ROLAND GARROS 2012, 27/5 - 10/6: Main Discussion thread (open)

[Sallydaisy]

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSGrUDeqTc-WvmbhOZOPM--Ufijwu7wdDh06XLGRsn1FBaFmaXh
ROLAND GARROS 2012 - CHAMPIONNATS INTERNATIONAUX DE FRANCE

FEDERATION FRANCAISE DE TENNIS-STADE ROLAND GARROS, 2 AVENUE GORDON BENNETT, 75016 PARIS
WEB SITE: www.rolandgarros.com (http://www.rolandgarros.com)
SURFACE: RED CLAY
BALL: BABOLAT–FRENCH OPEN

Dates: SUNDAY 27 MAY–SUNDAY 10 JUNE 2012
Qualifying draw: Monday, May 21, 6:00 p.m.
Main draw: Friday, May 25, 11:30 a.m.
Men's doubles draw: Sunday, May 27, TBA
Mixed doubles draw: Monday, May 28, 2:00 p.m.

MENS SINGLES ENTRY LIST
Entry deadline and ranking on April 16, 2012
Seeding based on ATP rankings on May 21, 2012

1 Djokovic, Novak SRB 1
2 Nadal, Rafael ESP 2
3 Federer, Roger SUI 3
4 Murray, Andy GBR 4
5 Tsonga, Jo-Wilfried FRA 5
6 Ferrer, David ESP 6
7 Berdych, Tomas CZE 7
8 Tipsarevic, Janko SRB 8
9 Isner, John USA 9
OUT Fish, Mardy USA 10
11 Del Potro, Juan Martin ARG 11
12 Almagro, Nicolas ESP 12
13 Monfils, Gael FRA 13
14 Monaco, Juan ARG 14
15 Simon, Gilles FRA 15
16 Lopez, Feliciano ESP 16
17 Nishikori, Kei JPN 17
18 Gasquet, Richard FRA 18
19 Verdasco, Fernando ESP 19
20 Mayer, Florian GER 20
21 Dolgopolov, Alexandr UKR 21
22 Cilic, Marin CRO 22
23 Stepanek, Radek CZE 23
24 Raonic, Milos CAN 24
25 Granollers, Marcel ESP 25
26 Wawrinka, Stanislas SUI 26
27 Roddick, Andy USA 27
OUT Soderling, Robin SWE 28
29 Melzer, Jurgen AUT 29
30 Troicki, Viktor SRB 30
31 Benneteau, Julien FRA 31
32 Anderson, Kevin RSA 32
33 Chela, Juan Ignacio ARG 33
34 Kohlschreiber, Philipp GER 34
35 Youzhny, Mikhail RUS 35
36 Tomic, Bernard AUS 36
37 Berlocq, Carlos ARG 37
38 Davydenko, Nikolay RUS 38
39 Andujar, Pablo ESP 39
40 Baghdatis, Marcos CYP 40
41 Bogomolov Jr., Alex RUS 41
42 Ramos, Albert ESP 42
43 Istomin, Denis UZB 43
44 Seppi, Andreas ITA 44
45 Bellucci, Thomaz BRA 45
46 Ferrero, Juan Carlos ESP 46
47 Llodra, Michael FRA 47
48 Nieminen, Jarkko FIN 48
49 Nalbandian, David ARG 49
50 Young, Donald USA 50
51 Kubot, Lukasz POL 51
52 Giraldo, Santiago COL 52
53 Falla, Alejandro COL 54
OUT Cuevas, Pablo URU @54
55 Haase, Robin NED 55
56 Lu, Yen-Hsun TPE 56
57 Dodig, Ivan CRO 57
58 Harrison, Ryan USA 58
59 Chardy, Jeremy FRA 59
60 Fognini, Fabio ITA 60
61 Karlovic, Ivo CRO 61
62 Muller, Gilles LUX 62
63 Volandri, Filippo ITA 63
64 Sela, Dudi ISR 64
65 Lacko, Lukas SVK 65
66 Rochus, Olivier BEL 66
67 Darcis, Steve BEL 67
68 Kukushkin, Mikhail KAZ 68
69 Malisse, Xavier BEL 69
70 Stakhovsky, Sergiy UKR 70
71 Montanes, Albert ESP 71
72 Mayer, Leonardo ARG 72
73 Cipolla, Flavio ITA 73
74 Ebden, Matthew AUS 74
75 Soeda, Go JPN 75
76 Petzschner, Philipp GER 76
77 Blake, James USA 77
78 Roger-Vasselin, Edouard FRA 78
79 Garcia-Lopez, Guillermo ESP 79
80 Rosol, Lukas CZE 80
81 Becker, Benjamin GER @80
82 Starace, Potito ITA 81
83 Andreev, Igor RUS 82
84 Kamke, Tobias GER 83
85 Gulbis, Ernests LAT 84
86 Jaziri, Malek TUN 85
87 Dimitrov, Grigor BUL 86
88 Tursunov, Dmitry RUS 87
89 Phau, Bjorn GER 88
90 Kunitsyn, Igor RUS 89
91 Mahut, Nicolas FRA 90
92 Stebe, Cedrik-Marcel GER 91
93 Ungur, Adrian ROU 92
94 Lorenzi, Paolo ITA 93
95 Paire, Benoit FRA 94
96 Ito, Tatsuma JPN 95
97 Machado, Rui POR 96
98 Pospisil, Vasek CAN 97
99 Querrey, Sam USA 98
100 Souza, Joao BRA 99
101 Klizan, Martin SVK 100
102 Ramirez Hidalgo, Ruben ESP 101
OUT Riba, Pere ESP 102
104 Hanescu, Victor (http://www.menstennisforums.com/showthread.php?t=200174#) ROU 103
105 (Q)
106 (Q)
107 (Q)
108 (Q)
109 (Q)
110 (Q)
111 (Q)
112 (Q)
113 (Q)
114 (Q)
115 (Q)
116 (Q)
117 (Q)
118 (Q)
119 (Q)
120 (Q)
121 (WC) Clement, Arnaud FRA
122 (WC) Dasnieres de Veigy, Jonathan FRA
123 (WC) Mannarino, Adrian FRA
124 (WC) Mathieu, Paul-Henri FRA
125 (WC) Prodon, Eric FRA
126 (WC) Rufin, Guillaume FRA
127 (WC) Hewitt, Lleyton AUS (TA)
128 (WC) Baker, Brian USA (USTA)

Alternates
IN Kavcic, Blaz SLO 104
IN Bolelli, Simone ITA 105
IN Gimeno-Traver, Daniel ESP 106
IN Dancevic, Frank CAN 107
1 Beck, Karol SVK 108
2 Goffin, David BEL 109
3 Beck, Andreas GER 110
4 Berrer, Michael GER 111
5 Russell, Michael USA 112
6 Capdeville, Paul CHI 113
7 Prodon, Eric FRA 114 (WC to MD)
8 Reynolds, Bobby USA 115
9 Zeballos, Horacio ARG 116
10 Ram, Rajeev USA 117
11 Odesnik, Wayne USA 118

[Sallydaisy]

From Roland Garros on twitter ......


We will celebrate women's day on June 7th with a PINK clay court (on court 1) and more surprises … How cool is that ? Answer : Very !

Wonder how much someone was paid to choose the exact shade of pink.
:p

[Sallydaisy]

Mardy Fish is withdrawing from the French Open. Source : FFT
Fish out of RG means Monfils will get a top-12 seed and Feli a top-16.
Daniela Hantuchova is also out (left foot)

[RoastLamb]

Wonder what's up with Mardy. He's been very secretive about his health. Hope it's nothing too serious.

[cazza99]

Matt Cronin ‏@TennisReporters


RT @rolandgarros A few players have officially withdrawn from #RG12 : Soderling, Riba, Cuevas, Fish.


