2015 French Open

[Sir David Gray]

The second Grand Slam of the year begins tomorrow and all of the usual faces are in Paris.

Roger Federer is in action against Alejandro Falla on day one and his fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka is also playing, so too is Kei Nishikori.

As far as Andy Murray's concerned, he is due to meet either Novak Djokovic or Rafael Nadal in the semi finals as they are seeded to meet in the quarter finals this year, due to Nadal being seeded sixth.

Murray shouldn't face too much of a problem in the early rounds. He plays Argentine Facundo Arguello in round one, who I have never heard of. He'll then play either Joao Sousa or Vasek Pospisil, both of whom have a terrible record at the French Open. If he wins that he could then play fellow Brit, Kyle Edmund, as he's come through qualifying but he's more likely to play Nick Kyrgios. In the last 16, he could play either John Isner or David Goffin, which I don't think would bother him. In the quarter finals, he could play either David Ferrer or Marin Cilic, in the semis it would be Nadal or Djokovic and in the final it would be Roger Federer.

As I mentioned earlier, Kyle Edmund has qualified for the French Open main draw for the first time in his career. Adopted Brit, Aljaz Bedene, is also competing under the GB banner at a Grand Slam for the first time.

In the women's draw, we have Johanna Konta and Heather Watson competing.

Looking forward to seeing this over the next couple of weeks, should be exciting and Murray is in the best clay court form of his life. I personally don't see him winning it but it would be nice to see him match his best run at the French Open and get to the semis.

[Sir David Gray]

Federer through in straight sets.

[Sir David Gray]

Andy Murray is last up on Philippe Chatrier court tomorrow against Facundo Arguello so that should mean that he's on about 4:30pm UK time.

[HibbyAndy]

Fancy Murray to get to the quarters at least.

[Sir David Gray]

Fancy Murray to get to the quarters at least.

That should be the least he should be expecting, given his decent draw.

Possible tie against Ferrer in the quarter finals wouldn't be easy but I would back him over five sets to come through that.

Djokovic or Nadal in the semis would be a different story.

[Sir David Gray]

Well done to Heather Watson who has made it through to round two.

New Brit, Aljaz Bedene, has lost in four sets to Dominic Thiem though.

Andy Murray is under way in his match against Facundo Arguello. He was 3-0 up in the first set but it is now 3-3.

Johanna Konta and Kyle Edmund are also in action just now.

[Sir David Gray]

First set to Murray, 6-3.

[Sir David Gray]

Kyle Edmund loses the first set to Frenchman Stephane Robert, 6-2.

[Sir David Gray]

Murray two sets to the good against Arguello - 6-3.

Epic tiebreak in the first set of Johanna Konta's match.

She is 16-15 down!

[Sir David Gray]

Konta eventually loses the tiebreak 19-17!

That must be gutting.

Kyle Edmund takes the second set against Stephane Robert, 6-4.

Murray not far away from winning his first round match, he's 4-1 up in the third set.

[Sir David Gray]

Murray wins 6-3 6-3 6-1. :thumbsup:

Good, solid performance but I have a feeling that stronger challenges await him over the next two weeks.

[Sir David Gray]

Edmund goes two sets to one up after taking the third set 6-3.

He's 3-1 down in the fourth though.

[Sir David Gray]

Robert levels things up at two sets all though.

It's into a decider and Edmund takes an early lead, 2-0.

[Sir David Gray]

Kyle Edmund wins in five sets and wins his first Grand Slam match.

Fantastic effort as he started to suffer with cramp towards the end. :thumbsup:

Possible meeting with Andy Murray in round three. :greengrin

[Sir David Gray]

Such a pity for Kyle Edmund as he has been forced to withdraw from the French Open ahead of his match tomorrow with Nick Kyrgios due to injury.

Hopefully he can recover in time to have a successful run at Wimbledon next month.

Roger Federer is safely through to the third round after a comfortable win against Marcel Granollers.

Tomas Berdych, Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori are also through.

The biggest casualties so far have been 10th and 11th seeds Grigor Dimitrov and Feliciano Lopez, both exited at the first round.

