The Gays and Tennis, Part 163 -- The South American Swing and The Sunshine Double

What's going on with those shorts? It looks like poop happened.

it's clay, doll

Way too much exposition in your intro Op—good pic, bad writing. Keep it pithy next time.

[quote] Will Carlitos hurt ankle keep him from winning BIG $$$$ in Las Vegas??

Eet hurts so mush.

Thanks for the new thread, OP.

It's The Year of Legz

Generally not the Rune, the original Legz

Coco choke-o

This is one very fine ass, OP!

Oh I should have thought of Legz+ !!!

My poster pick would have been one of this week's It Boys, Mariano Navone or Jakub Mensik.

Anna Kalinskaya is the most beautiful woman on the WTA. I think she’s even prettier than Genie Bouchard.

She’s beaten Ostapenko and Coco this week!

Zheng lost a sixth match to Iga - Iga just does everything a bit better than Zheng. It's the flat-hitting, power players that Iga struggles against because they rush her.

Navone just doesn't do it for me. I can see the potential, and DLers are trying to make him happen, but for me, he's a "no."

Warning!!!

Woobie lost to a teenager? WTF? The same one who beat misery.

I wuv Woobie, but I swear, that crossing himself and looking skyward at the end of every match is a turn off.

A religious Russian? Do they have that many? Is it a new thing??

r15, Number 1 for 413 weeks and counting, with no points to defend in IW/MIA He'll double Nadal's paltry 209 in April.

Did he shit his pants sideways?

To each his own, R14, just like Fritz, Paul, Rune, Giron, Fucsovics, and Griekspoor do not a thing for me, yet they're stanned ad nauseam here.

Lajovic took out Lovely Laslo in straights :-(

Some guys can’t see the awesome ass for the clay. You guys don’t know shit about tennis.

Camilo looks incredible in OPs photo.

[quote]A religious Russian? Do they have that many? Is it a new thing??

They have a lot of Orthodox churches so you do see a fair few religious people but it's not particularly religious a country so, it depends on the person really.

Kalinskaya takes out Switek in two sets. Is she the next big thing?

Terrible final for Dubai. Kalinskaya (who? One of Kyrgios's former alleged squeezes) and Paolini (who? Small and cute, the Schwartzmann of the WTA who got lucky with a Rybakina walkover).

Why are the top players of the WTA so prone to losing to people they shouldn't? Looking at Swiatek and Sabalenka and Rybakina and Gauff here.

"Is that a tennis ball in your pocket, or are you just pleased to reach your first ATP Quarter Final, Mariano Navone?"

[quote}Number 1 for 413 weeks and counting, with no points to defend in IW/MIA He'll double Nadal's paltry 209 in April.

And still, his popularity with fans is marginal; can't imagine why....

Absolutely a Pyrrhic victory for someone as needy of adulation as Djokovic is.

Father Time has not been kind.

Rafa and Novaxx en route to Indian Wells. Natch, Xisca was busy at the bank and couldn't get away.

Anyone going to Indian Wells? I'll be there from the 6th-10th. I'll give daily updates like I did last year.

R30 is not R29.

R31, don’t be dragging your knuckles there.

^ correct

somehow I missed R29's post, my internet has been spotty today

Prizmic packing out front as well as behind! I love a versatile player!

awesome quads

R29 and R30 that's two ugly men.......

I'll bet Novaxx is'that friend' amongst your friend group that no one really likes to hang out with.

Thompson beats Zverev.

Thompson showed off big balls there. To miss 6 match points in Ratface's previous service games and then step back up and dominate the tie-break was impressive.

[quote] Casper clobbers Tsitsipas and Thompson exterminates Ratface Zverev, ya beauts!

Thank you for cross-posting my mis-post R41!

Pornstache

Pornstache with interesting treasure trail, r43

Black Italian Pasolini wins her first 1000 title. She’s on track for a very good year. She’s a cutie.

*Paolini. Sorry

[quote] Black Italian Pasolini

She's from Sicily?

No, numbnut.

Karen H won Doha

Cute Casper Team or Pornstache Team?

Casper team.

Racially ambiguous Italian Jasmine Paolini won. I was so happy for her! She wiped that smug smile from that Russian gal's face

Surprised to learn she is 28!!!

Jasmine is older than She Hulk

Forgot to add....The Iga vs Kalinskya match was the best Iga match I have watched

Pornstache Johnson beat Wuud.

Paolini looked so small, shaking hands at the end of her match. She's 5'4" - which is the average height of an American woman. I don't know about Italians but tennis really is becoming dominated by the very tall. I don't think it was that way in the past - at least no this much. Billie Jean King is 5'5"; Rod Laver 5'8"; etc.

What a great week... and past 6 months for Thompson. He's really transitioned from perennial journeyman to serious contender - at least at 250-500 level.

A smouldering Mariano Navone makes his first main tour final by beating an out of sorts Norrie.

Pornstache!

Borna bulge

Another ATP photo fail, here Mariano looks like Forrest Gump.

Age 22, 5'10', he'll go from 113 to at least 60, total prize money 244k, so this will be the biggest paycheck of his life. 400k for the winner. Carlos took home 900k for playing 2 points.

I'm very happy for Thompson. I've followed and lusted over him (as I do a few players, of course), and I'm delighted he's gotten the breakthrough he deserves.

Most of the player photos by the ATP capture their worst likenesses. Like ATP hired a camera wielder from TMZ or the DMV.

Lil' Sebastian Baez is 5'7", 154lb, will be at least 23 in the world. That's impressive. I love a shorty who looks like MS13

Disregard the figure on the right for a steamy Navone.

Navone: The Nipless Wonder

🧐

Baez team or Navone team?

Well—since he’s up a set and 2-love, I’ll take the midget.

Size queen, R66.

Guilty as charged. I will accept my punishment.

Baez wins.

The Porteño Midget beats the Nipless Wonder to win Rio.

Tennis Channel mixed up Sinner's and Medvedev's pictures.

In fairness, they look pretty identical.

R72 = Rublev

When Golden Swing over?

The Golden Swing ends next week with the finals in Chile and Acapulco. Next stop, the Sunshine Double with Indian Wells beginning March 6th.

Is Jordan Thompson a cool guy, do we like him? Because I love Casper and I'm bummed he lost, but Thompson looked hawt.

R30. Regarding the pic of Nadal and Djokovic. Why would they fly Iberia Business class, instead one of the better airlines with first class? I have flown Iberia business class and it is just okay. And more importantly, why don't they fly private?

Flying private is very expensive - I associate it with billionaires and I doubt flying business class is that much worse or inconvenient to make it worth it. If Nadal is training with 12-year-old girls for $150k he knows the value of money !

Found an example of a quote to hire a private plane: London - New York. One way. Approx: 7h 15 mins From €64200;

But they travel with all their entourage, so a private plane might make more sense. Does the entourage fly coach?

Maybe they do economy but even if you manage to pack a private plane with an entourage of 10 people (and that's being generous, it's probably more like 4-5) flying London-New York at business class @ I'm guessing maybe €2,500 each, that's €25,000 for a large entourage flying business class. That's a big saving compared to a private plane.

Just because you're rich doesn't necessarily mean that you want to fritter it away on things like this. Many rich people know the value of money and that's why they stay rich.

Novaxx has been nominated for the 2024 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year

Shapo team or Misery team?

Shapo and Misery go to third set.

Misery advances.

Misery beats ShapoFLOPov., as the always-annoying Bublik squeaks it out over the adorable Legz+

Zhang team or Wublev team?

Mariano and Sebastian's 'O faces'?

Nadal’s entourage is presumably much smaller since his wife never goes anywhere with him.

My company had its own jets. But whenever the CEO flew on long international flights he typically opted to fly commercial because private jets become too claustrophobic. You want to stretch and walk around.

r89, For some reason, on my news feed I keep getting updates on his sister who is in "sales and marketing" for the academy and his wife is "working behind the scenes" with the foundation. They barely see each other as they work on 2 completely different sides of the office. Are they life long friends? Business partners? We'll never know because they're private and it's none of your carnauba de abeja.

Nadal has never once thanked his wife or talked about her sacrifices, like every other married ATP player, yet here he is gushing over his physio.

"We have experienced everything together, both the good times and the bad. He is the one who is next to me on the stretcher, in the pool or sucking on the injuries when I am not seeing the light. We spend a thousand hours together and he is a professional and personal support." No HOMO!

