Bloody Wimbledon

[robertlouis]

Thought a thread for this year's All England Championships was appropriate, especially tonight, with Nadal crashing out in a stunningly good five-setter with the unknown Czech no 100, Tomas Rosol.

Djokovic, Federer and Murray are all looking very good.

As for the blonde gruntfest otherwise known as the women's singles, sorry, but who really cares?

[beaufont]

Yes for a few weeks we class the Scotsman Andy Murray as our British hope lol. This year might be his best hope yet with Nadal going out & the fact he has brought more consistency to his game.Djokovic & Federer will still take some beating though

[Stavros]

One of the great upsets, and its not like Nadal did not play well, although there was some talk early on about him not having the right tension on his racquet strings, and I thought he looked bothered by something and certainly wasn't expecting the consistency of Rosol. Curious how many great players have come from Czechoslovakia or the Czec Republic, more these days than Australia or the US which used to be great tennis playing countries.

Someone tell me how Murray thinks -there is trying to lob a guy who is 6 foot 7! Murray just isn't good enough to win Wimbledon, Heather Watson has a better chance of winning it. I haven't checked the draw, but it could be time for Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to claim a major title, he seems to me the best of the second rank of players and also has a bright and warming attitude to the game, unlike Karlovic who now says he was cheated out of his game with Murray because of biased line judges....

Having said all that, Djokovic is the one to beat, although I would love to see Roger do it once more.

[SammiValentine]

dont like it.

[Prospero]

Don't like what Sammi?

Did you see the Rosol-Nadal game/ Absolutely amazing play by the Czech - returning balls at nearly 100 miles an hour! if I tried to play him and managed to get to one of his shots it'd probably dislocate my shoulder. But can he sustain it now - for surely he could easily beat Murray with a performance like that, given the chance.

[SammiValentine]

tennis.

[beaufont]

seeing as it is you Sammi I will let you off :salad

The thought of you in a tennis outfit for a photoshoot get's my deuce's flowing especially if your skirt was extra short - seeing your sweet ass poking out you would be a match for anyone xx

[robertlouis]

Don't like what Sammi?

Did you see the Rosol-Nadal game/ Absolutely amazing play by the Czech - returning balls at nearly 100 miles an hour! if I tried to play him and managed to get to one of his shots it'd probably dislocate my shoulder. But can he sustain it now - for surely he could easily beat Murray with a performance like that, given the chance.

Murray is playing better than at any time since his titanic semifinal against Djokovic in the Australian, which I was privileged to attend. He's also more at peace with himself. Whether he'll ever win Wimbledon remains moot - the pressures on any Brit doing well at home are psychologically impossible - but he certainly has the game and the technique to win slams, no doubt. The only issue is his temperament. He's the best retriever of lost causes at the level of the impossible shot by a long way, and he also has variations in his game which only Federer can surpass.

He also gets the same stupid and uninformed crap that Henman used to get - in the top four for four years, for heaven's sake (Murray). That isn't failure. The guys in the 200s and beyond define that. People who don't play the game should STFU. When he was playing, Henman had the best ten-year record at Wimbledon with the exception of Sampras and Federer. There's no disgrace in that.

As I type this, Federer is two sets to love down. If he goes out, it leaves that half of the draw wide open, as he and Nadal were due to meet in the semi. Rosol could therefore only meet Murray in the final itself. And the sad fact about the players who knock out the big names unexpectedly is that they all too often crash and burn in the next round. Rosol was inspired against Nadal. Benetteau is equally inspired against Federer. Would they win next time around? Almost certainly not.

As a Scot, of course I support Murray. And as it happens, my aunt Margo taught him at primary school in Dunblane - yes, the same one that suffered the horrific massacre, and yes, they were both there on that dreadful day. She remembers him as shy, but very determined. Pretty much as he is now, in fact.

If it goes according to the seeding and Djokovic and Murray meet in the semifinal, whoever wins that match will take the tournament.

And Beaufont is right - Andy becomes a Brit till he gets knocked out. Maybe this time he won't.

