The Gays and Tennis Part 78: deuxième semaine de Roland Garros!

Te quiero, OP

Tsitsipas reacting to Medvedev's underarm serve on match point

for those who missed it

Titsy booty

And Gauff lost the first set after wasting three set points (and being ahead all the set)

very nervy tiebreak to end the first set that goes Krejcikova's way. Gauff with a big choke. She had 5-3 then set points at 6-5 and a 4th set point at 6-5 in the tiebreak. You've got to move Krejcikova around or she'll dictate. She loves to plant her feet and smack the ball. Get her moving and she's toast.

Gauff certainly wasted her earlier set points. The last two, Krejcikova hit winners to erase them. I agree with R6. You've got to make Krejcikova move more.

3-0 for Krejcikova on the second set.

The czech is having a great year and she gave a lot of trouble to Swiatek the last time they played

It would be fitting if the final was Krejckova vs Zidansek lol. Then the winner can go on to not get past a 3rd round match at a slam for a while.

Gauff is now 2 breaks down in the second set. Yikes.

Just checking scores and not watching but is Gauff even trying now or is the czech this good?

Lots of errors flowing off the Gauff racket. I think the nerves and the occasion got to Gauff. The Czech is decent but not that good.

I think losing that first set like that broke Gauff mentally.

Sakkari serves for the first set

Sakkari is such a jock. Lol

Not surprised by Coco. She’s a kid that the American media has pressured into being the savior of women’s tennis post Serena. She’s great but she’s NOT perfect.

Thanks for the new thread btw!

God, what an awful semifinals:

Instead of the interestings Gauff/Swiatek, Badosa/Rybakina we got Krejcikova/Sakkari, Palyuchenkova/Zindansek

I hope Sakkari wins this but the semifinals had zero interest for main audiences

Sakkari held it together. Happy for her.

So happy for Sakkari. I really don't understand why noone did nit think that she could beat Iga after her power house performance against Sofia Kenin?

Why did you include Sasha in the OP?

Bisexual Sasha is only one who can beat Nadal

Now you have jinixed him too.

Stef is certainly not going to do it .He is a big choker.

Remeber Barcelona and Rome?

Stefanos is way better than Sascha.

And why people keep saying he is bisexual when he proved to be an straight asshole

I guess I was still thinking of the Sakkari of last year r19. She would mentally fold when it got tough. She did great against Kenin - I didn’t see any of her other matches.

Yes, she had a tendency to choke. She has the tennis but till now she didn't was mentally tough enough

Maybe this will be her big oportunity to get to the next level

I Love Rafa and loathe Zverev so I thank you OP. If you’re jinxing Rafa - then I want Stef to win it.

I think that Tsitsy has the game to take Zverev. 🤞🏻

gauff is a diva already. already smashing racket!--------

Coco Gauff has racket-smashing outburst in French Open heartbreak

Loved that racquet smash!

'This is crazy': Tennis fans rage at 'disgraceful' French Open farce

The 2021 edition of the French Open is using a night session for the very first time, however fans haven't been allowed to attend the majority of night matches.

A 9pm curfew implemented due to Covid-19 restrictions has seen fans asked to leave Roland Garros either before or during all night matches.

Fans have been grumbling all week that some of the biggest matches have been robbed of a live crowd, with many questioning why a night session is needed at all.

And the controversy reared its ugly head again on Tuesday when Medvedev and Tsitsipas took the court in an empty Court Philippe-Chatrier for their quarter-final clash.

Fans flocked to social media to complain about the lack of atmosphere for the clash between the World No.2 and World No.5.

"It's a f***ing disgrace by the tournament to play a match like Tsitsipas v Medvedev in front of no fans," one wrote.

It was so quiet in the stadium that Medvedev even stopped play at one stage because some workers were making too much noise and distracting him.

Some social media users questioned why 5000 spectators were allowed to attend France's football friendly with Bulgaria just 13 kilometres away.

Daniil Medvedev fumes at French Open organisers for picking 'Amazon over people'

Amazon has exclusive TV broadcast rights in France for the night sessions, which are taking place for the first time at Roland Garros. The late matches are being played without fans on Court Philippe-Chatrier because of the 9 p.m. curfew.

"Our match was definitely the match of the day, so Roland Garros preferred Amazon to people," said Medvedev, who lost 6-3 7-6(3) 7-5 to Tsitsipas. "It's easy as that."

Tournament director Guy Forget told the Tennis Majors website last week organisers had a "commitment" with Amazon to put the match of the day in the night session slot.

Medvedev said the decision was driven by money and that it reminded him of the "Drive to Survive" documentary series about Formula One, where the 2020 Australian Grand Prix was set to take place despite a COVID-19 outbreak in the paddock.

"When the pandemic started, they were in Australia ready to race and they asked Lewis Hamilton what he thought about racing in the conditions the world was in right now," Medvedev said.

"He said, 'I don't know what we are doing here'. So they asked him, 'Why do you think they make you race?' He said 'Cash is King.'

"It was the same here."

R21 why do you insist so much that Zverev MUST be heterosexual? HE didnt prove anything, thats because he beat up his gf doesnt mena he cannot be bi! Your logic is ridicolous.

2019 US Open champ Bianca Andreescu splits with coach Sylvain Bruneau

I am watching Nadal now, I like the bright yellow top!

Nadal won the first set 6-3.

First time in major history that there are 2 greek players in the grand slam semi finals via US open instagram

R17 I feel the exact same way lol. Truly a miserable end to what started as a promising women's tournament. Sakkari would be the most interesting winner since we haven't had a Greek slam champ.

No one's going to care about the other 3.

Krejicikova is a solid hitter but her movement sucks. Why no one this tournament has been able to capitalize on that consistently is a mystery. It seemed like Gauff had the answers in the first set until she choked.

who was going to care about Swiatek? lol

well at least Schwartzman took a set off Nadal but it appears to be over now

The French Open has always had the most random winners and I think it has the most one time slam winners compared to the others. Ivanovic, Ostapenko, Myskina, Schiavone..... Barty could be included but I think she will at least win one more.

The french open for a few years has had a lot of low ranked or unranked women make the semia.

R37 Semis*

Since 1968, there have been 10 men and 10 women whose one-and-only grand slam title was the French Open. (A couple of the women could still win another one so that number could drop.)

It makes sense cause it is the most different of all the slams. Some will succeed there and not find as much success of hard or grass. Also there are many clay court specialists.

At least Diego took a set off Nadal, but a bagel in the 4th is disappointing. Hopefully the winner of Djokovic-Berrentini can take out Nadal, or the winner of Zverev-Tsitsipas if Nadal makes the final. We have to have another men's winner besides Nadal. It's due.

On the previous thread, someone posted that he couldn't believe the crowd was cheering Nadal's mistakes. The French crowd are not Nadal fans. They are dying to see a new winner.

R41 nope sorry. Nadal will probably win near 20 of these fucking things by the time he is done. Unfortunately 14 is coming up.

Who of the remaining 3 has the best chance to stop Rafa? I'm thinking Zverev. His height, his great two-handed BH, his big first serve, and his attitude.

I think you're right, R43. All three have a shot, have beaten Nadal before on clay, and have the talent to beat him, but only Djokovic has beaten Nadal at RG. Of the three, though, it's Zverev who has the ability to hit Nadal off the court for all the reasons you've noted. But who knows on the day?

Nole team or Berreteami? 🐻

Zverev couldn’t even beat Theim at the US Open but he can take out Rafa at the French? I don’t know...

Beating Rafa in Madrid is another ballgame. Has he bested Rafa on clay anywhere else? Too lazy to look.

🧸Team!

Berreteami Team!

It’s almost amazing how different Matteo and his brother look. I looked for a picture of their parents and Matteo looks like his mother and his brother & dad are twins. Genetics can be so random.

He is beautiful.

