you believe it!! Oh Stef. Come on. You can do this!

[JAMES4578]

Certanly Djokovic has battle on his hands, Tsitipas exerting a lot more pressure and looking confident. However remains to be seen if he can keep it going, Nole may find another gear.

[Alis]

Well held!

[Sallydaisy]

Oh I say!!!
:big grin:

C'mon the Greek!!!

[Jan]

Wow I gave up following scores and just came to check the result!!!

[Alis]

Rats..... Djokovic breaks!!

[Alis]

I'm afraid that's probably it ..... what a shame.:crying:

[cazza99]

oop for Saturday - https://www.rolandgarros.com/en-us/order-of-play?date=2020-10-10

[Alis]

Not to be but well done Stefanos.

[Sallydaisy]

Rafa v Nole in the Final .....

[JAMES4578]

Djokovic just ran away in the end, Tsitsipas battled in the last game but Nole takes the 5th 6-1, Stefanos could not keep challenge going but credit for how he pushed the Serb. Tbh Djokovic v Nadal is probably a better match up for the final.

[patlowe]

After doing all the hard work to force a 5th set, such a shame Stef couldn't keep it up. He certainly gave Djok a good workout. So Rafa, over to you on Sunday!

[RosieBear]

Well a valiant effort by Diego and Stefanos, but Rafa and Novak always find an extra gear so realistically upsets never really on the cards. Tennis really needs Andy back fit and healthy. No disrespect to Diego but I think Rafa was very lucky not to face Thiem today. Domi was exhausted in the quarter but if he had squeaked through he would have had 2 days off and pushed Rafa hard today. Oh well. At least the final should be a very close battle (which I hope Novak wins).

[Hawkeye]

At least we might get a competitive final rather than another Rafa stroll snoozefest.

[jeannie13]

:sleepy::sleepy:

[Rosalind]

Sissy pants! :crying::crying::crying:

Well it's got to be Rafa again then. Head and heart.

[Jan]

Alfie Hewett's final is underway. He has just broken and will serve for the first set *5-3
:GBflag:

[Jan]

Alfie didn't hold, but did break in the next game! 6-4 :clap:

[JAMES4578]

Good start for Alfie,however just gone down 2-0 in 2nd-let's go!

A few breaks in 2nd but Gerard takes it 6-4, now into 3rd and Alfie drops his opening serve- come on! Hewett had injury time out but got break back- 3 all! Now a break ahead and serving for title at 5-3!

[Jane]

Alfie wins 6-4. 4-6, 6-3 - well done :GBflag::cheer::cheer::cheer::trophy:

[JAMES4578]

Alfie serves it out for great win, well done!:cheer::cheer: There was a bit of a delay after 15 all, was not clear at first but was to do with Gerard's chair.

[Jan]

Brilliant! I had to go out, but good news to return to :trophy::GBflag:

[Sallydaisy]

Oh I say!!!
:big grin:

C'mon the Greek!!!

Apparently, Stefanos has an injury that started in Rome. This from Twitter:

Tsitsipas: "Unfortunately towards the end of the match an injury that I had during my match in Rome came back. It was difficult to close the match in a fighting way, in a fighting spirit".
He has an edema on his psoas muscle and he needs to rest. @VGeorgatou Greek Journalist.

[Speedy Hawk]

I am expecting Nadal win since I don't think he ever lost RG final. But I am not expecting easy for Nadal so far. Break Nole twice already.

[Rosalind]

Novak needs to make the most of me feeling slightly sorry for him. Bagel coming up I imagine. Currently 5-0

[Speedy Hawk]

6-0 now. Bagel for Nadal!

[Rosalind]

Wow. And Novak is really not playing poorly.

[JAMES4578]

Nadal dominant,even though quite a few games went to Deuce. Aa well as Rafa playing Novak just not on his A game, hopefully the 2nd is somewhat different!

[Rosalind]

Novak actually getting the crowd's sympathy cheers.

