The Gays and Tennis part 26

Continue discussing JMG... Maybe if Jared D would start winning again, Jan would be able to buy a fuller wardrobe.

I'm sorry I was momentarily blinded by Jack Sock's ass

I'm glad Rubin won Tallahassee challenger. His level is up and down but when he's on he can be a really effective counter puncher.

Titsy!

Gross...couldn't we have found a better ass and a hotter player than Sock?

The Pliskbot beat Big Coco in Stuttgart and won the title (and a Porsche, but she doesn't have a driver's license)

Will Rafa win today?

Agreed, R5--OP is apparently attracted to asses that are too fat and faces that are downright homely. We can do better than Thiem and Sock, please.

Coric has an admirable booty. Needs us summadat.

Rafa wins 2 and 1. 😒

I miss the GS clay days of Guga and Gaudio, when the winner wasn't a foregone conclusion.

Gaudio back in the day

Since you mentioned Gaudio...

The should skip playing the men's event at the French and just hand the trophy to Nadal now. The ATP stands for All Total Pussies. Roll over, bitches, as #11 comes rolling in for Rafa. I predict he loses a total of 10 games throughout the two weeks. Wake me when it's over.

^They should skip

We should probably just skip Wimbledon and hand the trophy to Federer too.

What's Mirka been doing? He life most be some empty now that she doesn't have anyone to heckle or any concession stands to pillage.

I don't blame Tsitsipas for losing so easily as he's young and it was his first final. It's the mid 20s and older guys I blame as they are "peaking" now but still can't beat Nadal on clay. Hopefully someone will beat him this year at RG but I doubt it.

R16, I think Wimbledon is a bit more open. A big server having a good day can take out any of the top guys, especially if they're a little off. Federer didn't look that good in IW or Miami. I think he's vulnerable this year. It could be Nadal taking another Wimbledon trophy if he gets a favorable draw full of clay courters and avoids the big servers.

It’s Berdych’s year for Wimbledon. He’s been to the final and he’s really improved his mental toughness.

R20 Tomas is still playing?!

I fear you're right, R19.

Pauline Parmentier wins Istanbul

Marco Cecchinato wins Budapest

Jeez. I don't mind Rafa winning but jeez.

Is he just that good on clay or do the others just suck? Does it really matter?

Physically, he looks more fit than almost any player out there. And I guess mentally he should only be improving. So barring injuries I guess there's no reason that he shouldn't be winning.

That wasn't a very exciting final though.

He is a miraculous specimen.

Generally players with great serves bother Nadal more than others since he stands so far back when returning. When Djokovic peaked, his first serve had decent pace and was well placed while his second was vastly improved. Nadal could usually exploit Murray's second serve and forehand. Federer didn't face Nadal on clay last year but his serve was almost untouchable for Nadal when they did play.

Players like Thiem and Zverev can definitely rattle Nadal but they end up making too many errors against him.

Coric seems to be injured again as he pulled out of Istanbul. He seems to be the closest thing to Djokovic we have...if he can stay healthy and keep improving he might be able to do some damage.

Other than that, no one else seems to be able to do anything on clay.

Still think that Wimbledon is Federer's to lose. He's going to be primed after skipping the clay season. He's still the best mover, and has an all-court game. Plus, he gets the rollover factor from most players. Only Nadal and Novak (in his prime) really took it to him. And the crowd will be solidly behind him.

Coric is injured? Well, phooey. The eye-candy quotient just dropped by half.

Yeah, R24, it's the fact that nobody is stepping up. Klizan had set points and then just panicked and handed the match to Rafa. That's what's boring. If Nadal wins because he's just too good, which I've seen many times, then fine. But when no one even has the tenacity to stick with him, that's a giant bore. I hated when Djokovic was dominating, but at least he took it to Nadal and Federer when he was. It really is stunning that not a single player in the last generation or two can actually focus long enough to win a match, much less a tournament.

It seemed like things were changing in 2015 and 2016. Then 2017 happened. Even in 2017, you had Zverev winning Masters 1000s and Kyrgios playing great matches against Fed. But when not one of these guys was showing up in the later rounds of Slams, I started to have my doubts. This year, they're not even showing up in the later rounds of lesser tournaments. It's a sad state of affairs.

Nadal is just too good. I can't see him not winning the French.

The problem is that none of the guys with big talent has a champion's head. A guy like Diego Schwartzman has a champion's head, but he's just too small. Goffin is prodigiously talented and a fighter, but also too small. Coric is a fighter, but doesn't have any killer shots. Kyrgios has the talent and the size, but he is a mental case. Kei is already too rich and always injured. Thiem is way too sloppy. Shapo hasn't proven to be consistent, but he's also very young, so maybe there's hope. Sasha hasn't really shown the killer instinct and he needs to put on some weight to go 5 at the majors.

Who else is there?

Diego is short, yes. Goffin is not.

I declare to be 5'7"

But Goffin is a twig.

There is truth to the size thing. Rafa is built like a linebacker. The fact he can move so well is shocking. Nole and Fed are thinner, but just as tall. Murray, back before he was hurt, was tall and built.

They're all Fed and Nadal bitches. Nobody has the mental toughness to beat either of them. Pathetic.

practically empty stands today for the Troicki'Tomic match in Istanbul

^ Why does Bernie even show up anymore? I thought he preferred to count his millions.

Tiafoe def Sandgren 3-6 7-6 7-6 in Estoril after saving 3 MPs

R39 yes nice to see Tiafoe win a clutch match for a change. Also good to see him playing on the red clay. With his movement he should do well on it.

R38 for whatever reason, Istanbul gave Tomic a WC. I don't know why. The match did go 3 sets though.

Tomic was 5-3 in the third, then he lost 4 games in a row

Breaking news

in 1 pic out of 5 Gambill managed to get a shirt on

on another note, trashy Brit player Dan Evans is back on tour. He lost first round today in the Glasgow challenger.

I wish someone could convince JMG and his BF to put their shirts back on.

That's one too many pics, R42. JMG should never wear a shirt.

HOT JMG

JMG looks better than when he played. His boyfriend has nice pecs too.

Did Elton John ever get some of JMG?

Djokovic did not take a Wild Card into Estoril Open. So Madrid next for him.

JMG's great if you like generic bland blond.

He’s blond?

Less so with age...or less product

Haha, Sascha needs to be the center of Marcelo's attention it seems

that's a really cute pic of Kyrgios

Wow Sasha really struggles in his first match at Munich Open playing opposite Hanfmann - he lost the first set, seemed a bit better at the beginning of the second one earning a break, but he was broken back.

Sasha also lost at FIFA last night

Tiafoe def. Gilles Muller 6-4 7-5. Frances was down 1-4 in the second before winning 6 of the last 7 games

Sousa def Sousa in an exciting match in Estoril...

I've always liked Joao Sousa. I wish he did better!

R58, he should stick to composing marches.

^ lol

Joao Sousa is one of the cutest guys on tour. As far as my shallow looks meter goes, he's near the top!

Do any of you find A. Zverev attractive? He looks great from a distance, but upon closer inspection he looks gangly and has bad skin.

[quote]Joao Sousa is one of the cutest guys on tour

obrigado

Did anyone see the (young) woman sitting next to Marcelo during Sascha's match? Any idea who that was?

R64 Didn't see, but was it this girl by any chance?

No, R65. This one here. She looked to be there with Marcelo, not for Sascha. Marcelo was waiting for her at the end. So maybe his girlfriend?

I saw her too, R65. They really are fucking with us on this, aren't they?

We lose Agut and Thiem...now these two?

Haha, R67, yes. But for now I see no evidence of Maria Ross being more than a family friend, but we shall see. They have known each other for a long time, so maybe in the past there was more? But with Marcelo, I think this may really be a girlfriend...but who knows, maybe it's a cousin or something, haha.

That would be a bigger disappointment than Sasha's Grand Slam results.

Based on Jan-Michael Gambill's Instagram posts/pics, they're very close.

Another nice J-MG pic

What’s the best site to get tickets for the French Open at this time?

Anyone watch that Serena doc on HBO? I didn’t sense much chemistry between her and her husband. She looked kind of miserable actually. Didn’t realize it was a series so more to come.

Tennis is such a macho sport, there is no place for male bonding, like sharing beds with your best friend and such

R72 have you check the RG site? They offer e-tickets. I bought mine off the site a few years ago -- but with more advance time.

