The Gays and Tennis Part 159 -- Ou la la and on to Turin!

Teefs? Teeth?

I give you an ace on the intro, OP

Legz

Hoping my big, buxom, bouncy Dutchboy, Tallon Griekspoor, can pull out a shock against NoVaxxx later today.

Tallon reels off five games in a row to take the first set 6-4.

Oh. My. God.

NoVaxxx looking very flat, but as we all know, he could turn it round on a dime.

Time for his magic potion.

R6 Bang on time. Here we go!

I don't like Alex, hate that he is the cover boy

Far better than the other Alex.

Hating De Minaur is like hating puppies

[quote] Time for his magic potion.

Creatina!

AND Novaxx wins 6-4 in the 3rd.

BTW what is WRONG with the ATP site this week? It's been wonky for days.

This WTA Finals tournament sucks.

Are you actually watching, r13? Is it true about the wonky lines and bad bounces?

[quote] Is it true about the wonky lines

Yes from what I can see.

Young Grigor's renaissance continues - through to the Semis after beating Hubie in 3. Means The Brat is almost certainly safe in 8th place for the ATP Finals.

So we're stuck with Jekyll/Hyde, Ratface, Brat and Maria Callas in Turin. At least we have Carlitos and Rublev on the plus side and Meddy and Sinner in the fair to middling.

R17 LMAO at Maria Callas - perfect for him - quintessential Greek Diva!

I love Rune's perky twink nipples. I can't help it.

Holger has Novaxx's number

I'm only hate-watching Novaxxx-Legz to get an eyeful of ex-con Boris Becker: the ginger thug looks good with his buzz cut. I wonder what hoe is going to shag tonight in the broom closet of a restaurant after the match and if he'll let Rune watch the whole ten seconds it's going to last.

dayum

R20 Unfortunately for Holger, NoVaxxx appears to have changed it in the final set and has gone unlisted.

He's killing Holger with those lobs.

Still, it ain't over yet.

Titsy is sometimes really handsome.

Yes. YES, I would.

JFC!

Novaxx over Legz 6-4 in the 3rd

Is the Marquis de Sade presiding over scheduling these Paris matches? Rublev and Demon will be playing into the wee hours with the winner back on again tomorrow afternoon, giving an undue advantage to Creatina. C'est fou.

Ruby Team or Demon Team?

This one's tough.

Wublev.

Demon Team - tho love them both.

Marketa has tattoos all the way up her neck now. Oh dear.

Woobie Ruby just won (against Demon)!! And all's right with the world.

Wow, this tournament has proven to be a disaster for Coco

Well she won. Go CocoPuffs

WTA Finals SFs:

Pegula v. Gauff

Sabalenka v. Swiatek

personally I think it'll be Pegula and Swiatek - you?

Why is Robin so round?

Why doesn't this thread show up in my list on the right of threads I've posted in? I have to go to Part 158 and find the link to get here.

Anyway - I'll go for Swiatek because I like her, and because the weather conditions might favor her game over SheHulk -- then I'm really neutral about Pegula/Gauff.

Titsy Team or (not so) Young Grigor Team?

Novaxx Team or Ruby Team?

Woobie

Grigor and Rublev all the way (however, I am expecting the other possible, and more probable, outcome)

I was hoping for a sab vs iga final

R41 Yeah, it is 'the real final'. The no. 1 and the no. 2...

Iga will be wanting that no. 1 ranking back as well - but she also has to win the final to get it back so it's not done if she only wins the SF.

Wow, Dimitrov was unstoppable in the third-set tiebreak.

Young Grigor beats Stiff-Anus!

LIFE IS GOOD!

(not so) Young Grigor!

Our Rublev is taking on the monster

In his post match-interviews yesterday and today, Dimitrov referred to things being turbulent for him recently, but his results have been strong. Does anyone know what he's referring to?

"There were no tears but I got very emotional," Dimitrov said. "I am just living in the moment right now. It has been a funny road of late, but each win means more and more to me."

Click on the pic to see Creatina's rather unfortunate accident.

I don't think Novaxx likes our Wublev and I suspect the feeling is mutual

Rublev gets the first set (Novaxx looks ill, very pale, moving strangely....he usually does that when he loses)

Who's the beautiful man sitting next to Rublev's coach? Dark hair, stud...

Djokovic seemed like he'd cruise through this after breaking Rublev at the beginning of the match -- then Rublev managed to get in on Djokovic's first service game and Djokovic has seemed off since.

Service break! And set…can he keep this up?

All the more impressive from Rublev, considering he likely didn't get to sleep until 5 AM after the quarterfinal match last night.

CPOME ON WUBEY!

Nope—Blovaxx wins the tie break, easily.

Novaxx looks much better with a little more weight on. The emaciated bird face is almost gone. His ass has looked nice this week

Djokovic did look ill during the entire match and only occasionally played well. Rublev was consistently excellent. He still lost.

Yea no, R57.

Nooooo!

Can the ATP Finals please be the last time we have to see that cheater Djoke?

We all knew when Rublev was one set and one break up in the second set against Novaxx that Djokovic had him exactly where he wanted him to be. And of course, it worked. Like clockwork. What else is new?

However Novaxx must be cooked by the effort and right there I see a chance for Young Grigor's young muscles to make Novaxx's knees bend: he's already done it, he can do it again. Go Grigor! And don't forget your playlist of songs of Madonna, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, your three favorite lucky goddesses to bring the charms that you are going to need.

Sweet Baby Jesus and The Orphans1

Wubey's trainer is HOTTTTTT! I really hope they're fucking.

R62 That's the one who was sitting next to the trainer. Thanks. What a stud!

What's his onlyfans account?

I'm pretty sure Ruby was presenting hole there at the end.

Here is the uncensored version: I'm sorry and I might be prejudiced but the way these two interact in the video is as close as it can get to the opening scene of a gay porn. Hence the ad lib fanfic.

We need a mash-up with all of Rublev's "interactions".

I wonder what Rublev's cock is like? Big? Probably covered in that blonde (?) fur that's all over his legs and arms.

I have just checked the trainer's Instagram. From Barcelona...

Que guapo!

Asking again on the off chance: Does anyone know what Dimitrov is referring to when he says "It's been such a rollercoaster the past three months for me?" His results have been strong (living up to his seeding or better) and his ranking is up. Has he lost a family member, or...?

He lost his youth.

Amazing week for world no. 1 Novak. You loser fags explain how he cheated this week? The guy is on a long win streak, and is GOAT.

if you're going to call people fags, at least try to be clever/amusing about it.

When will that dreadful WTA tournament resume?

I want to see DL icon She Hulk pummel Iga

I think Grigor had pretty serious long Covid. I recall he was quite ill and missed a lot of tennis. That might be what he's referring to.

R73 apparently has multiple personalities. In some threads he calls for Djokovic to be banned and says Felix is "HAWT", and in others he adulates Djokovic and says Felix is "not HAWT".

Big Jack D getting up it up (his ranking) back in the Challengers.

Beats Elfin Goffin in the Bergamo final.

Love him or hate him, there is no question that Novaxx is the GOAT.

Iga and the Hulk are on now. No rain at least. Awful, awful choice of location during hurricane season.

^could be worse, they could have chosen Acapulco

Fans are baying for Steve Simon's head. Navratilova even said on TV that he needs to leave and a woman brought back to head the WTA lol.

What a body on Sabalenka, has anybody seen her in person? Is she that big? This woman is bigger than me!

The Hulk has smashed two rackets already, oh dear.

I think it's that she has very broad shoulders compared to her hips that makes her look big - many other players are just as big or at least tall but don't 'look' as big as she does.

^ very unladylike behavior!

Are there a lot of 6 foot female tennis players? I know Rybakina is - she's my dream girl. But who else?

With Rybakina, she is slim with that height on her, making her look very modelesque but Sabalenka is a brick house

Whelp

Here’s rooting for the Buffalo Bills chica tomorrow.

Given that both Pegula and Swiatek have won all their games, whoever wins tomorrow will win more money than the US Open winner i.e. over $3m. The no. 1 ranking is also up for grabs.

That celebratory reaction from Iga - whoa.

Get her Jess!

Billionheiress Team

I watched Iga and Badosa practice at Miami two years ago, and I was amazed at how tall and intimidating Badosa was. She was almost as big as Sabalenka.

Wonder if Badosa is still Tsitsipas' girlfriend?