R36 In the 90's the best women on tour were pretty good on clay, so Majoli was the only random winner (and she was not that random, at 15 she made the quarterfinals on RG anyway).

But none of the power hitters was that great on clay. Yes, Serena can play on clay but it's by far her worst surface, so ater Justine Henin (who was the last great claycourter) we didn't have a really great clay player (which explains why Sharapova won two RG).

Yes, Halep and Muguruza are good on clay, but Garbiñe is too unconsistent and Halep has a tendency to choke on Roland Garros. The fact that Barty won her GS in her worst surface says a lot.

And then there's the fact that players like Naomi Osaka are totally useless on clay.

So you just need a couple of upsets, a top player injured or not in good form and you get a totally open draw

Rafa is not unbeatable at this Roland Garros, but i don't think Nole is at his best either.

If it was only a question of game Tsitsipas would be the favourite, but he need to be totally clutch if he wants to win

A double greek win would be amazing.

I think you have to hope Novaxx wins today to put up the best fight against Nadal. I can't take him winning again (although, he'll probably win it four more times).

LOL at Gauff's racket smashing. Isn't she a bit young to be throwing such tantrums?

Is Sakkari trans?

Sakkari is definitely on 'roids.

R54, don't think so...

Is maria sakkari out? She's so butch!

r55, i was just thinking that!

I got pissed that Coco have five chances to close the first set and didn't. Her double faults are as bad as two years ago, and she cracked under the pressure.

Not a champion in the making, IMO.

I'm with you, R52. Keep hope alive! Yes, Nadal winning yet again is the most likely scenario, but the players left could possibly beat him. If that happens, I'm cracking the champagne!

Rafa is sure to win a 14th title. He goes to this surreal level when he needs to.

And fuck the French. They've never liked Rafa. Too bad he wins over and over on their home court ha ha.

When Rafa retires the French will feel like a completely different tournament without his overwhelming presence there. Excited for that. The big 3 dominance is impressive but very boring.

I completely disagree. To see this level of tennis from these three is beyond exciting. We're privileged to be living in an era when Novak, Rafa and Roger are competing.

I'd far rather see which one of them is going to beat the other than watch the others. They seem tame.

It would be great to see Nadal win this year.

And I completely disagree. I probably wont watch the inevitable Nadal/Djokovic matchup seen it enough. As I said they are impressive but boring still. It is incredible how much they win but I dont care anymore.

You're entitled to your opinion, R64. But I feel you lack nuance.

Do you really think that each Djokernole/Rafa match-up is the same? I'm pretty sure Novak has done some work since the last FO final where Rafa whipped his pants off.

Never seen a boring game between the two of them.

No they came be fairly entertaining but mostly the same each time especially on Nadals hallowed clay. I just hope they have a super long 5 set match that goes past 12 in the 5th. Tire eachother out so the winner is exhausted. Still wont matter cause he would be fully recovered despite being in his mid 30s.

R56 I find funny when fans say she should date Tsitsipas, unless they go lavendar relationship i don't think that's a possibility.

And yes, Sakkari is butch but she is pretty

I wouldn't say boring, but it's too predictable.

There are a good bunch of players with enough game to defeat them, but mentally noone of them is able to do it

R49, Monica Seles was a power hitter and she was great on clay…

…and why is she so rarely mentioned by tennis commentators. It’s as if the tennis world is embarrassed at how poorly she was treated…

Hard not be a little butch when you have that much muscle definition.

R69 But Seles used her brain when she played. She opened amazing angles in her matches.

Pierce played well on clay too, but she was too unstable.

The post Williams power hitters came into the brainless ballbasher cathegory and that way it's very difficult to win Roland Garros

She is pretty.

But really, how feminine can you be with those shoulders and (by the look of her walk) muscled thighs? She is ripped.

Agreed, R72. Even though she is ripped, she is also very pretty with her hair down.

R58 Gauff is only 17. It' way too early to write her off. She already has had an impressive first few years. Henin was 1 of the premiere chokers on the tour when she first rose up the ranks. She even had a huge infamous choke against Hantuchova of all people in 2002 at the USO. Then starting in 2003 fortunes changed. Henin became 1 of the most mentally tough players while Hantuchova became a huge choker for the rest of her career.

Nadal vs. Djokovic matches are boring. Sure the quality is great but we know what to expect and how they'll play. I will only watch their match this time because it's a SF not a final. I'm hoping for 4 tiebreak sets and a 5th set going 14-12 lol It's beyond boring to have Nadal and Djokovic dominating every fucking slam. I'd take the big 4 again over just a big 2. It's not exciting

R48 It's because their mother is half Brazilian. When you mix with them you never know what the heck is gonna come out. You completely randomize your genetic pool. I know I girl in my town whose mother is a pretty dark Brazilian. She looks like a German and her sister looks like a mixed African.

It is a little funny that the women’s remaining draw is “It’s a bunch of nobodies and lower ranked players! What a joke!” and the men’s is “I’m tired of the same 3 (or 2, really) constantly winning! What a joke!” lol Hard to please.

I did have a laugh the other day when a women’s match (I honestly cannot remember who played) was described by the Tennis Channel commentator as “compelling” 😂😂😂 Very Ben and Courtney...

Really r76? That’s interesting. Explains it!

R78 Yes, this is, as an example, Neymar's son.

R61 Rafa will still manage to win Roland Garros even while retired.

R77 those complaints are probably from different people. If you are upset about a new female champion than you are probably happy about the same dudes winning everything.

R81 Not necesarily. I find the male draws very predictable with almost zero surprises.

On the other hand on the female draws there are too many surprises for my taste.

One thing is not wanting the same two players winning (for years and years) all GS and other very different is wanting random players getting into finals all the time

I'm rooting for Berretinni right now.

Crikey. Djokovic netting two consecutive points on serve, then Berretini holding his nerve on set point. I did not see that coming.

Sakkari makes the super-butch and massively muscular Amelie Mauresmo look as petite as Chrissy Evert.

Honestly don't know who Sakkari is before today. Is she MTF?

Why are they making the spectators leave? 10:45 isn't that late.

Djokovic looks like he was dressed by Coke.

There's an 11:00 curfew in Paris due to Covid.

That took forever. They were NOT going to leave.

R89 Huh? COVID doesn't care what time it is.

Whom is Daddy Cames Jourier comforting in bed these days now that he has dumped Middle-Aged Gaygor?

R74

I hope you're right, because I would love to see her win a grand slam.

Well r92, he was waxing poetic about Tsitsy’s manly physique yesterday...

Jokervich is a giant asshole, no?

What the fuck is up with novaxx? He is not mentally well. Those reactions…who was he shouting at?

I’m always disturbed after witnessing his outbursts. I literally make this face: 😬

R95 Seems that way.

Indeed R97…. That was ugly

Very interesting article written by Taylor Townsend about her treatment at hand of the USTA.

Love how in Twitter Chrissie and Pam apologizing as if they didn't know. This was all Patrick McEnroe. Guess they can't say it out loud.

I would say Djokovic's winning reaction was psychotic roid rage but obviously he's far too thin to be on roids. I couldn't imagine his personality on roids-he would be homicidal

I'm just glad Nadal and Djokovic both lost a set today. Let's hope they go 5 together

I agree with R82 I want more consistency from the top players in the women's game and much less predictability in the men's game. Neither is making me happy right now.

We have at least gotten to a point at every other tournament when it's not guaranteed the Big 2 will win but the slams are still absolutely snoozefests. The only exciting thing about the men's draw this time is Nadal and Djokovic were on the same side. It's more than likely they would be meeting for the final otherwise.

Yes, hopefully Djokovic and Nadal run eachother raggid for 4 plus hours.

I'm just really interested to see what kind of player it takes to beat Rafa at RG. Novak when he was hot, once. Soderling playing lights out power tennis just hit him off the court, probably the best match he played in his life. Who can do it now? I don't think Novak this year but who knows. I'd love Titsy to do it but I think Zverev has the best chance this year.