[loveboof]

seeing as it is you Sammi I will let you off :salad

The thought of you in a tennis outfit for a photoshoot get's my deuce's flowing especially if your skirt was extra short - seeing your sweet ass poking out you would be a match for anyone xx

She could cover your berries with cream huh?! :banana:

[robertlouis]

seeing as it is you Sammi I will let you off :salad

The thought of you in a tennis outfit for a photoshoot get's my deuce's flowing especially if your skirt was extra short - seeing your sweet ass poking out you would be a match for anyone xx

I'd certainly take full advantage, given the opportunity, and would be delighted to give Sammi a first service and second service, if she'll let me.

I'm here all week. :dancing:

[Prospero]

I'm past 40, love, but I'd get into a deuce of a situation with Sammi given a chance. if she's game, then we'll set something up for a match.

I'd love to bowl this maiden over... er whoops.

[robertlouis]

I'm past 40, love, but I'd get into a deuce of a situation with Sammi given a chance. if she's game, then we'll set something up for a match.

I'd love to bowl this maiden over... er whoops.

A backhanded compliment, if ever I heard one.

This match with Federer is something else, not the same quality as Rosol vs Nadal, but pretty nerve-shredding.

[beaufont]

In a match against Sammi I would have to secrve up a volley of compliment's & hope she would not produce an amazing lob in reply or maybe she could make a pass on my forehand :banana:

[SammiValentine]

I am all about the forearm smash :D

[beaufont]

Can't beat a little Carry On inuendo OOOHHHH Matron lol

I imagine you grip the racket hard!!! With you bent over you could rest on your tennis elbows & I could smash you with some topspin :fuckin: on the Hardcourt

[robertlouis]

I am all about the forearm smash :D

That's wrestling luv, but I get your drift..... ;):dancing:

Meanwhile, Federer survives after five sets.

And does anyone give a toss (ooh matron!!! :ignore: ) about the women?

[beaufont]

The womens game these days just seem to be a shreekfest, so bad you need to press the ,ute button sometimes - so fucking annoying

I don't remember Steffi Graff making that much noise??

[robertlouis]

The womens game these days just seem to be a shreekfest, so bad you need to press the ,ute button sometimes - so fucking annoying

I don't remember Steffi Graff making that much noise??

(Even :pumped: ) I've never succeeded in making any woman make as much noise as the likes of Sharapova summons up with every damn shot. She drowns out the sound of the 747s stacked over Heathrow. And I've played tennis all my life and you never hear anything like that at club or even county level. It's become "part of the game", like footballers writhing on the ground and clutching their faces after the merest ankle tap.

Ladies, STFU please. Except in bed, of course.

[Prospero]

Bring back Ms Navratilova

[SammiValentine]

Can't beat a little Carry On inuendo OOOHHHH Matron lol

I imagine you grip the racket hard!!! With you bent over you could rest on your tennis elbows & I could smash you with some topspin :fuckin: on the Hardcourt

haha the more balls on centre court with me.. the better my service game is :D

[SammiValentine]

Bring back Ms Navratilova


bet she is /was lethal with a strap on shaped like a racket.

ouch!

[Prospero]

Which end would she use Sammi?.... as you say OOOOOUUUUUCCCCHHHH!!

[SammiValentine]

the business end :)

[Prospero]

Remember that old song - which would sum that up -"Wide eyed and legless"

[beaufont]

Fancy a game of double's Sammi?? I will let you stand at the front of the court ;) any excuse to see your ass in white panties mmmmm

[robertlouis]

Back to the tennis.

Murray's win last night was wonderful to watch. Yet again two men playing at the very top of their game until Bagdhatis visibly tired.

Every night seems to be serving up some high drama and some brilliant tennis. This is turning into one of the best, and most intriguing, Wimbledons in recent years.

Very happy to show you the rudiments of the game, Sammi. My main racket is an extender - the handle is 1.5 cm longer than the usual. Not that I'm boasting or anything.....:dancing:

[SammiValentine]

I still stand by the fact that tennis is wank.

15-0

[Prospero]

I still stand by the fact that tennis is wank.

15-0
Just like soccer!

[SammiValentine]

dunno what soccer is tbh.... x

[Prospero]

Sorry that is "American" innit. I mean football

[SammiValentine]

hehehe

[robertlouis]

I still stand by the fact that tennis is wank.

15-0

Hmmm. I wonder how many overpaid prancing soccer star ninnies could play their game for five and a half hours non-stop?

15-40, two set points.