Semifinals this week

ESTORIL

Tsitispas-Joao Sousa

Carreno-Tiafoe

MUNICH

Zverev-Chung

Marterer-Kolhschreiber

ISTANBUL

Jaziri-Diere

Daniel-Chardy

The Prince & Princess of Clay are ready for the Madrid Open

Every time I read or hear "Tsitsipas", I get Madleen Kane's disco hit "Cherchez Pas" stuck in my head.

the Madrid draws are out. Some interesting sections

[77] Such a lovingly lovely couple

[R66] I think that young woman is a broadcaster for Sky news( Jana Azizi). I didn't know who she was either,until I came across her picture on Instagram. Sascha's agent, Patricio Apey, was seated in back of her. He was talking to her throughout the match. Maybe she was his guest.

Let's see if Sascha can turn the tables on Chung! I'm sure Melo will be there . I didn't see their match,but I saw that Melo/Kubot lost (again). Oh well,more time to spend with Sascha!

Tsitsipas has been having an amazing couple of weeks. If I looked at the Madrid draw correctly, Sascha and Tsitsipas would meet in the 2nd round. Wow.

Thanks, R81!! I had no clue who that is at all! Would be great if she was just the agent's guest, haha!

I didn't realize you meant she works for Sky in Germany, R81, and apparently she is from Munich, so would make sense that she was there as a guest and not as Marcelo's gf!

r80 I've never seen a photo of them together that didn't look awkward.

A great win for Sascha today! But no Melo!

It really was an excellent match, R86. I'm guessing Melo and Kubot need to practice in Madrid and start defending some points!

[R87] Yes,and yes! Many of the players are already in Madrid.

Next match today: Tsitsipas vs. Sousa

Definitely high heat factor in Estoril between Sousa and Tsitsipas competing now with no breaks and five games completed, followed by PCB v. Tiafoe.

Zverev is looking rough, like he's not taking well to whatever chemical cocktail might be fueling things.

A. Zverev always looks strained like he’s full of bile.

R77, wow the chemistry in that photo is palpable. What passion!

wow Tiafoe blitzed Carreno Busta 6-2 6-3 without facing break point and is into the Estoril final against Sousa who edged Tsitsipas in a third set tiebreak

Taro Daniel vs Jaziri for Istanbul title

[/85][/91] if that is what straight love looks like im happy to not be part of it.

[quote]Sousa who edged Tsitsipas

That's hot

Kvitova wins Prague, her third title of the year

Women's first round action in Madrid started today. Venus lost to Kontaveitt and Ostapenko lost to Begu

Is Serena going to play Rome? Is she even going to try the French?

Joao wins Estoril

Zverev wins Munich

Taro Daniel wins Istanbul (first ATP title for him)

I think Serena is playing Rome. She just wasn't happy with her form and fitness at Indian Wells and Miami so wanted more time to train.

In Estoril, Sousa def. Tiafoe 6-4 6-4

In Munich, Zverev def. Kohlschreiber

In Istanbul, Daniel def. Jaziri to win his first title

lots of Madrid matches today too...so far the only upset of the day is Osaka losing to Zhang. All the other expected winners won

Ostapenko also lost her match against Begu

Sascha answers Marcelo with his own Sky reporter ;)

sadly Sharapova's 4 match losing streak won't become 5. She had an easy first round today against the player Kvitova beat in Prague yesterday.

Interesting first round and potential second round matches in Madrid: Nishikori-Djokovic, Monfils-Nadal, Coric-PCB, Tsitsipas-A.Zverev, Cuevas-Sock, Raonic-Dimitrov. I'm rooting for the first-listed in all of these matches other than Coric-PCB, which is a toss-up (and que caliente)....Happy to see that Shapovalov has already trounced Sandgren 6-1, 6-4 in their first round match. Unfortunately Tiafoe didn't make the draw, though he would now after having reached the final in Estoril, rising to #55 or so in the rankings.

Tiafoe would have played Madrid qualies but those started yesterday so he couldn't play both that and the Estoril SF and final today. I bet he'll be in Rome

[R101] ha ha, that's very cute

It is, R105! Sascha previously hijacked his interview with Struff as well

Coric-PCB, mmmmmm. That's worth watching.

What happened to hottie Cuevas? He used to be a contendah on clay.

Djokovic-Nishikori is tomorrow second match on main court

Cuevas vs PCB would be the battle of the honkers

beauty queen CSN takes a moment to moisterize on court ;)

Carlo!

Joao!

Cute!

Tiafoe's got enough charisma to make up for the other 5 or 6 dullard Yanks above him in the rankings.

[R106] l like it when the boys kid around. :)

Nobody's posted this yet? I'm ashamed.

[R108] My morning is going to revolve around that match. I guess you would have to give the edge to Kei; he had such a great run in MC. Although I haven't given up on Novak.

[R116] lordy!! Yeah,why bother to dress. I'm kinda glad he didn't. Haha

ATP/WTA singles tItles won in the past 26 months:

🇯🇵Taro Daniel 1

🇯🇵Yuichi Sugita 1

🇯🇵Naomi Osaka 1

🇯🇵Kei Nishikorii

Kei has zero titles

Sloane Stephens wins her first WTA Tour match outside North America since May 2016.

I do too, R115! And it's nice that Sascha feels comfortable enough with this reporter to joke around with him repeatedly!

Djokovic beat Nishikori!!

Good win for Djokovic, but I half-expect him to lose in the 2R. He really needs to string together wins. But I'd be happy if Djokovic or Del Potro, or Zverev, or whoever can really push Nadal in Paris. Would hate for it to be a foregone conclusion.

The women's is much more unprdictable, but with so much less color. I just can't get excited about Halep or Wozniacki, or Pliskova, or Svitolina, etc. They're more likely to have closer matches and upsets, but their game seems void of personality at the moment.

Does anyone know if Melo and Sascha share an agent?

I don't think so, R125. At least I have never heard of that being the case.

I’m so over Kei.

Pablo Andujar is so handsome. By far the best looking male Spanish player

Yes he is R128

Sloane eases past Stosur

Madrid loves women's tennis. Pliskova vs. Azarenka

Le Monf!

[R125] [R126] I don't think so,either. But Tsitsipas and Sascha share the same agent. Tsitsipas will have to win over Donskoy tomorrow to face Sascha in the 2nd round. I would love to see that match-up. For someone still only 19, he has a mature game,and he fights hard. He could possibly give Sascha some trouble. Not sure if he can handle Sascha's power,though.

Pablo

Shapo over Tennys yesterday

Pliskbot over Viki.

RBA over Donaldson, next up PCB and Coric...

[quote]..next up PCB and Coric

Porna won! 6-4 6-2

Jack Suck is about to lose his match against Cuevas

Both Donaldson and Sock gone, lost to RBA and Cuevas.

Porna!

Is Chung injured? If not then how the fuck did he lose 2-6 0-6 to Haase on any surface, but especially clay?

Suarez Navarro upsets Svitolina in 3

Carlo!

Raonic over Dimitrov

Shapo over Paire

Raonic vs Shapo tomorrow

Oh Canada!

Wow that Bernarda Para girl is smoking hot. She just beat Konta.

tomorrow has a bunch of interesting matches on the men and women's side. More interesting than today

Sascha twisted his ankle in his doubles match with Mischa but was fine to play on. I hope that remains the case for tomorrow!

Just because...

He's disqualified with the bearding and the apparent effects of gravity. Coric, Mmoh, PCB, Ramos-Vinola, Monfils, Nishikori and Tiafoe are better viewing from that angle anyway.

Serena out at Rome.

Can Kyle defeat Nole ?

I think Serena is done. Domi and Kiki look rather uncomfortable next to each other.

Berten crushed , Killed and destroyed Woz

Domi looks much more comfortable in this position

Yes Kyle !

Kyle Tiafoe!

Nole?

Nole.

I would love to see a sex tape involving one of Diego/Delpo/Dimitrov&Coach/Coric

I’m thinking lil Diego could go all night like the Everready Bunny. And he’s a top.

Djokovic is now looking painfully, worryingly thin. If there’s a male version of anorexia, he’s the poster boy.

Is he still with the mad Spanish guru?

When I’ve seen Djokovic in person he looks so much thinner than on TV. It’s rather shocking.

I don't know if his diet has changed over the years but maybe almost 10 years ago I read an interview featuring Nadal. He talked about food. He doesn't diet. He eats practically only a typical Spanish Mediterranean diet of course (that's how he grew up and he obviously has OCD/hates change). He eats all kinds of meats, fruits, vegetables even dessert. Obviously he trains hard too but the point is, he doesn't deprive himself and look, he's 1 of the best ever.

Djokovic's diet is obviously no longer working for him anymore. He should gain at least 15 pounds and stop this underweight nonsense.

I thought this article was interesting because of the way Djokovic talks. He's definitely bought into the whole New Age feel-good philosophy. Even if he gained weight, I don't think the results would improve. His whole mentality is different.

"Personally my life as a tennis player has changed since then. Not in a way of not having enough motivation or playing enough tournaments, but entering a new dimension of consciousness and being aware of myself as more than just a tennis player."