[JAMES4578]

Djokovic on the board, though another hard game!

[Speedy Hawk]

7th game later Nole finally managed win one.

[Sallydaisy]

I'm not a fan of either player but I prefer Rafa as a person to Nole.
So, Vamos Rafa!!!!!
Keep it up and even though we're not getting a 2nd set bagel ('cos Nole just held serve) I hope the Spaniard can knock the socks off the Serbian today.
:lol:

[supergran]

I love Rafa and do not like Novak so I'm loving this so far. Vamos Rafa!

[JAMES4578]

I just want a match befitting of a final, not a big fan of either player.

[patlowe]

This is just a delight. Rafa putting out a statement to those who said he was undercooked! Rafa undercooked at RG! Keep your concentration Rafa and you will be fine.

[Sallydaisy]

De-break for Rafa, serving at *2-1, needs to hold his own serve.
Sense that Nole is starting to play a bit better ...

[Rosalind]

I do want Rafa to win but yes good competitive final is best. However even though score strongly one way it is not at all dull. At least I will not end up feeling like a couch potato after a 5 hour stint on the sofa.

[Sallydaisy]

Rafa holds for 3-1.

[Sallydaisy]

Rafa breaks Nole again ... about to serve at *4-1.

[supergran]

It may be one-sided at present but mesmerising tennis from both really.

[Sallydaisy]

:lol:

Sam Groth@SamGrothTennis (https://twitter.com/SamGrothTennis)..10m (https://twitter.com/SamGrothTennis/status/1315296818851246080)
It’s not that hard to win games against Nadal in Paris, I mean I won 3 of them!!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EkDfe0rVkAASR2Z?format=jpg&name=small

[Sallydaisy]

Rafa 5-1, 2nd set. Nole to serve next to stay in this set.

[Speedy Hawk]

Nadal only need 1 more game win 2nd set.

[Jan]

Just switched on to see what was happening - not really bothered who wins.
Rather shocked at the one-sided scoreline!

[JAMES4578]

some good rallies but Nadal a class above at the moment though seeing some strong play from Djokovic (which usually is not enough). Still too many unforced errors, though some under pressure. Down 0-6, 2-5 difficult to really get into this now.

[Sallydaisy]

Another game for Nole ... Rafa serving for the 2nd set at *5-2

[Sallydaisy]

Rafa takes the 2nd set ... leads 2 - 0. 6'0, 6'2.
:shades:

[Speedy Hawk]

6-0, 6-2 so far. 3rd set.

[Rosalind]

Novak wins game shock.

[Speedy Hawk]

Novak wins game shock.

:laugh: I was expecting long match. I need early night tonight since tomorrow up very very early but no worries this be finished early.

[banskogirl]

Loving this :cheer: keep going Rafa!

No time for mind games from Nole here!

[Rosalind]

Loving this :cheer: keep going Rafa!

No time for mind games from Nole here!

He'll need more than an achy muscle saga to get out of this one!:lol::roland:

[Speedy Hawk]

Nadal break Nole in 3rd set. 3-2 up.

[JAMES4578]

Nadal with first break in the third and with some help has to be said, cannot see anything other than a straight sets win.

[Sallydaisy]

Break back point for Noley ...

[Speedy Hawk]

Well well Nole get break back 1st time ever this match.

[JAMES4578]

What do you know Djokovic gets his first break and 3 all, however maybe a bit late for a real challenge.

[Sallydaisy]

:oops:
Not in the Nadal script ..... on serve at 3-3 after Nole manages to break back.
Will this turn the tide completely???

[Sallydaisy]

A very quick hold for Nole for 4-3.
Rafa just needs to stay solid and hold his own ... chance will come mayhap?

[Speedy Hawk]

If Nole focus he may finally take set from Nadal. If Nadal start get in zone again then he take set back. Will see which will happen.

[Rosalind]

:oops:
Not in the Nadal script ..... on serve at 3-3 after Nole manages to break back.
Will this turn the tide completely???