RT @rolandgarros 4 players have withdrawn on the women's side: Szavau, Petkovic, Hantuchova & Bacsinszky

[cazza99]

Guess who - http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/fanzone/guesswho/index.html

[KnightOwl]

Hmmm....well that's not too tricky, is it??

It's not exactly A Question Of Sport's "Mystery Guest" where you sometimes see no more than half an eyebrow....

[cazza99]

Wonder what's up with Mardy. He's been very secretive about his health. Hope it's nothing too serious.

Fatigue - http://www1.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/7770127/

[DaveArneRiise]

Hmmm....well that's not too tricky, is it??

It's not exactly A Question Of Sport's "Mystery Guest" where you sometimes see no more than half an eyebrow....

The photos below are lovely ;)

[cazza99]

Roland Garros ‏@rolandgarros


Reminder : Key Nishikori withdrew from the 2012 French Open (abs injury). He is replaced by Slovakian player Karol Beck

[DaveArneRiise]

Unfortunate for kei, hopefully it's not long term.

[cazza99]

Just to give an idea of TV coverage - according to my Radio Times
.
Sunday - ITV
ITV4 9.30-14.45,
ITV1 14.45- 17.30,
ITV3 17.30-20.00. All live

Sunday - Eurosport
E1 9.30-15.30 live, 16.30-20.30 live, 20.30-21.00 analysis, 21-22.30 Sunday highlights. 00.15-00.45 tennis news.
E2 10.00 - 12.30 live, 18.00-19.00 live.

Monday - ITV
ITV4 9.30-20.00 pm All live

Monday - Eurosport
E1 7.00-7.30 tennis news, 8.30-9.30 match from Sunday, 9.30-20.00 live, 20.00-20.30 analysis. 20.30-21.30 match of the day
E2 10-19.00 live.

Tuesday - fairly similar to Monday (small changes to Eurosport)

Wednesday - fairly similar to Monday (small changes to Eurosport)

Thursday - fairly similar to Monday (small changes to Eurosport)

Friday - fairly similar to Monday (small changes to Eurosport)

[lynne]

:thanks: Cazza!!!:thumbup:

[cazza99]

It would be great if ITV cover different matches to Eurosport. I think that may be possible, cos sometimes Eurosport do not cover the main court.

[Sallydaisy]

Gael Monfils a doubt for Roland Garros - from Carole Bouchard on twitter.
@carole_bouchard (https://twitter.com/#%21/carole_bouchard)
Gaël Monfils suffering from right knee and saying in L'Equipe he's not sure anymore to be able to play the French Open. http://www.lequipe.fr/Tennis/Actualites/Monfils-incertain/286164 (http://t.co/9GWWQZfh)

[patmoren]

Cazza on Thursday it is on ITV 4+1, that was a far as I could go. The rest I made the same as yours, all mine on ITV 4, don't have Sky.

[DaveArneRiise]

Nadal on center court today. (http://twitpic.com/9op1u0)

[RoastLamb]

Nadal on center court today. (http://twitpic.com/9op1u0)

Not looking his Armani best there. :lol:

[Alis]

Monfils has withdrawn - knee injury.

[harriet]

Monfils has withdrawn - knee injury.
that's a shame, bambi is such a great watch
he was beat,in nice, by brian baker, USA, in straights, 3-6, 6-7 i think
baker is ranked abut a thousand and ten

[Madeline]

that's a shame, bambi is such a great watch
he was beat,in nice, by brian baker, USA, in straights, 3-6, 6-7 i think
baker is ranked abut a thousand and ten

Well, 216 - close enough!

[cazza99]

Roland Garros ‏@rolandgarros

PS : Do not forget to follow the draw tomorrow at 11.30 am on our Facebook tab "Tirage au sort" https://www.facebook.com/RolandGarros/app_315297695213618

[Sallydaisy]

10.30am UK time for the draw.
I should be doing some work but I've a feeling I'll be keeping an eye on proceedings.

[DaveArneRiise]

Draw approaching in just over an hour and a half. You can follow it live here. (https://www.facebook.com/RolandGarros/app_315297695213618)

[Linda]

The draw is being done now (women's first as usual). RG's Facebook page which is supposed to have it live isn't working (quelle surprise!). However you can also follow it on Eurosport.fr (http://www.eurosport.fr/tennis/roland-garros/2012/chat.shtml?chatid=c99db0e52f)

RG also now posting it on Twitter as Facebook has failed.

Bally gets Stoser.

Started on men's now. Djoko gets Starace.

[Linda]

So far Bartoli and Ivanovic have been drawn against 'Q' (draw in progress at the moment).

[Linda]

Women's draw: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150900616414920&set=a.335973479919.151028.196363369919&type=1&theater

Andy gets Tatsuna (who?)

Andy in Rafa's half, Ferrer's quarter, Gasquet's eighth.

[Sallydaisy]

Picking up bits from Neil Harman and others on twitter (better than any of the RG info!)

[/URL] Women's quarters, Azarenka Stosur/ Bartoli Radwanska/ Li Na Kvitova/ Serena, Sharapova

Novak Djokovic will play potito Starace in 1st round [URL="https://twitter.com/#%21/rolandgarros"]@rolandgarros (https://twitter.com/#%21/NeilHarmanTimes)
Rafael Nadal will play Simone Bolelli 1st rd @rolandgarros_FR (https://twitter.com/#%21/rolandgarros_FR)


Neil Harman ‏@NeilHarmanTimes (https://twitter.com/#%21/NeilHarmanTimes)

Anne Keothavong plays Melinda Czink

[-J-]

Rafael Nadal will play Simone Bolelli 1st rd @rolandgarros_FR (https://twitter.com/#%21/rolandgarros_FR)

[Sallydaisy]

Clément-Bogmolov, RogerVasselin-Posposil, Ferrero-DasnieresdeVeigy, Llodra-GarciaLopez, Prodon-Qualifier, Paire-Ramos, Dodig-Haase, Hewitt-Kavcic

[Sallydaisy]

Young - Dimitrov, Hewitt-Kavcic, Malisse-Baker, Hanescu-Andujar, Fognini-Mannarino, Stebe-Souza, Ungur-Nalbandian, Dancevic-Kiliza

[-J-]

Stuart Fraser ‏@stu_fraser (https://twitter.com/#%21/stu_fraser) Andy Murray in Rafael Nadal's half of the draw for the seventh time in the last eight slams. #RolandGarros (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23RolandGarros)

[Sallydaisy]

Andy Murray in Rafael Nadal's half of the draw for the seventh time in the last eight slams and he has Ferrer in the Quarters.

[Sallydaisy]

Andy Murray plays Tatsuma Ito in first round

[-J-]

Murray-Ito

[DaveArneRiise]

Echo in here? lol

[Sallydaisy]

Right, can't do much more until the draw is published somewhere.
Will keep an eye on proceedings and type up a.s.a.p.

Andy poss second round v either Nieminen, Andreev

[Manaus]

Just have a bit of time and skimming through updates.
Gasquet has a qualifier and is Andy's potential QF opponent.

[Linda]

Oops, I've just been posting all the draw info on another thread - wondered why no-one else was there :confused:

[Sallydaisy]

Does anyone else think it all looks too predictable these day?
Possible quarterfinals: Berdych-Federer, Tsonga-Djokovic, Murray-Ferrer and Nadal-Tipsarevic.

[-J-]

poss second round v either Nieminen, Andreev

[Manaus]

Del Potro-Montanes and can meet Berdych in QF.
Roddick-Mahut 1st round.
Simon-Harrison 1st round and can meet Djoko in QF.