Hearts out.

Sharapova beats Kiki

^ I'm almost happy

LOL Thiem has been taking language lessons from Kiki, yelling Vamos out there

Those hams

R169 That's not all he was yelling out there.

R162 you mean Pepe Imaz? I dunno. I'm curious, too.

So remember I thought that guy we discussed was Kazijevs, but he is on the right here...no idea now who that is on the left and who has been at most Sascha matches recently.

Marcelo was not there tonight, but his own match finished relatively late.

bye bye guys see you next year

Why are you leaving, ESL?

Shifting to a new place and new job today . So very busy next few months for me . But hope to join you guys next year ..

Lets hope by that time Sasha and Melo had their baby

I, for one, will miss you during the next three majors, ESL. I hope you get some Vaseline and rub it between your legs while watching tennis when you’re away.

Haha, wouldn't that be something! Good luck, ESL!

Good luck, ESL. I hope you rejoin us soon.

Ah, shucks, ESL. I'll miss you, too. You should skirt out now and again to make a post on the old DL.

Guess Maria found a new performance-enhancing drug to take.

It’s for her heart condition, R181!

Sure looks like Sascha is enjoying that last bit of stretching there

R182 I thought it is for her diabetes?

Did not work in the end!

thank goodness Kiki Bertens vanquished Sharapova

I'm surprised at Del Potro losing to Lajovic and Edmund upsetting Goffin

Thiem is grotesque--the greasy fauxhawk with combover to expose the errant ears along with the Sad Beard.

pathetic choke by Borna.

I don't get the appeal of Thiem. His face is average at best

He has a beard? That would not be a good look on him.

Thiem’s hairdo is a hair don’t.

Marcelo back watching Sascha today!

Shapo over Raonic 6-4 6-4

Nadal sets another record. Most consecutive sets on the same surface. He's amazing.

R187 = scorned Rico Bolletti

Hardly, R194--you actually find Thiem's hair and ear flaps attractive? And his Beard show is a little much.

I think Thiem's adorable. Not saying he's handsome, just that I would definitely fuck him.

I agree that his beard is off putting though.

[quote]scorned Rico Bolletti

Rico seems to have vanished off the face of the earth...I bet that wench Kiki M. paid him off!

Can the Melo-Sascha stalkers please investigate the Rico-Domi relationship? Rico deleted his Instagram and hasn't won a match all year. He must've taken the break up hard.

Has Domithiem ever discussed his ass in public like Jack Sock and Nadal have?

Per Hollywood Holler:

"Andy Cohen Was Really High At The Met Gala

If there’s one event you’d like to be high at, it’s most likely going to be the Met Gala.

Andy Cohen nonchalantly revealed he was stoned during Monday’s annual fashion event. “He’s another talk show host, and it’s not Jimmy Fallon,” he said on his show alongside guests Brad Goreski and Winnie Harlow. “I ate a Cheeba Chew [edible] at dinner and I’ll tell you something, I was feeling no pain.”

He added, “After the Met Ball last night, I was busy drunkenly eating hamburgers at a gay bar trying not to get ketchup on my borrowed Dolce & Gabbana.”"

So sorry, folks. Wrong thread!

I like Shapavolov. He looks like a male teen version of Martina Navratilova. His mom looks like Martina too. Are they Russian Jews? I thought he was born in Russia and moved to Israel and then to Canada.

Shopbottom

Kvitova has won 9 matches in the last 11 days. Impressive from someone who is usually so inconsistent in her play.

I like Shapo, too. He's flashy and has a great personality. Milos is about as exciting as an Iowa interstate road in February.

Who do you think has a bigger dick? Little Diego or 6'6 Delpo?

I wonder how hairy Delpo's crack is? Imaging rimming that hairy beast. Sometimes he shaves his legs and forearms but I don't he does his ass.

of course fucking Thiem choked when serving at 5-4 40-30 against Nadal

but redeems himself by breaking and serving it out 7-5

Nadal consecutive clay sets won streak is over finally

Theim is successful the second time, and takes the set.

Wow. There is a god. Rafa loses to Thiem.

Roger back to number 1 where he belongs.

Nadal losing in Madrid is delicious....

My Prince!

yay Thiem! I hope he's in Nadal's half at RG. Even if he doesn't beat him, maybe he can tire him out.

To be fair, Nadal has done so much winning these last few weeks he may have been tired today. Thiem was impressive though.

Thiem did everything perfectly today. Nadal has always hated the altitude in Madrid and he has only won Madrid five times, I think....Rome seven times and we know about RG, BCN and MC. It is also significant that he broke the record yesterday and today he lost. I wonder what would have happened if today he had been the day for 49 and 50. I know he always says that he does not care about records but...yeah, whatever.

Nadal did not want to lose that first set. He got mad at himself when he did

Domicakes!

Shapo seems a bit more muscular these days, barely noticeable, but some nonetheless

Is Kyle Edmund gay? /wishful gaydar

Looking forward to Shapo/Edmund, but I'm not sure who I'm rooting for.

Also, Theim is objectively handsome (pockmarks aside - his skin has improved a lot)... reminds me of a young Duncan Black.

Kiki Bertens has brought her Charleston form to Madrid it seems. She defeated Wozniacki, Sharapova and Garcia consecutively and awaits the winner of Kvitova/Pliskova.

Rome draws are out. Some interesting first rounders in both men's/women's

[quote]Does he have a girlfriend and if so who? EDMUND is currently single and likes to try and keep his private life out of the media. He was rumoured to be dating a girl linked to the Lawn Tennis Association last year. In the past he has joked, "I have been told [girlfriends] are trouble."

I adore Shapo, I cannot lie.

R223 - yes, had googled myself and turned up the same article heh. Very inconclusive. I guess something about the way he holds his wrists, not limp but graceful /stereotype

Lil Shapo is so overhyped.

^ bitch stole my gig!

Shapo over Edmund in QF

Women's final will be Kvitova vs. Bertens

Men's SFs: Thiem vs. Anderson and Zverev vs. Edmund

I mean Zverev vs. Shapovalov lol

Three of those are in my wank bank.

I don't know how to call Thiem v Anderson. Thiem not a great returner, and Anderson actually has a ground game.

As a Rafa fan, I'm glad he lost. He needs as much rest as he can before the French. He'll be number one if he reaches the semis in Rome next week. Which he should do easily.

Finally a tournament in which Next Gen actually delivers ;) a very much needed fresh air i'd say!

Sasha has a nice streak as well - 4th tournament in which he's at least in semis

I'm a Rafa fan too but also glad he lost. It does get kind of boring.

Sascha v Shapo is really interesting.

too bad Zverev couldn't have played this way in the Miami final.

Is Bahamas gay friendly? Maybe Kyle Edmund moved there because he has a few boytoys there he can play with, apart from tax reason of course.

He "moved" there after making the Australian semifinals for tax reasons.

and Pospisil also moved to Bahamas I think

Bahamas is not gay-friendly.

Thiem would fit well here...

Why, R242?

Lil Shapo supposedly "lives" in the Bahamas too.

None of the Canadian players actually live in Canada. Ranoic in Monaco, Bouchard in Miami, Popsicle, Nestor and Shapo in the Bahamas.

Anderson is 6-0 over Thiem, but all on hard court. Is Thiem's win over Nadal any more significant than his 2017 6-3, 6-4 win over Nadal in the Rome quarters? Thiem next got destroyed by Djokovic 6-1, 6-0 in the semis, and he was routed by Nadal in the FO semis 6-3, 6-4, 6-0. Rafa and Domi are in the same Rome quarter again this year. We'll see.

Kyrgios and Raonic have pulled out in Rome. Tsitsipas (mmm) and Sousa (mmm-er) have to go through qualies.

Yeah, R245. This match on clay should definitely help Thiem, but he's not a great returner. If KA holds easily it's his match for the taking. Thiem will either have to 'tree up' his return game or hope KA has an off day serving. Or both.

First, I'm Canadian... That was a bit of an ugly win for Shapovalov... I am glad he lost second set after not giving Edmund the let on the interrupted serve. Technically I guess he didn't have to but it was a tactical and PT mistake when he was up a set and the point would not have won or lost the game. He would have been crucified at the French Open by the crowd. I think he gets caught up in the competitive need to win which bodes well for his career but...

Also continuing the porn comparisons, if Thiem looks like Duncan Black then Edmund looks like Todd Gibbs... poor guy he was so upset but stifled it the best he could. He must go through buckets of sun screen.

The guy I was wondering about in R173 seems to be Sergei Bubka Jr., so mystery solved! No idea if he has some official role in the team, but he was at Mischa's wedding as well.