[beaufont]

Lets get back on court here

Sammi??? Any chance of a tennis themed photoshoot? xx

[SammiValentine]

Lets get back on court here

Sammi??? Any chance of a tennis themed photoshoot? xx

we have have a couple of themed sports shoots planned and tennis is one ;-)xx

[SammiValentine]

Hmmm. I wonder how many overpaid prancing soccer star ninnies could play their game for five and a half hours non-stop?

15-40, two set points.

Not sure how comparing chalk and cheese can get you at break point :D

DEUCE!!!!

[beaufont]

we have have a couple of themed sports shoots planned and tennis is one ;-)xx

Good to hear, i will keep my eye & tongue out :salad

[robertlouis]

Not sure how comparing chalk and cheese can get you at break point :D

DEUCE!!!!

Feck, that new avatar!!!!! :Bowdown:

Err, what was that you were saying? I've quite lost the thread..... :confused:

[Stavros]

Any predictions now that Nadal has opened up the bottom half of the draw? His conqueror played an absolute scorcher of a game, I guess every player has one faultless game in them; he then got crushed in the succeeding round. I like Tsonga, the way he plays, his attitude, but Djokovic is obviously the man to beat these days, and younger than many of the rest...

[broncofan]

Any predictions now that Nadal has opened up the bottom half of the draw? His conqueror played an absolute scorcher of a game, I guess every player has one faultless game in them; he then got crushed in the succeeding round. I like Tsonga, the way he plays, his attitude, but Djokovic is obviously the man to beat these days, and younger than many of the rest...
I'm setting my alarm to watch tomorrow at 8 am U.S eastern time. I'm just not sure I'll wake up! I am rooting for Federer (in his match against Youzhny) as I'd like to see him start playing his best tennis. Djokovic is just so solid. He's fast, solid off both sides, consistent, and is much tougher mentally than he was a few years ago.

[robertlouis]

Nobody should write off Andy Murray. He's playing with a degree of consistent calmness and control that I've rarely seen from him before. He also seems to have changed his mental attitude 180 degrees from passivity to aggression and a seeming desire to get things over quickly. He's certainly playing as well if not better than most including Federer, if not Djokovic, but even he hasn't hit peak form yet.

He has a really tough match against David Ferrer today - it puts world 4 against world 5 - and may then have to tackle a rampant Tsonga in the semi, but I can see a British male finalist this year for the first time in my lifetime. Fingers crossed.

And the ladies is actually improving - Serena's serving, Azarenka's all round game. That should make for a great semifinal. And the young German Kerber is playing very well too, way above her ranking. I expect a Williams vs Kerber final.

[broncofan]

Good win by Andy Murray. He has all the tools to do it. He's got big groundstrokes, plenty of heart, and can beat any player in the world when his game is on. Looking forward to his match with Tsonga; did not watch him play Ferrer, but Ferrer is tough even on grass.

[robertlouis]

So, Djokovic vs Federer, Tsonga vs Murray. Should be great matches if they all play to their potential.

Here's hoping Andy makes it this time.

[rodinuk]

Well I have to say i was impressed by his performance against Ferrer who was immense at the start of the match and motored his way through the first set. However we all know you can never hurray a Murray and that was a convincing result.

I guess Sammi Valentine's going to run a leg of the Oympic Torch relay today as it's in East Angular?

[Stavros]

Murray's game has too many flaws, as was evidenced against Ferrer who often outsmarted him but tired as the game went on -a player with more control and focus will punish Murray enough times to win, and either Djokovic or Federer can do it; Murray has a good record against Tsonga but not sure if that is on grass; Tsonga is the more enjoyable player and a more rounded person, I think I read or heard somewhere that Lendl has been encouraging Murray to be more aggressive;it is unappealing and might work on first serves but makes his game boring to watch. If his losing means not having to see his nauseating mother ramming her fists in the air and shouting Come On! it will be a blessing. Overall, Djokovic is the man to beat, but Federer has not played him on grass and I think he both wants it, and needs it more than anyone. But both matches are tough to call. Sentimental feelings make me go for Federer who transformed tennis these past 10 years. Djokovic is a step back to the bad days of power tennis and Sampras; Murray because he is a dickhead; Tsonga would be a popular and deserving winner.