[Linda]

Complete draw (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150900635394920&set=a.335973479919.151028.196363369919&type=1&theater)

[Manaus]

Djoko gets Starace in 1st round. Hewitt-Kavcic.
Simon-Harrison could meet Wawrinka in 3rd round, and Tsonga in QF.

[Sallydaisy]

FULL DRAW

[1]Djokovic v Starace
Hewitt v Kavcic
Qualifier v Qualifier
Qualifier v [30]Melzer
[22]Seppi v Davydenko
Kukushkin v Gulbis
Qualifier v Muller
Darcis v [14]Verdasco

[11]Simon v Harrison
Malisse v Baker
Andujar v Hanescu
Cipolla v [18]Wawrinka
[28]Troicki v Bellucci
Fognini v Mannarino
Stebe v Souza
Qualifier v [5]Tsonga

[3]Federer v Kamke
Ungur v Nalbandian
Dancevic v Klizan
Mahut v [26]Roddick
[23]Stepanek v Qualifier
Clement v Bogomolov
K.Beck v Kubot
Qualifier v [15]Lopez

[9]Del Potro v Montanes
Roger-Vasselin v Pospisil
Ferrero v Dasnieres de Veigy
Qualifier v [21]Cilic
[31]Anderson v Machado
Prodon v Qualifier
Llodra v Garcia-Lopez
Sela v [7]Berdych

[6]Ferrer v Lacko
Paire v Ramos
Dodig v Haase
Blake v [27]Youzhny
[20]Granollers v Qualifier
Jaziri v Petzschner
Mathieu v Phau
Qualifier v [10]Isner

[16]Dolgopolov v Stakhovsky
Volandri v Qualifier
Young v Dimitrov
Qualifier v [17]Gasquet
[25]Tomic v Qualifier
GIraldo v Falla
Nieminen v Andreev
Ito v [4]Murray

[8]Tipsarevic v Querrey
Chardy v Lu
Tursunov v Soeda
Qualifier v [29]Benneteau
[24]Kohlschreiber v Ebden
Rochus v L.Mayer
Chela v Baghdatis
Lorenzi v [12]Almagro

[13]Monaco v Rufin
Rosol v Berlocq
Qualifier v Becker
Ramirez-Hidalgo v [19]Raonic
[32]F.Mayer v Gimeno-Traver
Qualifier v Karlovic
Kunitsyn v Istomin
Bolelli v [2]Nadal

[Alis]

I would have put any money on Andy getting Ferrer and Nadal but the first few rounds don't look too bad.

[Golden Lady]

I agree, the first 3 rounds don't look too bad and with best of 5 sets, Andy could play himself into some good form. Positive thinking from now on :)

[Maza1987]

looks good for the first few rounds, but then poss gasquet in 4th then ferrer in qf

[Alis]

I'd rather Andy had Ferrer than Berdych in the quarters - at least he's avoided the big hiters - Berdych,Delpo, Raonic, Isner & co.

What are the chances of Andy/Rafa - Djoko/Fed being on the same side of the draw for the last 7 out of 8 Grand Slams - surely can't be pure coincidence. I reckon those balls (or whatever they use) are weighted!!!!

[DaveArneRiise]

Does anyone else think it all looks too predictable these day?
Possible quarterfinals: Berdych-Federer, Tsonga-Djokovic, Murray-Ferrer and Nadal-Tipsarevic.

No, I'd fancy Almagro to meet Nadal instead of Tppy. Better player on clay.

[RoastLamb]

So happy Fed has Berdych/Potty in his half. Yay! Rafa has a good draw except for Ferru.

[JAMES4578]

First few rounds certainly seem reasonable and after that Andy would have to step it up, tbh not looking too far ahead atm. However, let's hope Andy can show some good form!

[jamie&andy's fan]

Very true James !

[pabbers]

Suppose if players live up to their seedings then "same old same old" starts to be inevitable up to a point.

[Linda]

Such a shame Dolly & Stakhovsky are drawn against each other in 1st round. Like when Andy & Tim were drawn against each other :sad:

I see that the lovely James Blake is playing, but I really wonder why he's bothered to travel - he's bound to go out in R1 :sad:

[Sallydaisy]

Today is Kids Day at Roland Garros!!!

As with the AO and USO this is a day of FUN - not just for and by the children (who get in free if aged under 6) but also for some of the players to let their hair down too.
(Wimbledon doesn't do this yet - nor does it start on a Sunday .....)

[/URL][URL="https://twitter.com/#%21/rolandgarros"]Roland Garros ‏@rolandgarros (https://twitter.com/#%21/judmoo)
From 3 to 5 pm : DJ Bob Sinclar on centre court with Tsonga, Lisicki, Djokovic, Wilander, Murray, PH Mathieu & more ! Should be fun...


Currently playing to a packed court is a very interesting line-up and guest appearance in the Umpire's Chair:
Jonathan Overend ‏@5livetennis (https://twitter.com/#%21/5livetennis)
Nice exo quartet: Federer, Grosjean, Santoro, Escude. Del Potro in umpire's chair. #rolandgarros (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23rolandgarros) #fo2012 (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23fo2012) http://pic.twitter.com/hogC7XyS (http://t.co/hogC7XyS)


https://p.twimg.com/At0v3QhCQAE2xU6.jpg


View from our commentary box as Benneteau is introduced on KIDS' DAY. Great atmosphere! kids under 6 FREE. http://pic.twitter.com/QWgownHM (http://t.co/QWgownHM)



Judy is there with Set4Sport - here's a few of here tweets too:
judy murray ‏@judmoo (https://twitter.com/#%21/judmoo)
Amazing atmosphere at Kids Day at Roland Garros. Le Carnage, in fact. 20€ for a day tkt. Kids under 6 free. Lots of exos going on. Love it!



Set4Sport ‏@set4sport (https://twitter.com/#%21/set4sport)
Kids Day at French Open. Tons of teeny Tsongas on the mini clay court and the coolest practice wall I've ever seen :) http://pic.twitter.com/m7ZJdwHY (http://t.co/m7ZJdwHY)


Way to make tennis fun FFT. Beach tennis court. Paddel bats. Low compression balls. Lot of diving! http://pic.twitter.com/nH9dPsCy (http://t.co/nH9dPsCy)

[Sallydaisy]

More from twitter .......
:shocked:

Jonathan Overend ‏@5livetennis (https://twitter.com/#!/5livetennis)
Ok this is going a bit leftfield. Serena Williams now MCing and doing some serious booty shaking as Fed plays left handed in the exo!



Apparently Serena has decided to call herself Chantal for the duration of RG.
Make of that what you will.
:hmm:


Banter from 2 of my favourite journos!
Jonathan Overend ‏@5livetennis (https://twitter.com/#!/5livetennis)
Always @NeilHarmanTimes (https://twitter.com/#!/NeilHarmanTimes) favourite time of the year: DJ Bob Sinclair rocking Court PC on kids' day!


