Weeks 22-23 - 2014 French Open, Roland Garros, Paris (Clay)

indiana · Tennis legend

RE: Weeks 22-23 - 2014 French Open, Roland Garros, Paris (Clay)

Spectator · All-time great

I'm not worried about his lack of playing time on Chatrier: he's practiced there, and he knows the court. But he is a reigning GS champion, and all the other reigning GS champions have pretty much made Chatrier their home (even if only for one round). Same goes for Berdych, actually, who finally (after 1, 1 and 2) made it onto Lenglen. He's the sixth seed, people, and good on clay. He really shouldn't take four rounds to get to one of the two main courts.

But then again, I suppose that with a host of seeded French players, it's hard not to put them on Chatrier and Lenglen, given the home support. And the one thing that I, like you, would never begrudge is decent time on centre for Ferrer.

And (our posts crossed in the ether) good point about Wimbledon, Indiana! In addition their scheduling of women has often just seemed bizarre ... and sometimes more related to ideas of physical aesthetics than to sporting prowess.

-- Edited by Spectator on Monday 2nd of June 2014 06:26:45 AM

indiana · Tennis legend

I was nearly going to query whether Andy, Roger and Rafa were even aware that Wimbledon built a new Court 2 a few years ago. But that is probably unfair, particularly to Andy.

Which then led me to further thoughts about how impressive Andy's ( I think long held, but increasingly more vocal ) rounded views on such as women players and men's futures tournaments are.

He 'gets it' in a way that has been lacking, possibly since Andy Roddick departed the scene. It is just a pity his media relations, more particularly press conferences, are often so poor from his side, though I have noticed some improvement of late.

He could be a fine ambassador for many in tennis in the coming years, and is certainly not remotely as far up his **** as one or two top players.

RJA · Hall of fame

indiana wrote:
I was nearly going to query whether Andy, Roger and Rafa were even aware that Wimbledon built a new Court 2 a few years ago. But that is probably unfair, particularly to Andy.

Which is ironic considering the old court 2 was the graveyard of champions.

indiana · Tennis legend

With now 10 players left in the draw, the 3 clearly lowest ranked players left ( and lowest in this year's race ) are Verdasco, Monfils and Garcia-Lopez.

Yes, the other 3 remaining players in Andy's ( donated by Stan ) quarter.

RJA · Hall of fame

Wow a straight sets win and now for a very winnable quarter final against Monfils. Can't complain about that.

Sim · County player

3 sets to love against Verdasco on clay is pretty impressive.

Good to see no sign of any injury worries.

Enjoy your day off tomorrow Andy

steven · Tennis legend

Very impressive to take out Verdasco on clay in straight sets

From one former world no. 7 to another, then ...

L16: (7) Andy Murray WR 8 beat (24) Fernando Verdasco (ESP) WR 25 (CH 7 in 2009) by 6-4 7-5 7-6(3)

QF: (7) Andy Murray WR 8 v (23) Gaël Monfils (FRA) WR 28 (CH 7 in 2011)

H2H 4-3 - 3-2 in seniors, 2-1 on clay, 1-1 in seniors on clay, 1-1 at RG, 0-1 in seniors at RG and 0-2 in seniors in Paris, so take your pick!

Andy takes a 20-match winning streak against Frenchmen in slams into his QF (his 19th slam QF - W 13 L 5) - la Monf's RG 2006 5-set win was the last but one time a Frenchman beat him in a slam.

Armchair · County player

Loved it, Andy just seemed to play without any back/cramp/injury issues and it was a joy to watch.

Verdasco isn't a walkover by any means, great result.

Madeline · Admin:Moderator + Tennis Legend

I managed to watch the whole match on the TV - Him Indoors, no great fan of tennis to put it mildly, even enjoyed the match so much that he agreed without a murmur to dinner being put back so I could see the end! What a great match to watch, I haven't seen Andy play so well in years. I was a little worried beforehand as although Andy had a convincing H2H over Verdasco, they had never met on clay. It seems to be a fact that it has been the back problems giving him trouble on the surface these last years, and the surgery has fixed things. By the sounds of it, Monfils is also playing very well at the moment, but Andy must have a decent chance against him on Wednesday.

Jan · Hall of fame

That was good to watch! Well done to Andy

indiana · Tennis legend

Certainly wasn't expecting a straight sets win today, and wasn't too sure of a win at all. Very good !

That's now the 13th successive time that Andy has reached at least the QF stage of a Slam he has competed in ( missed last year's French Open ). The previous 12 have resulted in 2 titles, 3 times runner-up, 4 times losing SF and 3 times losing QF.

As Steven pointed out Andy is pretty good at Slam QFs ( though he has lost his last 2 QFs, post Wimbledon triumph and post back surgery respectively, after winning 12 of the previous 13, with an overall 13-5 QF record ).

While clearly such a consistent record is a very long way short of Fed's ridiculous record, it is very impressive.

Armchair · County player

Am currently rearranging my week so I can see the Murray Monfils match. ( I feel a cold coming on boss !)
Whoever wins that should be a complete joy to watch, can't wait.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Armchair wrote:
Am currently rearranging my week so I can see the Murray Monfils match. ( I feel a cold coming on boss !)
Whoever wins that should be a complete joy to watch, can't wait.

hot lemon and honey, Armchair, ship it in smile smile smile

I still remember my junior school teacher conveniently deciding that lessons should be suspended, and the 'video room' put to use, on the Friday afternoon when Virginia Wade made the Wimbly final - and a very enjoyable and educational afternoon was had by all. smile

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Coup Droit wrote:
Armchair wrote:
Am currently rearranging my week so I can see the Murray Monfils match. ( I feel a cold coming on boss !)
Whoever wins that should be a complete joy to watch, can't wait.

hot lemon and honey, Armchair, ship it in

I still remember my junior school teacher conveniently deciding that lessons should be suspended, and the 'video room' put to use, on the Friday afternoon when Virginia Wade made the Wimbly final - and a very enjoyable and educational afternoon was had by all.

Wow. Lucky you. I remember that day so clearly as well. I was in science class. We weren't allowed to watch but the teachers were watching in the staff room and kept coming in to give regular updates.