R248 SBJ used to date Azarenka. He had a big accident a few years ago. He fell from the window of the bathroom of a Paris flat while he was trying to exit it. He recently married a model.

Wow, thanks for the info, R249! Glad he survived that.

Hmmm. Maybe there is some hope that it won't be another Nadal win at Roland Garros? More so because maybe Rafa will be a bit burned out or have inconsistent days like he did against Thiem yesterday? At least Thiem backed up his victory over Nadal by beating Anderson in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2. I didn't see the match, though.

It was dull, R251. And the pinguid dead animal that landed on Thiem's head needs to be removed from the court.

I didn't see the match either, but that was a convincing win, at least by the score. Good for Thiem, maybe he's finally bringing his game together and getting rid of all the errors?

so Thiem defends his points from last year when he lost the final to Nadal. Obviously this would be Thiem's biggest title (and first masters). Zverev is the favorite though based on his experience

Zverev is running away with it up 6-4, 3-0. Should be interesting to see how tense things get in the final tomorrow. Didn't things end badly between Thiem and him?

So Sascha wins 4 and 1. He's 1-4 against Thiem, but all the matches have been pretty close.

Maybe you mean someone else, R255, because this is the lastest Sascha/Thiem photo we have and they seem more than fine and before that we had Domi saying Sascha was the best view while they had their exhibition match in Acapulco, haha! I am really looking forward to the final!

Kvitova def. Bertens for the Madrid title in a long 3 set match. Based on form right now, Kvitova, Pliskova and Bertens are contenders for RG. The only problem though is that Charleston is green clay, Stuttgart and Prague are indoors and Madrid is like partially indoors plus a high altitude. Rome is a much better gauge for RG prospects as it's an old stadium, slow court and completely outdoors

[quote]Is Thiem's win over Nadal any more significant than his 2017 6-3, 6-4 win over Nadal in the Rome quarters?

I didn't see Thiem's win last year, but I suspected Nadal wasn't particularly motivated to win that match after having won everything before that in the clay court season. I even thought he might've wanted to lose around that stage to get some rest before RG.

I also didn't see Thiem's win this year, but I suspect the same. I even wonder if Nadal sort of "hides" his weapons during such matches so that a potential rival doesn't get experience dealing with his top game. It's a smart move by Nadal, I think, if that's the case. If Thiem and Nadal met again at RG this year, i would expect Nadal to breeze through again.

R259, for what it's worth, I saw the recent Thiem-Nadal match and would not have described Nadal as unmotivated. In fact, he played very well, but Thiem's level was just too high. Nadal was noticeably upset after dropping the first set, and he paced around talking to himself and his team. Towards the end of the second set, when it was clear that he couldn't make any inroads against Them, he stopped fighting so hard, but he left the court wearing one of his darkest scowls. I think he really did not want to surrender the No. 1 ranking to Federer.

This, r255

Actually, I meant to add that Courtney Nguyen just tweeted the same photo in r261 with the caption [italic]Call Me By Your Name[/italic]. Does she know something we don’t, either that the two are a (cute) item or that one or both of them are secretly fucking or being fucked by Armie Hammer? I’d happily pay to see either of those...

If Courtney did know something, I don't think she would reveal it. Believe me, I have my criticisms of Courtney, and don't agree with all of her commentary, but she is serious about her work and I don't think she would damage her reputation by outing someone.

Having said that, I don't know what she was going for with that comment.

That is funny and interesting, will follow her now. Thanks, R261/R262.

Thanks for the background, R263.

Well Thiem certainly looks quite lusty in that photo. His hair is gorgeous!

That’s why his current ‘do is such a don’t. 😒

What happened to Bob Bryan that made the bros retire?

So Nadal gets Thiem again in his quarter in Rome. Interesting. I suspect Nadal wins that’s one. Different altitude and more similar to FO.

Compelling caption.

Venus is playing doubles with Keys in Rome.

First matches in Roma

Wawrinka is back...and loses to Steve Johnson

Sock comfortably beats Ferrer

Harrison def Sugita

Italian Wild Card Sonego beats Mannarino

Bob Bryan injured his hip.

Zverev tops Thiem in the Madrid final.

Sascha played so well all week! He was very, very focused!

I am going to need gifs of this

R270 they both need clay matches before RG.

Just to offer sascha alternatives

Some interesting (and easy on the eyes) 1st round Rome matches: Coric - Tsitsipas, Nishikori - Lopez, Monfils - Fognini...

Dear God Rafa was hot. Is hot.

[quote]Zverev tops Thiem in the Madrid final

It wasn't very....compelling. I thought the women's final was a lot more fun to watch

Yeah the full-upper-body-contact hug at the net was the most exciting part. Oh well.

My favorite post-match moment was when Sascha carressed Dominic's hair (what's left of it); very sweet and affectionate. I hope their friendship remains strong.

[quote] Sascha was just looking at Domi’s butt. It IS mesmerizing.

Yes we need gifs or a clip of this.

It's Kiki's birthday today. She will get Thiem's ass as a present

Just saw the first-round match in Rome between Pablo Carreno Busta and Jared Donaldson, with closet queen Gambill keeping a beady eye on his charge Donaldson. Two little observations: 1) Donaldson looks like a tortured soul on court, and coming out might help with that and also improve his stuttering non-flowing game; 2) Carreno Busta always seems to be half hard when he plays, clearly dressing almost directly horizontally to the right, and seeing me about that will certainly be of great benefit to the two of us.

Was JMG shirtless?

[quote]It's Kiki's birthday today.

Thiem's better half is his ass.

I like Kiki's sunglasses.

Here are some, R282, but it's honestly difficult to know for sure what he is staring at, haha

Domi looks like a scolded puppy.

[quote] but it's honestly difficult to know for sure what he is staring at, haha

True.

Better half? They act like they've been together for years. Embarrassing.

Where is Thiem’s cake?

Looks to me like Sasha tried to get a feel of Thiem's ass with the backside of his hand in the R289 clip.

There was also the video of him grabbing at another guy's crotch on the practice court. Maybe he's a bit curious?

Wow Matteo Berrettini is super pretty (beat Tiafoe today in Rome). (Some photos do not do him justice.)

Ummmm, what? Haha

Even our dear beloved Courtney Nguyen is scratching her head at that, r296, and is asking the Egyptian journo if it’s real.

Our Domi sure has got some chutzpah if it’s true, and a great sense of humour if he’s pulling our leg. Either way, I like the kid more and more.

What about Rico? Poor Rico...

Pouille was bulging all over the place this morning. My boy Shapo is on right now, he of the furry blond legs.

Pouille, the Last Emperor

Berdych is definitely on his last legs as he's been losing to a number of young guns in the last year: Zverev, Khachanov, Kokkinakis, Rublev, Chung, Tiafoe and now Shapovalov I expect by the end of the year some of them (well Zverev already) will be ranked higher than him

The full quote:

[quote]Question: Your relationship with Gulbis, is it still open? You still have connection with him? Thiem: I’m in relationship now with Kiki. I finished with Gulbis and signed with Kiki. No, it’s – yeah, he’s in Vienna practicing. So, when I’m there and he’s there, we see each other every day. Actually, before clay court season, we practiced together for two weeks. And he’s playing well in practice, playing good. For him, as well, there was a lot of change. He’s a father now so that’s, for sure, a big change for him. But in general, we still have a good relationship. And I hope that he still can come back.

since we know Gulbis isn't a fan of gays...

Here is the context for that Domi quote!

Sascha was in a great mood in the doubles match, signalling to and smiling at Kuznetsova and/or Hercog who were on the next court, giving Domi a shoulder/chest bump during one change of ends!

Ah, sorry posted before seeing your post, R302.

lol anyone see this? Yesterday Sharapova hit a bit with Nadal. She referred to him as the GOAT in her tweet, prompting a swarm of angry Fed fans to respond and chew her out

now I'm not even a Sharapova or Nadal fan but damn, Federer fans as a whole are the most annoying fan base in all of sports

Maria wins a three set match. No melodonium but she took a 15 minute toilet break before the third set.

and Barty is not a clay player. Most Aussies aren't except for Stosur

She’s got to get that delicate heart to stop beating so hard, and she was probably on the verge of a hyperglycaemic [italic]and[/italic] hypoglycaemic coma (you know if anyone can do both at once, it’s her), so she needed to get her TUEs in via a quick IV drip, r307. Surprised she only took 15 minutes.

How do you solve a problem like Maria?

Maria had explosive diarrhea that's why she took so long

Pova was rubbing her arm during the second and third sets. Withdrawal incoming

I’m watching a replay of Seppi v Pouille, and am literally gobsmacked (and smacking my lips) as Pouille keeps yanking at that apparently indomitable thing he’s got in his shorts. It seems as if his jockstrap can barely contain it. Has nobody pointed this out to him???