Neil Harman ‏@NeilHarmanTimes (https://twitter.com/#!/NeilHarmanTimes)
@5livetennis (https://twitter.com/#!/5livetennis) Just reached for the Ibuprofen


:lol:

[RoastLamb]

Sunday's OOP. (http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/scores/schedule/index.html)

[Jan]

Thanks - I see Bally is first up - the video will have to be working overtime - I'll be out all morning at church. That is assuming that ITV show it - they'd better :hmm:

[Sallydaisy]

judy murray ‏@judmoo (https://twitter.com/#%21/judmoo)
Chatrier is rocking!!!!
Fabrice "the wizard" Santoro + Li Na v Wozza + Grosjean.
Santoro my favourite player. Ever. Xxx http://pic.twitter.com/6Uo8dVEA (http://t.co/6Uo8dVEA)


Barry Flatman ‏@Barry_FlatmanST (https://twitter.com/#%21/Barry_FlatmanST)
Safe to say current scene on Court Chatrier will never be replicated at Wimbledon.
Loud music, Serena dancing, crowd joining in.RG party!!!
judy murray ‏@judmoo (https://twitter.com/#%21/judmoo)


Serena's in da house.Big hair.Red jeans. She's the DJ.
Says her dancing is "gr8" but her French is "comme ci comme ca". http://pic.twitter.com/Kf100ZMk (http://t.co/Kf100ZMk)

https://p.twimg.com/At02vFsCIAA7mq1.jpg

[Sallydaisy]

Thanks - I see Bally is first up - the video will have to be working overtime - I'll be out all morning at church. That is assuming that ITV show it - they'd better :hmm:Stuart Fraser ‏@stu_fraser (https://twitter.com/#%21/stu_fraser)
Remember that French Open UK TV coverage is on ITV4 & Eurosport.
ITV coverage impressively comprehensive - 9:30am-8pm every day this week.

[Sallydaisy]

Judy's loving it on PC court today ....... bring on Andy and Nole!!!
judy murray ‏@judmoo (https://twitter.com/#!/judmoo)
Leaving the best to last on Kids Day?:) Andy n Novak line up with Wilander n Benneteau. Its wild in here. Full house! http://pic.twitter.com/wts1rNcC (http://t.co/wts1rNcC)

Barry Flatman ‏@Barry_FlatmanST (https://twitter.com/#!/Barry_FlatmanST)
And just as the Chatrier Party is really hotting up, onto court walks Andy Murray


https://p.twimg.com/At084sUCIAA1hL4.jpg
https://p.twimg.com/At084sUCIAA1hL4.jpg

David McDaid ‏@BBCDavidMcDaid (https://twitter.com/#!/BBCDavidMcDaid)
Yes, that's a plastic penguin Andy Murray's putting on the court. Target practice time... #RG12 (https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23RG12) http://pic.twitter.com/5jhj9EvC (http://t.co/5jhj9EvC)



https://p.twimg.com/At1ATX6CAAERrTD.jpg
https://p.twimg.com/At1ATX6CAAERrTD.jpg

judy murray ‏@judmoo (https://twitter.com/#!/judmoo)
2 time FO Champ Wilander celebrates splatting the penguin. Novak throws new Uniqlo cap in disgust:). Funny stuff. http://pic.twitter.com/cdQSeANW (http://t.co/cdQSeANW)



Images from twitter

[Sallydaisy]

Plastic Penguins for target practice ....

David McDaid ‏@BBCDavidMcDaid (https://twitter.com/#!/BBCDavidMcDaid)
Yes, that's a plastic penguin Andy Murray's putting on the court. Target practice time... #RG12 (https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23RG12) http://pic.twitter.com/5jhj9EvC (http://t.co/5jhj9EvC)



https://p.twimg.com/At1ATX6CAAERrTD.jpg
https://p.twimg.com/At1ATX6CAAERrTD.jpg

judy murray ‏@judmoo (https://twitter.com/#!/judmoo)
2 time FO Champ Wilander celebrates splatting the penguin. Novak throws new Uniqlo cap in disgusthttp://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/images/smileys/smile.gif. Funny stuff. http://pic.twitter.com/cdQSeANW (http://t.co/cdQSeANW)
https://p.twimg.com/At1CqChCEAAlc6o.jpg

Images from twitter

[davech]

Great stuff. Definitely sounds like something they should consider for Wimbledon.

[RoastLamb]

It'd have to be a smaller court coz there's no way they'd scuff the brand new pristine grass.

[davech]

It'd have to be a smaller court coz there's no way they'd scuff the brand new pristine grass.

It's a wonder they ever agreed to host the Olympic tennis. Aren't they going to scuff their precious grass then, too?

[Linda]

But that's after the Championships, not before.

[Jan]

Hope Bally gives Sam a good run for her money this morning! Will miss it as out at church all morning. Video is set! Not optimistic, but would love to be proved wrong - Sam could have one of her slow starts!!!

[davech]

But that's after the Championships, not before.

Ah, good point.

[cazza99]

I like the coverage on ITV4 so far. John Inverdale presenting. :) They had Santoro on chatting before the match. :) They have Mark Petchey commentating on Baltacha's match :yahoo: plus Sam Smith.

Baltacha's match is just starting now.

[cazza99]

judy murray ‏@judmoo


Baltacha-Stosur warm-up with a Red Arrows fly-past, leaving trail of red, white n blue. For Bal clearly :) How cool.http://pic.twitter.com/4XSpPLTX

[cazza99]

Bally has broken Stosur to make it back on serve :cheer:

Bally serving at 4-5

[super8]

From a UK-specific perspective, just trying to get my head around the ITV coverage..

Today, the coverage seems to be

9:45am-2:45pm ITV4
2:45pm-5:30pm ITV1

1:00-2:05am ITV4 (Highlights)

Tomorrow

9:30am-8:00pm ITV4
2:10am-3:10am ITV4 (Highlights)

The highlights seem to be on at variable times - but roughly between 1:45am and 3am

Every day seems to be 9:30am to 8pm on ITV4.

It looks as if some of the matches towards the end of the tournament will be shown on ITV1.

Very pleased to see that Amelie Mauresmo is amongst the commentary team! Other commies include Sam Smith, Mark Petchey, Fabrice Santoro, Jim Courier, Nick Mullins.

Have I got that right? Please correct me if I have got any of that wrong..!

[cazza99]

Its also on ITV3 today from 5.30-8.00 pm :)

Its also on Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2 :)

[cazza99]

Stosur won the first set 6-4.

[JAMES4578]

Some good play from Bally as she broke back at 3-5 but ultimately she couldn't hold on and Stosur just running away with the 2nd now at 4-0 sadly.

[jamie&andy's fan]

Is Rafa on today !?

[super8]

Is Rafa on today !?

Tomorrow, I would think - presumably Andy too.

What do folk think of the Sunday start?

I am not sure if I like it. I do prefer the Monday start with the ATP defending champ starting proceedings.

[JAMES4578]

Tomorrow, I would think - presumably Andy too.

What do folk think of the Sunday start?

I am not sure if I like it. I do prefer the Monday start with the ATP defending champ starting proceedings.

Think there's advantages and drawbacks obviously. However, I like it in the sense usually I can watch more of it at the weekend. However, good there are the 2 bank holidays next week!

[Linda]

Is Rafa on today !?


Tomorrow, I would think - presumably Andy too.

What do folk think of the Sunday start?

I am not sure if I like it. I do prefer the Monday start with the ATP defending champ starting proceedings.

I think Rafa's more likely to play Tuesday. They're not putting all of the first half on today - Fed and Djoko will be playing their R1 matches tomorrow, so they won't put Rafa, or Andy, on the same day. Probably Tuesday or maybe not till Wednesday. It's a bit confusing, isn't it! I prefer it at Wimbledon when you know what days which half will be playing.

[cazza99]

Tomorrow, I would think - presumably Andy too.

What do folk think of the Sunday start?

I am not sure if I like it. I do prefer the Monday start with the ATP defending champ starting proceedings.

The first round is played over 3 days and not 2. From the oop is looks like it is Djokovic's half of the draw playing first. That means that Djoko's half play on Sunday or Monday and Rafa's half play on Monday or Tuesday.

So Andy will be playing on Monday or Tuesday and if he keeps on winning matches he would play on Thursday and Saturday and then the following Monday.

[Caro]

Liking ITV coverage so far, and won't have to listen to Mats Wilander going on!! DelPo looks to be running away with this, ok by me, I like DelPo

[cazza99]

Does anyone know who the commies are for this one? I know one is Fabrice Santoro.