Surprise to learn Badosa is 5 11. She looks smaller on screen

they are still together - he says that she's his doubles coach now :S

Here's a picture of Badosa with Sabalenka to compare. Same height but Sabalenka looks more top-heavy with strong shoulders, just more solid a vibe.

R89, you do realize that Pegula and Swiatek have won all their MATCHES, they have not in fact, won all their games. You need to win six games to win a set, unless it's tied at five and then you need to win seven or a tie-break. You need to win two sets to win a match (for all women's matches and all but the Grand Slams for men).

[quote]you do realize that Pegula and Swiatek have won all their MATCHES, they have not in fact, won all their games. You need to win six games to win a set, unless it's tied at five and then you need to win seven or a tie-break. You need to win two sets to win a match (for all women's matches and all but the Grand Slams for men). —Tennis Pedant

You couldn't tell that I made a mistake akin to a typo from posting quickly on a casual form? What a cheap and sad show of superiority to explain what a game/match is. Like Joseph Addison said, pedantry is a form of knowledge without the power of it.

*forum

R98, no, I really couldn't tell that you made a mistake akin to a typo because you didn't make a mistake akin to a typo. You made a mistake almost everyone who doesn't know much about tennis makes and one of the most singularly irritating ones to those who do, and one that is always a dead giveaway that the person is ignorant about the sport. But I do love the purple prose, "cheap and sad show of superiority" indeed.

gurls, GURLS!

Jesus, shut up.

Bless you, my son.

During the celebrations the son seemed to be all over Iga Forehead, or is it me?

SO

What's happening in Metz and Sofia??

How incompetent was Pegula? She made Coco look good!

Jesus H Christ…..I’m done with these American psychos..

I tought Coco played poorly against Iga but oooh boy, Pegula was trash

I'm a bit of a watch geek but Iga was wearing Rolex's ugly grandfather 1908 watch which is something I haven't seen before.

Iga is my favorite player so I'm happy that she won and has got the no. 1 ranking back. Even tennis players know that she's the 'real no. 1' - Samsonova said so recently in an interview.

However, to be a true great, Iga needs to win the Australian Open, Wimbledon and an Olympic gold medal. (Even Novaxx has not won an Olympic gold.)

[quote](Even Novaxx has not won an Olympic gold.)

yet

R109 God forbid. It's next year, in Paris but that means it's on clay. So let's hope Carlos denies him it.

Just sitting here thinking about how beautiful Grigor's cock must be.

R111 = Pam Shriver

Young Frenchie, Harold Mayot, whose through to the quarters in Metz has got my motor running...

More hotties = more fun!

Allez!

Gironass

I forgot to mention at R115 click to enlarge.

Gironass 2.

Gironass 3.

bubblicious!

So...what's the deal with Giron? Does he prefer Bravo or UFC?

Big Jack D PULVERISES Musetti in Metz - 7-5, 6-2

Lorenzo in big need of a reset in the off season. He'll potentially plummet down the rankings early next year if he doesn't regain form. Draper looks like he's heading in the opposite direction.

Gaydrian over Lurch 4 and 4

No one gives a shit about who's won the Olympic gold. R108 must be Judy Murray.

R123 The players themselves give a shit about it. Just go look up Federer's reaction when he won one (in doubles even). And Novaxx's reaction when he couldn't win one (the biggest rage tantrum I've seen from him).

May multiple slam winners have won one since tennis was reinstated as an Olympic sport in 1988. So that means Nadal, Murray, Federer, Agassi, Becker have one but Novaxx doesn't. On the women's side, Graf, Capriati, Davenport, Serena, Venus, Henin have one.

[quote] the biggest rage tantrum I've seen from him

That’s saying a lot.

Yeah, that's the one thing he really cares about that he has not got yet. Goran Ivanisevic said in September: “Novak is planning to play the Olympics in 2028 in LA. I don’t think he will say enough if he wins 25th [Grand Slam]. He is taking care of every single detail, he is never happy on the court, has a huge drive.”

NB: in 2028 he'll be 41.

He has also said this about the Olympics: "The Olympic Games are the oldest sporting event. Every sport that is Olympic, values ​​the Olympic Games, at least in my opinion, as one of the highest priorities. One of the greatest honors for an athlete is to represent your country at the Games. I had the great honor of carrying the flag at the opening ceremony in London, and for me the Games are a very special competition and it is a special feeling to be in such a rare competition. [...] the Games mean a lot to me and I can't wait to be at the Games. I hope that I will be able to bring another medal to Serbia.”

Is this where we talk about Fed-eration Cup?

R126 Why 2028? What's wrong with the 2024 Olympics in Paris?

R128 I don't think there is, he just wants to push himself as far as he can, achieve as much as he can.

I'm a bit skeptical he can compete at the top until he's 41 but we'll see.

this is a postdiction and not a prediction, but I still thought it worth a post

R130 Those two fucking would be hot. That's it. That's the Tweet.

^ very, Very VERY HAWT

Martina is NOT happy with the WTA.

She wants a woman to head it up. Of course she does, Lezzy McLez!

r128, Also, it sends a message to the media to stop asking about retirement. Amercans don't understand how important the Olympicas are to people from small countries. Serbia only has 4 individucal gold medals in history.(taekwando, karate, wrestling) In contrast, New Jersey, one fourth the size of Serbia has had 92 gold medal winners.

He only won 1 Bronze in 4 attempts. That alone tells you how much pressure he feels to do it. He doesn't even play well in Belgrade , the only place in the world where he's actually adored.

Wimbledon ends 7/14 and the Olympics start 7/22. Nobody can win both, not even the GOAT. Plus doubles? No. Pick one.

Lovely PCB beating Novak at the last Olympics gave me life!

Real Good triumphs over Evil stuff!

What's the difference between a hockey goalie and a Serbian woman?

A goalie changes his pads after three periods.

Olympic gold deserves to be earned with extra effort. If he's serious about gold, he should skip W and play on clay in Mallorca, where he has a house and Hamburg. But, that won't happen. I could also see him losing in the quarters and getting rest. It's really up to him. I think he's left the rest of the tour shell-shocked this year.

I remember thinking that Agassi was being greedy when he won Wimbledon, a gold medal, dated Barbra Streisand AND married Brooke Sheilds. Enough already, leave some fantasies on the table for the rest of us, whydon'tcha?

But that was before the meth and the wig and the trannies.

[quote] Barbra Streisand AND married Brooke Sheilds. Enough already, leave some fantasies on the table for the rest of us,

Such as a basement mall!

Skip WIMBLEDON to play in the Olympics?

No, SACRIFICE Wimbledon to achieve his only unachieved goal in the sport. I can't see anyone going deep and then coming back on clay a week later in such a chaotic environment. Or, maybe he'd prefer to take his chances and try for a doubles in 2028. Martina won her last GS at 49, IIRC, in mixed. WHET Ivanovic?

Idk, many other multiple slam winners (both male and female) have managed it so I don't see any rational reason why Djokovic can't. Seems like he's either been unlucky or experienced too much pressure when playing at the Olympics so far.

Or Creatina is banned at the Olympics.

Well, men play 5 at Wimbledon, so women don't count. Plus, all the past Olympics were on hard court, except 2012, which was like playing Wimbledon twice, so no change of surfaces. Going from Grass to hard court is an easier transition than back to grinding on clay, I would think.

Still, he knows best, so it will be interesting to see the choices he makes. The national pressure he must feel is insane and weird. No one in the world could understand it. Can you imagine if Pete Sampras was the most famous person from the USA and the rest of the world would look to him for geopolitical opinions and leadership? Or, Jennifer Capriati? His gold would be the highest profile earned in Serbian history, that's a lot of pressure, and he knows it.

Legz is ready for his close-up

Fog Team or UGOAT Team?

I agree with Fog team for the eye candy.

This made me laugh. Jannik's growing his sense of humor.

I adore Jannik almost as much as I adore Wublev . He is delightfully awkward

UGOAT Team.

He's made the comeback of the season. He plummeted down to around 150 last year, but has clawed his way all the way back. It would be great if he could break the Top 20 and finish with a Title at home.

Il Gingio!

Big Jack D dominates Big Jan-Lennard to win The Battle Of The Big Boys.

First ATP Final incoming for Draper. He's really regained his momentum following a long spell out mid-season with injuries.