Coric retired down 1-4 to Tsitsipas. Hope it's not the knee again

Apparently Coric had a neck issue.

Rome is dumping the WTA numbers 1 and 2 on court 3 tomorrow along with Nole. I can't blame them though.

Kiki retired down 3-6 0-3 against Sevastova . Should we blame Thiem's birthday anniversary euphoria?

There are two really hot Italian wild cards. The one up thread and the other one who beat Cuevas. I'm too lazy to look up their names.

R318 Matteo Berrettini & Marco Cecchinato....Marco lost his 2nd round match against Goffin today

Matteo & friend

Funny R313 I usually look at Pouille from the other side.

Sock loses again! 5-9 for the year now

Jack Suck

Even TennisTV noticed

LOL I love when Sock loses. The commentators on Tennis Channel tongue bathe him like he's the second coming of Laver.

Noticed what, R234?

The shoulder/chest bump mentioned earlier, R326

Shapovalov will be the new Canadian number one. Heh, a much more exciting number one than Raonic was.

Pig-snotted Raonic

Petra did right thing by pulling out of Rome . Earlier they use to give first round byes to all the four semifinalist of Madrid open regardless of their ranking . I don't know why they changed the rule?

ESL! You're back. I hope to stay.

Thanks a lot R331. I am also glad I am back . Had no idea DL can be this addictive . Still lot of unpacking to do[ I will do on weekend]

Don't forget to unpack your vaseline.

LOL. R333 I really don't understand how these players travel on weekly basis all around the world sometimes across the continent and still play such a high level of tennis. I can understand a little about high ranked players . They can afford private jets, stay at five star hotels and can travel through the city in chauffeur driven limousines . But what about those poor journey men ? They travel in cheapest flight or even train, stay at cheapest motel on sharing basis , use public transport to reach stadium from their motel.

I am so exhausted after just one relocation .

Just look at Sasha. He won Madrid last week . Played doubles on Tuesday. And still gets time and energy to flirt with men

Glad to see ya, ESL.

I'm glad you're back, ESL.

As I expected Isner imploded. Even after winning a masters there is absolute no change in him[or in Sam ]

Bye bye Thiem. Beaten by Fognini

Fognini was playing well. He has really strange proportions for a high level tennis player.

Such as, R339?

Domi got fogged 🌫

Basilashvili is looking sexy in his tight white t-shirt and shorts against Djokovic. His t-shirt is becoming wet and see-through in the second set, and the shorts show off his thighs and his bits.

Bye, Domi. Bye, Dimi.

Dimitrov and his coach will probably grudge fuck each other tonight.

It's also Grigor's birthday (27)

How will young Grigor celebrate? May I be of service?

^ back off, bitch. I got it.

[quote]Basilashvili is looking sexy in his tight white t-shirt and shorts against Djokovic.

white 'n tight indeed ;)

When the cameraman pans the crowd with a non-English speaking control room crew broadcasting a live tennis match :)

Del Potro vs. Tsitsipas

(10 minutes ago)

Džumhur is one hot little number and it looked like he was packing. I am his number one fan.

Karolina and her sister are ugly from inside and outside . hope they ban her from French open she is clearly mentally ill

R351 what happened?

Fognini, big head, short arms, long torso, short legs.

[quote]what happened?

In her match against Sakkari, the Pliskobot (Karo) hit a smash that was clearly in but it was called out. There was a lot of arguing/drama with the umpire and supervisor but the call didn't get overruled. Pliskova lost the match and started smashing the umpire's chair with her racket (leaving a big hole in it)

Here's the entire thing

Canadian tennis drama.

Lesser Pliskbot is pissed: "The worst i have ever seen @wta and i hope this lady Marta Mrozinska will never ever judge any match of me or Karolina again #blacklistforever"

Divatrov had a Donaldsonesque meltdown (much more brief though) in his match against Nishikori today, yelling at Bernardes to show him the mark. From the replay, it was hard to tell, but looked like he might have hada point... Iirc it was in the first set though which he ended up winning, so can't blame his loss on that.

I don't blame Pliskova for losing it. I would have as well. What a horrendous call at such a crucial moment in the match.

It's a shitty call, but you don't do what she did on a Mumbai playground, let alone at a prestigious clay court tournament. There's no class there.

yeah the call was awful but Pliskova was way out of line to damage the chair like that. Even worse is the fact that the umpire was still sitting in it, making it seem like Pliskova wanted to hit her. She should certainly get fined for that.

About Francoise Abanda's comments, she does have some talent but has not shown much consistency. It is true that Bouchard was hyped, promoted and funded heavily even before she made it on tour. Bouchard even stayed an extra year on the junior's so she could win a slam at age 18 when most girls who plan on going pro are already on the pro tour.

R358 lol we've seen Grigor's temper before. He seems to lose it more often on clay

so glad Venus finally got another win over Vesnina

I'm surprised lil Diego lost to Paire

Maria was on fire in the third set against mini-Dominika

maybe it's a full moon in Rome with all these tantrums...at least Domi gave his smashed racket to someone in the crowd ;)

Berrettini didn't look keen on Sascha's help

Wonder if Shapo can repeat his Montreal victory over Nadal when they meet tomorrow?

omg Muguruza is such a nutjob. She again choked a match she should have won. She was even up a double break in the third set but ended up losing in a tiebreak to Gavrilova

Mugurutha

Muguruseless

Does Abanda not realize she's received Wildcards into the Canadian Open 5 times, and the WTA Quebec event 5 times? Is she expecting to get wildcards into Rome and Madrid every year even though she's been on tour for over 5 years and has never cracked the Top 100?

I’ve never particularly liked Witherspoon, but like what she’s doing here. And like the idea that the doco on Navratilova looks at her impact on a young gayling’s life.

Agreed R372, that's interesting. I'll watch it. I never had much against Reese other than the fact that she got to nail Ryan all those years.

ATP to add 25 second shot clock to matches, in attempt to speed up play. Will Rafa have to speed up his butt-picking?

text

The ATP is aiming to tighten up time between points—and tidy up towel usage.

The ATP will likely add a 25-second shot clock—and require players to use a towel rack at the back wall rather than use ball kids as towel deliverers—either next year or in 2020, the BBC's Russell Fuller reports.

Watch: Thiem Trashes Stick

The ATP will implement a 25-second shot clock, reduce the warm-up by a minute and add towel racks in an effort to speed up the pace of play.

ATP executive chairman Chris Kermode discussed the proposed changes at a press conference to promote the launch of the 2018 NextGen Finals.

The inaugural NextGen Finals last November introduced a number of innovations, including four-game sets, a 25-second shot clock, no ad scoring, no let rule and coaching.

This year's edition of the NextGen Finals will feature a one-minute reduction in warm-up time to four minutes and the towel rack on the back wall where players will retrieve their own towels.

Kermode said he believes the rule changes used in the NextGen Finals will eventually be adopted by the ATP Tour.

"I think that's a good thing," Kermode said in comments published by BBC. "When we first started this we never committed to what date we would do any of these, because we needed to take a cautious approach.

"I think we can also look at the medical time outs and the toilet breaks, again to speed up play. I think we can get those done quite quickly as well."

The 2018 US Open will clock a major rule change.

For the first time in Grand Slam tournament history, the Open will use a 25-second shot clock during main-draw matches. Players will have 25 seconds from the end of a point to serve the next point.

The US Open and Australian Open have already employed a shot-clock during qualifying rounds; Roland Garros announced it will use a shot clock in the qualifying tournament this month.

Sharapova-Cibulkova was a lot of fun yesterday. Hilarious that pure unadulterated hatred for each other made them both play rather well

Pouille complains about seagulls...

Umpire (Gianluca Moscarella): "I can try to talk to him. Cra Cra Cra Cra (mimicking the seagull sound)", "you see, he left, almost!"

ugh. Nadull and Shriekapova keep winning

Godawful--Nadal, Djokovic, Cilic and either Zverev or Edmund; Sourpova, Halep, Svitolina & Kontaveit zzzzzzzz

Correction, Goffin or Zverev....

so it will be Svitolina vs. Kontaveitt

Nadal vs. Djokovic

Sharapova vs. Halep

Cilic vs. Zverev

Help

so clearly Thiem doesn't want to win RG even though he's a top contender after Nadal. For whatever reason, he feels he hasn't gotten enough clay matches in and is playing this coming week. I know he's fit but you can still get injured. Most serious contenders for slam titles who have played plenty of matches skip the week before a slam intentionally to practice and rest.

his coach is as insane as he is

When the fans show you love, give it right back!

A Zverev

Rafa and Nole today. I don't think Nole got enough time to recover.