Tsitsipas and Zverev do both have great first serves. If they have a good serving day they have a shot. Zverev we know can be a double fault king when he's nervous.

Really you've got to have a big serve and a big return to consistently trouble Nadal. He likes to get into a rhythm on points. That's why Soderling was able to bother him a couple times

Roland Garros is an aviator.

Good points all R106. There's the will aspect. Who actually can want it more than Rafa? I think Zverev can because he's sort of dickish. I'd love Titsy to show me he can, I really would. The champion's nerve.

Just to add to that point, R108 that's why Berdych never got a slam and only won Paris masters once. By far he was 1 of the best returners on the tour but despite his 6'5 height he never developed a big enough serve which was shocking given his big quads.

Del Potro even before his multiple wrist and knee injuries didn't develop his serve enough either. His forehand is much bigger than Berdych's and prior to the injury his backhand was big too.

Zverev probably has the best serve/return combo on tour when he's playing well. Tsitsipas can return well on the forehand but being a 1 hander his backhand is harder to be aggressive on when returning

^ good points again. Berdych had a great BH, but I almost think Zverev's is better. He is money on that shot, precise and hard. I don't know where he gets his power from, I guess he's like Guga, lanky and like whip. And the 1st serve is huge. If he's hot I can see him taking Rafa down. You're right that a one-handed BH is always a liability against Rafa's FH. Titsy and Gasquet handle it about as well as anyone, but still it's hard to be offensive off it, it just gets up too high.

Sakkari is in amazing shape because that’s what her job as a world-class athlete requires. She’s not a fashion model or a student or an office worker. Why would anyone criticize her commitment to fitness when it’s gotten her to her first grand slam semi?

Any tennis commentator who made one of the nasty comments above would be rightfully fired immediately.

Djokovic is so obnoxious. The day he retires will be sweet. Hes an amazing player obviously but cant stand him.

Agree with R111 Sakkari body is good and no she is far from being butch or jock

She is mascular not butch..

Having said that fat fraus on twitter who ship her with Stefano are delusionals

R112. All big 4 are nasty assholes.Cant wait to see them gone

Big 4? Murray at least is self deprecating and seems to have a good sense of humor. Djokovic just comes of fake most of the time instead of genuine. Maybe you have to act like that to get to their level. Many elite athletes probably lack some social skills.

Do they ship them cause they are both high ranked Greeks? I didnt know having a similar nationality was cause for a relationship.

[quote]A double greek win would be amazing.

Double greek always gets me lit!

There is no "Big 4," Andy.

Semifinalists in order of assholery/psychotic tendencies:

Zverev

Novaxx

Tsitsipas

Rafa

NOVAK literally looked insane when he flipped out! As far as "not being on roids because he's so thin"... DIfferent kind of steroids do different things, NOT all steroids build huge muscle...

By the way, did he get fined at all for kicking the sidecourt sign and making one of the letters almost fall off?

Isn't it amazing, how Rafa at age 35 with his style of play and all the years of "injuries" can outlast guys 10, 12, 15 years younger than him! i think the french open should (half joking of course!) schedule him to play every day back to back and we can all marvel at how he can never get tired!...

I think the French are tired of him winning and I also wonder if they too think 1) is rafa on something and 2) why can't any of these guys figure out how to beat him and/or choke when they do get that rare lead (i.e. unforced errors, can't get first serves in, etc.)..

Rafa is a nice guy, he doesn't break rackets.

Nasty Nadal is one of very few people who can make me root for Novaxx

Remember the Spanish doctor who helped hundreds and probably thousands of athletes dope? He was singled out by cyclist but when that guy went to that doctor's office, he saw many sports stars. I think the judge ordered blood samples from his office to be destroyed. But that was years ago...

I am sure they have more advanced PEDs not detected by tests.

Also didn't a doctor say Sasha takes something ( starts with M) due to his diabetes but he denied it.

His parents are Russian...just saying...

That Italian guy MAtteo who's 6 ft 5 and aged 25 is hot.

Which white male players have yellow skin?

Have they announced whether there will be a bubble for the players for us open?

They have already sold out of the packages for the finals.

R120 don't worry-Nadal will inevitably claim injury during the USO hardcourt season and possibly even during the grass season. He can play brutal marathons throughout the clay season just fine but change the surface and his body is suddenly fragile

R128 I get that clay is an easier surface on the body but I've always found it interesting that Nadal is always perfectly ready for the clay season. And like you said he will have injuries often other times. He can make sure he is as healthy and ready for Paris as much as possible but its still suspicious.

They should test players for drugs during slams as well as randomly.

The soccer players ( just one or two from each team) are tested during champions league matches.

R69 Jennifer Capriati another power player was very good on clay and probably the best slider and most efficient on the surfaceof the blasters.

Mateo gave Novak one of those extremely tension-filled matches, wow. I could see the strain on Novak's face the whole match--like, if this guy gets his forehand working, I'm in big trouble.

I think that crazy scream at the end was just a major tension release.

Really r111? Have you ever been in one of these threads before? We can and do critique everything about the players - male or female. In fact, we are much more lenient on the women.

For God’s sake, I have admitted that I think Matteo is HOT, but still can’t get past his bony calves. *shudder*

Lighten up. Sakkari IS ripped in a way that not many female players are.

Is Berretini’s white brother adopted, or is Berretini adopted? Does he play tennis?

Matteo is gorgeous - from the waist up. Those legs are tragic.

Nole was playing in a basically empty stadium and what fans that were there were not cheering for him. I think the outburst at the end was just his way of coping.

R129, it isn't really that hard to figure out. Nadal is the most meticulous, OCD player in the world. He PLANS out his year to make sure he's peaking during clay season.

If he's healthy? He plays everything. And he's won just about everything (except that pesky year end).

But if his knee acts up in August? He shuts it down. Stubs a toe on October? No longer playing until the Aussie. After? He almost never plays IW and Miami anymore.

It's not doping! It's knowing where his bread is buttered: That's MC, Madrid, Rome, and the French from April-June. Unlike Fed and Novak, he doesn't get three Slams on his best surface(s). He has to win the French to keep up with them. So he can't take any chances on the rest of the tourneys.

It's actually brilliant.

Nadal is the greatest clay court player who has ever lived and I hope he continues winning RG as long as he can. If not him, I'd be happy to see Tsitsipas win, whom I adore. I loathe Djokovic. Zverev I feel neutrally about.

Zverev is a brat. Saw a video of him swearing at his father in Russian during a break. Boris Becker was sitting next to him. Comments on the video said it was vulgar and terrible language, very disrespectful to his dad in public. He was telling his father to shut the fuck up and he can't serve with him talking bullshit. He was playing against pm Stefanos.

Zverev could use a good swift Parche.

I just saw Djokovic's outburst during his match against Berrettini. Wow. That is roid rage right there. There was nothing "naturally competitive" about that yelling and kicking, and that final screaming fit when he won the match was complete, uncontrollable rage.

Flopos and Novaxx--Celebrity Deathmatch 2021

I'll say again it's a shame Zverev wasn't also in the top half

I am not ruling out doping by Pedal however R137 has mentioned some very good points about Nadal schdueling.

One of the reason Nadal and Serena do so well in grandslams because they manage their calender very well and peak at right time of their favorites grandslams

I wish other players on ATP and WTA tour could learn from these two about managing their tournament schedules.

R105 Not even that because the Novak that defeated Rafa was far from being the best Novak. He only defeated Rafa because 2015 was a very subpar version of Rafa (the fact that Stan defeated Novak in the final makes pretty clear that was not the 2011 or 2013 version of Nole).

The best version of Nole in Roland Garros was 2013 when he forced Rafa to the fifth set but he lost anyway.