UGOAT crams a bagel down Fog's throat 6-0, 6-2.

What exactly is Maria Callas wearing? Did Carlitos and Novaxx plan their dueling varsity jackets?

OMG what dreadful clothes! The ladies' white gowns (except Iga's shocking red) were dreadful, but at least they tried! This is running out the door on a Saturday morning to grab a coffee at Starbucks - or maybe worse.

Jannik's wearing the school librarian's brown sweater (just needs some pearls or something to snazz it up). Carlos' jacket is two sizes too small. Is Stefanos wearing a blanket? (though it does look like he at least tried) Holger, Novak, Daniil = slobs. Sheesh.

Nobody should wear a bomber jacket. Ever.

R154, how about Tom Cruise?

GAYdrian reaches his 4th final of the year in Sofia.

If he wins it, it will be his THIRD title of the season. Prior to this year he'd won two in his entire 19 year career. He's already guaranteed ending on a career high ranking (21). An amazing feat to hit your peak at 35. Maybe this is what's inspiring Young Grigor.

Go Gaydrian!

I think Titsy looks hawt. I'd hit that.

Re that Final 8 pic, at least three watchmakers are pissed—especially at the Greek.

“You’re only fucking job for us is to make sure we see your wrist in the photo!” MARKETING MANAGER

La Callas is wearing a half caftan in that dreadful photo.

Whatever he's wearing, he's hawt in it.

Is that bulge I see on Rasputin?

The only two that can crawl away from that photo shoot with any modicum of dignity left are Holger and Daniil.

As if Rune had a shred of dignity left before that photo shoot.

Meddy towers over Nole (and most of the rest)

Med and Titsy are the best-looking above the neck.

R154 those aren’t bomber jackets, they’re varsity jackets (or letterman’s jackets, if you will).

Someone who can pull off a poncho, or demi-caftan, like this can’t really be 100% straight. Surely?

Leather-trimmed striped alpaca-blend bouclé poncho by Loro Piana. $4,975 via net-a-porter

God how I miss this version of the WTA!

For just five grand you too can channel a vagrant huddling in a serape, R169.

Alpaca blend? It's not even vicuña! His shoes look like the Hushpuppies I had when I was 12 but at least he's not wearing sneakers.

Honestly, he's hot and the only one worth looking at twice.

Without a doubt he'd agree with you, R172.

OUR GAY-DRAIN did it!

Crafty, tricksy Mannarino beats Big Jack D in 3 to take the title in Sofia - his third of the season. Could end the season as French #1... unless the UGOAT wins in Metz, which is just starting now...

[quote] at least they tried!

The sad thing is that you can tell that most of them think they tried.

I think in the past they have had matching suits but at least this is entertaining.

The UGOAT has landed!

Champion in Metz - his hometwon, French #1, and breaks the Top 20±

Hm, Daniil and Novaxx wore varsity jackets for the 2021 official photo. I can't recall seeing a regular person wearing one (am in Europe).

The Original Eight

I like the London one, especially with those Beefeaters standing guard on either side.

Fat Sock made it to the ATP Finals? I didn't remember that.

Rune pings to Antarctica in the group photo. I'm beginning to understand his homophobia. Self loathing projection.

Woon.

Really happy for our Ugot. He's adorable.

Really sad for Big Jack D. He's adorable, too.

I think Novaxx has an easier group than Alcaraz but you may differ?

Green Group: Djokovic, Sinner, Tsitsipas, Rune

Red Group: Alcaraz, Medvedev, Rublev, Zverev

Tomorrow it's Sinner v. Tsitsipas at 2:30pm (Turin time) and then Djokovic v. Rune at 9pm.

Alcaraz is lucky that Sinner is not in his group. He has lost on multiple occasions to him. Meddy beat him at the U.S. Open but was playing out of his head, Alcaraz beat Med easily the other times. Really Sinner is the one to worry about for both Alcaraz and Djokovic, so...

Djokovic is 3-0 to Sinner so probably less of a concern. Alcaraz is 3-4 (Sinner's advantage).

Holger Rune (2-2) more of a concern to Djokovic. Who would have thought.

Rune is a real threat to Djokovic, though Djokovic got the better of him at Bercy.

[quote]Rune pings to Antarctica in the group photo. I'm beginning to understand his homophobia. Self loathing projection.

I'm laughing because genuinely, back in the 90s, a straight boy who read practically every library book available told me that the Greeks and Romans encouraged soldiers to be gay because then they would want to impress their boyfriends. Maybe that's why Rune has a good record against Djokovic.

Ever since someone called him Martina Hingas, that's all I see.

R177 very few Europeans were insecure varsity tennis stars in American high schools ;)

Not gonna lie, I'm crushing on Med.

He has charisma, for sure R191, and a sweet face.

Meddy is a doll and he can be a charmer.

Of the group, he'd be the most lilely to punch you in the face and call you a faggot.

or, throw coins at a Jew, for example.

Or call you a small cat.

HAF R172

God, this packed stadium for a first round match is completely different to the nearly empty Cancun WTA Finals stadium. If the rumor that the ATP may merge with that WTA is true, I wouldn't be sad, they'll probably do way better a job.

r177, You didn't see varsity jackets in Europe because they were not sold commercially, they were sold in schools and/or earned from scholastic sports. You could buy a plain one, I guess, but the point was to show off your own sport or school team. Lacoste made this one for Novaxx. I hate the updated, cartoonish, logo of the alligator.

In the 70's wearing a Lacoste, and only a Lacoste, polo shirt was part of "the clone look". It said to the world, yes, I paid 20 dollars more than you just for the alligator, and yes, I'm gay.

R198 Yep, which is why it's interesting that these Europeans are wearing one. I think one of them must have started the trend (I suspect Novaxx since he's wearing something similar again for the 2022 Finals photograph).

R199 Novaxx is not wearing a varsity jacket above ^. He’s wearing a baseball jacket—which is different.

Letterman and baseball jackets are very similar though, R200?

Back to the tennis, the court looks fast so it's about who can break serve. I'm rooting for Sinner because it's his home crowd and he looks scared to let them down.

Easy 6-4, 6-4 win for Il Gingio.

Poncho Boy had no answers.

If you have to ask…jeesh, didn’t you go to high school or play sports?

I have a wonderful consolation prize for poor Stefanos!

Granollers/Zeballos just won. I do not usually watch doubles but Granollers is such a hunk.

R206 they would make a very hot couple

"Nole" team or Brat/Legz team?

Team Simultaneous Default

Team Hoping For A Nuke Strike On Turin.

The makeup on the Brat is quite evident today.

Jesus, NoVaxxx, if you have to beg for every scrap of applause it doesn't really count.

Who wears short shorts?

Quadzilla!

Novaxx just destroyed one of his racquets by stomping on it.

damm

Novaxx and Legz in a dog-fight

Djokovic let Rune back into the match; he self-destructed in the second-set tiebreak after he netted an easy open-court forehand on the second point of the tiebreak.

Djokovic clinches year-end number 1 with win over Holger Rune.

He is the oldest year-end number one in history, breaking a record he'd set himself two years ago.

Aaaaaand Novaxx wins 6-3 in the third.

His legs are scrawny!

Rune needs more Vel!

R194, you're not very bright are you?

Carlitos Team or Sascha Team?

Med Team or Ruby Team?

Carlitos Team and Ruby Team

Why meh between vile Zverev and adorable Alcaraz?

Team Rublev

Alcaraz doesn't do much for me. Neither does Sascha.

Carlitos squeaks the first set in a breaker.

At least at this editing of the Finals it looks like we're getting competitive matches. I used to go when it was in London and normally half the field were exhausted/injured and most of the matches were virtual walkovers.

Alcaraz (Garfia) team

Wublev team

At least Alcaraz isn't likely to bash you in the head with his racket, R225.

I kind of cringe when they break rackets - it's like putting $100 dollar bills on fire.

r226. Yes. Taylor with 5 titles didn't even make the cut. It's great to have them all healthy. I can't wait for Sinner. The only fans Novaxx will have are from his own box. It has the feeling of Andy d Novaxx at Wimbledon. Who doesn't want Sinner, at this point?

I want a Saint, not a Sinner.

Ruh roh…Carlos is about to lose to the wifebeater.

Hard indoor really suits Zverev, it's not the most embarrassing loss ever.

Zverev takes it in three.