[super8]

Does anyone know who the commies are for this one? I know one is Fabrice Santoro.

I think that the other is Nick Mullins

[cazza99]

They have Bally in the studio now.

[Jan]

looks like a good effort from Bally in the first set.

[cazza99]

Stuart Fraser ‏@stu_fraser

Given that Roland Garros has started with the top half of the men's draw, I take it we can presume that Murray will be in action on Tuesday?

judy murray ‏@judmoo

@stu_fraser oui

[JAMES4578]

They have Bally in the studio now.

Yesa it was good to hear from Elena! It was pretty straightforward for Del Potty in the first set but Montanes had 2 sp's in the 2nd,5 all though.

[JAMES4578]

Comfortable for Del potro in sets 3 and 4 to go through, but Tsonga's lost the first 6-1 to Kuzetsov! Just broken for 3-1 in the 2nd though.

[RoastLamb]

I don't know why Roddick even bothers turning up for RG when he so clearly doesn't want to be there. Down two sets to Mahut already.

[Linda]

It's a compulsory tournament.

[cazza99]

I've been getting very confused with the scores. I was using the slam tracker, but the scores on there are different to the live scores and matches in progress :confused: They had added an extra set onto the Tsonga match :rolling: I think it may be OK now though.

[Linda]

I never use the Slam Tracker, I don't like it. I always follow the Matches In Progress.

[Tie-break]

Liking ITV coverage so far, and won't have to listen to Mats Wilander going on!!

Me too! Enjoying Jim Courier's commentary of Tsonga's match. Knowledgeable and constructive. Now why do some commentators find that so hard to do?

[cazza99]

I must say, I am impressed with the ITV coverage so far. OK, we have to put up with adverts and it is sponsored by a betting company, but so far it has been much better than the BBC red button. They are doing quick summaries of what is going on in the other courts and interviews - I hope they are keeping this up for the whole French Open rather than just because it is a Sunday. And the commentators are knowledgeable of tennis. It was also nice to have Fabrice Santoro commentating on a match, as his French accent sort of goes with the tournament being in France.

[Linda]

Doubles draw is up. (http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/scores/draws/md/mddraw.pdf)

[MurrayAOne]

I must say, I am impressed with the ITV coverage so far. OK, we have to put up with adverts and it is sponsored by a betting company, but so far it has been much better than the BBC red button. They are doing quick summaries of what is going on in the other courts and interviews - I hope they are keeping this up for the whole French Open rather than just because it is a Sunday. And the commentators are knowledgeable of tennis. It was also nice to have Fabrice Santoro commentating on a match, as his French accent sort of goes with the tournament being in France.

I agree. Enjoying the coverage.

[-J-]

roddick oot, no surprise there really , had him going next round in pick em(In Administration)

[super8]

I must say, I am impressed with the ITV coverage so far. OK, we have to put up with adverts and it is sponsored by a betting company, but so far it has been much better than the BBC red button. They are doing quick summaries of what is going on in the other courts and interviews - I hope they are keeping this up for the whole French Open rather than just because it is a Sunday. And the commentators are knowledgeable of tennis. It was also nice to have Fabrice Santoro commentating on a match, as his French accent sort of goes with the tournament being in France.

Yip - it offers much more variety than the 'one camera, one court' bbc red button approach. I hope that this continues, as it actually feels like proper coverage of a slam!

I'd say that it's better than Eurosport so far too.

Folk here might be interested to know that ITV coverage current match on Chatrier - Venus Williams v Ormaechea - has commentators of Sam Smith and a certain Judy Murray.

[JAMES4578]

Yes I did enjoy the opening day's coverage on ITV, looks hopefull thus far anyway! other surprise was Roddick going out, though he's lacked matches and never excelled on clay. Mahut though preffers faster surfaces too.

[RoastLamb]

We usually have ESPN which is fabulous (a bit like you described with ITV) but for some inexplicable reason we get an Australian feed for the French Open which is as dull as dishwater.

[traveller7]

Im glad that UK people can watch it on ITV4, watched the tsonga match and the last few games of Roddicks what a shame he is out.
Didnt realise that ITV4 had it on in the morning thought it was just cricket.

[david1610]

Doubles draw is up. (http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/scores/draws/md/mddraw.pdf)
Is Booty (Butorac, Jamie's first ATP long(ish)-term partner the youngest seed?
Or put it like this, the highest ranked doubles player under thirty?

Makes you think....

[Madeline]

I see Feddykins has been demoted to Lenglen Court tomorrow. Djokovic and Simon have the two men's slots on Chatrier.

[Alis]

I see Feddykins has been demoted to Lenglen Court tomorrow. Djokovic and Simon have the two men's slots on Chatrier.

Ooooo - that will rankle with Fed - love it!!

Really enjoying the commentary on ITV - Petch, Courier, Santoro, Sam Smith and Judy Murray. Interesting analysis and no anti- Andy comments - wonderful!

[Jan]

Laura's out on court - on ITV4 :yahoo:

like the colours she's wearing!

[KnightOwl]

Thanks for the reminder Jan - started watching on Eurosport, but ITV4 is HD, so much better! I could hardly see the ball on Eurosport!

[KnightOwl]

Shaky start from Laura, but she's playing much better now! She's a break down at 3-1 though...

[Jan]

Laura starting to play better...

[Jan]

Laura lost - there were some great shots from her at times, but AMG's a very experienced clay court played and it showed.

Maenwhile in other news, Azarenka is a set and 0-4 down :shocked:

[Helen40]

Can't believe it Azarenka in down a set and 0-4 in the first round!

[Jan]

Looks as though she's doing better now - she got the second and it's on serve in the 3rd

[JAMES4578]

A bit of a scare but Vika easied through the 3rd 6-2. She was 2 breaks down in the 2nd and very nearly 5-0 down too! Will certainly need to step it up from all accounts but still she managed to turn a very tricky situation around. Fed was 4-2 down in the 2nd but fought back to take it 7-5 and now in a commanding position with Kamke. Hewitt though 2-0 down with 3rd going into a breaker whch he took but sadly Lleyton went down 6-3 in the 4th to Kavcic.

[traveller7]

Too hot to stay indoors and watch tennis though caught Laura Robsons match.

[Jan]

tomorrow's OOP is out
http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/scores/schedule/schedule8.html

Hev is first on court 6, with Anne third on same court. Andy is 4th (last) on Suzanne Lenglen

[JennieF]

:crying: So sad for Laura

[RoastLamb]

I wish Andy was either on Chatrier or one of the first two matches up on Lenglen because my tv coverage won't show his match now. :grrr:

Happy Milos won easily today! :yahoo:

[ljs]

TSN is showing it RL , today was 10 - 2 , so we should see Andy in that time frame

[banskogirl]

tomorrow's OOP is out
http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/scores/schedule/schedule8.html

Hev is first on court 6, with Anne third on same court. Andy is 4th (last) on Suzanne Lenglen


Yes!!! so ready to watch Andy.....and our girls :) will have to check out ITV4 as I have only been recording Eurosport! Hope we all have a great 2 weeks.

[RoastLamb]

TSN is showing it RL , today was 10 - 2 , so we should see Andy in that time frame

But they only show Chatrier. That's the problem.

[cazza99]

Eurosport mentioned today that Lendl did not arrive at Roland Garros until last night and Andy was training with him off site today.

[Alis]

Lendl was there last week and then left for an exhibition match somewhere - he returned last night I believe.

[Maza1987]

Heather has stepped out onto court, warming up.
ITV4 looks to be better than Eurosport in terms of picture clarity.

http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?149-Heather-Watson/page11

comonnn, we need a win.

[cazza99]

There is free live streaming of the French open on the ITV website - http://www.itv.com/sport/

[DaveArneRiise]

Tippy has dropped the first set against Big Sam. Comfortably too!