Have you guys never heard of NetJets or other similar companies that allow the wealthy to lease private planes without having to own them? I’m sure that’s how most of these top players travel much of the time.

But again, flying international, those planes are really small so not the most pleasant form of transportation.

Why is Tennis Channel showing these two fugs when there two hot DL boyfriends trying to top each other at the same time?

Over the weekend Navone drew a heart for "Horacio", erased it for a smile, but then he ended it with a kiss anyway.

Will Daddy be bitten by the PP like Sweet Tommy?

Big Jack D rollercoaster 2024 continues with a 6-0, 6-4 thrashing of Tommy Paul. Let's see if he can build some consistency this week.

The PP does for Daddy and he succumbs to the twinkish charms of Power Bottom, Arnaldi.

America is struggling to keep a player in the top ten.

Oh Daddy...

bye Tommy :-(

Mopsy stretch

A confident Cazaux compounds Mussetti's misery with a straights pounding!

* straight sets

Lore assumes the position

Coric (Btw, great wet ass) lost to Jakub.

James Blake & Pam Shriver help 'the Bachelor' Joey Graziadei find his (doubles) partner in love!

Did he crap his pants at OP pic? Like those marathon runners do.

It's so weird that Blake got fined 56k by the tennis police. Blake sent out a press release about his sponsorship, so he wasn't hiding anything. You'd think he or his lawyer would have read his contracts. He went to Harvard, right?

"This case is more a matter of perception, rather than corruption," ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse said. "The rules apply to players, coaches, officials and accredited tournament staff -- who all have the ability to influence results or have access to inside information."

Do any of you ever bet on tennis? I don't remember anyone discussing it for the past 163 threads.

I can understand why it's banned because it can be a conflict of interest as a tournament operator. I suppose he may have thought that since he wasn't placing bets himself it was OK. Blake and/or his lawyer may not have been aware of these ITIA rules? Idk, it does seem like an oversight.

I personally don't bet on tennis because the odds are too efficient but I have done the odd one just for fun in the past.

Rudd team or Eubanks team?

How can he play with shorts so tight?

Who?

Wuud wins.

Cute Altmaier takes out fellow German, Ratface. Always love a first round loss for POS Zverev!

Zverev's had diabetes since age 3, and I also think he's hot, so I try to keep up with the program and hate on him, but it's hard.

Did he beat up one (or two?) girlfriends? Is that why we hate him?

F. Zverev = Flopos Zverev

Two, R115. (Allegedly!)

R115, what do you find hot about him?

Gironass

I admit I've always found him kinda hot too. He does seem like a dick though like Kyrios. But maybe it's just perception. I was actually surprised to hear Kyrious say he's good mates with Daddy F during his commentary who don't seem nothing alike.

Yeah, it's the beating up of girlfriends, physically attacking Umpires, air of arrogance, and general piece of crapness that exudes from every pore!

Giron is my newest crush. You bitches can take all our boyfriends. I'll take this one.

More Gironass.

I don't care if he's a top or bottom. Whatever he wants. I just wanna eat that ass

Oh my....tennis star Matteo Berrettini splits from sex addict model girlfriend

Ugh with all the tattoos.

Well at least Matteo dumped the PP.

Matteo will move on to a new PP soon enough.

Legz over Mmoh in Puco

Sascha's new PP

^ Oh god, awful tattoos there.

The UGOAT is taking Misery to the wood shed.

Strong win for Jiri Lehecka over Karen K - came back from a break down in the third sewt to win it 6-4.

I know his face is a bit off... but that physique pushes all my hot buttons

Periodic reminder that I once chatted with a lovely guy on Grindr who had worked in pro tennis locker rooms and said our Tommy had a big, hairy cock.

And you believed him.

In Dubai we're set for another Hubert-Humbert humdinger.

[quote]said our Tommy had a big, hairy cock

Oh, dear. I sure hope his COCK isn't hairy. That would be a turn-off!

Arthur hits a FH in Santiago

Just the one?

In that photo, yes.

Poor Misery. He's said that he constantly gets asked about when he is going to stop playing and that he probably won't play much beyond the summer - said as if he was browbeaten into it. He's going to have to spend time with his wife and four children.

He’s pissed it keeps getting brought up, because it’s like saying, “Given how blatantly uncompetitive your game has become…”

Fils fills them quite nicely. Through to the next round in straight sets today over TSW in Santiago.

These are great pics of Arthur. I'm not sure about adding more "Legz" varieties. Legz and Legz+ came about pretty organically and quite a bit of time apart. Fils doesn't wear longer shorts like some in the previous generation and he fills out his shorts beyond nicely, but lots of players are wearing shorter shorts these days and many have nice legs. Do we want more "Legz" varieties or will it kill the fun? IF we add a few more, Fils could be Blegz (black legs) or maybe Jambez - from jambes, French for legs, but with a z.

My vote is for Jambez, s'il vous plaît.

Yeah, I like Jambez - we'll see if it catches on.

Korda destroyed Van de Zandschulp 0 and 1. Not a surprising win, but a surprising score. Will Korda ever make a level jump. He seems to have been around 25-35 for over two years. I know he was injured, but still. I'm even talking becoming an Slam champion, just maybe getting Top 10 or Top 15 and making a Slam SF run, beating a top player, wining more singles titles, even just 250s.

Four children? Do they all have different baby daddies?

[quote] Will Korda ever make a level jump.

He should try doping.

"I'm NOT even even talking becoming a Slam champion ..." is what I meant to type.

[quote] He's going to have to spend time with his wife and four children.

Shoot me now.

I didn't even realize or didn't remember that Murray had one kid, much less four.

R151 it is pretty fucking disgusting to write that about a omeone who lived thru a mass school murder.

It's pretty interesting to see how different champions wind down. Is Murray going to be like Venus and keep at it FAR beyond his prime (he may have reached that point already). Some athletes really look forward to what's next, even if they'll miss the game. Others are terrified of what's next and lose their identity without playing. Not that those are the only two options.

Here's the luxury hotel in Scotland that Misery and his wife own as a business. He'd still rather limp on with tennis...

Neither of those options applies to Venus—she’s completed two degrees and run multiple successful businesses, and actively managed her own investments while playing on tour. I think she will continue in that path just fine.

Wow, that Cromlix place is beautiful.

This time next year Andy will be cleaning rooms.

^ he could also be the house tennis pro!

Talking of businesses, the Rafa Nadal Academy looks like it has good facilities in Mallorca but it charges junior players fees of $62,000 at a minimum.

Wubey destroys Korda in the Quarters. I guess that cements Korda's 20-30 status for the time being at least!

[quote] he could also be the house tennis pro!

How mush he charge?

What businesses has Venus actually run? V Star Interiors? Eleven? I can’t imagine she’s making any real business decisions.

Don’t need to imagine —it’s the reality. Why do you think Black female tennis champions are not capable of making any real business decisions?

The UGOAT makes a GOATesque comeback to win against Hubie. Saves 3 match points in the second, to go on to break twice in the third to win.

Impressive against servebot Hurcacz

Demon looking good

Splitsy Titsy

R166 I had a better ‘stache in high school …meh

R168 = worse than Hitler

Koepfer team or Legz/Brat team?

Casper separates the men from the boys again. Bye-bye, Bawling Ben!

Jodie Foster: "Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them middle-age lesbians?

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: "Seb Korda is the fairest of them all"

Legz!

Bubbles Team or Woobie Team?

Med Team or UGOAT Team?

Woobie Team

UGOAT Team

r163, Actually, she made the best business decision of her life by choosing to remain single and generating income in the easiest way possible and that she enjoys. In her religion the husband controls the money. She talked about this in an interview IIRC>

“In her religion the husband controls the money.”

That’s not the reality for anyone like her. Such an exaggeration. The rest of your post makes a good point

From Wiki- Jehovah Witness - Wives should be submissive to their husbands and husbands are to have deep respect and love for their wives, and are instructed to listen to them on all matters.[90]

She said in the interview that her religion demand that she was submissive in all matters including money and she didn't want to give any man that power. Or something to that effect.

Please link to the article—not a wiki summary that has nothing to do with her personally. Or just go away.