R232 do we really believe he beats his wife? NYT had a story on the allegations today and they seem to me like a lot of nothing.

And Btw I’d let Sasha beat my face with his lanky shwanz any day.

Enjoy your hospital stay.

^ Perfect that he's wearing that shit-stained shirt.

Wow golden boy Carlos has really sucked lately. He has zero chance against Novaxx of he is losing to just anyone now.

Not sure what to make of Alcaraz now. He's so supremely talented but at times he's recently look somewhat lost on court. In the past he looked so sure of himself and he always seemed to play the right shot at the right time. Now he looks like he's questioning himself too much.

Is Zverev actually married?

It was a metaphorical reference duh.

Time for your quarterly update on the failed Brit comeback trail…no, not Andy—the other one.

I've missed Emma's pull outs.

[quote] I've missed Emma's pull outs.

Which WTA player is at R243?

Pull-outs? That isn't a female.

R245 don't tell BJK's strap-on.

Wooby :-(

Titsy Team or Legz Team?

Il Gingio Team or Novaxx Team?

I don’t like either but will go for Legz team for eye candy.

Definitely Il Gingio team.

Legz practically showed his (smooth, twink) ass the other day, whew.

I hate Zverev but you know that cock is big and thick.

[quote] Legz practically showed his (smooth, twink) ass the other day, whew.

Link?

[quote] I hate Zverev but you know that cock is big and thick.

I imagine him having a long skinny dick because he is long and skinny. I’m not into dicks though so don’t really care.

His behavior / anger issues tells you he has a tiny dick.

Tsisipas OTH, looks he has a big, hairy monster dick

Gambe!

Am I right that whoever loses between Tsitsipas and Rune is out of the tournament?

R255 - yes, 2 losses and they can't go through

Sad end. I wanted a good match.

Fucking Hell, our resident RuneLoon has infiltrated the ATP Finals...

Tsitsipas's withdrawal is disgraceful.

^^^^

LOL

A thing of beauty (or two things!) is a joy forever.

meant for 258

It's Porna's 27th birthday - thank fuck he's finally had a haircut!

Legzercise.

^ bless your heart

Il Gingio and Novaxx in a dog fight, going to a 3rd

Sorry for ducking up the link at R263 (and no it wasn’t because I was only using one hand).

Ducking = fucking

come sit by me, R367

Sinner’s shots are 🔥!

Il Gingio has the break...

As you well know, I am partial to an up-and-coming Challenger hottie.

I submit cheeky Ecuadorian 20-year old hotshot, Alvaro Guillen for your consideration...

He is cute, R271. Hope to see more of him!

I always thought Nico Lapentti was hawt, too.

Nico and Rafa back in the day

Forza Jannik!

OHHH, look at this!!!!

IL GINGIO!

Good on you, Jannik!

Skinner!

Janiiķķkkkkkkk

Grazie a tutti!

Finally, he got the monkey off his back.

And the revolting Serb deserved the loss. His rude and provocative reaction to not being feted by the crowd was cynically geared towards putting Sinner off his game. He really is a piece of work.

Il Gingio team

[quote]He really is a piece of work.

Eastern Europe ethics.

Carlitos Team or Wooby Team?

Sascha Team or Med Team?

Alcaraz (Garfia) team

Medwed team

R282, I think he was just taunting the crowd. Sinner—the world’s most implausible Italian—rarely reacts to that kind of thing. I’m really impressed with him; he’s a terrific player. You never worry about him being scarred by a loss. He knows that eventually he’ll win.

Implausible? Born and bred in Italy—whatz ur issue?

Very happy for Jannik!

May this bode a steep whiny drop off a crumbling cliff for Novaxx in 2024.

R288, of course, but before WWI he would have been representing the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His ancestry must be either Austrian or German. I mean, his mother named Siglinde, and the most famous Sieglinde is a character in Wagner's Ring Cycle.

All that aside, he may be the first male Italian player to reach #1. I'm very sold on him.

Of Course if he were born before1806 he’d be playing for the Holy Roman Empire…in 1807 he’d be playing for Napoleon…do you realize how idiotic you sound in that post?!

[quote]the world’s most implausible Italian

I love this because only YESTERDAY I was trying to find out what his ancestry is. Jannik is a classic German name and Sinner, from what I could find out, is English? He doesn't physically look Italian either. But he's 100% Italian legally of course and I have no problem with that. It's just funny because you're right that it looks implausible.

Poor Wublev is visibly upset. His widdle Woobie finger is injured.

I'm thrilled for Janick and I'm looking forward to Novaxx's retirement but this was little more than an exhibition for Novaxx. In his entire career, no ATP match has meant less to him and Janick still had to play perfect tennis and have the entire stadium, minus 10, cheer him to victory. Novaxx is 4k points ahead of Janick . He's 10-0 against Quitsypas, who I'm sure was thinking about his facing Novaxx next when he retired yesterday.

Hubie/Novaxx is much more exciting and hopefully we'll see an Alcaraz-Garfia/NOvaxx rematch.

And how would you know that "In his entire career, no ATP match has meant less to him"?

angwy Woobie

Has any one else noticed that Novaxx's ass is getter fatter? I was struck by the change in yesterday's Sinner match. He's starting to get 'desk-job' ass.

Nico Lapentti was always rumored to be well hung. Yum.

r295. 3 reasons. Number one, the match was meaningless, he's still in the tournament. He was playing for pocket change and bonus points. Symbolically and psychologically, he's already won the tournament. Number two, he wrapped up no. 1 in the world and boxed out his closest rival on day 1, while beating his second closest rival. Number three, he's never played an ATP match as the undisputed GOAT. His day off was spent having a trophy ceremony and press conferences; not the day of rest a player would normally have. If he loses to the Russian asshole or cro-magnon man, so be it, I hope to see good tennis, which is always my main goal.

If he loses to Hubie, and I hope he does, see you in Australia.

PS. Carlos admits he is mentally exhausted. Really? Poor fucking baby.

PPS. Where are the intimate videos of Nadal celebrating with the only woman he ever loved?

Here's Rafa, at Wimbldon 2015, cooking for his physio and 2 friends. Whatshercara didn't travel with him because she's too much of a distraction. The only women he ever loved.

Where's the video of Nadal's romantic candlelight dinner?

[quote] THIS gets my goat

This gets me?

R300, Xisca was busy at the bank! Somebody's till was off by 10 euros! They were in lock-down.

Med over Sascha in a tight two-setter

Nick Kyrgios is pretty awful on TC Live.

There’s nothing implausible about it. Since there are hundreds of thousands of native Italians with German names, and millions of Italians with “other” surnames—it is quite plausible.

Fat Sock’s trashy Instaho wife had a baby. Will we now call him professional pickle ball player Fat Daddy Sock?

Challenger Hottie - Luca Nardi: think he's just quaified for the Next Gen Finals

Rublev beating his leg to a pulp last night was terrible to watch. I hope he’s getting help from a sports psychologist. At some point, he’s really going to hurt himself.

More lesbian competing pro tennis players come out yet still no men....

No look at me!

I have family.

Cohost of The Tennis Podcast, Matt Roberts, came out on an episode this week, when he was interviewing Billie Jean about Saudi Arabia

Good for Matt. I love that podcast.

It's weird that he's never once spoken about his wife but speaks in glowing terms of his physio.

--He is always the one who is there dealing with the injuries

Now back to full fitness after reaching the Australian Open final last month, Rafael Nadal has praised Maymo.

"Rafa is one of the most important people in my team and has been for many years," Nadal told ATP Tour.

"We have lived all the moments together, both good and bad.

“He is always the one who is there dealing with the injuries, when I cannot see the light.

“He is the one next to me, the one who accompanies me on the stretcher, in the pool. We spend a thousand hours together.

“We have shared many hours together. And somehow we still have this relationship because we are both easy and we understand each other well.

“It's a professional support, but also a personal one

[quote] clearly Novak doesn’t want to be flashed especially in public

Hubie team.

Apparently, if Sinner loses to Rune, they would both go through, with NoVaxxx going out.

If I were Jannik I would strategically not be trying too hard tonight. He's probably too competitive/honourable to do that.

Il Gingio team or Legz/Brat team?

Brat Team. Against every fibre of my being. Literally anything to stop NoVaxxx (even if he's - allegedly - not that bothered)

[quote]If I were Jannik I would strategically not be trying too hard tonight. He's probably too competitive/honourable to do that.