IN 2011 he was unbeated, but not playing the quarterfinals against Fabio was not good for him, and Roger was clearly superior in the semis

Novaxx is a fucking psycho

R144 you are so right - players should emulate Serena's scheduling. More should just pull out when they feel like, leave the tournament in the lurch, make fools of the sponsors and of course, attend celebrity weddings, etc. Serena has done squat to support the WTA. A friend of mine in Cincy who doesn't follow tennis said he wanted to see Serena at the Western & Southern, I told him he better get tickets for any Grand Slam instead - it's the only guarantee she'll play until she loses.

Djokovic fans are insisting that he is just super passionate and showing how much of a champion he is. No he is a fucking obnoxious psycho.

THE thing with Nadal is at least be HONEST!.. Stop with the bullshit of i'm injured or other excuses when you don't want to play on the grass or the hard courts....

And yes, I personally still think he is "on something"... Most very likely E.P.O. or something of that nature.

R147 Well, that's what Osaka is doing and she is way younger and the star of the circuit.

I think Serena is right now regretting the years she didn't make that much effort and played very few tournaments. If she made the effort back them she would probably get more GS than Court.

Now, unless she gets fit again, her chances are very small

R149 Nadal has zero problems with the grass season, it's the hard court season the one that damage his body (and it's not that rare)

R145" THE FACT that Stan defeated Novak in the final makes pretty clear that was not the 2011 or 2013 version of Nole"...lol if such guy like stan wins FO with Nole thats only mean nole was weak overall. Pathetic. Stan was amazing that day, get over it. And if nole was in final, thats mean he was in good form

did you notice how Swiatek behave at the net after losing with Sakkari ? what a bitch. next Muguruza

I just saw the end of the Berrettini-Djokovic match, after having read absolutely purple descriptions of his yelling here and elsewhere. THAT was it? Seriously?

Yeah, R145, R151 is right. Stan played lights out in that RG final to beat Djokovic. Stan is one of those players who if he's on, he can beat anyone. And Stan has won three Slams, beating Djokovic twice (RG and USO) and Nadal once (Aus Open), so it's not like he's had easy final opponents. That's enough times to prove it was no fluke.

Salisbury with a bit more muscle weight on him could easily be mistaken for a Bel Ami boy.

“She walks like a bloody LONGSHOREMAN.”

R131, I know it was on a hard court, but do you remember that epic Seles-Capriati match at the U S Open?

The US open has tryouts for balls person today.

R151 Sorry, but you don't defeat peak Nadal on Roland Garros and lose with Stan no matter how good he plays (and there were way better matches from Stan than the Roland Garros final)

Nole was playing well, but not at his best level..

And yes, Stan is amazing when he is on (unless he is playing against Nadal)

R100 When at the second line she wrote "but... I'm not white" I closed the article. Sorry but I'm fucking tired. As if Tiafoe, Mmoh, Gauff, Stephens, Keys and dozens of others were White. I'm so tired of this Black fragility and victimhood. Next, please.

R160 That doesn't change the fact that they treat her like trash.

And they treat her like trash not when she failed, they treated like trash when she was the best junior in the world

R159 You do. You are lousy jealous bitch.So he won with nadal , so how he ONLY couldnt win with Stan? Thats not how it works. So if he won with peak nadal, how he was not at his best level at the final? There is no logic in your words..

Yeah you should be sorry, piece of white hillbilly trash @ R160. Go watch Fox News.

woman's semi-final on NBC today at 11am

R160. I agree that she was treated like trash, but not because she's Black, as everybody knows. That's why I find that comment insufferable, like all people who add fuel to the topic or play the race card when the issue is nonexistent.

Will Zena Garrison chime in with her allegations about the racist USTA or does she have a gag order after her lawsuit? Did she win the lawsuit against the USTA?

R156.. .. ted tinling on sabatini "looks like marilyn monroe, walks like john wayne"! laugh

R162, if R159 is the poster I suspect he is, he always pops up and says shit that is so off base. Stan was playing amazing tennis when he beat Nole at RG. Nole was not off that day, Stan was on. Anyone with eyes could see that. If R159 is the poster I think, I've run his comments past people I know who work with the ATP and WTA. They always wonder the hell is he talking about.

Wawrinka is already for sure hall of fame inductee worthy! 3 grand slams, olympic gold medal doubles, winning davis cup team, etc.

and yes, when he is on, he is nearly unbeatable, breathtaking it is when he's on.

And he is on every four years.

Yes, Stan plays very well against Nole (even if his h2h is not that good), but he always was a disaster against Federer and Nadal

R170. i think of stan as the male version of mandlikova minus the surly attitude of course..

Alphabet soup took the first 7-5

The quality of the women's semi is so compelling!

r160 sounds as if he has never been part of a maligned, mistreated minority in any context ever—and as if he has no empathy. And I'm sure Tiafoe, Mmoh, Gauff, Stephens, and Keys had it much harder than Connors, Roddick, Isner, Sandgren, Davenport, Evert, Austin (and I'm not talking about any of their personal politics). That's just the way things have been stacked, and unfortunately probably will be for a long, long time.

Sorry to sound like Ben and Courtney but women singles of this RG is way more compelling to me then men singles. Quality of matches are also decent

However things may change if Novaxx manages to pull out a win against Nadal

I think Taylor’s issue is her weight. She admits it.

If Coco was fat - I can guarantee we wouldn’t hear about her nonstop like we do now. Image is important. These people are investing in these young players and why invest in a Taylor when you can invest in a Sloane. It’s unfair, but (most of the time) life is unfair.

Glad she’s in a better place now.

See the schedule for tomorrow.

If both matches goes for four hours then Nadal/ Nole match mae end up concluding in an empty stadium.

This is Pav 1st grandslam final in 59 th attempt.

This is a record.

Regarding Nadal and illegal enhancements...I have no dog in the race, and I don't mean to sound naive, but wasn't that settled in Nadal's favor in the courts a few years ago? I recall Nadal being quite indignant about the whole thing, and felt very vindicated by the judge's decision. Maybe someone recalls this better than I do. I SUPPOSE there could be higher powers hiding his cheating, but I also suppose it's viable that he could indeed be a freak of nature and works out beautifully. I'm a Fed fan, and Nadal's prowess used to threaten me. Not sure why because Nadal seems very sweet and kind.

Every time I walk by the tv it’s a break and someone else is ahead...

Who will hold serve? Very compelling! 😂

Sakkari-Krejcikova so far is more about who will make errors than who will hit winners. Not very interesting up to this point.

I admit I’m rooting for Sakkari for one reason:

I would like to be able to spell and pronounce the winner’s name...

R179, there was a defamation case that concerned the reason for Nadal’s seven month absence from the tour in 2012. Natal won because he proved that he had a serious knee injury during that time. The case didn’t answer the general question about possible unauthorized drug use, since that can occur any time during athlete’s career.

I'm much more interested in Zverev / Titsy so I'm glad they're on first.

Just keep hanging on to your specious claims of Nadal and his drug use boys! I'm sure your insiders knowledge commands everyone's rapt attention in the club house, where your fat asses sit with your fourth G&T in hand.

Hey! I love my g&ts and my ass has always been fat - BUT - I don’t think Rafa is a doper.

Giving us fat ass lushes a bad name...SMH

R175 No they are not, in fact they are very far from being even remotely interesting.

We have a veteran finalist, and i suppose that's ok, but she is not even on Schiavone or Stosur level.

And i have the feeling that Sakkari will end tanking her semifinal

R179 If you are going to be accused of doping there should be proves, and i'm not talking about the peregrine conspirancy theories that she said. She was a minister, she should known better

And the four semifinalists on the junior boys draw are french.

They had three semifinalist on the last Australian open, but none of them are doing particularly well, Mayot is number 448 (but he is recovering from a injury and didn't play any match this year), Cazaux is 452 and Legout is 842

And Holger Rune defeated Verdasco in two sets. Maybe the controversy affected him tuesday (he had a lot of trouble against a low ranked player) but today he seemed totally recovered.