Why is she a Jehovah's Witness then? It's a borderline cult. That makes me think less of her. Also, everyone knows that her 'businesses' aren't successful. I think that she's still playing the tour and taking wildcards, appearance fees because she's broke. Inb4 people say that she made a lot of money in the past - that can be squandered quite easily - Serena Williams even posted during Wimbledon that she was telling Venus off about her spending in London. Read in between the lines.

Rublev gets defaulted for calling a linesman a 'fucking moron' in Russian.

Unfortunately, for Andrey, there was a Russian-speaking official in earshot.

Scenes!

What? Rublev challenged a call and got DQ'd?

Not sure calling a linesman a 'fucking moron' is an acceptable call challenge.

Wubie to the world

Poor Rublev, he's very emo these days.

The UGOAT takes the first set over Medvedev. He's playing out of his skin - playing up the court on return and hitting winners all over the shop.

Can he keep it up?

Everything is so jammed in. That loveseat is at a terrible angle.

Courtside?

Or wrong thread?

Who are on the loveseat, Roger and Rafa?

Wrong thread, R188. Sorry.

Go back to your hovel in Liverpool.

*my guess for your intended thread

Lol. ^Correct

UGOAT chalks up another win over Daniil.

Up to 15 in the rankings, no matter the result tomorrow against Bublik

[quote]Rublev gets defaulted for calling a linesman a 'fucking moron' in Russian

Here's a video of the incident

Ruby needs to get a grip on herself! She's one fiery ginge!

Is Il Gingio also fiery?

In the bush, si si.

Rublev crossed the line by yelling in the face of the linesman. Djokovic and Serena should have been defaulted for that same level of obnoxiousness.

Yes, I watched it and while I don't know what he said, that was aggressive and not OK to do that to a linesperson. Serena was defaulted for similar behavior while Djokovic has been defaulted for recklessly hitting a ball. Think the right call was made here.

Hubie show his hiney

Next up:

Rageaholic: Ruby's Reluctant Road to Rehab

I think Rublev lost around $200,000 because of the default.

Poor boy needs help.

[quote]Is Il Gingio also fiery?

No. He's cool as a carrot.

For such a strapping lad, Big Jack D has the physical constitution of a Dickensian guttersnipe.

Silly, silly Holger, 4-2 up in the third, uses up all his challenges - then proceeds to lose 4 games in a row through pure assholery. Will he ever grow the fuck up?

Credit to Casper for just sticking to the job.

With their history, Ruud must have been full-on snort laughing inside by the end of the match.

[quote]With their history, Ruud must have been full-on snort laughing inside by the end of the match

Jaaaa

Cute Casper

bye Legz

UGOAT or Bubbles Team?

Demon Team or Cute Casper Team?

UGOAT Team

Demon Team / KeepTsitsipasOutTneTop10 Team

Hope Ugo slaughters Bublik - he's rapidly becoming one of my least-liked players. He's not right in the head.

Team Big Boys - Jan-Lennard and Tallon G - win the dubs in Dubai!

The UGOAT wins Dubai!

UGOAT - 6 Finals = 6 Wins!

So happy he thumped Bublik. So much gamesmanship in that last game - almost as bad as Kyrgios.

Is Bublik the player that said he absolutely hated tennis? He hated playing, he hated he grind of the tour and traveling, but he's good at it and he can bank a lot of money at a young age, so he does it. I think it was Bublik.

^ I suspect that's the case for a lot of players, to be honest.

Andre Agassi was the same way.

At least Rune has made an effort to clean up his post-match handshake game. (The Casper eye-roll a few years back was a fave of mine.)

Question: Do the young'ns seem to be throwing a lot more drop shots than #CurrentGen players? Granted, I only watch the ATP highlight reels, but Shelton and Rune both tried a bunch against Ruud and I know Alcaraz loves the dropper.

R217 yes I think so. I think players always used it more on clay, b/c the softness and slipperiness of the surface made it very effective. Alcaraz has shown that it can be greatly effective on hard courts, too.

Players seem to employ the drop shot less to expect to actually win the point on the drop shot, than to force their opponent forward and (usually) force an end to the point one way or the other. Guys hit so hard and are such good movers and retrievers, it's a way to essentially shorten the point - bring the opponent in and either the player employing the drop shot hits a passing shot or lob, or the player moving in ends up winning at the net. Of course, sometimes the drop shot itself results in the end of the point as the opponent can't get to it or gets to it and puts it in the net or sends it out. You can usually sense when a player is using it as an affirmative tactic and when it's a more desperate tactic because they're tired.

Rod Laver or Ken Rosewall would never play it that way.

Struff was bulging nicely after the doubles match.

I love Ruud, he's so underrated. Powerful player but subdued between points, kind of reminds me of Federer in that respect. And his hairy chest... swoooon

Ruud is correctly rated since he’s never won anything more than a 250.

Ruud has managed the fear of being in/around the top ten without ever having a chance of winning a major.

It's odd that Ruud has won only 250s yet has made 3 Slam finals - and played admirably in them. I know he usually gets some break in the draw to make those finals, but still, plenty of other players couldn't take advantage of similar situations to make Slam finals. His range is pretty big. Like I'm never surprised if he's upset in the second round of a Slam or Masters or if he makes a good run.

Shapo!

How many DLers are going to to IW next week? I'll be there Wed-Friday.

Please provide us info and impressions while you’re there, R226.

Most definitely. I also love to go watch practices to see players interact with coaches and other players so will have full reports.

I have never been to Sunshine Double.

R226 I will be there Wednesday through Saturday.

32.

Do we know which DL boyfriends will be in the draw?

[quote] Do we know which DL boyfriends will be in the draw?

Nole?

That's a fine ass in OP's picture!

^Gorgeous

R216 Jennifer Capriati too

[quote]Do we know which DL boyfriends will be in the draw?

All of them, Mary

And "Nole" is the last and least candidate for DL boyfriend, give or take a Kyrgios.

Nole is even less than Nick the Dick

Ruud loses another non-250 final!

Demon is the champion in Acapulco once again... and is heading straight up to San Diego to watch girlfriend, Katie Boulter, in the San Diego Final.

They're like the non-cunty Jimmy 'n Chrissie!

Does anyone else get the feeling that Rune and Mouratoglou are fucking?

LOL that hat is so ridic

R242 Holger's scary mother did compare his revolving coaching situation as 'having to kiss some frogs'

So maybe Patrick is Princess Holger's knight-in-shining-armour?

Shapo looks great @ R225

I could see it. Patrick is quite attractive in a daddy way which some young people love.

There's a pic on twitter (can't find it) showing Patrick and Legz watching the final and they make a very attractive couple.

With Nadalcaraz splitting 12 million for the gig (not even more for the winner?) plus 150k private lessons and 50k group lessons, who needs the ATP? Carlos prize money for 2024 is 451k, he picked up almost 2 million dollars for RIO and BA appearance fees and played 4 sets. It's unseemly, but I'll be watching. But first we'll have to suffer through an ace contest with Tiafoe, Izzzzner and Queerly, who once served 10 aces in a row. Also beat Novaxx and Murray at 2017 Wimbledon but is unrecognizable at Starbucks. A pickleball player aka the worst

R247, there’s also this cute little video of Patz and Legz who stayed on for the final. Llegz certainly does look a little light in the loafers.

Will Legz+ be in Indian Wells. Qualifying starts in a couple days.

[quote] Llegz

Or as they say in Castellano, “Yegz” or “Jegs” in Arrr-hen-tina.

R249, I would SO watch Patrick break Legz in two.

Not really attracted to either, but seeing a big daddy shut the brat up would be hot af.

Legz+ will be there, R250.

Rune is hideous in the face. Like Martina Hingis in drag.

^ this is why God made doggy-style

Legz+ FTW!

Molz+!

The Netflix Slam exho is silly but fun - which is entirely the point.

R258 Yes! I'm surprised to be enjoying it as much as I am.

Do we know definitively how much Rafa and Carlitos are taking down from this? I've heard 2 million and 6 million.

I have heard 6 million....

R260, from R248:

[quote] With Nadalcaraz splitting 12 million for the gig (not even more for the winner?) plus 150k private lessons and 50k group lessons, who needs the ATP?

Tennis - at least - should be played in the nude.

Katie Boulter contemplang the Demonic dicking she's about to get from boyfriend, Alex, after she matches his 500 Title, in San Diego.

“Comtemplang” the feeling of that Hitler stache taking her into the labyrinth of love.

[quote]Taylor Fritz, Masters winner

American and Masters winner? Fritz is a shoe-in for Tennis Hall of Fame.