Don't forget that every round robin win nets you $390,000. That's an insane amount of money for just one match. Not many people would throw that away.

Wound wobin

gimpy Legz Team

I cannot with Rune. The amount of twitch is like Tourette tennis.

I *detest* Steve Weismann's voice. Nice guy and kind of hot, but that put-on jock TV voice is so irritating.

“Round Robin” and “Round Robin”! Who is “Round Robin”?

Is she a great, big fat person?

The more you know... The term round-robin is derived from the French term ruban, meaning "ribbon". Over a long period of time, the term was corrupted and idiomized to robin.

I getz haircut!

Medvedev or Alcaraz seems like a tough match up. I'd be tempted to pick Medvedev even though Alcaraz is the favorite. The surface isn't ideal for Alcaraz and their HtH is 2-2.

Zverev may have slightly better chances to win his match. The HtH is 5-3, fast indoor suits him - he's won this tournament before - and Rublev may be a little discouraged given that he's out.

I hope emo woobie Ruby can get a grip. He's playing seven other guys in the top eight so he shouldn't have been so distraught at losing - to any of them. I'm worried about him.

Does Rublev have a sports psychologist or therapist?

Carlitos Team or Med Team?

Woobie Team or Vampire Team?

Carlitos and Woobie

I am hoping for a 6-0, 6-0 win for Carlos over Novaxx

Are you 13 years old, R332...and a girl?

R332 is Natasha Zvereva.

Steffi was unbeatable in '88 -- I think that's the year she won the Golden Slam.

Il Gingio Team or Med Team?

Novaxx Team or Carlitos Team?

Il Gingio team

Alcaraz (Garfia) team

Thanks so much for asking!

Shirtless Shapo (fourth pic).

R338 are they married yet? Shapo is obvs head over heels in love with her.

And he looks handsome AF in picture 6.

I’s not marryed yet.

so the SFs are:

Alcaraz-Djokovic

Sinner-Medvedev

What are your picks and who do you want to win?

It's good to see Il Gingio there b/c he's always shown the talent, but hasn't put things together yet in big tournaments. Every other play has won a major.

I want Carlitos / Il Gingio. I don't know who will win b/c both seem close matches to me.

Hoping for a Sinner-Alcaraz final. The future!

I really want Jannik to win the whole thing now. It would be so great to do it at home.

Forza Jannik!

IL GINGIO!

Fat Sock shirtless in the fifth pic (with his new crotchfruit).

It's nice to see Sinner smile

CREATINA!!

Carlito needs to cut out the unforced errors.

I can't watch, turned it off

Wow, Alcaraz just totally outmatched.

Oh, dear.

That was rather a beat-down to poor Carlitos.

r351, Why? Who won? Tell me in detail about your misery

It seems our dear Alcaraz is no longer a tough opponent for Novaxx, Miss Creatina has sucked up all Carlos' skills , studied all his tricks with these " practise sessions" where Carlos naively accepts to join miss Creatina.

I don't see Sinner willingly joining Novaxx for a practice session and surely he doesn't want Runne anywhere near him for fear the Brat will steal his tips and tricks even more than he has

Il Gingio team or Novaxx team?

You have to ask??

Il Gingio

R355 Yep, poor dumb, naive Carlitos has totally fallen into Novaxx's trap.

Vibes of Snow White Vs The Evil Queen.

Can’t see Carlitos as Snow White, but I have no problems at all seeing Novaxx as The Evil Queen.

White is appreciable at any rate on this boy.

It's all over except the salty, ginger, tears and winner's speech in suprisingly fluent Italian.

Shocking how stupid Carlitos' coach has been to allow Novaxx's bloodsucking fangs repeatedly near his client.

All these players fisting each point ...

🤢🤑

Unfortunately the outcome was never in doubt. For some reason having the whole arena pulling for a player works pretty well for the American players (see US Open) but has the opposite effect on the French and Italian players. It's like the American players benefit from the pressure while the Franco-Italian players usually succumb to it. Except Yannick Noah I guess. I was a big fan of Amélie and was always crushed when she deflated in the early rounds because "it's too much pressure to succeed at home". Well, not in the US.

By the way, I'm French and I have a question: can you say the Frenches like you say the Italians, the Germans, the Danes? I think I never hear people saying "the Frenches", it's always French people and therefore I never say "the Frenches". It sounds awkward to just say it. Am I wrong to think that? And if not, why the exception for the Frenches?

No, R367, you're just "the French." You're the exception -- because we Anglophones love you.

In the UK, you will occasionally hear people refer to 'the Frenchies', but it's got a bit of a negative/patronising connotation.

Bloody frogs.

I got "frog" a lot in England: Frenchies is okay. .

Oops! Great minds...

And to conclude the off topic, I never ate a frog. Don't know anyone who has. But I wouldn't mind licking a toad as I like my psychedelic drugs.

R368 is leading you on…don’t fall for it R367

The Spanish. The Portuguese. The Irish.

The British. The English. The Scottish. The Welsh. Pretty normal in the English language.

[quote]For some reason having the whole arena pulling for a player works pretty well for the American players (see US Open) but has the opposite effect on the French and Italian players.

I have a different take - I think that Sinner played great in the tournament - beat everyone including Alcaraz and even a close match with Djokovic in the round robin match. It's just that the best player in the world won the tournament; not that surprising. (And I'm not even a Djokovic fan.)

Nadal never managed to win the tour finals. Why?

Never once organized on clay, r377. He was good, but never frighteningly good, on hard, as his relatively poor (for him) showing at the US and especially Australian opens shows.

I love Sock's hairy chest, yum.

And Shapo remains beautiful. Dumb, but beautiful.

Rafa has 4 US Open titles, 1 Australian, and 2 Wimbledon titles.

He was outrageously good on clay, but hard courts were his 2nd best surface.

Wim-bleh-don

R367 I appreciate your commemts above, and I want to ask you - because nobody in tennis this year really addressed this - what happened to Caroline Garcia this year? She was red hot the last few months of 2022, and was just awful all year. She lost to the underwhelming Alicia Parks in that indoor event in France, and just looked terrified. I was a huge fan of hers. Thanks.

peak Rafa hawtness

Stacked Joe Salisbury repeats with Rajeev Ram for the title.

Joe's face is meh, but that's a bangin bod.

Cue Jan Hooks as Bette Davis' VCR will laugh! A-HAHAHAHAHA!!! A-HAHAHAHAHA!! A-HAHAHAHA...

R383, he looks like a butch girl

I adore Rafa, and fear that his comeback is a mistake. Retiring at Rolland Garros this year I think is the right thing to do, win lose or draw.

Next year?

Agree,.at this rate it looks like it will take carlos+ rafa wrapped into one body to beat Novaxx, and even then if he overdoses on Creatina he might manage to beat them

The day Novaxx clinched number one, Rafa announces he's coming back. He doesn't say when or where or how but announces it, again, today. Qué coincidencia.

Beefy!

Rafa is so hawt to me. Even more so with a few extra pounds.

Davis Cup finals start 11/21 with Canada v. Finland. Also in the final 8 are Italy, Serbia, Great Britain, Czechia, Netherlands, and Australia.

Will the Netheregions play Canada?

I’s in Maldeevs.

^^^^

looks lovely -- and so does he!

Whatever happened to Kuznetsova? She won like 3 majors. Is she munching rug happily somewhere in Russia?

Good question, r397. If my memory serves me right, towards the beginning of her decline she declared herself to be xtian, and I suspect it was to deflect from the fact that she was gay in what was already a very worrying antigay Russian context—even though the worst was yet to come (anyone else remember the proudly publicized gay-bashing videos?).

Well, well, r397, your question got me sleuthing, and I came up with her IG account. It would seem that there’s very little (visible) xtianity in her life, and quite a lot of flitting about (with lots of makeup and carefully-placed, five-head-covering fringe/bang stuff going on). She also seems to interview a drag queen in one post, and there’s another interview (I think in Dubai) with some seriously pinging famous (?) Russian who says he prefers tennis to soccer.

She’s living her best life.

Big-dicked sexy lil' fucker, Tomas Machac, gives Czechia a 1-0 lead in the Davis Cup QF against Australia.

sizemeat verificatia?

....

this is progress gurls!