Maybe it'll affect to the number of wc he will receive in the following months (if he receives any, because he received tons of them in the first part of the year, which was a total waste because he was not ready to take profit of them)

This is such a messy match. I think Sakkari is managing her nerves a butt better by yelling out all her tensions.

So she has an edge

Overall a very bad match

Worst match since Cori/ Ons J rd4 match.

Face it, everything is about money, sport is secondary. The dark world of PED's is well documented and I'm sure that all the top players push the limits on what is legal.

I've always suspected Roger of being the benefit of some Nazi/Aaryn concoction. There was a time when he seemed a near perfect human specimen. And then he had 2 sets of twins? Come on. I remember in the original Men in Black, they pegged him as an alien.

Yes I think Nadal obviously does schedule his season very well but that doesn't mean injuries couldn't still happen during his favorite clay season. Serena obviously schedules her season around all the majors but she still has sometimes gotten injured at a slam over the years even at her fittest. Nadal either magically never gets injured in the clay season or for some reason he doesn't publicly complain about it because he wins so much. I wonder if he'd complain about being injured if his records on hard and grass were better. That's why it seems weird.

Nadal and Djokovic (and of course Federer if he is able to fully recover) are going to build the whole seasons around the GS and they will play less and less regular tournaments, even masters 1000

Just a comment about Townsend, yes she's fat and would likely have had a much better career had she been fit. She gave Andreescu a very tough set during her 2019 USO run which impressed me.

Let's compare the treatment of Townsend though. Vandeweghe and Sock were also top American junior prospects and they're both fat. They were given the red carpet with plenty of wild cards. I don't remember anyone in the USTA publicly talking about their lack of fitness. Even when Sock won Paris masters he was still not in good shape. So why single Townsend out?

In recent years we've had Bartoli and Nalbandian hit the top 10 while being overweight.

I'm a fitness fanatic and also think every professional athlete is best served being in great shape. That said, it's ultimately their business. If they are very talented, sometimes they can still achieve great results despite poor fitness.

MOONBALL-A-RAMA!

And as predicted, Sakkari choked at the decisive moment

R197

Choking separates the champions from the non-champions.

Although Serena choked at her last few slam finals. Motherhood significantly changes the body, and even chemical balance. No getting around that one.

I thought winning against Swiatek will make her change her mentality.

I really hate when a player plays at her best to defeat a better player only to play badly the next round

I keep forgetting there isn’t a final set tiebreak at the French.

R188:

[quote] She was a minister, she should known better

She was a minister, which is why I think she knew exactly what she was saying.

R201 I don't think so. She sounded exactly the same that the lunatics that believe in conspirancies.

And she should know that when you say something like that you better have something to prove it

Is Sakkari on PEDs?

Ooh! Bad call...

I think this must be the less appealing GS women's final of all time

I love tennis, and I have zero fucks to give as to which of the women finalists win. Sloppy matches both in the semis, but the Sakkari match was particularly bad. Low quality overall and it was about who was going to lose it, which Sakkari did to live up to her reputation as a choker.

Have to say Barbora is an awesome post-match interviewee. Her remarks are so much more considered and genuinely heartfelt than most.

Ova vs Ova in the final. When was the last time that happened? Did Ova, Sharap ever play Ova, Kuznets or Ova, Kvit in a major final?

Hoping for Pavlyuchenkova to win. That was ugly tennis from the Czech. Also I doubt she will get this far again. Who knows but she got here through luck. She had to work so hard I cant see her replicating this. Tough loss for Sakkari.

The players who lost in the quarterfinals were way more interesting than the ones who won.

It's a match between a doubles specialist (in her best year of her career) and a veteran who never fullfilled her initial potential.

Not very interesting. There's no story to sell there. And i think the ratings will be dismal

I wanted Sakkari to win but as soon as the win was snatched from Barbora - I wanted her to win it. Which she did - twice.

Roland Garros needs to go to Hawkeye. I've seen several bad calls this tournament. There is no need for those given the existing technology. That one call on match point that went against Krejcikova was so obviously out. I called it out just watching it on TV. Ridiculous. At least Krejcikova won because if she had lost, she would have been robbed. As it is, as R211 notes, she had to win it twice.

Krejcikova's game style isn't threatening to say the least.

But, yeah - I don’t care who wins this now. On the women’s side that is...

I'm ready for Wmbledon. Dont care to see Nadal win yet again and while I like Pavlyuchenkova i dont really care about that match either.

If that match point had stood - Krecjikova could have sued the French Federation. Now they have to get shot spot. But they're the French, and they are idiots. French Frog Fags as Johnny Mac said in 83.

Ok, I was really moved when Krajcikova thanked Kodes, Navratilova and especially Novotna.

I want her to win now.

I'm not sure I'll watch the women's final live now. I might just catch highlights as I'm not a fan of either. They're both hard hitters who move poorly. It's shocking that on clay both of them got to a slam final. Sakkari defeated last year's finalist and winner back to back but loses to doubles specialist Krejcikova. Unbelievable.

Pavlyuchenkova is a journeywoman but I give her credit for the Azarenka win.

This is a disaster final for the WTA and hopefully the top players find their form again by the time Wimbledon comes around.

The men of course have the opposite problem with no one able to break through. Hoping for Tsitsipas but fully expect Nadal.

Hilarious if this low ranked doubles specialist Czech player wins a major before Pliskova. Not that she has played well but she was hyped for so long.

Doping is very real in all sports. They are too smart to get caught. I firmly believe there are cheaters. Of course not all of them are cheating but it's definitely everywhere.

In other news, going to the grass tournaments:

FAA makes a winning start to his grass season with a 6-3 7-6(4) victory over Harris

de Minaur def. countryman Thompson 6(8)-7 6-3 6-4

Cilic def. Basilashvili 6-3 6-2

The young Dominic Stephan Stricker who announced himself on tour with wins in Geneva over Cilic and Fucsovics upset #2 seed Hurkacz. This Stricker kid is definitely someone new to pay attention to

Shapovalov and Lopez had to suspend their match for the day. Shapovalov took the first set 6-2 but Lopez took the second in a tiebreak.

I really like Stricker's game.

I think he'll be top 200 by the end of the year (maybe higher if he takes profit of the wc)

Roland Garros has been a disaster on the women's side for some years.

The fact that Barty and Swiatek are obviously made to be top players in the future make it looks less tragic, but lots of nobodies reached the final rounds on RG in recent years.

It's difficult to sell the appeal of the sport if the top players dissapear in one of the most important tournaments of the year

Happy for the Czech. She saved a match point like an absolute crazy badass - a backhand smash with acute angle that 8/10 would have gone out. Then she started doing lobs and intelligent placement to outsmart Sakkari. The more talented won, as it should be.

Osaka as average as she is one clay probably could have won with how badly played that semifinal was.

Roger practiced with kei nishikori today on grass.

did you watch last years semifinals? they were pathetic

I think the FFT should just give me the trophy this year and make me an 8 time winner of the French Open. These two unknowns in the final can fight over whatever Communist tourneys Martina used to play back in the day.

#8, come to Mama Chrissy....

R225 No, Osaka is clueless on clay.

I still remember when Sorribes humiliated her on a fed cup match.

Unless she really wants to learn to play and try it, she'll retire without winning Roland Garros (and probably Wimbledon, but she has more probabilities at Wimbledon)

R229, you're um, like, so, um, mean. I, like, you know, have, um, men-um-tal, like, health issues, um, yeah like. Yeah, um, so, you're like, clueless, um, and um, mean.

R226 showing he's not really injured and just pulled out of a slam to preserve himself for the grass season. I think he should have gotten way more criticism for that

Why Barbora thanked Martina? Is she part of her coaching team?

Sisters in sapphic love no doubt!