[robertlouis]

Murray's game has too many flaws, as was evidenced against Ferrer who often outsmarted him but tired as the game went on -a player with more control and focus will punish Murray enough times to win, and either Djokovic or Federer can do it; Murray has a good record against Tsonga but not sure if that is on grass; Tsonga is the more enjoyable player and a more rounded person, I think I read or heard somewhere that Lendl has been encouraging Murray to be more aggressive;it is unappealing and might work on first serves but makes his game boring to watch. If his losing means not having to see his nauseating mother ramming her fists in the air and shouting Come On! it will be a blessing. Overall, Djokovic is the man to beat, but Federer has not played him on grass and I think he both wants it, and needs it more than anyone. But both matches are tough to call. Sentimental feelings make me go for Federer who transformed tennis these past 10 years. Djokovic is a step back to the bad days of power tennis and Sampras; Murray because he is a dickhead; Tsonga would be a popular and deserving winner.

He might be a dickhead, but he's our dickhead. Mine anyway - my aunt taught him in primary school in Dunblane. They were both there on THAT dreadful day when Thomas Hamilton massacred teachers and pupils alike.

[rodinuk]

...If his losing means not having to see his nauseating mother ......... Murray because he is a dickhead;

I never expected to see such puerile, nasty comments from you of all people.

[Prospero]

Murray is a Scot b utfor the purposes of Wimbledon he is an honourary Englishman !! Okay.. well he is British then.

[Stavros]

I never expected to see such puerile, nasty comments from you of all people.

I have my flaws, a tendency to make tactless remarks being one of them. That has to pass as an apology.

[Prospero]

Stavros would not be Stavros if he were not utterly dogmatic and blunt.

[rodinuk]

I have my flaws, a tendency to make tactless remarks being one of them. That has to pass as an apology.

Fair enough given Prospero's observation - mind you I seldom wander south of the Reviews forum so it probably serves me right, sensitive soul that I am - it must be my hormones ;)

[Stavros]

Stavros would not be Stavros if he were not utterly dogmatic and blunt.

Hmmm..."utterly dogmatic"? Not sure I agree with that, as I do change my mind about things, but blunt -I did once upset a colleague at work with a needless remark that I have always regretted, probably more than he. I think there were issues before on which I should have kept my mouth shut...anyway there are two outstanding matches to look forward to on Centre Court, that is more worthy of discussion.

[Prospero]

Come Stavros, on the subjects of what constitutes good cinema you certainly are dogmatic. When it comes to politics the subtlety of your thought shines through. And yes - centre court this pm... a feast.

[Stavros]

I have made it clear that I like a wide variety of films, not just the so-called art films; I think you are mistaking my tendency to trash films and some film-makers as dogmatic -I don't see that because being dogmatic would make me react the same way to all films, and I don't. Etc.

As for the tennis, there are times when Federer seems to be playing on a different level; he can, and has been beaten by Murray and Tsonga as well as Nadal and Djokovic but what is really interesting is that both Federer and Serena Williams are 30 and have beaten younger players. Federer could -and indeed, should- try again next year to get the 8th title. I thought it was unfair of Sue Barker to interview Murray at the end, he was clearly shattered, and it was embarrassing. It is the worst aspect of the tv coverage of tennis these days and the tournaments ought to scrap it.

[Prospero]

Murray was good yesterday - but Federer was playing at the top of his game again. The Scot was just totally outclassed. But he did win a set and is clearly a force to be reckoned with. He is still plenty young enough to win a grand slam yet.

Oh and Stavros - don't so be so dogmatic about the remarks I made!

[Prospero]

It's all over and the dust has settled. Federer proved again his brilliance, but the Scot made a good showing. He's young so britain may yet yield a champion.

[rodinuk]

... but the Scot made a good showing. He's young so britain may yet yield a champion.

...not if the SNP have their way....

I thought Murray acquitted himself well.

[robertlouis]

Murray is a Scot b utfor the purposes of Wimbledon he is an honourary Englishman !! Okay.. well he is British then.

I'm back, and you can fuck right off, Prospero ;). "Honorary Englishman" is arguably the worst insult a Scot could ever face.

Brittany was magic, by the way. :)

[Prospero]

I'm about to fuck right off you fuckin' honorary Engiishman

[Stavros]

At least when someone wins at tennis they don't run around the court waving a flag....we will have enough of that in a few weeks time...

[SammiValentine]

come on tim!

[Prospero]

come on tim!


Oh is he back again... the henman hollow will be full of fans