I do hope not. I've got a video chat with non tennis mates in 3 hours:bakery:

[suttontennis]

Came in at 4pm, couldn't believe the score. But, not as easy as the score would suggest. 48 mins for a bagel set, 52 mins for the 2nd. Mind you, they both take probably 30-35 secs per serve !. Novak def the more aggressive at the moment.

[Sallydaisy]

5-5, come on Rafa - make it a break then hold.
:thumbup:

[Speedy Hawk]

Nadal breaks with 2 lines call with umpire coming down.

[JAMES4578]

Djokovic falters - double faults at 30-40 and Nadal will now serve for the title.

[Jane]

:cheer::cheer::cheer::yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::trophy:

[Speedy Hawk]

Match over now Nadal 13th time RG Champion.

[Sallydaisy]

:trophy:

Well played Rafa Nadal, a record 13th Coupe Mousquetaires!!!

[Rosalind]

The way Novak shouted 'vite' at the ball kids evaporated the small amount of sympathy I was feeling. Best result. Rafa equals Roger and really a player of historical proportions.

[patlowe]

Rafa just too good today! What a performance! I'm so pleased he has made it 13 wins at RG, but even better, he is level with Fed at 20 slams each. It's been quite a tournament. Well done Rafa!

[HoopGirl]

Well even champions like Novak lose with surprising scores!
Puts Andy’s loss to Wawrinka into context!

[JAMES4578]

Nadal takes his 13th French title and 20th slam, certainly was a supreme performance. Though his dominance in this tournament has become a bit boring (unless you are a big fan) hopefully someone steps up next year. Disappointed by the final really as thought it would be a competitive contest, Djokovic did get going in the 3rd but failed to make the breakthrough. As well as Rafa was playing his poor start was a real handicap.

[cazza99]

Well done Rafa. :clap: Equalling Federer at 20 grand slams. Lets hope he manages to overtake Federer at some point.

[JAMES4578]

Well even champions like Novak lose with surprising scores!
Puts Andy’s loss to Wawrinka into context!

Not sure that it quite comparable (though obviously was surprising Djokovic made little impact in the first two sets), Wawrinka was hardly playing like Nadal and only reached the 3rd Round.

[banskogirl]

Well done to Rafa :yahoo: and now joins Roger :)

A happy result! Rafa was just untouchable!

Have to say I’m also delighted that two ‘oldies’ were the finalists :party:

[Sallydaisy]

Congratulations to Rafa from Federer:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EkD90ZGXgAAUmUd?format=jpg&name=large

[Sallydaisy]

and from Andy

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EkD_h0wWkAABekh?format=jpg&name=small

[clancy]

For the first time in a very long time I enjoyed the women's final much more than the men's. Something not quite right with Djokovic today. The match didn't hold my interest as the Thiem/Schwartzman one did. x

[pabbers]

In a word...... yawn.

[supergran]

I'm absolutely thrilled. Enjoyed every minute. Well done Rafa. It's usually only when Andy is playing I'm excited so much but today I definitely was excited.

[supergran]

Congratulations to Rafa from Federer: Federer is as sick as a pig.

[Alis]

I'm delighted for Rafa .... he played brilliantly and it it is an amazing achievement. :cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer: I do hope some of the younger players step up to the mark next year though ..... 13 championships is enough:cheer:

[Alis]

Federer is as sick as a pig.

I'm sure!!

[RoastLamb]

Magnificent, no? Love me my Rafa. #13. WOW!

[RosieBear]

For the first time in a very long time I enjoyed the women's final much more than the men's. Something not quite right with Djokovic today. The match didn't hold my interest as the Thiem/Schwartzman one did. x


In a word...... yawn.

Completely agree. Really enjoyed seeing Iga win but the men's final was a massive anti climax. Such a shame, was really looking forward to a battle. Rafa found his best, Novak didn't play terribly but nowhere near his best which he needed to be. Thiem/Schawrtzman is the match of the tournament on the men's side.