6 millions you and 6 millions me!

Eeet feel GOOD!

Will there be a separate IW thread or will we continue with this one since it's not full yet?

R268, this one includes “The Sunshine Double” in its title. Thus we should continue here.

Stay here…random tournament threads are most unhelpful

I agree wholeheartedly.

I agree, also. Nothing pisses Muriel off more than premature thread ejaculation.

Bill was big!… it was the endless tournaments that got small.

Thank you, R269.

There's a 17 yr old from Kansas in the IW qualifying draw (he received a wild card) whose name is Cooper Woestendick

R275, what will his DL nickname be?

Woodendick

God in heaven. His thighs make me crazy and I’m a lesbian, mostly

Whose, R268?

Which players are favorites of DL’s various trolls?

Mine - in current ranking order:

De Minaur, Humbert, Davidovic Fokina, Griekspoor, Etcheverry, Draper, Cazaux, Gasquet and Broady.

Full last names?—I am impressed.

Thank you, Jesus.

[quote]Whose, [R268]?

Probably Carabelli in OP's picture

I read Rublev's ranking points and prize money after the DQ in Dubai have been reinstated by the ATP following Andrey's appeal

^That seems fair. It would have bad anywhere but yelling at people, and in this case a coworker, is illegal in Dubai and of course, totally socially unacceptable. A couple of Americans have been arrested for it recently, IIRC. It would be like smoking a cigarette at Indian Wells.

Which would kill off at least a few Palm Springers nearby.

From the link: "I try restaurants,” Ivanisevic said. “You see two young people. Everybody else is 100 years old . . . 150. Every time I think somebody is going to die in restaurant.”

He’s not wrong ;)

Paire, Medjedovic, lil Diego and Cazaux are already out in the IW qualies.

Pairs is just a crazy mess. Lil Diego is in the sunset of his career.

Cazauz is very young. Isn't Medjedovic, too?

Medjedovic is 20.

Medjedovic won the NextGen final, right? He' still pretty young and (obviously) inconsistent.

Consistency is key. Inconsistency can really hold a player back.

^^^^

brilliant commentary!

Mary Joe was the one advising Coco Gauff to take the rest of the season off tour to "retool her forehand". But instead Coco hired Brad Gilbert after Wimbledon and six weeks later she was winning the US Open. But at least Mary Joe's advice came in good faith!

In fairness, most thought she needed to take time off to retool the forehand.

The work she and Brad have done together has been impressive and surprising.

Indian Wells draw out. The potential match ups by seeding: Djokovic-Humbert, Ruud-Hurkacz, Medvedev-Dimitrov, Fritz-Rune top half. Rublev-Tsitsipas, Shelton-Sinner, Zverev-De Minaur, Khachanov-Alcaraz bottom half.

R286, do you consider yourself a DL troll?

Just discovered the qualies are available to watch in the link, currently Mmoh v. Bagnis despite the title.

R269 the thighs of the guy pictured at the beginning of this thread … I don’t know names of these players … but good god …. It takes me back to days of experimentation with guys …. Sigh … too old , but those t h I g h s

"Will there be a separate IW thread or will we continue with this one since it's not full yet?"

Let this thread get to 600. I made the mistake of starting an AO-specific thread when the previous The Gays and Tennis thread wasn't close to capacity, figuring a Slam deserved its own new thread. I caught some bitchy flack. I apologized multiple times, and some people were understanding, but, hey, it's DL, so I can't say I should have been surprised by the reaction.

Plus, as someone noted, this thread actually has Sunshine Double in the title. And we're only around 300. At 500 maybe.

I think "Jambez" Fils is hot with an incredible body. He's in the 40s in the rankings and has made great strides and DLers know him. But I never really ever see him in televised matches - relying on youtube clip replays instead.

No, not 500 because then people will have to follow two threads for about 100 posts. Pls just make a new one at about 590 or so.

Handsome kid

^^^^ every pot has a lid

Alcaraz was interviewed after a win a few weeks ago, somewhere in the Middle East I think. The lighting and camera angle highlighted his acne. His skin is completely wrecked. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a worse case of acne in my life. It doesn’t show a lot of the time, but I feel bad for him. His face is completely pitted

Alcaraz got fucked over by the draw yet again. There's no way he will reach the final the way he's playing these days.

LAUSANNE, Switzerland -- Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep was cleared for an immediate return to tennis on Tuesday after sports' highest court accepted she was not entirely at fault for her positive doping test.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport said its judges partially upheld Halep's appeal and reduced her four-year ban to just nine months. It was applied retroactively and expired last July.

The three judges decided Halep "established on the balance of probabilities" her positive test for a banned blood-boosting substance "entered her body through the consumption of a contaminated supplement."

Wow, who did she pay off?

But she's old in tennis terms now. I doubt she'll be able to do much now. Peak physical performance is early 20s. (Osaka has a similar problem.)

[quote] I don’t think I’ve ever seen a worse case of acne in my life.

Thank you.

My sister said she read Alcaraz and his girlfriend recently broke up. She said it fucked him up so badly that he is/was seeing a psychiatrist. That may account for his shitty play of late as well as his acne. There was a tournament not too long ago and his face was pretty clear. I thought he was using ProActive.

He's has horrible acne long before he and his girlfriend broke up. I doubt it has anything to do with that. Propensity to acne is mostly genes though things like steroids have been proven to increase it.

I don't think Halep has a ranking anymore, I wonder if she has to rely on wild cards or can use a protected ranking for a number of tournaments

Rafa will face Canadian (bacon) Raonic in IW's first round, and possibly Rune after that

I'm doubtful Halep would have a protected ranking, but if she was "cleared" then she'll definitely get wild cards. She's a former multiple Slam champ and she has a juicy story of redemption that I'm sure TV will endlessly play up.

Emphasis on the “juice”, R312.

I hope Rafa can maintain his dignity through IW. I love him. He doesn't have to win, and likely wouldn't, but please no injuries and not going out to a nobody.

Rafa has NO dignity.

Rafa has frittered away him goodwill with this Saudi nonsense,

Peppa Pig.

lol. Has Peppa's food instagram been posted? She likes cooking and baking just like a lot of gay men. This is how she nourishes herself.

Her endless types of china plates is just so lovely.

[quote]Rafa has frittered away his goodwill with his shameless money-grab

FTFY

Peppa is a sow at the trough.

Rafa's no fool, he knows he's in the final weeks of his career; he's not going to miss a piece of the new and perhaps inevitable Saudi action after all these years.

Retirement Planning 101

Bebe ees expenseev.

There was a rumor that his academy had significant debt which the Saudi deal wiped. Having seen video and pics of the academy and its facilities, I can believe it, that's some expensive piece of real estate.

But Rafa has made a huge amount of money. How much more does he need?

Fritz's clothing sponsor is now Hugo Boss. Nike probably dropped him.

R339, why do you think they dropped him?

Who owns that lovely bronzed back @ 327?

R330 It's French gay-friendly/possibly gay doubles player, Fabien Reboul.

R329 Dropped out of the top 10 and I saw someone say that Alcaraz's junior contract will be ending soon so Nike is going to want to keep him (and Sinner) with big contracts. So Fritz looks like collateral damage when he doesn't seem like he's going to be a slam winner. Nike likes to have those.

Thank you, r332.

R333 At least he will look a hell of a lot better in Hugo Boss so that's some upside for the gays and PP.

R334 = worse than Hitler

[italic]“I’m excited to join the BOSS family. In both my tennis career and my personal life, I strive to deliver 110%, embrace new challenges, and stay true to myself–so I’m inspired by the brand’s values of living a self-determined life and ‘being your own BOSS,’”[/italic]

Nah, not me, never will buy shitty Hugo Boss (or BMW etc). You really mean Berrettini and Fritz.

I suspect he'll be keeping Nike for shoes.

[quote]“I’m excited to join the BOSS family. In both my tennis career and my personal life, I strive to deliver 110%, embrace new challenges, and stay true to myself–so I’m inspired by the brand’s values of living a self-determined life and ‘being your own BOSS,’”

If you have to tell someone that you're 'excited' or 'inspired' or that you're 'passionate' about something: you probably aren't; you're not living it and showing people that through your actions or how you come across.

Very cringe that 'being your own BOSS' ending too. (I get that he didn't write this copy himself though.)