[quote]sizemeat verificatia?

uhm, he's Czech

Czechmate. 👅

Former tennis player David Nalbandian has been reported for alleged stalking and harassment of his ex girlfriend. He installed a secret camera in their apartment's vent so he could see what she was doing live and therefore control her, which was discovered by her brother.

Nalbandian acknowledged in an audio message to having installed the camera but claimed that it didn't work.

That's hawt!

Forgot to add link for Kuznetsova’s IG, for r397.

Sveta looks very glam in those photos. She appears to be living her best life, at least the one she shares with the public Good for her. I always loved her.

The ugly pitbulls though, ugh.

Is that a tranny in the 3rd pic?

Here's that big girl/tranny that R411 mentioned. Listen to the voice.

Tennis players when they were young.

Sinner's hair. 😂

"Novak Djokovic told a group of British fans to "shut up" as they tried to drown out his interview with musical instruments after their team were knocked out of the Davis Cup by Serbia.

Britain lost the quarter-final 2-0 as Cameron Norrie was unable to inflict a rare defeat on the world number one.

"You should learn how to show some respect," Djokovic told the fans.

After an assured and drama-free performance, Djokovic had the spiky exchange prior to his on-court interview, challenging the small number of British fans who act as the team's band.

He had celebrated at the end of the first set by blowing a kiss to a British supporter heckling him and also cupped his ear in their direction at the end of the match."

Novaxx thinks respect is learned. He'll never understand that it's earned, no matter how many Slams he wins.

"Mannarino, Khachanov, Potapova, Kudermetova are set to play a mixed team event in St Petersburg next weekend News. Laver Cup format but mixed. Also features Shevchenko and Lajovic among others

Team captains: Davydenko/Myskina and Tipsarevic/Kuznetsova"

Novaxx looks like a Goya painting.

Davis Cup semifinalists: Italy v. Serbia; Finland v. Australia

Indeed, maniacal and insatiable.

R417, I think more El Greco, but with a Francis Bacon filter. (Someone needs to invent that, if they haven't already).

Kuntnetsova

So they’re testing Djokovic before matches, now, so convinced are they that there’s something off about his recent performances.

The only problem is, I think he’s a step ahead of them, and the truth won’t be revealed until well after he’s retired.

Oh, and he’s “furious” about it. Good.

They seriously should be testing whatever the stuff he gets from his team during his match is. It's highly suspicious to me when he could have taken it on court in his bag. I just don't understand these people. They have the referee basically stand over the physios to check that the physio doesn't slip the player something but they don't do any supervision or checks when the team gives the player something during the match.

I'm sick of the sight of Novak. The grimacing, the roaring, the gurning, the constant cupping of the hand to the ear.

At this point, I'd give him the Olympic gold and the golden slam if he just PROMISED to retire at the end of next year.

Big Jack ...

... goes down to Thiccmanovic

I'm now picturing Jack going down ON Thicc.

Straight up delicious!

hmmmm

hoo dis?

thicc

I've always had a bit of a soft spot for Kuznetsova. Glad she's doing well. I think that era was one of my favourites on the WTA.

I'm sick of the sight of Novaxx, which is why I spend hundreds of hours a year obsessively hate watching every match he plays and compulsively documenting his every perceived slight on-line. Makes total sense...

I see Djokovic is being an idiot again. While the crowd should have kept quiet, he fails to realise they only do it because he comes across as an arrogant dickhead.

Does he ever ask himself why pretty much no other tennis player has had the same reception? Case in point Roger Federer - a champion adored by tennis fans pretty much universally. He just got on with playing, rather than acting like country laws were above him and throwing his weight around.

Hope he retires soon; he's a boring bastard.

And a cunt, r432.

So boring, and yet, I can't stop watching and commentating about him.

Is this the thread where we talk about Roger's a Cunt?

Roger got on with playing because everything was designed to go his way. He was given preferential treatment at every single level of the game. Before roofs, Hawkeye and Doppler radar, Fedal got ALL the breaks in scheduling and line calls. It made a difference.

It's a lot easier to get on with playing when you have Rolex, Swiss Banks, Anna Wintour and Tony Godsick to fund and fight your battles behind the scenes.

If Novaxx had been Slavic- American, like Sele or emigrated to GB, he would have had 10 more USO and W GSs. There is zero doubt that he has faced more obstacles than any other top player and he's taken an unusual path.

His coach made him listen to classical music and insisted he learn German and English. Do you think Rafael Nadal ever read a single book?

I just don't understand why you would waste so much time in hate mode. I can't imagine watching Real Housewhores or Karcrashians and then going on DL to talk about how much I hated them. What a waste of time.

This has been the best year in tennis in my life..

I actually rarely bother to watch Novak matches, R431.

I only ever bother if he's playing against someone I really like. If he's being discussed always happy to pile-on, tho. If it helps you to think people are obssessed with him, you do you. I'll just draw the parallel with MAGATs who shriek about 'Trump Derangement Syndrome'. Whatever makes you feel better.

One champion fights for all players. Another champion fights for his own players and another one is gone fishing with his physio.

I don't even watch ! HAHAHAHAHAHHA,

Wanna bet?

Djokovic is correct. You can hate on him all you want BUT have some decorum for God's sake. This ain't wrestling.

[quote]So boring, and yet, I can't stop watching and commentating about him.

And yet that was my first post about him in this topic. Holding a negative view about someone doesn't mean you're obsessed with them.

IFHH

Jack Draper looks like Helix porn star Derek Shaw.

It's been an odd trajectory from Jekyll to Hyde with Djokovic. Back when he started on the tour in the aughts, he was likeable and humble and even self-deprecatory with a good sense of humor. But with each Slam taken, his head has gotten bigger and his need for adulation has grown. Instead of becoming wiser and mellower with age, he's succumbed to rage and hubris. I used to love watching him play. Now I can't stand the sight of him.

Nice to see Nadal relaxing in his dream home of interconnected closets. Here he is with his wife, Garbo, and his sister, who sadly, never found the right man. Luckily, his physio is also a photographer. Muy talentoso.

Demon sinks the flying Finn to send Oz into the Davis Cup final!

What do we think of the NexGen Finals in Jiddah?

Fils can break me in any time.

r446, thanks for helping us remained focused on what's important

I wonder why Shelton and Musetti are skipping Jeddah.

Musetti played it last year. I don't think there's much kudos in it for him to compete in it again.

Lore needs to do porn. I'd love to see some hawt top pulling his lovely hair as he mounts him doggy-style.

Hi Royal Thiccness, Crown Prince Miomir, draws level with Lore. Heading in to the final set with all the momentum.

Il Gingio's Revenge!

Sneaks up on NoVaxxx at the death of the third set after struggling from the close of the first set.

All up to the doubles to see whether Italy or Serbia go througfh to the Final to face Australias

Miomir has a spare tire!

2024 will be delicious if we see Sinner and Alcaraz, both polar opposites of Novaxx in their own ways, finally take him down for good.

IL GINGIO AND BI-SON DO IT!

Italy bundle out Serbia in straight sets in the doubles. NoVaxxx was doing his 'conducting the crowd' thing again. Backfired massively. Ha.

Bi-Lo!!

Poor Lore, always a bridesmaid, never a bride.

So Italy vs Australia in the final. Does Oz stand a chance?

Oz could be the favourites - they're much fresher than the Italians. Sinner's played 2 matches today, and might have to do the same tomorrow.

Sinner should beat Demon, but the second singles will be a toss-up, and Ebden/Purcell are a much more experienced doubles pairing than any combo the Italians can put up.

The Iron Twink, Matteo Ab-naldi, puts Italy ahead in a very close scrap with Popyrin.

Does Sinner have enough puff left after yesterday to beat Demon - who will fight like a terrier?

Meanwhile is southern Spain. OG Fognini beats Bobby Bautista in a third set tiebreak. Kudos to Fognini for marrying a person who achieved his lifetime goal. I guess the money, fame and attention lessens the blow to his ego. But still, I couldn't do it.

Sinner having a Minataur barbeque!

Sinner was a MACHINE tonight! What a way to end the season.

Truly amazing end of 23 for Sinner. Beating Djokovic 3 times in two weeks and lifting the Davis Cup to boot is no mean feat. By anyone’s standards.

Sinner is very talented, but he also has the right mentality. He doesn’t get rattled; he keeps fighting.

I think Carlos' rise at the end of '22 into '23 really motivated Sinner, especially because he alrady had beaten him on a couple of occasions.