Maria played some brilliant tennis but she still has lot of problem closing/finishing sets and matches . Her confidence level is still not there.

Help is in superb form this week plus she will be fresh against a physically depleted Maria.

No idea about Marin vs Sasha . I guess Marin has an edge because Sasha is tired

but clay is Cilic's worst surface by far. If Zverev is not tired, he should win

ESl, what are your thoughts about American players like Isner, Sock, Tiafoe and others?

When do the French Open draws come out?

5/25

Why haven't we talked about Nadal's cuntiness in INSISTING to play Fognini in the noon match on Friday?? Commentators speculate he didn't dare want to play Fabs at night before an Italian crowd. So Nadal is pulling a Fed and wanting a cushier schedule. I so wanted Fognini to beat him for several reasons

Nadal has earned the right to ask for whatever he wants. One of the perks of being the best.

Fognini is just as obnoxious as the Rome crowd has had the reputation of being ever since Borg threatened to walk out of Foro Italico. I'd also like to see someone topple Nadal, but it'd be someone other than prima donna Fognini or sour Djokovic.

[quote] One of the perks of being the best.

?

R393, get the fuck out of here!

R395, Rafa is the best clay court player of all time. He gets perks as a result.

Mirka, go eat a case of Toblerones.

Yeah, I don't think anyone can make a credible case that Rafa isn't the GOAT on clay. I don't think even Mirka or Fed would argue it.

Nole will be tough to beat in RG. I don't see anyone besides Nadal or probably Sasha beating him in RG

Rafa over Nole in straights, 7-6(4), 6-3. Sigh. I was hoping Nole would beat him.

R393 Mirka will argue with anyone over anything if she still isn't sated after her frenzy at the trough.

well done Halep. Someone finally beat Pova. Halep got help from Barty, Cibulkova and especially Ostapenko stretching her to 3 sets though. Unfortunately with this form, Pova has as good of a shot as anyone to win RG, especially since they get a day off between rounds and the bigger draw gives you a higher chance of easy opening rounds. Pova will be seeded too

Now Halep will take on Svitolina for a rematch of last year's Rome final

Funny. Fed asks for and gets the start times he wants, and the sheep swoon.

Federer and Nadal are both known to take advantage of any and all perks given to them. While I'm not a fan of entitled behavior, I put the blame on tournaments giving them all those perks. This is what happens when so few players of a generation win multiple slams. Djokovic is the only one who came close. Murray with his 3 slams gets the royal treatment at Wimbledon and he got it even before he won that title.

Murray deserves it because of his thighs.

Sascha is now leading the Live ATP Race!

I'm impressed Zverev won Madrid and reached the Rome final with several long matches. His fitness is much improved

Sascha's never even made a QF at a major and only a fourth round once.

that is true. I think he's due at RG with the way he's been playing.

I don't know what's going on with Halep but Svitolina won the first set 6-0 in 19 minutes!

6-0 6-4. 67 minutes

A few years ago when it was coming down to the wire between Fed and Djerkie for #1, tournaments would always play Fed at night to sell more tickets. Which is fine, until he has a quick turnaround on Sunday afternoon. Fed never got to play such an early match as he aged.

Serena looked terrific at the royal wedding.

And Help fans wonder why she doesn't get regular sponsors from big companies despite being no 1

2-8 Simona Halep vs Top-10 players in finals.

Last time she beat a Top-10 player in final: February 2014, Doha.

More accomplishment by Help

What is that thing in Serena' hair ?

Wow, ESL, those are some revealing stats at R415. I'm not a big fan of Svitolina, but she has the best record against the top 4, with Kvitova coming in a close second. By the way, though, why isn't Serena on that list?

She has not played much WTA tournaments since 2015. And even though she has won Grandslams in 2015 and 2016, she did that mainly by defeating players like Garbine , Lucie, Timea , Sara, Vika, Vesnina , Simona , Maria when those players were not in top 4 I think she has played too few top 4 players since 2015 to make into that list .

Thanks, ESL (R418).

RAFA cruising - 5-1

6-1 Zverev in the second. Didn't see it coming

A Zverev!

What does that mean ? Is Sasha "cruising" now

Zverev breaks immediately at the beginning of the third. 2-0

Can Sasha do the unthinkable? Can he really beat Nadal on clay ?

🌧 ☔️

How do you do that r426?

Mischa has become fat after marriage

Zverev up 3-1 and then a rain delay. Zverev had all the momentum. Hopefully the delay doesn't throw him off.

To whom does Zverev appeal?

I don;t like either Nadal or Sascha. I'll root for Zverev today though.

of course Nadal gets a rain delay. I expect Zverev to come out flat when play resumes

Best outcome would be both struck by lightning.

Aaaaand Zverev comes out flat and is broken back right away.

of course. It's like the tennis gods refuse to let Nadal lose 2 big clay tournaments in a row

So predictable!

Nadol won all games after the rain. 6-3

and it's over. Zverev is still a mental midget. The pathetic loss in the Miami final and now his third choke against Nadal (Indian Wells a couple years ago and AO last year)

After the rain delay, it looked like Zverev had no strategy in mind against Nadal. He just mindlessly rallied with no purpose. I'd give anything to have someone beat Nadal at Roland Garros. Last year was so dreadfully boring as everyone rolled over for Nadal. I'm hoping this year will be different, but it sure doesn't look like it.

Rafa, with a little luck from the weather gods, is simply amazing. Hate him all you want. Two more Slams (and assuming Fed doesn't win anymore) and it'll be tough to not crown him the co-GOAT. The head to head with Fed, despite his recent winning streak, is so lopsided that being down only two Slams should make them just about even.

Love Rafa and came back like a beast. You have to respect him. And damn is he tan!

He has sun damage to his face R441 he clearly doesn't use sunblock and it has aged him tremendously

Rafa is tough as nails. It's about winning. Pretty tennis is secondary.

^ this. And I'd still fuck him ten ways to Sunday, R442.

Meanwhile, this was Tommy Robredo today, crying after winning a Challenger event at 36yo. A guy that was on top 10 and made multiple Grand Slam QFs.

Why he is still playing tennis ?He can earn more money by becoming a coach or even a male escort

ATP Rankings before 2017 Roland Garros:

1. Misery

2. Nole

3. Stan

None of them will be ranked Top-20 before 2018 Roland Garros.

Such is life guys .

Is Robredo officially not gay now?

Aww, sweet Tommy. He's always been so handsome. And I'm a sucker for male crybabies.

Tommy was probably in tears because he won that beautiful pottery vase

Gee, ESL....maybe because Tommy still enjoys playing and competing, and money isn't an issue?

Zverev look like a complete Euro douche playing with all those necklaces

I always liked Tommy. Pretty to look at, with a nice game and that glorious one-handed BH, and reportedly openly gay. Another guy with talent who just wasn't big enough to make much of an impact at the Masters or Majors.

Who's his bf?

Am haunted by that doc bout Serena, what little I saw. she was a big beast bride in that tittys out white prom dress, the place full of other beasts, her dancing with her hot hubby, the eye popping view of her snatch when he 'lifted' her fat ass up....omg, is this a flattering look at her.??? Gessh. I was shocked...

HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR GRINS

JUST HOW DID SHE SNAG HIM. HE SEEMS VERY DECENT (tho rich huh)

Jared Donaldson finally wins a match (in Geneva)

Frank Schiavone's tan matches the clay

Tiafoe wins a close run match against Harrison in Geneva

Mannarino and Monfils out in first round in Lyon

Frank couldn't be more dikey if she tried.

It looks like Marcelo is in Monte Carlo with Sascha! I had been concerned that we weren't seeing much of them together as of late!

[R458] I just saw that! I bet he was on the boat with Sascha earlier in the day,too. It does seem like they've been keeping a lower profile of late,though.

Yes, the thought crossed my mind too that he may have been there, R459! It does seems so, but if Sascha is posting at 12:30 am from his one-bedroom apartment that they were just playing FIFA, it's more than likely Marcelo is staying with him till they head to Paris...and that's not much of a low profile. So thank you, Sascha for not 100% playing along with any such low profile plans, haha!

[R460]Oh, I'm sure they will try to make the most of this brief holiday and spend as much time together as possible. ;-)

Haha, yes, I agree, R461! It would be nice if we got a picture or video of them both sometime this week! We can hope!

[R249] OMG, I'm not trying to make light out of a terrible incident; but the first thing that popped into my head when I read this post was the Allman Bros. song,One Way Out (0ne way out,Lord,I can't go out the door). Glad Bubka survived and recovered from his injuries.

Who's this handsome Rubin guy who played Baghdatis? He's striking.