Fritz gives 110% in his personal life. Does that mean he adds a few thrusts even after he cums?

^hot

[quote]But Rafa has made a huge amount of money. How much more does he need?

Its very expensive being rich. You must not travel in those circles.

Hugo Boss needed another player given that Berrettini hasn’t been able to play for so long.

Tennis needs to do away with byes.

Unfair and means the big names don’t play the early days of the tourney.

(If you’re a Tennis Podcast subscriber, they just did a pod available to Friends wherein they discuss changes needed in tennis. Lots of good stuff. I like people who have solutions and not just complaints.)

IW has only just started, but Giron and (not so big) Jack Draper are already out!

adios, Quadzilla

What happened to Alcarez? This article, from the Athletic, discusses in detail the specific ways in which Alvarez’s level has fallen since Wimbledon..

Damm. Talk about leaning into a FH!

Cap'n Jack

Misery vs the Elfin Belgian on TC now. 3 all first set.

[quote] Tennis needs to do away with byes.

Blaspheme!

Domicakes.

Nadal out.

Damn, R353.

Oh no!

quietly weeping

It’s the curse of taking the Saudi money.

Submitted without comment

Is Nadal’s career over?

Strange how Rafa has enough form to play the Exh$$$$s, but not the Tour....

Eet pays so mush!

Daddy looks hot in a couple of those ads but gets an easier ride cause he's American.

Fritz biggest sex appeal is that he seems horny.

Damm Domicakes looks good all scruffy like that

Can we make a who took out who list? From what I can remember:

Agassi took out Becker?

Sampras took out Agassi

Federer took out Sampras

Nadal took out Federer

Novak took out Nadal

Alverez taking out Nadal?

The embarrassing nicknames are making these threads look as embarrassing as those Heartstopper lunatics.

It's Alcaraz, doll

feel free to use the exit, R366

no one's keeping you prisoner here

You forgot Sinner taking out Novak. It's still a bit too early to say but we might look on that as pivotal.

R367 Oh my GOD, where the fuck did I get Alverez? Haha

R369, that’s really the whole Sinner story, isn’t it? He’s still a bit of an afterthought, but he’s clearly a fantastic player.

R370 LOL!

I'm severely depressed. I'm the OP of the getting older sucks thread. I know it's stupid, but watching tennis gives me some joy. I guess it's a good thing.

"Dropped out of the top 10 and I saw someone say that Alcaraz's junior contract will be ending soon so Nike is going to want to keep him (and Sinner) with big contracts. So Fritz looks like collateral damage when he doesn't seem like he's going to be a slam winner. Nike likes to have those. "

I wonder what Hugo Boss is paying him. Beyond champions, brands also like to have broad coverage - a lot of players sponsored so that their products are seen again and again - and that necessarily entails many players who aren't ranked particularly high or are champions. Fritz not being Top 10 and probably not winning a Slam isn't reason to drop him outright, but Nike probably wanted to change the terms of the contract. Deals vary broadly - from multi-million dollar endorsements - "we'll provide you with shoes and clothes AND pay you to wear them , to smaller endorsements - "we'll pay you a little", to mere sponsorships - "we'll give you clothes and shoes to wear."

R374 Tennis agents are very open about how Nike pays shit unless you're top 1-3 so what do you think?

Watching Venus right now. She just won the 1st set!

Legz+ takes out Stanimal in 3!

Venus is being gifted this. The Japanese woman is playing the worst I've seen a professional player play in a while.

The Japanese woman finally gets it somewhat together and wins the 2nd set against Venus. The level of play is still woeful but I would expect a 43-yr-old to struggle a lot more to win a 3 setter.

The Japanese woman did come through qualifying - so she earned her spot. They do the main draw before qualifying is over and multiple unseeded players get lucky enough to draw a spot reserved for a qualifier. Sometimes there's even a qualifier v. qualifier match.

Yes, I get that, but her level is so, so bad today. I don't know, it seems to be a thing on the WTA these days, that players can choke like this.

[quote] The Japanese woman

She has a name!

Oh Lord. Granny Vee down a break in the 3rd.

R382 Hibino, fair enough. The world no. 79 while Granny is at 453... No top 100 player should be losing to Granny Vee these days.

She’s not losing to her—duh.

[quote]She’s not losing to her—duh.

Losing a set even. You don't understand just how bad she was playing.

As if no quality player ever lost a set. Get a grip.

R387 Lol, Hibino is not a 'quality player'. She's a 29-year-old journeywoman.

AND Granny goes down 0-4 and loses her teeth on the court.

R388 which completely cuts against the point being made that I criticized…pick a lane.

Either she’s good and thus should not lose one set…or she can lose a set because shit happens…

bageled in the 3rd, JFC

It's her life, but why?? Does she like losing? Can't she think of anything else to do?

R390 Like I said before, this is very common in the WTA these days. Players choke for seemingly no reason. Sabalenka lost in the 1st round recently for example. Venus lives off wildcards and is ranked no. 453 so that's a vast difference. I cannot even remember the last time she won a match. Hibino was just losing it in the first set. I don't see that much with the men's tour.

Is she journeywoman?

It’s nothing new…happens all the time. Yawn..

The Indian Wells skyline is still so breath taking every time I see it.

I can't believe Errani is still playing. Will Naomi have a breakdown on court?

R396 Same. I just looked it up and she's 36 now. The same age as NoVaxx but without his talent. Indian Wells court looks slow but even so I would be shocked if Osaka loses this but it might be entertaining.

[quote] I can't believe Errani is still playing

The Gnome.

Unfond remembrance.

DL, the Kokk robbed me of a chance to see that Giron ass.

The state of Spanish tennis is awful. They really only have Alcaraz, who is in a slump. Italy and France both have more top players than Spain.

Lots of fun matches today

Angie Team or Peppa Team?

The Kokk Team or Il Gingio Team?

Swee Team or Danimal Team?

Woobie Team or Misery Team?

Mopsy Team or Mensa Team?

Titsy Team or Poohey Team?

Itsy Bitsy team?

Teeny Tiny team?

Nonsense poster team?

Manny team?

Mo team?

Jack team?

That’s how idiotic you sound, over & over again^^^

grrrr

The man in OP photo needs after reduction surgery

Don't hate on Camilo Ugo Carabelli because he's bootylicious.

Time for a lighten up intermission...

"@stu_fraser

Netflix has stopped production of the tennis documentary Break Point after two seasons. The underwhelming series has lagged behind its equivalents in Formula One and golf in terms of viewing figures and access. A missed opportunity for the sport."

-not surprised, I thought a lot of it was boring. It needed more drama, things tennis fans don't know about or personalities being themselves.

Once a decade I feel obligated to post on the current and infamous The Gays and Tennis thread.

Mission accomplished.

Carry on gals...

R411 Bye bye now for the next 10 years?

The issue with the Netflix show was that they were all flops.

The issue was boredom—

They should do a pickle ball version. That’s exciting!

[quote] Time for a lighten up intermission...

That’s what Swiatek does by going to the toilet during a match.

R407, what’s after reduction surgery, R407?

[quote] Once a decade I feel obligated to post on the current and infamous The Gays and Tennis thread.

Why do you feel obligated to do so, and why and how is this thread infamous?

Does anyone watch T2 - Tennis Channel's free service, which has fairly terrible coverage? Like right now it's just a studio show with two queens (in a good way) - Geoff Chizever and Nick Monroe - yammering away and Jan-Michael Gambill (it's often Jason Goodall) sometimes seemingly frustrated with them (or maybe he's just that quiet). They're talking about results and doing interviews and showing snippets of matches - they usually don't stay on a particular match for that long. Nick Monroe has a thirst-trappy instagram with lots of shirtless pics. Former college player who didn't do much on tour. Lives in West Hollywood - which the last time I watched T2 - Chizever loved to mention Monroe living and hanging out in WH.

R419 —did you watch any tennis, or just googlestalk gay or allegedly gay commentators? Zzz

R420, turned it on because I don't have Tennis Channel, watched for a while, and then saw there wouldn't be any full matches, so I got a month of TennisTV to watch the men's side of the Sunshine Double (they have a half-off special). I knew Nick Monroe from previously and, gasp, looked at his instagram.

Jean Paul Belmondo playing tennis decades ago.

OMG those blue shorts on Carlos are sssnuuuuuggggg!

Boy is packin'

go matteo

Arnaldi team or Alacaraz (Garfia) team?