Il Gingio!

Is Darren Cahill still coaching him? If so, that man has the Midas touch.

I'm late to the party, busy work weekend

Jannnnickkkk!

R464 Sinner beat Novaxx 3x in 2 weeks??

Where can I watch the Davis cup highlights?

Surprised nobody has commented on this, Novaxx refused a DOPING TEST?!?!

I love this pic of Arnaldi

'Ragazza, per favore!'

Refused a test? Isn't that a violation of doping rules.. Here's hoping this is another ant-vax stance that fucks him over.

R473, he didn’t want blood drawn before a match, but would do it afterwards. Personally I hate having blood drawn, so that doesn’t seem unreasonable.

Sure Jan

I'm not an expert on these things but doesn't timing matter a lot in terms of doping? Not sure if that would apply to blood drawn before/after a match though.

Yes R469

Twice in singles + once in doubles = three times

R476 you’re not only not an expert, you’re worse than stupid. Read up on how the drug testing protocol actually works and get back to us.

R476, for a before/after match difference to matter, a drug would have to have incredibly short half-life . Plus, as someone else noted about this controversy, in-match dehydration would make any substance easier to detect.

If someone refuses a doping test they shouldn't be allowed to play until they consent. It would make me wonder what they had to hide.

Luca Nardi

Luca Nardi

Yes, r473. If they applied the rules, he and the entire Serbian team could be suspended.

R479, no, not all drugs would be easier to spot after a match and “dehydration”. Some substances are perfectly tweaked to be eliminated and undetectable at relatively precise intervals. I don't think WADA does things on a whim. They were looking for something.

The ITIA (that's the independent International Tennis Integrity Agency who only took over anti doping from 2022 - I note this because they are independent unlike the tennis governing bodies who used to do this) say that it's standard practice and Djokovic hadn't been singled out.

Could you imagine if he was ever caught out doping. At this point! Forever an asterisk beside GOAT*

There's already an asterisk beside his GOAT.

Novak is looking crazier and angrier every day. How sad, he has everything and still isn't happy.

It's the demon in him making him look ceazy

Djokovic gets a bad rap. Sure, he's pompous, stoic, and doesn't suffer fools but maybe that's how the Serbians roll. I don't know. Besides the vaccine shit, I don't really get all of the hate. He seems like a nice guy during interviews until someone asks a dumb question. Granted, he could put more effort into being professional, but I don't blame him for standing up for himself especially while an entire stadium boos him.

I barely remember McEnroe, but I KNOW that Djokovic isn't nearly as unrestrained.

Stoic really? He seems too affected by what people think for that.

[quote]Stoic: One who is seemingly indifferent to or unaffected by joy, grief, pleasure, or pain.

Also, ever since I saw Djokovic inhaling an obvious vapor from a bottle that was mixed during a match for him by his team, I have known that he 99% certainly dopes. That wasn't drinking from a bottle. That was a distinct vapor. And why couldn't he bring that on court in his bag? I'm pretty sure that he dopes. Him freaking out about this testing is quite suspicious to me. 1 hour and a half before a match seems enough to give a bit of blood or to pee.

[quote]Sinner's hair

It's not Sinner: it's the episode where Pippi Longstocking smokes a joint, let her hair down and plays tennis, hallucinating the tennis balls are yellow angry birds coming for her. Druggie.

Sure, R489, Djokovic is Mr. Congeniality.

Also I wouldn't pin it on "how the Serbians roll". Djere, Lajovic, and Kecmanovic, are nearly always exemplars of court behavior, and they actually are pretty stoic. This I wouldn't call stoic.

One last thing, listen to Djokovic in R492. His attitude is pretty much if I don't get caught and penalized for what I do, then it's all good and I am not to blame. This is why it wouldn't surprise me for a second if it's discovered that he's mastered the whole PEDs thing to go undetected.

On a more positive note, it's great to see Fils and Van Assche win today in Jeddah.

I find it interesting that posters here are pointing fingers at Djokovic for doping, which I must say, I wouldn't be surprised if he was, however, if you don't think Federer, Nadal (COME ON!!!) and pretty much every top level player isn't using PED's, I have a bridge to sell you. Do you think it's just a fluke that not one, not two, but three men within the span of 20 years all won more Grand Slam events (plus six) than any man in the previous 150 years of the sport had ever done? And many of those Grand Slam titles were won after they were 30 years old, despite the fact that 30 has historically been the age when male tennis players' careers begin to decline. They most likely ALL dope so singling out Nole (especially while giving Rafa a pass!) as the singular "evil" force is absurd.

You sure filled in a lot of blanks there, R495. Stating that it wouldn't surprise me if Djokovic was found to be on PEDs doesn't imply anything at all one way or the other about Nadal, Federer or anyone else. PEDs are likely so rampant that it wouldn't surprise me about any of the players.

Exactly what I was thinking, r496. I remember so many questions being raised during Nadal’s miraculous re-apparitions after being laid off for months on end with “physical problems.” God, I even remember Graf’s snide remarks about how broad Sabatini’s shoulders had suddenly gotten when she started beating her, and Becker’s venomous comments after he was beaten in the Monte Carlo final by Muster after Muster had been taken to hospital the day before for a “transfusion.” And Serena’s “panic room” incident.

By saying I don’t think Djokovic is clean I’m not saying everyone else is a saint. But nor am I saying that, as all these other players have probably doped, Djokovic should be let off the hook.

If he’s doping he should be caught; if he’s not doping he should abide by the rules and give blood and/or urine samples before he plays (as per regulations), after he plays, and in between tournaments—whenever he’s asked to.

R497, what I'm arguing is that, it would be one thing if Djokovic had an unfair advantage due to his doping, but since all the top players (at least!) are doping and have been for the past two decades (at least!), he doesn't have an unfair advantage, but in fact, is the best since they're all on a level playing field (all doping). Why single him out? In fact, were he be the one to be singled out, given his current narrative in the Western media, it would let the rest of the tour off the hook, since Nole is from the "Iron Curtain" (and if you think that narrative still isn't thriving, I have another bridge to sell you) and as such, an easy scapegoat. Were anyone to question Alcaraz (because Spain seems to be a hotbed for doping) it would cause a lot more problems because he's one of the "good guys," meaning "one of us." Catching Nole will just allow the tour/players to continue along doping without any repurcussions because than it would be an "isolate incident" by a an "evil Eastern European villain".

I wondere what Novaxx's Sebian teammates must think of him. having to manage his ego on top of each of them trying to play well must be taxing on all parties. Can only imagine Novaxx lording over all of them in the locker room with one of his pep talks.

I see what you’re getting at, r498, but I don’t think anyone would be particularly riled or shocked if they found that Alcaraz was doping, or Musetti, or Fils, etc. etc. If they’re found to be on PEDs, so be it. They should be punished for it, the same way Halep is and Sharapova was. Or Starace and Bracciali were given life bans for match fixing.

What is particularly irksome about Djokovic is that he refused an antidoping test that was completely legitimate and done by the books, and then kicked up a stink and held a press conference in high dudgeon about it. It’s like his underhanded and unconscionable recourse to an “official” Ministry of Health certificate of covid infection after he was told he couldn’t be granted a visa for Australia because of his vaccination status. There are rules, just stick to them.

As for the argument that they’re all doping so Djokovic deserves his medals and grand slam count because, ceteris paribus, he’s just better, it just doesn’t hold water. Firstly because it still needs to be proven that everyone, across the board, is doping, and secondly because it’s still NOT legally acceptable to be on PEDs.

If you truly believe doping is OK and there’s no such thing as a “clean” athlete, then get your shit together and lobby to get the rules changed. I’m sure there are lots of people who truly believe there’s no point in fighting a losing battle, so just make doping legal already and give us some truly spectacular tennis matches.

And I also disagree with you when you say that most of the anti-Djokovic stuff is some sort of coded form of anti-Eastern European bigotry. Loads of “Eastern European” tennis players have been lionized (Safin, Sharapova, Karen Hemsworth, Mandlikova…) or at least greatly admired (Pilić, Ivanišević, Novotna, Kafelnikov…). Djokovic just rubs people up the wrong way.

^ don't forget Lovely Laslo Djere !!!

All of this talk about PEDs = Sampras is still GOAT.

It's funny how nobody really seems to talk about Sampras much. He doesn't seem to have made much impact.