Last all Ova's was 2011 Wimby, R208, when Ova, Kvit beat Ova, SugarP.

R189, besides all four boy semifinalists being French, two of them (Fils and Mpetshi Perricard) are doubles partners who also made it to the boys' doubles semifinals, plus they have to play against each other in the semis.

Nice profile of one of our greatest heroes in the NYT.

R220 definitely Fed and Nadal.

R230 Naomi is totally clutch on hard courts. She won her 4 finals, but she needs to work her ass off and try to improve on clay and grass if she wants to be really great

Osaka is clutch on hardcourts except for her bizarre collapse against Sakkari at this year's Miami open. At slams I agree she's just so tough to beat

Does anyone think Nole has a chance tomorrow against Rafa?

Nole does have a chance. However, it's far more likely Nadal wins yet again.

And what about TItsy / Zverev?

My heart says Titsy. My head thinks maybe Zverev. I really hope my head is wrong.

I want a Nadal Djokovic 5 set marathon

My heart, head, and reproductive system says Titsy.

the mussy wants what it wants R243

Nadal's priority will be getting the match over with quickly. If Djokovic can drag it out, the odds will rise in his favor.

Mixed Double final

Krawczyk/Salinsbury def Vesnina/Karatsev 2-6 6-4 10-5

Salinsbury had a slow start. Karatsev imploded towards the end of the match

Men Double Final

Herbert/Mahut vs Goulubev/Bublik

Herbert is not hot with the man-bun. He needs to lose it.

Who's the new Evert/Hingis tennis slut these days?

R249 I could have been if it wasn't for the racist, fat phobic USTA!

I always loved Chrissy for chasing the peen.

It's Taylor preggers? No, I mean for real.

It's = Isn't

[quote]It's Taylor preggers? No, I mean for real

She was, she had a son in March

i think if nadal wins over novak in a 4 hour marathon, the french officials should IMMEDIATELY move the final to the next day so we can all marvel how nadal never is tired, runs like a deer, like a teenager, against anyone he faces in the final!....

R254 obviously he would be prepared for anything. Cause somehow always is for clay

Barbara should Withdraw from doubles

Which player left are clay specialist? Which are journeyman?

Pedal has magically recovered from long matches on other surfaces too. The year he won the Aussie he had a grueling five setter in the semi. Prissy Gramps destroyed RodDICK in straights and got an extra day of rest too, but Pedal had a miraculous recovery and ran like a rabbit to win the final.

Queen's update:

OUT: Schwartzman

IN: Popyrin

Next: Lu

Smart decision by little Diego. Keeping himself fresh for Wimbledon

Team Tsitsy

Go Stef! 🤞🏻

Is Taylor Townhouse blaming her weight problems on the USTA?

they are both wearing purple shorts!

One is an angel in white and one is the villain in black. 😂

Shitty level of player

Sasha. At least show your belly button after each point

Because you are certainly not showing good tennis,

Greek won the first set. Zverev is wearing 2 chains.

Besides looking trashy AF, aren't all those chains bouncing around distracting?

I've seen him worn more than 2 chains lol.

Zverev looks tired. not playing well.

Greek won first 2 sets, 6-3, 6-3.

I'm rooting for Tsitsipas, but man I wish Zverev was playing better. He's spraying lots of errors all over the court. Tsitsy is playing well, though.

Stef has already taken a wild card for next week Halle after having a grueling bling clay-court season.

I don't think he even cares about winning the final let alone doing well at Wimbledon.

Offcourse other appearances fees collector like Sasha,Rublen and Danil are also there..

I leave and it’s 3-0 Zverev in the 2nd and come back and Tsitsy is up 5-3. Wow.

Zverev's career W-L record vs Top 10 players if/after he loses this match:

29-28 in best-of-3-sets matches 0-12 in best-of-5-sets matches

Titsy is playing gorgeous tennis. Zverev seems flat.

Stefanos will have the edge in the finals. He won't be tired at all. this is a cake walk for him

Wow, that's a terrible 5-set record for Zverev!

Stefano is not playing great and no,he will not have any edge in the final irrespective who he plays or how much long second semi-final goes.

Titsy is serving and keeping ball low at Sasha forehand.

Rest is done Sasha

RolandGarros Women's Doubles final

[14] Bethanie Mattek Sands/Iga Swiatek vs

. [2] Barbora Krejcikova/Katerina Siniakova

BMS rode Iga's coatail.

First finalist in singles and doubles since Safarova in 2015. Trying to do what Pierce did in 2000

Team Barbora! I loathe BMS and Iga seems like a bitch

R281, I dislike BSM too!

did you see Zverev grimacing when he was walking after that point? Is something wrong with him or is that normal for him?

Maybe next year it will be safe to travel there and see a game or two. Last time I enjoyed watching Nada’s butt moving and those erotic noises he makes. I love watching tennis but also those guys. R275 I agree.

Alex is showing his treasure trail often. Stefano’s hair and beard look very good.

I am going to the US open for sure. I wonder what the plans are for the players this year. Last year, they were not allowed to go anywhere except hotel in Long Island. Usually, the players stay in midtown Manhattan and it's within walking distance from my work, have seen them up close.

I don't think Stefano will have balding hair, his dad's hair is so full and thick.

zverev won the 3rd set

R286 Good for you. Enjoy. I live in Europe so Roland Garros and Wimbledon are easiest for me.

Stefano's shorts are 99% soaked.

Tsitsipas in 1st and 2nd sets: 5W / 19UE. Wins them 6-3 6-3.

Tsitsipas in 3rd set: 15W / 8UE. Loses 4-6.

I hope Tsitipas can win this in 4, just needs asshat to double fault one of his service games to break back.

I really HATE Zverev

well 5 sets it is now.

2 sets even.

Zverev has vampire teeth. fangs.

I can’t get over (and why should I) how beautiful Stefanos eyes are. I have a bit of crush on him.

Ugh, Tsitsy's level dropped and Zverev's has risen. Not looking good for Tsitsy.

Tsitsy remind me a bit of Borg in his physique and loping walk.

Tsitsy pacing and yelling at himself is hot. Anyone else and it’s “crazy hobo” but it’s attractive with Stef.

Double break

It's just a single break.

R297 I was thinking the same

Stefanos is into the final!

I hate it when the shadow is over just part of the court!

R302 yes!

Yay Tsitsy!

TITSY IS TOTALLY UNABLE TO PUT HIS SHIRT BACK ON. THE LIL WHORE!

yes, the took off his shirt. he's getting a new one from the bag.

damn the bitch is still fat.

They should play topless.

I don't see anything special about stefanos's eyes.

right now, tears are coming out. he's emotional.

Best comment of the match was from the British announcer - Sport is the best form of reality tv.

R311, that was Robby Koenig. He's South African.

Incredible how umpires NEVER give warning for coaching to Tsitsi whose father talk to him at EVERY. SINGLE. POINT.

stefanos is writing some shit on the tv camera again. they just want you to sign your name!

yes, they showed his dad a lot but can he hear what the dad is saying ? the mask covers his mouth, no?

R306 My kind of guy. R309 absolutely

Now I just need Nadal to lose and it will be a perfect semi-finals day!

I hope Djokovic tones down his antics today.

Oh dear God, the Canadian network is using the feed with McEnroe and company. Just shoot me.

I'm watching french feed.

Titsy’s feet are huge. He must wear size 24 sneakers.

So happy for Tsitsy. He went off the rails a bit there but came back. Happy for him.

And yes - Tsitsipapa never shuts the fuck up. It must drive Stef a little nuts.

Tsitsipas' last 8 clay court tournaments:

Hamburg F

Roland Garros SF

Monte Carlo W

Barcelona F

Madrid R3

Rome QF

Lyon W

Roland Garros F+

W-L 31-5

Just for fun I looked at Rafa/Novak astrology charts for today. Both have a moon transit at 8:30p, suggesting Rafa could have a physical problem (stomach) and Novak could have an emotional problem (what are the chances?).