You can't pretend I would pay an hotel! Maybe I can also get him to fly me to Paris for free

Well, it would make sense to stay with Sascha for sure, R465, haha! The funny thing is that looking at both the video Sascha shared from Monaco a few weeks ago and yesterday's post, the TV/table is not the same, so maybe the first one was not Sascha's apartment after all but Marcelo's hotel room. Anyway, I still think it's likely they are now staying at Sascha's place and he did say it was one bedroom as noted. That is all the information I care about, haha!

Is Sascha an insatiable bottom?

R464 he's been on tour a couple years now. He beat Paire at the AO a year or so ago and Paire was so bitter afterwards, basically saying Rubin had no talent. Rubin is a quick player who's not super powerful but he can be a shotmaker.

He has a nice furry chest. He's looks small though.

Fucsovics....yum!

Fucsovics

Fucsovics is like a hotter and more muscular Berdych

teen daddy Taylor Fritz just won his match against Jack Sock in Lyon

...and Benoit Paire has a new look 👀

oh dear, that is truly awful Re Paire

Paire is such a moron. He's 1 of those guys who is naturally good-looking but doesn't maximize his appearance. He chooses to have an ugly ass long beard, is way too skinny, doesn't use sunblock (his skin is now wrinkle-filled) and now this ugly bleach shit on his head. Gross. Not to mention he's just an asshole in general

Lift to Paris got

French Open, Qualifying 1R

Dalila Jakupovic d. Eugenie Bouchard (ret.)

That was quick.

Robin Haase wants to know how hot he is on a scale of 1 to 10 which according to him means Grigor Dmitrov.

I'm saving myself for the Slams! oh, wait...

[quote] Dalila Jakupovic d. Eugenie Bouchard (ret.)

Pencil is still at the ready.

Haase is about a 5 I guess. He's not bad looking but in my book, no sex appeal whatsoever

Roland Garros quali

#1 seed Taro Daniel lost to Novak in round 2

Kokkinakis out against Zopp

Tomic won the first 2 matches. Deciding round vs Oliveira from Portugal

LOL at Genie. Gurl, bye.

Gonna miss the poor Kokk.

Haase has great curly hair when he grows it out. He's a 7.4995 with long hair.

Kudla and his yummy thighs.

Where?

I was watching the Wawrinka Fucsovics match....and what a hunk. He looks beefier than in some of the pics.

RG main draws are out...I won't spoil for anyone who likes to look for himself

Potential fourth round meeting between Serena and Sharadopa?

Argentinian player Nicolas Kicker has been found guilty of match fixing and could face a lifetime ban

Interesting, R489. This makes for one happy Lucky Loser.

Haha!

Nadal has a tough opener, but then he faces no body challenging until Cilic or Del Porto (neither great clay courters) in the semis. Nole, Kei, Zverev, Thiem, Dmitri are all in the bottom half of the draw.

Muguruza vs. Kuznetsova first round!

Wozniacki - Collins first round!

I can't believe they made Schiavone (former champ) go through qualifying. Rude.

To each his own, R487. I give Haase a solid 7 and plenty of sex appeal in my book.

R481, that is.

this is a rare instance when Nadal actually draws someone who is capable of playing him tough in the first round of a slam. Now Dolgopolov is a flake and could get crushed but he could also push Nadal if he's in good form.

French Open thread linked below:

Young Grigory

Fucsovics wins! He will play Gojowczyk tomorrow.

On another note, what's up with Fognini's outfit?

Wow, r493, a couple years ago that would have been a semi or final.

Fucsovics wins Geneve

Thiem wins Lyon after another 3 setter

Larsson wins Nuremberg

Pavlyuchenkova wins Strasbourg

It's nice seeing more and more first time title winners on the men's side.

Pavlyuchenkova is the queen of tiny tournaments.

Bump, now that the French is over.

Sad to see Maria Bueno has died. Too young to have ever seen her, but seemed like a great lady, and very graceful on court, like a Federer or Goolagong.

Trivia: Counting only the Open era of tennis that started 50 years ago, only three Grand Slam champions have died.

sad about Bueno indeed

onto the grass. I hope caveman grunting Nadal loses first round at Wimbledon. so sick of him. I can't wait for the USO when they will initiate the stop clock between points. He's going to have so many meltdowns and will feel rushed to finish his bizarre OCD routines such as putting imaginary hair behind his ears.

Was she related to Taco?

Onto the grass we go!

What should we discuss first before the grass season? Paire’s boyfriend? Federer’s rumored new clothing $pon$or$hip with uniqlo? Orka’s food budget?

Tomic has qualified for the main draw in 's-Hertogenbosch

When does Laver Cup start this year?

so right now there are 14 active women's slam champs

Serena: 23-6

Venus: 7-9

Sharapova: 5-5

Kuznetsova, Azarenka: 2-2

Kerber, Muguruza: 2-1

Kvitova: 2-0

Halep: 1-3

Wozniacki: 1-2

Schiavone, Stosur, Stephens: 1-1

Ostapenko: 1-0

There are also 11 active Slam finalists:

Zvonareva: 0-2

Jankovic, Radwanska, Errani, Lisicki, Cibulkova, Bouchard, Safarova, Vinci, Pliskova, Keys: 0-1

*Zvonareva is trying to make a comeback but has had some injuries. Jankovic recently had eye surgery but hasn't retired yet though it's likely coming. Schiavone and Vinci are likely going to retire soon too but so far they're all still on tour

There are 7 active men's slam champs

Federer: 20-10

Nadal: 17-7

Djokovic: 12-9

Murray: 3-8

Wawrinka: 3-1

Cilic: 1-2

Del Potro: 1-0

8 active slam finalists:

Baghdatis, Tsonga, Berdych, Ferrer, Nishikori, Raonic, Anderson, Thiem: 0-1

I find R511's info so compelling. I also think Kevin Anderson is sexy as fuck.

Vinci retired, ending her career at the Italian Open, last month.

[quote] Schiavone and Vinci are likely going to retire soon too but so far they're all still on tour

Rome was the last tournament for Roberta Vinci. They had the farewell ceremony after her first round loss there

ok so 10 active slam finalists on the women's tour

hoping we get a shock men's final at Wimbledon. 2 new finalists

Last six Grand Slams

Federer

Nadal

Federer

Nadal

Federer

Nadal

Federer will win Wimbledon but Delpo will win US Open.

Laver Cup, Chicago, later September.

Del Potro is now back up to his previous career high ranking of #4. If he stays healthy and keeps playing well, he could definitely enter the US with the #3 ranking as he doesn't have much to defend until then.

Nadal maintains his 100 point lead over Federer by defending his RG title.

At the halfway point in the year, here are the top 8 in the race in to London:

Nadal, Zverev, Federer, Del Potro, Thiem, Cilic, Anderson and Isner.

Little Diego will be #11

Cecchinato goes up to #27

can we talk about paire’s boyfriend actually? he and shy’m broke up earlier this year right?

He and who? Who broke up? What is this about Paire that I know nothing of and need to know ASAP? Please and thank you.

[quote] Laver Cup, Chicago, later September.

Thank you. Is this where we talk about it?

Popsicle & Christian Harrison

Wow, seems that they're as hot as they are brain-dead...

JMG with his hot bf

Sara Errani collapse is complete

Ironically, Errani's best Slam result was a French Final, losing to Sharapova. If tennis stripped titles like the Olympics strips medals, Stosur and Kvitova would have to split the 2012 French title.

We need more of the cheats to be caught.

Do we believe that Sharapova, Lepchenko and the Belarus guy no-one has ever heard from were the only players taking Meldonium before 2016?

Grass court tennis has begun! Get ready for Wimbledon!

I always get nostalgic for Wimbledon because as a kid in the 80s, it was the first time in the year that I could binge on tennis. Sure, there were some recaps of the French Open in the newspaper, and NBC covered the finals (albeit on tape delay, and thus edited if the match ran long). But Wimbledon! NBC had the preview show, the Sunday NY Times printed the whole draws, local TV news and papers actually printed results and showed highlights, we got full coverage on the first Saturday, more highlights on the Sunday of no play. Then the NBC highlight show aired every night the second week, before Carson. (And it was summer, so I could stay up late to watch it!) NBC covered 4th round matches on Monday, AND Semis on Thursday and Friday AND the Finals *live* on the weekend.

We take for granted now the access we have to the sport, draws, viewing options, interviews, press conferences. But back in those days, every bit of coverage was like gold, which made it all the more exciting. While I appreciate today's coverage, what we experienced back then just made Wimbledon feel even more *special*.

And HBO had wall-to-wall coverage, without commercials, when NBC didn't, so if your parents finally splurged on HBO in the late 80s, you could watch Boris Becker in all white to your heart's content.

I hope she stays out of the game forever, now. I’d be happier only if they decided to end Sharapova’s career and not just Errani’s.