[Sallydaisy]

Ooooh, come on SamQ; my Top Ten Tumbling needs you!
:big grin:

[DaveArneRiise]

Tippy levels it a 1 set a piece. Elsewhere Schiavone with a comfortable win over the veteran Kim Drum. Ferrer a set up over Lacko.

[Sallydaisy]

Andy alert - it's possible he'll be on earlier than 4pm.

The 2nd match on Suzanne Lenglen is into a 2nd set with Sharapova firmly in the driving seat at 6'0, 2'0.
It's followed by the Benneteau v Zverev match; and Benny is not long back from that injury sustained in Monte Carlo.

So, if that's over quickly we could be looking at a 3pm'ish start for Andy???

[Sallydaisy]

Stakhovsky v Dolgopolov into a 5th set and Sergyi is serving at *4-3 with a break .....

Dolly (16) 7-64, 4-6, 64-7, 6-3, 3-5 is now serving to stay in the match!

[DaveArneRiise]

Stakhovsky takes it 6-3 in the decider! Bit of a surprise that one.

[JAMES4578]

Yes an upset but Stak certainly capable of hitting the heights at times,pity for Dolly though.

[david1610]

Andy alert - it's possible he'll be on earlier than 4pm.

The 2nd match on Suzanne Lenglen is into a 2nd set with Sharapova firmly in the driving seat at 6'0, 2'0.
It's followed by the Benneteau v Zverev match; and Benny is not long back from that injury sustained in Monte Carlo.

So, if that's over quickly we could be looking at a 3pm'ish start for Andy???

Benneteau already one set (6-2) up. We never know if there might be a retirement.... so Sally I would revise the start time on the Andy thread if you can!

[Jan]

I'm amazed that Benneteau is able to play the tournament, given that nasty injury he had.

[Jan]

Anne's match just started - ITV not showing it yet :grrr: but found a stream :)

[Jan]

ah ITV say they're going there now :thumbup:

[Jan]

ah ITV say they're going there now :thumbup:

ah but maybe not so good - Anne is 0-4*:surprised:

[Jan]

at last a game for Anne 1-5*

[david1610]

at last a game for Anne 1-5*
Her GS record is W 6 L20. She has gone out in the first round in the last three French GSs. She is playing somebody currently ranked about thirty five places below her. Excuse me if I do not join in the cheers that she managed to win a game. I very much respect those of you who cheer her on. I just find it hard to do so.

[Jan]

Her GS record is W 6 L20. She has gone out in the first round in the last three French GSs. She is playing somebody currently ranked about thirty five places below her. Excuse me if I do not join in the cheers that she managed to win a game. I very much respect those of you who cheer her on. I just find it hard to do so.

it was more relief than anything else!

[Alis]

Now 5-2 down in the second - she seems to be totally overwhelmed.

[traveller7]

Well done Heather Watson good match :)

[Linda]

Sorry that Dolly lost :crying:

Blake looks like he's lost weight. He's also about to lose his R1 match.

[traveller7]

Serena williams losing 4-0 in final set!

[Linda]

Well that will kill my BOTP, I have her winning the title! I never thought I'd say this, but come on Serena! :swingin:

[Sallydaisy]

Well, this is turning into a right battle for Virginie and Serena.
The Frenchwoman was serving for the match and got broken at 5'1, Serena then held for 5'3.
Razzano now has another chance to knock out Serena in round 1 and the American is still fighting and gained a break point.

BUT Razzano saved Ad and then hobbled round the court with serious cramp.
Serena Ad again but Razzano saved it so it's back on deuce.

The entire French crowd is cheering her on like crazy and she can hardly walk.

Ad Serena, Razzano can't run for any balls.
Deuce as the Frenchwoman hits an Ace.

She needs 2 more of those to win this match; Serena could win it 'cos her oppo cannot run!

[Linda]

High drama in this match! :shocked:

[lynne]

Great match to watch!!!..........can she do it.........:)

[Sallydaisy]

A 3rd mp for Virginie goes begging ...... Deuce #7.
Serena hits the return out off a slow 2nd serve.

Matchpoint again for the Frenchwoman ... and she hits long.
Deuce #8

[Sallydaisy]

Come on Virginie - 5th match point.
And Williams thumps a huge forehand down the line for a winner as yet again Razzano cannot run.
Deuce #9 I think.

Great shot from Razzano to set up a 6th match point.
:sofa:

Egalite nomber 10. Advantage Serena Williams.
And the American hits a sitter of a 2nd serve into the net.

Deuce #11 ...
OUT from Ms Williams. Matchpoint Razzano. Lost count of how many now.

That was an AWESOME shot down the line from Serena to save matchpoint against.

Deuce #12
Williams into the net.
Matchpoint Razzano.

[lynne]

Can you believe that shot from Serena!!!

[Linda]

that's killed my BOTP :sad:

[Sallydaisy]

:yahoo:
Well done Virginie Razzano for hanging in there.
What an extraordinary game to end that match!

[KnightOwl]

What a fantastic end to that match - once Rezzano started cramping, I though it would be all over, but she held herself together brilliantly. Admittedly Serena was making a lot of errors, but Rezzano deserved the win - it would have been very easy to cave in towards the end there!

Sharapova won her match 6-0 6-0 earlier today - the first set took 23 minutes and the second 25 minutes - that one last game for Rezzano was 25 minutes long - wow!!

[traveller7]

What was the final score of serenas match?

[Linda]

4-6, 7-6, 6-3

[traveller7]

Thanks!

[KnightOwl]

4-6 7-6 (5) 6-3

Edit: sorry Linda - both typing at the same time :)

[JAMES4578]

that's killed my BOTP :sad:

Think the veast majority picked Serena. Even though it doesn't help me either glad Razzano found a way to win when ithe momentum seemed to turn against her, some drama in the closing stages.!

[RoastLamb]

AMAZING match!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't believe it. But bad luck to Serena for getting Virginie in the first round coz she's good. She had cramp and kept getting a point deducted for hindrance for shouting out with pain and yet STILL Serena couldn't win. Unreal! :shocked:

[RoastLamb]

that's killed my BOTP :sad:

You and me both! :sad:

[Jennan]

Really pleased for Razzano. Thought Serena would come back, never seen her make so many errors. Crazy match.

[RoastLamb]

I didn't know her fiance had died last year. How sad.

[JAMES4578]

I didn't know her fiance had died last year. How sad.

Yes, I think she only decided to play at the last minute last year and it was very difficult for her.

[cazza99]

You and me both! :sad:

et moi

[Jan]

well played Virginie!! I had to go out as she was serving for the match, but fortunately 5-live kept telling me what was going on - I need to watch the recording of the end!

[SamP]

Really great final set, what drama!

For me, women's tennis is generally dire, unless a brit is playing and their playing well. But now and again, women's tennis throws up an absolute belter out of nowhere, and that was one of them. I think the fact it was on clay definitely helped the theatrics, its such a grind playing on the devil dirt!

[cazza99]

oop for Wednesday - http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/scores/schedule/schedule9.html

[Alis]

Fantastic match - so much drama - well done Virginie!

[karanga]

Well done Virginie - very happy for her that she won the match. Great match to watch. :clap: :clap: :yahoo:

[cazza99]

If anyone wants to let ITV know how much they like the coverage, they are now on twitter.. @itvfrenchopen - https://twitter.com/#!/itvfrenchopen

[DaveArneRiise]

JMDP levels it against ERV 6-7 7-6 .

[DaveArneRiise]

Unger has only just gone and stunned Federer in the 3rd set tie breaker 8-6! Stunning stuff from the Romanian.

Elsewhere Del Potro is now in control against Vasselin after dropping the first set. Cilic also producing an impressive display against Ferrero.