Alcaraz just doesn't seem to have "it" ever since he lost Cincy to Novak.

And Novaxx doesn't seem to have "it" ever since he lost to Sinner in the Davis Cup finals.

What do we think of Tiafoe's legs? He's wearing shorter shorts here, and of course he was a wonderful ass, but his legs aren't at the same level. He's fit, but his legs aren't at the level of some of the players whose legs we celebrate. His GF is looking good.

His opponent, Lajovic, has fantastic legs.

G0 Carlos! Hello bulge!

Alcaraz lost a set to Arnaldi?! Oh my. He is truly in a slump, isn't he.

Keys having a rough time against a qualifier.

R401 they had Rafa for the past 15 years. And even a slumping Carlos is better than everyone not named Novak and possibly Sinner.

Most countries would kill to be in Spain's position.

Great to see our emo headcase Woobie win against Misery.

But my femme fave Rybakina out again! Damn. But Iga wiped the floor with Danielle Collins ha ha.

Jabeur lost to American Volynets ? And we've lost thread pet Peppa already to German Kerber.

Pretty interesting day, I'd say. I'm keen to see how Meddy and Creatina get on.

Jabeur seems lost ever since she lost a second Wimbledon final. Just kind of depressed about tennis although I think she has some injury issues as well.

R435 totally. I kinda get it too. To bad THAT close to your dream? Twice.

It must just make her want to give up.

Alcaraz has not been the same since Djokovic beat him in Cincy. I think it mentally broke him.

R437 I think he's just young. Even Rafa had waves of mediocre play at 19/20. Fed wasn't even good yet. And Novak had way more bad days than good days at that age.

R419, where can you get T2?

Netflix has cancelled Break Point.

Blame it on terrible producing.

Poor selection of subjects. They focused on Zverev without ever mentioning the DV allegations against him.

Started season two, I believe, with Kyrgios, whose antics by now have turned out many tennis fans, and bizarrely tried to make him look his a benevolent rebel trying to move the game forward.

Some others who really aren’t significant like Matteo’s ex Ayla or whatever her name is, Badosa, etc.

And the match footage they showed really didn’t give a sense of anything.

[quote] What do we think of Tiafoe's legs?

Legz-

The taint of the PTPA has affected Ons, Popsicle and others.

Poor Legz+, bread-sticked in the first set by Mannarino.

Bread sticked with Mannarino sauce, R443.

Coco almost choke-o. She got lucky today.

OMG Legz+ bent over and presented hole for Gaydrian

Fils KO's Foki 3 and 4

What does KO possess?

KOs, whatever

R439, on Amazon video and on Freevee. There might be other places as well.

Jambez (Fils) beat ADF?

Boss Daddy with the first set over Tabilo.

The Fog is playing Lil Sebastian! I sorta thought the Fog had retired.

Mopsy

Not "whatever", Clarice.

Daddy looks boss!

Hawaiian Punch, R448

Leche

I get bad press

Vukic looks like he has a nice ass and legs.

All this judgement from a website full of posters who say worse things while remaining anonymous. She apologized. It was a mistake. Go choke on your hypocrisy.

Who, R460?

460 here. Disregard. Wrong thread. Oops.

SheHulk is she hulking

Sablenka is a fucking beast!

Rafa looking old, tired and withered.

And same-aged La Monf looking freshly fresh, schooling Hubie.

@ R465

It's pretty obvious that Rafa rarely uses sun-block, if ever. Throughout he's career he's been deeply tanned, and he uses his time off mostly to go fishing on his yacht or to play golf. His skin is pretty damaged. Like his reputation ...

Kokk sixx pakk

[quote]Rafa looking old, tired and withered

Alcaraz could end up the same if he doesn't take proper care of his skin

[quote] if he doesn't take proper care of his skin

That ship has sailed.

Really feel for anyone with bad acne.

Yes, there are drugs but they come with some heinous side effects.

They're especially heinous.

Tiafoe continuing with his piss-poor play.

Better than poor piss play, I guess.

DL G&T Fave, Camilo Ugo Carabelli, in a deliciously phallic champagne celebration after bagging another Challenger title in Santa Cruz, Bolivia

[quote] bagging another Challenger title

That's the way to do it, brother.

Certified Halfwit, Bublik, blows the first set against Demon by doing his speciality second-serve-first-serve-double-fault, then dropping a bagel in the second. He's such a fucking idiot.

Happy for Demon, though. He seems very likable.

Demon and his squeeze

Eva Braun.

[quote]Eva Braun

Ha! I think Katie also used to date Tommy Paul and Jack Sock

Well at least she's a player and not a PP.

Woobie has a foundation. I don't mean make-up.

Federer and Mirka are at the Oscars

[quote] Mirka...at the Oscars

I'm sure she'll leave early to get dibs on the after party food and desserts.

Mirka's hair-do is a hair-DON'T!

LaVerne is just cringe.

Il GIngio is looking dialed-in. He can reach #2 in this tournament, I heard.

Sinner is no. 2 in the live rankings but can be overtaken by the time the official rankings come around, depending on how well Alcaraz and he do in the tournament. This site is good for info on that.

[quote]LaVerne is just cringe

Does Laverne play tennis?

She does. Totally cringe backhand and serve. So disjointed.

Wozniacki's husband is hot. I'm surprised that she landed him.

Kerber, Woz- what year is this?

After this disappointment I'm going to need Roger to come to my house tonight - or at least ride with in the back of the limo to the Vanity Fair party.

I just got home from 4 days in the desert. Here's my report:

Wednesday: I got in late afternoon. It rained the whole way from LA to Palm Springs. I got in to the tournament, and it was dry but a bit windy. I head into the Danielle Collins match, and watched for 30 minutes until it started raining. Bummer. The best thing about that match was the "super fan" in the front row cheering for Danielle. I would bet good money she's just waiting for the restraining order to take effect for that guy. He was loud, obnoxious, and distracting. So much so that even Danielle started giving him a couple bewildered looks.

Thursday: I got in super early, and acquired a prime seat in stadium 5 for Hubie Hurkacz/Tallon Griekspoor play against Ivan Dodig/Austin Kraijcek. Such a fun match. I'm a Hubie fan, and I think he's just adorable, He has legs for days, and the perfect amount of hair on them. Tallon is pretty damn cute too. Austin and Ivan ended up wining the match in a tie break.

After that I headed to Stadium 7 for Lucas Pouille and Daniel Altmaier. I'm pretty indifferent on these players, but there was some pretty good shot making. I really just wanted to get to the stadium early, and grab another prime seat for DL boyfriend "Porna" Coric. Last year I saw Borna break two racquets on that same court in the first round. I was hoping for a better result for him this time around. He is sex personified. I'm pretty sure I said this last year in my update, but even his grunts when he hits the ball got me all hot and bothered. Thankfully, he won his match this time around. After that, I headed to Stadium 5 to meet up with some friends, and watch Jerry Shang and Jordan "Pornstache" Thompson. This match was a bit of a snoozer. Jerry routined Jordan, and it was over before we all knew it. Jordan looked super cute, and now has a short hair cut. I then went to another court to catch Taylor Fritz play doubles. Of course his PP girlfriend was in the front row. Even from across the court you could tell she had too much makeup on. Anyway, the rains came again after only 3 or 4 points into the match. I decided to call it a day, and head back to the hotel.

(continued in the next post)

Friday: I got to IWTG relatively early (9am) so I could avoid traffic, the line, and get a good seat again. It was a beautiful day in the desert. Absolutely perfect. Today was the start of round 2, and all the top players who got byes in the 1st were now playing their first matches. I head to stadium 3 as soon as I get in. It had the best matches with the top players. When I walked into the stadium 3, Alex Deminaur was practicing. I've watched Alex's matches every year for I think 4 years. He's a lot of fun to watch, in my opinion. I was hoping for a better match, but Alex routined Taro Daniel.

After Alex, was the Sascha Zverev v Chris O'Connell match. I know how DL feels about A Zverev, but I had never seen him play, and I wanted to check out the unknown O'Connell. He can really play. I feel like he might have been giving Zverev mini-fits while he was trying to figure him out. Zverev was pretty cool to watch. His two handed backhand really is a weapon. Now that I've seen him play, I can check him off the list, and move on. Funny thing, in that match were some of the heckles and conversation from the crowd. A lot of people were cheering for O'Connell and openly saying they weren't going to root for a woman abuser. During the injury time-out Sascha was talking around our my side of the court. The dude in the front expensive seats were joking with Zverev about playing Medvedev, removing the singles sticks on the net, and crying after the match. Sascha seemed to take it in stride, and even cracked a smile.