Which grass tournament is on now, and who’s playing?

R529 Wouldn't affect Sharapove anyway, Meldonium was only banned in January 2016

[quote]Which grass tournament is on now, and who’s playing?

ATP: Mercedes Cup, Stuttgart & Libema Open, s-Hertogenbosch

Top seeds Stuttgart: Federer, Pouille, Berdych, Kyrgios, Kohlschreiber, Shapovalov, Raonic & Feliciano Lopez

Top seeds s-Hertogenbosch: Mannarino, Gasquet, Gilles Muller, Verdasco, Tsitsipas, Haase, Sugita, Seppi

WTA: Nature Valley Open, Nottingham & Libema Open, s-Hertogenbosch

Top seeds Nottingham: Barty, Rybarikova, Osaka, Konta, Buzarnescu, Vekic, Diyas, Giorgi

Top seeds s-Hertogenbosch: Coco, Mertens, Bertens, Kontaveit, Zhang, Van Uytvanck, Krunic, Sabalenka

Thanks, R536.

Totally with you, R531. I just loved that old NBC era. But I'm grateful now for Tennis Channel and ESPN and how much tennis we can get. Amazing to think not long ago I had to wait til the next day and read in the paper the results of a major semifinal! Insane. Love that NBC theme, too. Major memories.

No Zverevs playing on these grass tournaments.

R539 should have been a question.

Mischa Zverev is playing Stuttgart and will face Federer in the 1st round

Daddy's back, kids. Did you miss?

Yes, R542. Glad you're back. Time for some finesse and class. Kinda tired of Nadal's OCD pulls and tugs, although he is a fine physical specimen.

For a bottom guys Domi actually has a decent size dong . You guys need to zoom this pic.

Shirt change for Misha

r544 yet another pic of the inlovest couple ever

which couple does DL like more? Domi/Kiki or former couple Masha/Grigor?

I know where my sentiments lie.

I thought Spanish 's guys are uncut

That’s not his dick, you dick @r549, that’s a seam in his shorts. Are you sure you’re gay???

Rafa has a magnificent ass but I think he got short-changed up front. God divides.

I am very intrigued by Paire. The recent link is very telling...or IS it? We just can't know definitively about any of the male pros we suspect, be it Sacha, Thiem, Mello, Kontinen, and others. They tease. They suggest. They don't, however, come out. Surmising and conjecture on DL is great fun, mind you, but sometimes I just wish we knew without a doubt.

For you info R552, My coach is definitely gay

R553 I had him first!

I am happy to report that Marcelo is back making fun of Sascha...in case anyone was concerned, haha.

[R523] benoit paire was dating french singer shy’m for about two years, they recently broke up (paire opened up about it in a couple articles some weeks ago, think theyre in french tho), and now he’s been posting weird stuff on his ig story

R555 Sascha deserved that one. Haha

He did indeed, R557, haha!

Federer is wearing Nike for his first match in Stuttgart

Marion isn’t coming out of retirement after all.

Nadal out of Queen's. I am shocked, I tell you, shocked.

What's with the ugly faux grass seat covers in Stuttgart? Do they serve some purpose?

How did Federer do today?

Federer won in three. He was rusty and in a very bad mood.

Marion will be starring in the French version of "This Is Us".

Re: the Wimbledon comments above: I never got HBO (or more accurately, my parents never got HBO) so NBC was my only access to watching Wimbledon. But that's ok, I loved it, especially because I loved Bud Collins. I knew of Bud because we'd get the Boston Globe when I was a kid, so I read his tennis articles. Yeah, he was kooky, but he made listening and watching fun, especially for the young.

One of the things I remember was watching the late night highlights shows and remembering all the long shots that did well at one or two Wimbledons. (Jennifer Mundel, '83 QF; Yvonne Vermaak, '83 SF; Carina Karlsson '84 QF; Chris Lewis, '83 F; Paul Annacone, '84 QF, etc.) Then when the US Open draw came out, I'd do my predictions and have those players getting to the later rounds, only to have them bomb out early. I definitely used to think that some early success would predict future success, and I had no clue how the surface played a part.

In my defense, Chris Evert fell into the same trap a few years ago with Genie Bouchard.

Wow, Marion looks tremendous!

[quote] He was rusty and in a very bad mood.

Not enough sugar in his system. I’ll try to remedy that.

I remember having a big old gay crush on Chris Lewis. He was cute.

Who did Fed play?

Federer in 3 over Zverev Senior

Gunneswaran ousted Shapalov

Paire beats Fritz

Istomin beats Kohlschreiber

Two main draw wins in a row for Tomic

Molly van Nostrand!

Slobodan Zivojinovic!

Peanut Louie!

Sloane Stephens is the first American woman not named Serena or Venus to be in the top 5 (she's #4 now) since Davenport in 2006.

Bud Collins always cracked me up. In 1988, Graf's first round win at Wimbledon was defeating Hu Na 6-0, 6-0. Collins goes "Who He? Hu Na! She lost in two bageled sets." Years later, he recycled this for Patricia Hy. "Who Hy? Patricia Hy." And so forth. What a crazy old ham.

I remember during one Wimbledon he made an unexpected snarky derogatory, almost sexist, comment about fellow commentator JoAnne Russell‘s game while she was a player right before a commercial break. It was almost a queeny reply. He gave somewhat of an excuse after the break saying something like, “You may have heard what sounded like a criticism of Joanne Russell’s game before the break but I can assure you that...”. He went on to say that the rest of his comment wasn’t heard. It was a bullshit excuse and non-apology but at least better than what we hear today from commentators who say worse things.

I miss JoAnne Russell who was a much better commentator that the “star” that is Chris Evert.

I wonder how Bud would do in this environment. As a commentator, he was pretty blunt. He'd never intend malice - he was probably the nicest guy there was - but he'd call things as he saw them. Seeing people get all bent out of shape about Rosewall's comments in the French Open Finals ceremony made me think of how things have changed. I don't think he said anything wrong (saying that people wished for a longer final and that Theim would be disappointed in his play), but there was a minor Twitter-storm that Rosewall made such comments in the ceremony in front of Theim.

Plus, Collins often tried to go for humor in his comments and interviews. Knowing how varied people's senses of humor are, I'm sure these days someone would be offended by something he said.

R578, do you think he’d call today’s WTA tour “compelling”?

Simon and Delishiano are playing. I had never noticed Simon's crotch, very nice.

I'm one of the fans who appreciate most of the commentators, past, and present. Loved Collins, but could have done without his constant "Fingers Fortisque" references. I really liked Russell too, but felt she was too often snarky toward Navratilova.

[quote]I had never noticed Simon's crotch, very nice.

I’ve been a keen observer for years, and have often wondered why he always seems to be sporting a semi when he plays. I remember that MaliVai Washington was another player who always seemed to be stretching out his shorts (oh for the good old days of tighter tennis shorts!). A particularly snarky Italian journalist once noted that it was well known that MaliVai got harder the harder he played and that the tv control room had instructions not to show him from the waist down except in long shots. I wonder how true that was.

That is a great story [r582] I remember M.Washington.... But Simon seemed to have a semi during the whole game. The only highlight of the match for me.

Good for Sloane, R575. I hope she keeps it up.

Gilles Simon is one of the well-known mega-hung guys on the tour, for sure. Incredible bulging from him. Will miss him when he's gone.

Little Diego's photo with his boyfriend is so cute

Where? Where?

I love when Simon wears lighter shorts so you can see his big cock!

Man Pico is looking fucking hot!

[quote] Loved Collins, but could have done without his constant "Fingers Fortisque" references.

How about "Uncle Studley"?

You have no idea, R589

Exactly, R590.

Do you remember the incident when Jeff Tarango's wife slapped a ref or something, and poor Bud was chasing Jeff down the street for comments? Poor Bud being reduced to that, but how dickish of Tarango to MAKE him chase him. Jeff should have stopped in his tracks because it was Bud.

That's my eldergay recollection of events.

In matters more current: Mmoh--fucking hot.

Boris Becker is claiming diplomatic immunity against attempts to enforce bankruptcy proceedings in London, on the basis that he is an ambassador to the Central African Republic (!?)

[r593] That's a riot.... And yes, Pico is looking so hot lately....also a friend of LilD.

Tomic and his millions are back bitches

Bernie's back has always been one of his best assets...

Bernie’s ass is delectable 😍

tomorrow Federer-Kyrgios rematch! They've played just twice before-once on clay and once on hard. Both matches went 3 sets and all were tiebreaks. They're 1-1. Nick is so damn unpredictable but I hope he beats gramps' ass again. He should be 2-0 as he choked in Miami last year after having match point

Obnoxious Brat vs. Entitled Prima Donna

Look at all the thinness in this pic!