[quote] There's already an asterisk beside his GOAT.

No asterisks beside me! (byes in the Australian Open do not count)

What does PED possess?

Who is best NetGen?

Fed's seemomgy miracalous 2017 comeback, after 6 months out, always seemed highly suspicous. They tried to say it was his new racquet, but his level of play and stamina were dramatically better to the point that he had altered his training to be able to outlast Rafa in the AO final after years of losing to him. He really turned around that head to head, only losing once to Rafa the rest of his career (that windy FO semi in 2019).

Jus saying. Being passionate on the court doesn't mean he's an asshole the other 20 hours a day.

....

Why didn't they test every player from both teams at the same time to avoid the appearance of favoritism? 90 minutes before showtime, the players are in warm up mode.

I'm sure that all the top players have access to the world's best chemists. If you read any of the books written about PED use, you see how corrupt the whole system is. There is NO WAY Fedal would have been allowed to test positive, though I can see them gunning for Djokovic. BTW some B vitamins come in a powder form for inhaling.

Spain was the world HQ for PEDs at one time.

Rafa so sexy!

Capybara

Creatina for everyone!!!

I can't stand Alcaraz 's constantly heaping praise on novaxx. Grow some balls already

When tennis season end?

When tennis season begin?

^ never

forever ago

Fils is having a great tournament

grrr

COM-peh-tih-tive

CON-cerned

Fils into final!

Fils is gorgeous and very professional on the court. Not the deepest, though. Maybe it's just because he's only 19.

thicc

Get ready for major changes to the ATP and WTA tours.

TL, DR: the four Grand Slams are all in with coordinating a top tier circuit with the Masters/1000 tourneys. Details to come at the AO in January.

r518, OP That's an amazing photo. Does Getty Images allow editing or are these real photos? Beautiful. Thanks for posting it.

Thanks, R525.

I'm pretty sure they're unedited. It was a striking moment caught by the camera. I love it, too.

*kiss*

Shutterstock is pretty good at displaying Arthur's gifts as well.

Musetti joins Fritz in the early spawn-a-thon.

R528 I guess that means we're going to have to call him 'Il Padre' from now on.

lucky bitch got to hit that

Great Next Gen Final so far.

Medjedovic is pulverising his serve and has generally been more consistent, but Fils is hanging on and seems to be better a seizing the chances when he gets them. Going into the final set, I think Medjedovic will take it... unless Fils is able to push it to a tie-break.

Medjedovic wins in 5.

Medjedovic is repulsive.

Well he certainly isn't hawt.

No pics, pls!

You do have to wonder what was going on in those two MASSIVE toilet breaks after Medjedovic lost both set tie-breakers.

Huffing on NoVaxxx's Magic Potion? Hamad is his protogé, after all...

Fils would have been undefeated for the week if not for Elon Musk Jr.

[quote] Huffing on NoVaxxx's Magic Potion?

CREATINA!

Rafa announces his comeback in Oz -- starting with Brisbane.

Xisca of course is so busy at the bank that she is questionable.

R536, Fils would have been undefeated (probably) if not for losing his temper in the last set. That was quite a meltdown. At least we know that both players really wanted to win.

Horny little slut

San Clemente - the home of pickle ball and the Richard Nixon Presidential Library!

Krazy Kyrgios really is nutz

aw, Sir Andy living up to his knighthood!

yeah, Andy is mensch

Musetti stuck that thick Italian dick in her and made a baby. Good for them!

lucky beYOTCH!

Nick Kyrgios is starting 'a' OnlyFans - promising to show his 'intimate side'.

Please God, no...

He's nutz. FUG, skinny and inked.

I'll take it all back if he shows 10".

Maybe he and Bernie can collab since Tomic has already dipped his wick in OF.

London-based OnlyFans is a subscription site where people can pay creators for photos and videos. It includes sexually explicit content, something Kyrgios will not be posting.

I can see Kyrgios as the type who will end up broke despite making millions.

NK is average down below, so there won't be any of that.

For you Shapo blond, leg hair fans, here they are while he's playing video games.

Shapovalov has fallen out of the top 100.

[quote] OF next?

In which category of Onlyfans will Shapo's account be?

[quote]OF next?

from your lips to God's ears

Poor Chrissie's cancer has returned. She will miss the Aussie Open for ESPN.

Kyrgios is confirmed out of the AO. OnlyFans is basically his career now.

Kyrgios and this "wrist injury" - is this an ongoing wrist problem that he had last year too? Or is this a new problem and nothing to do with what all was wrong with him the last couple years?

He baffles me. Is he coach material? Famous enough to coast? Is the "onlyfans" thing really true?

[quote] Kyrgios and this "wrist injury"

[quote] Is the "onlyfans" thing really true?

Are the two related?

He's nutz, R559. I guess it might work if he coached someone else who's nutz?

Maybe J Cap is looking to come back?

Sad to hear, r557. Not at all a good sign when breast cancer returns.

^ It's ovarian cancer. Navratilova is the one who was diagnosed with breast (and throat) cancer.

Sorry I got that wrong, r563. Thanks for the correction.

Chris Evert's sister died of the same ovarian cancer at 62. They might have the BRCA genetic marker for cancer.

As just seen on tv —Eastern Standard Time

Beware…🫣

R565. Don’t you read the tennis news? She learned of it years ago

I love how the season ended Novaxx wise

R541 the Nixon library is actually in Yorba Linda - about twenty miles north of San Clemente.

Do we think Rafa has one last run at any major this year?

Ugh, that 60 Minutes interview. It 100% reads like a PR person coached Djokovic when he said "people tried to brand me as anti-vaccine when I'm not. I am in favour of vaccines in the same way that I am in favour of freedom of choice."

Reminder: in his book Serve to Win, Djokovic described how in 2010 he met with a nutritionist who asked him to hold a piece of bread in his left hand while he pressed down on his right arm. Djokovic claims he was much weaker while holding the bread, and cited this as evidence of gluten intolerance.

And during an Instagram live, he claimed that positive thought could "cleanse" polluted water, adding that "scientists have proven that molecules in water react to our emotions."

Fact is, Djokovic while an extremely physically gifted tennis player, is highly uneducated and doesn't understand anything about science.

R569, I really think Rafa’s time is up. His pride will probably help him make deeper runs (especially on clay, and especially at RG), but there’s virtually no way he’s going to win anything major. More’s the pity.

Hi Rafa, any interest in playing dubs with me??! I know I've got one more slam in me!

What on earth is this? Nobody needs to see Agassi and Graf's romance revisited. Once was more than enough.

It's a slow news month so here's the WTA end of year awards.

Player of the Year: Swiatek

Doubles Team of the Year: Hunter & Mertens

Most Improved Player of the Year: Zheng Qinwen

Newcomer of the Year: Mirra Andreeva

Comeback Player of the Year: Elina Svitolina

Coach Of The Year: Tomasz Wiktorowski

WTA Player Service Awards, as voted for by WTA players:

Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award & Peachy Kellmeyer Player Service Award: Ons Jabeur

Jerry Diamond ACES Award: Jessica Pegula

Glad to see Mrs GEMS and JPEG honored.

We can certainly read from this that Ons and Pegula are the least cunty players on tour!

No awards for CocoPuffs??

With the exception of Player of the Year, these are all 'cheer-up' awards

I'm disappointed Peppa didn't win "Most chic".

The deplorables of the professional tennis world.

Ons and Mattek-Sends look like munchkins

Challenger Hotties. An Occasional Series

The other French Arthur: Cazaux - Banging bod!

Darren Cahill gets "Coach of the Year" for his work with Il GIngio

Karen Hemsworth and Ruby win fan favorites in dubs!

Felix gets a well-deserved Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award.

I just love Felix and hope he can take his game up next season

Woobie Rublev has confused me. I 'think' he's raising money for 'children in need' (by making an anime'? that's the bit I don't get)

But a quote from his instagram post about it (linked): I can feel your breath. I can feel my death. But death is worth living, and love is worth waiting for... I believe that people’s ego only brings bad things, and the bigger the ego, the worse things happen. No matter how people treat you, even if they treat you badly, the most important thing is to keep the light inside and make your ego as small as possible..."

Rubie is so emo...

Wublev.

New thread:

Carlitos.

Il Gingio

Peppa Pig

Brat/Legz

Daddy Fritz

FAA

Shapo

K. Hemsworth

A. Zverev

New thread.