Also said something like Nadal has to make some sort of major adjustment, but will overcome.

Another transit for Novak says at 10:30 he's going to want to be with his family. My prediction Rafa in 4, but I'm hoping for Novak in 3.

Based on the first game this will be long difficult game and a joy to watch.

Final before final

Rafa is my dream boyfriend.

R327 Mine too. He is hot and delicious and his butt sensational

I want to see NoVaxxx so humiliated he gets so angry he spontaneously combusts on court, with his ashes being indistinguishable from the clay dust.

Wow! This is so good!

Rubbish start by Novaxx.

He is no 1 and look at his drop shot which gave Rafa the break point

And let's not even talk about two fail chances to put the smashes away at the break point

They are drenched with sweat already. I really think that they drink too much. Staying hydrated is important but this much is why they have to rub themselves off with a towel after every point.

Jesus, Djokovic can't get a ball in the court as the set goes on. Worst possible start against Nadal, who will be brimming with confidence and start hitting out and going for more. Jesus, when are Nadal's rivals going to man up and actually give him a fight?

Novaxx must've done serious head-job on himself last night. He's can be his own worst enemy.

Tsitsy is always drenched and yet his lips looked so chapped after his win. Chapstick baby!

Scared that Nadal will get too cocky and the tide will turn next set.

Q: is Djokovic handsome/attractive?

A: He has the basics to be considered handsome by some, however his personality cancels it all out.

A: If you like neurasthenic, goat-faced, emaciated, megalomaniacal rageoholics.

R 337. He need to gain lot of weight then he may look average and then some of desperate bottoms like me would possibly want to fuck him

Right now is he is way too scrawny to fuck.

They spent 45 minutes in a set that's 5-1, if the match gets tighter and gets into five sets the winner will end exhausted

I'm a little surprised that his wife is still with him and there. Their marriage was definitely in trouble a couple years ago and I doubt things have changed much since.

That Danish runt Rune retired when he was 4-6 3-5 against Ymer.

He is a bigger cunt than Lorenzo Musseti and Angelique Kerber combined.

R342 offcourse that gold digger is still with him. Talk of their divorce was going on in 2017- early 2018 when he was having shoulder surgery and he was struggling with form

He was also dabbling into some new age shit.

However as soon as he won Wimbledon in 2018 Jelena Djokovic again become dutiful housewife.

First set Nadal.

R344, wonder what divorce laws are like in Serbia since normally you'd think she could just take a great alimony.

Rafa needs to pull himself together now

Question for Djokovic fans:

Does he ever seem crazy or off to you? Do you ignore that or do you like that about him?

He just talks to his box and he seems nuts to me. Not to mention how psycho his outbursts are...

Wow the boys are dripping sweat. This is quite a match. Cmon Rafa.

nadal called the physio then cancelled him?

OT, every time Novak servers it sounds like Patsy Stone when she was in Paris in panic saying No! and lightning double cigarette

Both of them are annoying divas. The serve clock! So unfair!

R337 I think he's very handsome. His facial features are very attractive to me and has a solid athletic and resistant body. I had wet dream about him. I think many muscle bottoms would like someone like him to fuck them.

R343 Yeah Rune is already notorious for being a massive cunt. He often calls medical when the opponent is about to serve for the match.

R348 I think he's a bit crazy for real on court and I don't care. I think many guys who look "normal" on court might be a lot worse behind close doors, say Zverev for example.

So umpire gave Nadal time warning and he called supervisor to intimidate him?

Typical bully

i love jelena's dress

R351 It is Rafa who sounds like Patsy in Paris in panic

Novaxx looks like a rodent. no thank you

4 words: jim courier shut up!

Who is Cames lusting after today? He appreciates the male physique.

besides annacone who was the commentator during the tsitsipas/zverev match?...

" the earth is 70% water and tsitsipas is covering the other 30% on the court".. stupid and weird!....

annacone: speaking of art, that shot was like a picasso!

where do they get these fops from?..

Nadal is definitely getting old, he's slower now. I wouldn't be shocked if Djokovic ends up the 'GOAT' in terms of slam singles.

I think both are vulnerable and the day the younger players realize they really could defeat them things will change

I think it was Robbie Koenig r360.

[post redacted because linking to dailymail.co.uk clearly indicates that the poster is either a troll or an idiot (probably both, honestly.) Our advice is that you just ignore this poster but whatever you do, don't click on any link to this putrid rag.]

What a game! They fight to every last shot of every single ball and game. And it’s ”just” semi.

besides the spanish fans, and jim courier's hard on for nadal, i think it seems most of the crowd are sick and tired of nadal and want novak to win...( perhaps then for tsitsipas to beat novak in the final?)...

You're exactly right, R366. I have friends in France who say most everyone there hates Nadal. They respect him. How can you not? But they love Federer and saw Nadal as the block to Fed winning more RGs. They don't like Novak either, but they'll cheer him over Nadal. They will definitely be rooting for Tsitsipas no matter who wins this match. Tsitsy reminds the French of Federer.

So sick of Nadal at the French.

Tsitsy needs to become way more of a prissy diva to remind anyone of Fed.

I'd love it if Novak could figure out a way to rocket a ball over to Rafa's seating station and knock over his bottles. Rafa wouldn't be able to do anything for the next 30 minutes. I hadn't noticed the right-left-right shoe sole slap on every point before.

The curfew over there is in 45 minutes and the crowd will not be pleased.

I’m hearing a lot of RAFA! chants for them to hate him...

I hope this match goes 30-28 in the fifth. Really wear eachother down.

Those are mostly his Spanish fans, R372.

R372 Because they don't hate him.

The spanish-french vicious rivaldry only lives in the mind of some idiots (from both countries)

R374 I'm not that sure. This year most fans are french because covid restrictions

If this goes to 5 sets it might go 5 hours plus

R377 yes and the just one day off

The Tsitsy-Zverev match was nowhere near as grueling as this. I have to think Tsitsy will have a little more in the tank.

Nadal is still so sexy!

^Ew! He sweats Crisco!

Is the curfew at 11 p?

The crowd can stay. They just announced it.

The rest of the game without the audience?

R383 thanks for the info

That's great that they're letting the spectators stay. It's an outstanding match plus it's Friday night!

" I have friends in France who say most everyone there hates Nadal. "

Absolute nonsense. I'm French. The only reason most people including myself even watch RG is for Rafa. I seriously doubt you have "friends" here because what you're saying is the opposite of reality.

Fuck off, R387. I do have friends in France and they've told me this for years. I also work for a client who sometimes has French workers come over and the ones I've talked to who like tennis have told me they're dying for someone other than Rafa to win RG. They're bored with him.

I can’t believe they let them stay!

You don't tell anybody to fuck off when they're correcting the bullshit you're spewing about the people of their own country. You braindead piece of shit. Typical yank with his big mouth being defiantly ignorant.

Critical moments for Rafa. Oh, he has problems with his foot?

If Novak wins, I hope Tsisipas beats him.

I'm French and I don't like Nadal. But that's only me.

R370

That's because he wants to get the dirt off his feet so he doesn't slip. It's not OCD as you implied.

Nada making too many simple mistakes

I'm fucking exhausted just watching.

I’m guessing Jelena thinks that the dispensation from curfew means she no longer has to pretend to wear a mask, either.

Of course it is OCD, R394. Yes, they all do it to get the clay dust off of their shoes; Rafa, however, has to do it the exact same way in the exact same order every time. It's a ritual for him.

Novak very near of going to the final. Rafa is not on top form.

Can Tsitsipas beat Djokovic?

Looks like Djokovic will win this, sadly. One day the truth will come out about him.

You may not like Novak, but he has been incredible today.

At least Novak hasn't gone psycho. Small mercies.