Now comes Greek Asshole Tsitsipas. This was my first time watching Stef in person, and the 2nd time this week I had seen Lucas Pouille. I have a one handed backhand, and I really love watching players with one handers. Titsy was pretty fun to watch. I was surprised how wide his shoulders were. I would definitely attend more of his matches.

After those three matches, I walked around the grounds, ate some food, and decided which match I wanted to see. However, Friday was completely sold out, and the crowds were absolutely insane. It really seemed like there was no chance I would get a seat for another match. Lines were super long, and nobody, even on the outside courts, were giving up their seats. So, I decided to call it a day, and get a fresh start for Saturday (My last day)

(continued in my next post)

Saturday: Again I arrived relatively early at 9am. I wanted to see Holger Rune and Milos Raonic play in Stadium 2. While I was waiting in line for the stadium 2 gates to open, Milos walked right by me, and into stadium 2. I know some of you think Milos looks "Porcine." I won't fight you on that. BUT he has the most impressive set of legs I've EVER SEEN. They are permanently in my wank bank. I would worship his legs/calves until the cows come home. Oh fuck. I think I just came. Anyway, I went up to the 300 level of stadium 2, find a seat, and watch Milos finish his warming up on the court. About 30 minutes pass, and I get a text from my friend who tells me Milos has dropped out. What a bummer. I wanted to see two sets on great legs play the match.

I quickly got up, and walked over to stadium 7 where I met my friends for the "Gay"drian Mannarino and Tomas Machac (AKA Legz+) match. The match was OK, but Gaydrian was a complete dick to the ball kids. It was such a turn off. He would receive balls from the kids for his serve. Then, instead of booping them back gently to them, he would hit the ball over them, to the corner of the court, or just generally away from them so the kids would have to chase the balls. He definitely came off gay, and a complete asshole on the court. He would complain to the chair about the ball kids standing position, and was just unpleasant. His playing style was boring as fuck too. He has no weapons, and just seems to be a pusher. Machac was frustrated as hell, and tried to blast Mannarino off the court. Machac definitely has a nice pair of legs on him, but I think Holger Rune, and Borna Coric had nicer legs.

We left the previous match deep into the 2nd set, and headed over to Stadium 4 to get a good seat for (not so young) Grigor Dimitrov's match. We caught the tail end of the UGOAT vs Patrick Kypson. That was pretty fun, and definitely better than the Gaydrian match. Grigor was on, and looking fine as hell. I have seen him play a few times, and he's just fun to watch. I wish my backhand was as beautiful as his. The first set was relatively tight, and the second set was a masterclass from Grigor. I was really impressed with Grigor's serve too - he was in the high 120s, and a lot of 130mph serves. Fastest of the day for him was 137 I think.

After that match, I tried to get into the Shapo/Musetti match, and the Shelton + Eubanks doubles match. Both courts were stacked, and it was impossible to get in to either. So, I went to get some food, and walked around the practice courts some. I ended up at an outside practice court where Ivan Dodig and Austin Kraijcek were practicing. I was the only one sitting in a seat watching them play points. I talked to Austin while Dodig was getting some coaching. I told him how great they were in that Thursday match and he commented on how he liked my Belle & Sebastian shirt. That was kind of surprising. Austin is quite handsome in person. He seems like just a normal guy who happens to be a professional tennis player. Didn't get any gay vibes from him, but I think he's one of those guys who'd take it as a compliment if you hit on him.

(continued)

The sun was starting to set, and I headed over to Stadium 6 to catch a good seat for the next two matches. First was Sebastian Korda v. Roman Safulliun. I was pretty indifferent on Sebbi Korda, but this match made me a believer. He moves beautifully, and really has a very nice game. I remember someone in DL saying Sebbi looks like a 40 year old butch lesbian. He actually does. It made me laugh just thinking about it. Sebbi made quick work out of Safullin, and it was on to my favorite match of my week. Sinner/Sonego vs Rublev/Khachanov (Hemsworth).

This doubles match was just fucking awesome. I have seen Sinner play a couple times in previous years. I hadn't seen the other three before. It was just one awesome shot after another. Rublev really played like he was a singles player. He kept creeping on to Karen's side of the court to take the ball as a forehand instead of Khachanov's backhand. My doubles partner would fucking kill me if I ever did that. Sinner and Sonego played as a team, and both made some killer shots. Everyone - the players, and crowd were having a blast. Smiles all around.

That was my week at Indian Wells. Another fun year. I've been coming to this tournament since the early '90s when I was a junior player. I can see why the players love it as well. The people in the stands are all enthusiastic, and I made many temporary friends with other spectators. It's a very friendly crowd. Feel free to ask me anything. Hope you enjoyed my update.

Great stuff, R495, R496, R497, R498. Seems like you enjoyed it and got your time and money worth. Great variety of players and courts. It is so much fun to see it up close.

Thanks for your great posts, mooseknuckle. I really appreciate them as I did last year.

What do Holger and Karen Hemsworth look like in person?

[quote] The best thing about that match was the "super fan" in the front row cheering for Danielle.

I take it he's not yet tired of all that winning.

Mopsy knee-bend

Thanks for the report mooseknuckle!

Kerber v. Wozniacki in the round of 16–which decade are we in?!

More specifically - what year is this? (R493)

Ok, Ok—great minds and all that. ;)

Thanks for the summaries R495, etc. I was there on Friday as well, and spent the day in stadium 2 to see Kerber-Ostapenko, Rublev-Murray, and Shelton-Mencik. The first and third matches were highly entertaining. DL fave Peppa was on very good behavior and even gave Angie a nice handshake after her loss. My partner thinks it was because Ostapenko respects Kerber’s game. Angie is clearly having a great tournament. Murray didn’t have the weapons to beat Rublev, but it was a great first set. I believe Murray blew 4 set points. Mencik almost upset Ben Shelton, who the crowd was absolutely roaring for throughout the match.

Next year, I would definitely go earlier in the day and get reserved seats in stadium 2 rather than fighting for a seat higher in the stands with ground passes only. Arriving at 10:15 was too late. The crowds, as you mentioned were out of control. I didn’t think the stadium even opened till 10. I wonder what you did to kill your time from 9 AM on.

I’m always amazed at the cost of food at tennis tournaments. Three fancy hotdogs and one order of tater tots was $60. Sodas and water were $8 a bottle. I’m amazed that the many, many thousands of fans at the event could actually afford to buy food but the lines at every vendor were also insanely long.

As a consumer demographic, tennis fans are at the top of the chain—please, at IW most wouldn’t even bat an eyelash. That’s the free market for ya.

Yeah, that's true, R508. Plus, it's just understanding that people don't have any other options and will splurge even if they think it's too expensive - like food and drink at a lot of sporting venues or at the airport.

Wait til you see the price for a Cuban sandwich at Miami! ¡Dios mío!

R510, eet so expensive like bebe and wife. Recommend take money of musulmanes to pay for sanweech.

It’s not been funny, at any point..with your rafa posts. Go away, please.

R500 Holger looks like he's been dropped in a vat of Nair from the neck down. I know a lot of people think he wears makeup, but after seeing him up close last year, I don't see any evidence of that.

Khachanov is very handsome in person. Tall, and nice legs. He definitely looks like the Russian Hemsworth.

R507 I passed the time by listening to an audiobook, chatting with other early birds in the stands, and watching the players do their pre-warm-up on the court.

Food prices were crazy this year. I actually brought some food with me - some cliff bars, and a big bag of trail mix. That's the key. Also, having a big water bottle is helpful too.

Legz sinks Lore in straights

bye Lore :-(

Legz

moar Legz

Monfils continues to impress with a three-set win over Norrie. This is the 16th time that La Monf has reached the round of 16 or better at Indian Wells.

Sabalenka's waist is so high it's probably snowing there.

Sabs takes out Emma in straights. Entertaining 2nd set. Sabs has turned her serve into a weapon. Hoodathunk?

Novaxx is down a set against a lucky loser (Nardi) and he's kicking off.

Novak vs. Nardi is a lot of fun.

Nardi is bulging beautifully tonight. Thick Italian dick in there.