[david1610]

Federer has lost the third set to, erm.. Ungur?

JS I see Jamie is playing his first round doubles match 1-1 in games so far....

[JAMES4578]

Del Potty takes tthe 3rd 6-4, looks like it's been quite a tough match though! Meanwhie after seemingly cruising Fed has lost the breaker in the 3rd to Ungur, Cilic seem in control in his clash with Ferrero.

[DaveArneRiise]

Ungur going for it at the start of the 4th, BP here on Federer's serve, Roger survives.

Really having a go here the Romanian, great to see.

[KnightOwl]

Enjoying watching Ungur give Federer something to think about :big grin:

Probably won't last, but it's fun while it does...!

[Sallydaisy]

Enjoying watching Ungur give Federer something to think about :big grin:

Probably won't last, but it's fun while it does...!

The Ungur Games is underway ..........
:getcoat:

[KnightOwl]

Hmmm...I think we need a "groan" smiley for that one :lol:

[Alis]

I wonder if the interviewers will badger Djoko and Fed about allowing their opponents back into it as they did with Andy yesterday - I think not.

[DaveArneRiise]

Del Potro triumphs over Roger-Vasselin 6-7 7-6 6-4 6-4. Good match that.

[cazza99]

A bit of competition between the beeb and ITV.

This was a tweet from Jonathan Overend before ITV4 had started showing the Brian Baker match.

Jonathan Overend ‏@5livetennis

Gather ITV haven't bought into the Brian Baker story. so if you want his match with Gilles Simon, tune into commentary on @bbcsport website

[Linda]

Went out for lunch so missed the match, but quite amused to see that Fed dropped a set to someone I've never heard of.

[KnightOwl]

Rather enjoying watching Simon v Baker at the moment. Simon was fairly dominant early on and is 2-0 in sets, but Baker has produced some stunning shots in the 3rd set. He was a break up and serving for the set, but Simon upped his game and has just broken back, so it's now 5-5.

Some great tennis from both of them!

[cazza99]

:clap: Yay Baker wins the 3rd set. But is he fit enough to win 2 more?

[KnightOwl]

I suspect not, tbh, but it's a great match to watch!

[DaveArneRiise]

:clap: Yay Baker wins the 3rd set. But is he fit enough to win 2 more?

He is capable of shortening the points which will preserve energy in his legs. He has shown that before. Wouldn't be surprised if this goes the distance!

[KnightOwl]

I suspect not, tbh, but it's a great match to watch!

Within minutes, I'm changing my mind :) Simon is starting to look really rattled, as he can at times, and Baker is staying cool and calm.

Break points for Baker early in the 4th set...

[DaveArneRiise]

He's just taking the game to Simon which like I said he is capable of doing. Playing aggressive and it's paying off big time! 2-0 30-0 up in the 4th!

[KnightOwl]

It's great having Fabrice Santoro as one of the commentators on this match - he's translating some of Simon's outbursts :) but assures us that they would all be broadcastable :big grin:

ITV keep playing a betting site advert in the breaks, and it uses the BBC Wimbledon theme tune - is it weird that I grin every time I hear it??

[DaveArneRiise]

Have rarely seen Simon this riled.

[cazza99]

Commentators have mentioned that it is gradually getting windier. If I heard them right the wind will not be in Simon's favour.

[DaveArneRiise]

If Baker wins this then it would be epic for my dream team!

[cazza99]

If Baker wins this then it would be epic for my dream team!

Probably the same for many of us though. It won't be good for my fun pickem though.

[KnightOwl]

Commentators have mentioned that it is gradually getting windier. If I heard them right the wind will not be in Simon's favour.

Certainly Simon was complaining about the wind quite a lot in his first match on Monday...

Edit: very very impressed with how well Baker is striking the ball - very clean and precise, and some great changes of pace!

[DaveArneRiise]

Baker storms into a 5-1 lead in the 4th. Will serve now to force a decider. All the momentum is with the American.

[KnightOwl]

Nice exchange from the commies :big grin:

Fabrice Santoro: too fast, too deep
Nick Mullins: two set points

Baker takes the 4th set 6-1 and I'd say is now favourite to take the match. Very impressive!

[DaveArneRiise]

Top ten tennis this from Baker.

[KnightOwl]

Jim Courier and Fabrice Santoro both seem to think Simon will come back and take this match - no offence guys, but I'm not convinced!

Cannot believe how well Baker is striking the ball - it's wonderful to watch!

Edit: aaargh! Sky+ says "no satellite signal being received"!! What? It was fine a minute ago - I wanna watch the tennis!!

[DaveArneRiise]

Massive game this, Simon pushing for the break. Baker safes with a delicate dropper. Back to deuce.

[KnightOwl]

Jim Courier and Fabrice Santoro both seem to think Simon will come back and take this match - no offence guys, but I'm not convinced!

Hmmm - ok, maybe I need to accept that Courier & Santoro know a bit more about tennis than I do :sad:

Fabulous rally to finish that game though - Simon 2-0 in the deciding set.

(Satellite seems to have woken up again too - yay!)

[Sallydaisy]

I've just been glued to this match - it's enthralling tennis!!!

Gillou has the first break though and has held again to go 3-0* up in the 5th and final set.
Baker has NEVER played a 5-setter!
He must surely tire?
On the other hand - he could come back!
:shades:


Nice exchange from the commies :big grin:
Fabrice Santoro: too fast, too deep
Nick Mullins: two set points

All credit to the commentators - they're not yabbering away during play and coming up with decent comments about the tennis. Just wish Bouncy Castle didn't keep appearing in the advert break - no getting away from the .....!!!

[KnightOwl]

Nick Mullins has just said "the less we hear from Gilles Simon, the better he seems to play". Hmmm...isn't it really the other way around? I would say the worse he plays, or rather the worse he feels about how he's playing, the more he chunters?

[DaveArneRiise]

Probably because it's easier to play that sort of tennis when you are behind, but all of a sudden when it's 2 sets all then pressure is on. Becomes more difficult. Simon in the driving seat now but Baker can at least go back to having a swing or two which worked wonders in the last 2 sets!

[KnightOwl]

I've just been glued to this match - it's enthralling tennis!!!

Absolutely - quality stuff....!

Simon definitely seems to be on top again now, though, and Baker is either tiring or losing focus a bit...

[Sallydaisy]

Probably because it's easier to play that sort of tennis when you are behind, but all of a sudden when it's 2 sets all then pressure is on. Becomes more difficult. Simon in the driving seat now but Baker can at least go back to having a swing or two which worked wonders in the last 2 sets!
You're starting to sound like one of the commentators there David .......
;)

Simon has just broken again and will serve at *4-0.

[KnightOwl]

Simon has a double break now, so probably all over for Baker...I'm only posting this because everything I've said so far in this thread seems to change as soon as I've said it :red devil:

[DaveArneRiise]

You're starting to sound like one of the commentators there David .......
;)

Simon has just broken again and will serve at *4-0.

Sounds like a good commentator then whoever it is ;)

Looks like the end now for Baker, 5-0 down. A phenomenal effort nonetheless though.

[KnightOwl]

I really hope this final set doesn't end up a bagel - Baker has played brilliantly and that would be a bit harsh. It's looking that way, though, as Simon has 3 match points...

[KnightOwl]

Ah well. Simon takes it 6-4 6-1 6-7 1-6 6-0.

Fantastic match to watch though - thoroughly enjoyed it :big grin:

[traveller7]

Great match good for Baker taking him to 5 sets

[harriet]

well, the Legend-in-the Making that is Brian Baker, US, departs Rolland Garros. he could have beaten Simon if he had ever settled for playing a safe shot rather than brilliant. score in final set just ridiculous. the Legend must have doubled his lifetime earning, and halved his ranking this week. nice way to remember Paris

[Madeline]

I was thoroughly annoyed when ITV decided to show the Berdych/Llodra match instead of Simon/Baker, and I had to find a free livestream. Luckily the match they chose was one-sided and finished quickly, so they put the Chatrier match on and I could watch it on the big screen!