Djokovic could win the next 10 majors and I still wouldn't care. He is a massive douchebag.

Rafa was my favorite but Novak was better tonight

Astounding tennis, just astounding.

Tsitsi team

I continue to love Rafa.

Say what you want about these two gramps, but their level of tennis is stellar and sublime. Zverev and Tsitsipas look amateurish in comparison.

YES!!! No number 14 this year for Nadal! Thank God I don't have to watch him win yet another one this year.

Piss off, R390. Douchebag called me a liar and HE'S the one who is wrong. But of course you'd defend him. What are you? A Brit or an Aussie? Either way, you're the trashy variety. And see R393. See, there are French people who don't like Nadal, just like the ones I've talked to.

How many GS will NOVAC have when he retires? He will have 19 if he wins both RG and Wimbledon. He has to be the favorite for these two. My guess is 22-24.

R400 Unlikely but I hope I'm wrong.

Already over 400 replies. this thread will be paywalled very soon

r410 = bitter micro meat limey cunt.

^He'll be at 20 if he wins both RG and Wimbledon. A three-way tie!

TITSY, bitches!

I just hope neither Djokovic nor Nadal get near 30. If they can the sport will be in a sad, sad state.

R411 20 not 19. Federer must be crying as he will only be 3rd in terms of GS in a year or two.

R414 = dumb cunt as he got my nationality wrong. Also, my cock is anything but micro. Wrong again, but I suspect that's your normal state.

" For the love of god would someone please shit in my mouth! "

Where did everyone go? Did the Novak haters all have to go crying to their mommies?

He's like the worst boyfriend EVER.

I think I'm hilarious but I'm not.

-R420-

Oh, dear, r422.

Djokovic will soon join Nadal as closer to 40 than 30. I doubt he'll get beyond 20 and will end in a three-way tie with Nadal and Federer.

We're still here, R421. No matter how many Slams Novaxx wins, he'll still be right down there with Nastase and Connors as one of the most unlikeable players ever.

So original, R423. Try harder.

Anyway, nothing can spoil my mood now that Nadal is out of this tournament. A Tsitsy win would make this RG spectacular!

The only person who can give Connors a run for being a nasty piece of work is Kyrgios. Both are grease fire material. Novak just has a pathological need to be loved by the crowd and not being able to ever attain that has taken a mental toll on him.

Gurls stop cunting.

Moving on: can Titsy beat him?

R387 we saw in 2009 against Robin Soldering .crowd was cheering at Rafa errors

Uncle Toni even said Paris crowd was very disrectpectful towards Rafa

And almost every year in Paris masters 1000 we see French crowd booing Nadal

So this claim of French people watching tennis because of Nadal does not ring true

NOVAC will most definitely get beyond 20 unless he is injured again.

It's not just his pathological need to be loved, R426. It's his Jekyll-Hyde fits of rage, his colossal arrogance, his condescension in press conferences, and his supercilious politics.

It is so great that Nadal lost.

It would be greater if Titsy wins.

Or beans another linesperson or ball kid, R429.

Get fucked Nadal.

Go take some more PED

I got the first one covered!

The photo jinx is almost complete: S Zverev and Nadal out. Can we trust the jinx enough to assume Novaxx is going to lose the finals to Tsitsipas?

OP is a Titsy fan.

Age ain't nothin' but a number. Rafa and Nole are in great shape and can easily beat the younger guys. Can't wait until both of them pass Grumpy Gramps.

The jinx worked. 😩 Tsitsy! Please play the match of your life!

There is another jinix called Nadal jinix.

Anyone who defeat Nadal loses in the final

Robin Soldering lostt in 2009

And Novak lost in 2015

Nadal is already slower than he used to be, and if Djokovic gets any thinner, he'll crumble into dust.

....

What about Harriet Dart blowing her lead against Lauren Davis yesterday in Nottingham? Now Jo Konta will have to carry The Union Jack to victory. Go Brave Jo!

Wow. Nole did it. Slayed the beast. Ugh. I just hate Novak and now he'll ascend to unquestioned GOAT status. He'll have the Slam record by next year's Aussie, already has most weeks at number one, and the better H2H against Rafa and Fed.

Alas.

Rafa says , he has an ankle injury, lol

damn, does that mean he's not playing until US open?

Rafa is so tedious, OF COURSE he's injured...

Ok. Am I the only one who finds the pic at r442 hot?

wow what a day. I'm thrilled Tsitsipas has reached his first slam final, even better at the expense of "the chosen one" Zverev though I wish it had been a straight set win

This was the first slam meeting between Nadal and Djokovic that I enjoyed in a long, long time because it was not the final for a change. The quality in the 1st set from Djokovic was shit and Nadal was spent in the 4th but the 2nd and 3rd were really amazing tennis. They were running each other ragged and both made incredible retrievals in addition to great shot making.

I know we all have our favorites and hated players but I hope we can avoid fighting in these tennis threads. I enjoy light sarcasm and banter but no need for personal insults.

Not everyone in my real life enjoys tennis so it's fun to come here and share it with you guys

In grass tennis news,

today in Stuttgart

Rodionov (he was an indoor challenger specialist in 2019 but is now on the pro tour) upset de Minaur 3-6 6-3 7-6(4)

Shapovalov won the third set of his match with Lopez that was interrupted on Thursday but then lost to Cilic 5-7 6(3)-7

FAA def. Humbert 7-6(5) 7-6(8) nice to see him with some clutch wins for a change

Querrey def. Stricker 6(4)-7 7-6(4) 6-3

In Nottingham Konta is the clear favorite as she, Davis, S. Zhang and Stojanovic reach the SF

[quote]Absolute nonsense. I'm French. The only reason most people including myself even watch RG is for Rafa. I seriously doubt you have "friends" here because what you're saying is the opposite of reality.

So this morning L'Equipe, the reference sports newspaper, published its account of the Nadal's beatdown at the hands of Djokovic and below, among the 1800 comments, there was this comment, which I can assure is as representative as can be of the mood of French tennis lovers: "Nadal battu, bon débarras" which translates to "Nadal beaten, good riddance". And this comment got up and down voted (in a reddit fashion, or Daily Mail if you will) and the comment got 87 up and 73 down. That would be about 55% Nadal so-called "haters" and 45% Nadal lovers. Ballpark figures would be 50-50 with a sample of 160.

I hope that this will settle the argument - or maybe not - of whether French people "love" or "hate" Nadal.

[quote]Absolute nonsense. I'm French. The only reason most people including myself even watch RG is for Rafa. I seriously doubt you have "friends" here because what you're saying is the opposite of reality.

So this morning L'Equipe, the reference sports newspaper, published its account of the Nadal's beatdown at the hands of Djokovic and below, among the 1800 comments, there was this comment, which I can assure is as representative as can be of the mood of French tennis lovers: "Nadal battu, bon débarras" which translates to "Nadal beaten, good riddance". And this comment got up and down voted (in a reddit fashion, or Daily Mail if you will) and the comment got 87 up and 73 down. That would be about 55% Nadal so-called "haters" and 45% Nadal lovers. Ballpark figures would be 50-50 with a sample of 160.

I hope that this will settle the argument - or maybe not - of whether French people "love" or "hate" Nadal.

So you're both right...or wrong.

Did anyone else think that Tsitsipas was petulant and ungracious during the award ceremonies... mumbled and looking all sullen. Come on, you were in the final, you're not entitled to win it all.

His grandmother had just died. Don't be so quick to judge.

SPEAKING of Lopez, yesterday his white shorts were so sexy and erotically see thru! NICE! Not sure, if his white shorts are made of different fabric than other players, but it seems that they were more sheer of more sheer material, then the other guys who wear white shorts...

I"ll have to do a complete thorough study of this with all the warm up grass tournaments and the big W...

federer squeaked by his first match and i must say his calves were looking nice and muscular and shapely...