Quite the fuck slut.

[quote] Was Novaxx bitchy with Luca after the match at the net?

^ of course he was. Still claiming some kind of hindrance which is jaw-dropping absurd. No wonder he’s so disliked. Can’t even gracefully take the L when outplayed as he was tonight. Such a cunt.

I can't STOP laughing.

Bye, Novaxx!!

Shirtless Casper Woon.

It wasn't a hindrance. Nardi thought the ball was out which is why he briefly stopped. It wasn't, so he then ran to hit it.

It really got to Novaxx though because he spent ages yelling at the umpire about it and then even got a bitch about it at the net to Nardi instead of being graceful when losing.

He didn't bitch to Nardi at the net. Nardi apologized and Novak said it wasn't necessary. He told Nardi he had earned his win. You people are something

Novaxx needs a better haircut as well - the new one doesn't look good.

But he DID bitch about it at the net, or at least that’s what Jason Goodall on TC reported. Jason went on to say he 100% disagreed with Novak and that Novak was in the wrong, not Nardi. I would love it if Novak took the L gracefully but I’m not sure that’s what happened.

Typically graceless Novak bitching at him at the net during the handshake. Couldn't just let him have the moment. He's such a cunt.

Bravissimo Luca!

Rublev out to Lehecka in two. Why do I have to stan for Woobie and Fritz, who'll surely go down to Rune Wednesday but at least he beat Baez.

I cannot believe NoVaxx lost, and to a lucky loser! Lol. I'm so happy!

Welcome to the downward slide, Novak!

At minute 2:20 on this 5-minute Tennis Channel interview, Holger's talking about his legs and how long he likes the inseam on his shorts.

Thanks to the hosts. BTW, who's the guy in the middle?

Nobody wants to hear about that disgusting homophobe. Please stop talking about him.

Does anyone have the picture they're talking about?

Luvly Luca

R538, you've been repeatedly schooled that your stance is stupid. Don't be stupid.

Some of us will be here to correct you as needed, but maybe not always. Please make it easy for us and STOP with that untrue point.

Fucking crybaby.

Take out the "Legz" factor, and there's very little to like about Rune. Given that he's one of the biggest brats out there now, and with his choice of oily Mouratoglou, it's hard not to want to punch his slack-jawed surly Kewpie face.

Also not 538.

It was such a great moment to see on LIVE TV......Novaxx acting as his usual privileged self and Nardi just continuing to do his job.

And the result was wonderful.....and knowing that we were seeing it at the same moment that DjoDjo was experiencing it was delicious.

It was about halfway through the match that I could see that Nardi's shorts had a subtle pattern and were not a solid color. Nice.

Congrats and thanks from the WORLD to Luca Nardi!

Imagine if the shoe was on the other foot and it was Djokovic's opponent that stopped playing because he thought Djoko's ball was out ...

R530 Djokovic in Italian to Nardi at the handshake: "It's not right but well done. It's not right but well done. It's not right but well done. No no no no. Well done."

Also the body language was shitty. So clearly an extra bitch at Nardi when the match was over.

What is it that Nardi is supposed to have done that was "not right"?

I didn't see the match but watched the presser afterwards, and the subject didn't come up. Djoko just said that Nardi had a great day and played really well while poor Djoke had a bad day (implying that normally he'd beat ths hit out of him).

*beat THE SHIT out of him.

That man just fucking sucks. Will no one rid us of this turbulent pest?

The 'incident' happened in the second set, which Novak went on to win, so it had no impact whatsoever on the final result. The fact that he thought it appropriate and still relevant to bring it up at the net shows just what a crappy 'sportsman' he is. And yet more evidence why he'll never be loved outside of Serbia, and his deranged anti-vax, headbanger/contrarian base.

[quote]What is it that Nardi is supposed to have done that was "not right"?

Djokovic thinks that Nardi committed a hindrance. Have a look and see what you think -

I'm working on it, R548. 2024 is looking better and better to get the job done.

R550, surely in all his years of playing tennis, Djoke would know that you have to do something "intentional" in this situation - like the umpire said, call "out" and then hit the ball anyway or point to it, as though saying "out", but then rush to hit it, in order to trip up your opponent.

I wonder if the jackass is able to see why he was wrong? I seriously doubt it. He and his cheating tonics, yet being a big baby in trying to bully his way when he's clearly wrong - he's just the worst sportsman on the tour. Well, maybe not, but considering his position in the sport, he is. I hate him more than I did McEnroe... well, I think. Time has blurred JMc's shit.

"@rennaestubbs

Novak is 100% wrong here."

And another ATP prima donna gets shown the door.

Lehecka easily dispatches a stiff Stefanos, 6-2, 6-4. Jiri's slowly but surely rising to the next level. Should be top 20 pretty soon.

How soon will it be before we hear that NoVaxx wanted to be out because he had someplace else he needed to be.

Carlos is wearing tight shorts that make his legs look like Holger's. Rune started a trend?

Nope.

Man, I find Ruud so hot. That hairy chest, fuck me.

Watching Rune practice at Indian Wells, can't see face that well but his body, and especially his legs, are incredible.

his practice partner is hot too in a nerdy sort of way.

Lehecka rivals Porna and Fucsovics for best body on tour IMHO.

Beautifully athletic proportions.

Sinner-Shelton tonight

new thread here when this one is exhausted

This 'Djokovic Gamesmanship BINGO Card is pretty funny... and accurate!

Demon Team or Demon Team?

R560 I've seen Rune a few times now at IW, and I concur. His legs in person are just awesome. If only they weren't hairless.

I'm dying to see the photo of him and Novaxx comparing legs. Anyone?

Nice pic for the new thread, R564!

Suck it, haters!

^ he was actually hawt back then

And then he showed his actual personality.

I also beat Novaxx in the Speedo competition.

Sascha Sneer

Loose Rat

Posting on behalf of another poster:

[quote] Old thread won't load for me, so I'll just say here that I like Shelton's off center butt crack design shorts.

Il Gingio team.

The guy sitting next to Cahill in Sinner's box - hot, cute.

Mopsy still reminds me of Butch.

I think Holger looks like Butch lol. Not sure about Mopsy but I haven't seen much of him. If another stroppy one, oh dear... Still better than bad-sport cheater Creatina.

Nardi's brother is even hotter than he is.

Lehecka is dreamy as fuck. (swoons and fans self)

bye Demon :-(

bye Mopsy

Today's lineup is fairly boring, but some nice eye candy. Really want to see Alcaraz and Sinner to see how Alcaraz responds to Slam-champion Sinner.

Domicakes looks to relaiunch his season by playing a Challenger on his 'happy place' surface, clay... and loses in straight sets to a player ranked 295...

Oof.

Is this the thread where we talk about the Bonesaw Cup, the Saudi, 2 Billion dollar takeover of the ATP and WTA with a new Masters 1000 in January?

Yeah, this is making the rounds on Talk Tennis and r/tennis. $2 billion seems too low to buy the tours, but it may just be to buy a piece or an initial investment. The 90-day take-it-or-leave-it deadline is sort of crazy since you'd think that the broadcasters, tournament organizers, sponsors, players, and other stakeholders would need to be heard, and that takes a while.

Poor Domicakes. He just can't get anything going.

In regard to the proposed Saudi "takeover" and merging of the tours, notably the Slams are NOT part of the tours. They are independent. That doesn't mean that the decision on Saudi investment and the workings of the new combined tour can't affect the Slams. It absolutely can. But it prevents DIRECT messing with the Slams.

Med Team or NSY Grigor Team?

Boss Daddy Team or Legz Team?

OSD Tommy Team or Nardi Party Team?

Cute Casper Team or La Monf Team?

Idilsco Team or Hutchaw Team? Lago Team or Dekirk Team? Flisters Team or Chickenbone Team? Triolèe Team or Chantay Team?

Med, Legz, Nardi, La Monf.

Grigor, Daddy, Nardi, La Monf Teams

NSYG, Daffy, Nardi, La Monf please.

Rublev working out with his trainer (Lukas ridgeston look alike)

R596 I was just watching this on X, thought "must post this on DL G&T"... et voila, you beat me to the punch!

I think Andrey was deliberately goofing to get his FUCKING GORGEOUS trainer an excuse to climb on top of him.

Navarro over Sabelenka in 3. Wow!

If I was a rich girl, na na na na na

new thread here

thread closed!