I like the way Baker plays, I think he is going to be one of my favourites if he can manage to stay injury-free this time around.

[Sallydaisy]

Venus Williams out on Lenglen against Radwanska.
Could be an interesting match.
Venus struggles with Sjogrens Syndrome - read more here (http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LwDdzAcwNCIJ:well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/02/venus-williams-brings-attention-to-sjogrens-syndrome/+sjogren's+syndrome+venus+williams&cd=7&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk)
She's lost a lot of weight/muscle and never knows how she'll be from one day to the next.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga giving the French crowd more to cheer about - serving for the first set against Stebe and *5'2.
So, that's the first set in the bag for Jo.
http://th132.photobucket.com/albums/q11/lalacreek/smiley/th_french.gif

[Sallydaisy]

AggiRad running away with this R2 match against VenusW; leading 6'2, 2'0.
http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=508&d=1337807077&thumb=1

I reckon Les Williams will be headed to Wimbers for some early grass court praccy.

http://www.smileyhut.com/happy/grass.gif

[traveller7]

So both williams out in singles matches

[Jan]

I reckon Les Williams will be headed to Wimbers for some early grass court praccy.

I had to do a double take at that - my late father-in-law was called Les Williams!!!!

[Sallydaisy]

The Ungur Games is underway ..........
:getcoat:


Hmmm...I think we need a "groan" smiley for that one :lol:

This do?

http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/userpics/10172/groansmileyf.gif

or how about this one ............

http://www.christiansurvivors.com/forums/images/smilies/groan.gif

[JAMES4578]

Baker certainly making a name for himself but in the end he didn't have the consistency, looks like that was an entertaining match with Simon! A few tight ones today with Seppi also having to battle past Kukushkin and also a tight 4 setter for Del Potro. Whilst a shock Serena went out yesterday not really surprised Venus couldn't get pass Radwanska, however thought she might have had put up a bit more resistance. Mind you the illness is obviously a major set back for her.

[RoastLamb]

Too bad for Brian. I was really cheering him on! To no avail, but at least he took two sets away from Simon. Good stuff!

[Alis]

Baker certainly making a name for himself but in the end he didn't have the consistency, looks like that was an entertaining match with Simon! A few tight ones today with Seppi also having to battle past Kukushkin and also a tight 4 setter for Del Potro. Whilst a shock Serena went out yesterday not really surprised Venus couldn't get pass Radwanska, however thought she might have had put up a bit more resistance. However the illness is obviously a major set back for her.

Maybe the Williams sisters decided it was time they were in London. Wimbledon is their favourite after all.

[xenon21]

It was puns galore today with the Unger games going on as well as Baker boy. Was such a pity that Baker boy lost but am sure this is just the start of what could be a great journey for him!

And for the Williams sisters? I guess bring on Wimbly!

[RoastLamb]

I'm getting up at 5 to watch Milos' match coz it's on a livestream. Can't imagine it'll be on tv even if Milos is playing an American because I'm sure they'll cover Andy's match instead.

[HoopGirl]

What time is andy's match today ?

[Caro]

What time is andy's match today ?

11am in Paris so 10am in UK

[Jan]

Giraldo has just beaten Tomic

[RoastLamb]

And Milos just won his match in straights. :yahoo: The livestream kept going AWOL which was rather annoying but I got to see some of it at least.

[Sallydaisy]

Nadal is wearing a VERY bright pink shirt.
:shocked:

[DaveArneRiise]

Fognini with a monstrous marathon 5 set win over Troicki! :cheer:

[Sallydaisy]

Chatrier going bonkers at the moment as PHM serves for the 2nd set over Isner at *5-4 having just broken the American. However, Isner won the first set on a tie-breaker.

Schwank is 1 game away from beating seed 32 Florian Mayer who is currently serving to stay in the match.

[KnightOwl]

Enjoying the match of another "come-back kid" on Chatrier! Brian Baker yesterday, today it's Paul-Henri Mathieu....

[Sallydaisy]

Mayer news ...........

Leonardo Mayer is now 2 sets up (7'6, 7'6) over Phillipp Kohlschreiber[24] from Germany.

Edouardo Schwank has just beaten Florian Mayer[16], also German 2'6, 6'3, 6'4, 7'6.

[KnightOwl]

Mathieu breaks in the 3rd set :clap:

Edit: ...and now he has two set points for a 2-1 lead...but only needs one!

[KnightOwl]

Bulgaria's Gregor Dimitrov has taken the first set 7-5 against Richard Gasquet, but the Frenchman is a break up at 1-0 in the 2nd.

[Sallydaisy]

Isner levels the match at 2-2 after taking the 4th set 6'3 v Mathieu.
Tipsy is now 2-0 up on Chardy; after they've finished we'll be able to watch Heather Watson in action.
Kohlschreiber lost to L.Mayer.
Dimitrov has just held (and presumably broke back) so it's 3-3, 2nd set, v Gasquet.

Tuesday's French heroine, Virginie Razzano, has dropped a game in the first set against Arantxa Rus but it's early days yet in that match.

[Maza1987]

Tipsy has just finished, so Heather should be on soon.
http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?149-Heather-Watson&p=67465#post67465

[cazza99]

ITV4 are switching over to it :)

[Jan]

I should think so too!!!;)

[cazza99]

I'm glad I chose Mathieu for my TFF. He should get me a few points with this match :) I need Isner for my fun pickem though.

[KnightOwl]

I want to watch Heather, but I am enjoying the Isner v Mathieu match, which is now 6-6 in the final set. Makes you wonder how long this might go on, given that Mathieu is an anagram of "ie Mahut" :big grin:

[cazza99]

ITV4 are staying with Isner/Mathieu for a bit longer. Hev is up on Eurosport 2.

I might watch Hev on a stream and Isner on I/M on telly - or keep on switching between the matches.

[Jan]

and now ITV go back on their word - they're staying with Hev. Ought to make a decision and stick to it - they've just gone down in my estimation. I'm off to find a stream :grrr:

[cazza99]

Hev just broken in the first game :clap:

[Sallydaisy]

I want to watch Heather, but I am enjoying the Isner v Mathieu match, which is now 6-6 in the final set. Makes you wonder how long this might go on, given that Mathieu is an anagram of "ie Mahut" :big grin:

I was thinking that Isner surely has more experience of a longer match ... but this time he's against a Frenchman on court and several thousand in the stands on Chatrier.
Can't call this match at all.

Good start from Hev on Ct 2.

[cazza99]

and now ITV go back on their word - they're staying with Hev. Ought to make a decision and stick to it - they've just gone down in my estimation. I'm off to find a stream :grrr:

they are still with I/M :confused:

[Jan]

they are still with I/M :confused:

yes - sorry my mistake - I was cross!!!!!

[Sallydaisy]

they are still with I/M :confused:
Yep, they said they'd stay with Isner/Mathieu.

Isner has a break point ......

[Sallydaisy]

Can anyone remember or know for deffo if the Slams have put a cap on the number of games that can now be played in the 5th and Final set? I had a vague memory that after Isner/Mahut they reviewed the rules and after a certain point they had a 'shoot-out'.

Isner serving to stay in the match.

[Linda]

I was just wondering that - I remember that Wimbledon did put a cap on the number of games after that match but I've no idea if they have that at RG.

[MurrayAOne]

I have just asked that very question! They were going to to stop it happening again but don't know if they did.

[cazza99]

I can't remember anything.