Andy Murray is in second round action tomorrow against Joao Sousa, he will play his match around 2:30pm UK time.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are also playing tomorrow.

[Off the bar]

Murray cruising through the first set against Sousa, 2 breaks up and serving for the set.

[Future17]

Murray cruising through the first set against Sousa, 2 breaks up and serving for the set.

He was making hard work of that at one stage but did well in the end.

[Sir David Gray]

Didn't expect Murray to lose a set to Sousa but he's through and that's all that matters. He'll now play Nick Kyrgios in the 3rd round.

Nadal and Djokovic are through as well and are on course to meet in the quarter finals.

Federer plays tomorrow.

Heather Watson is out after losing to Sloane Stephens in straight sets so that means Murray is, once again, the last surviving Brit in either the men's or women's draw.

[Future17]

Didn't expect Murray to lose a set to Sousa but he's through and that's all that matters. He'll now play Nick Kyrgios in the 3rd round.

Nadal and Djokovic are through as well and are on course to meet in the quarter finals.

Federer plays tomorrow.

Heather Watson is out after losing to Sloane Stephens in straight sets so that means Murray is, once again, the last surviving Brit in either the men's or women's draw.

Kyrgios will be a test but I reckon the new "clay-friendly" Murray should beat him.

I have to compliment Murray on his attitude of late. The old Murray would have allowed himself to become distracted by the time violation penalties yesterday, but he stuck to task well.

[Speedy]

Does anyone know why the seeding always has 1 and 3 in the same half? 1 and 4 makes more sense to me.

[Sir David Gray]

Kyrgios will be a test but I reckon the new "clay-friendly" Murray should beat him.

I have to compliment Murray on his attitude of late. The old Murray would have allowed himself to become distracted by the time violation penalties yesterday, but he stuck to task well.

Kyrgios has struggled at the French Open so far, he's only ever won two matches there in his career and this is his third year of playing at Roland Garros. I expect Murray to win that match fairly comfortably.

I don't expect him to be challenged until the quarter finals, which is likely to be against David Ferrer.


Does anyone know why the seeding always has 1 and 3 in the same half? 1 and 4 makes more sense to me.

No idea, it is quite odd.

[Sir David Gray]

I should also mention as well that Murray plays Kyrgios at 10am later today for anyone who is interested.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Murray 2 sets up - 6-4, 6-2

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Match to Murray 6-3 in the 3rd set.

[PatHead]

Did anyone see Murray being interviewed by John Inverdale?

Said he has no intention of buying Hibs but had been to training centre, met Stubbs and some players. Really impressed with the set up.

[Sir David Gray]

Another solid result for Murray and I expect another comfortable win in round four against Jeremy Chardy.

Good match on just now with Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka.

Azarenka was 6-3 4-2 up when Williams won four games in a row to win the second set.

Azarenka then went 2-0 up in the deciding set but Williams has now won five games in a row and Azarenka is going to serve at 2-5 down.

[Sir David Gray]

Williams wins 3-6 6-4 6-2.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Murray takes a 2-1 lead - 6-4, 3-6, 6-3

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Murray wins the match 6-2 in the 4th set.

David Ferrer will be his next oponent.

[Speedy]

Rafa through, he has been tremendous since I got home half an hour ago.

[Speedy]

Murray wins the match 6-2 in the 4th set.

David Ferrer will be his next oponent.

Will be a tough match. All the quarters should be quite close the way it's going.

Murray, Nadal, Tsonga, Federer to win for me.

[Sir David Gray]

Will be a tough match. All the quarters should be quite close the way it's going.

Murray, Nadal, Tsonga, Federer to win for me.

First real test coming up for Murray in the quarter finals.

All of his opponents up until now have been people that I have fully expected him to beat but Ferrer will be tough.

I think Murray might just get through this although I can't really see him beating either Nadal or Djokovic in the semis.

I also don't see Tsonga beating Nishikori but I agree with the rest of your predictions.

[Speedy]

First real test coming up for Murray in the quarter finals.

All of his opponents up until now have been people that I have fully expected him to beat but Ferrer will be tough.

I think Murray might just get through this although I can't really see him beating either Nadal or Djokovic in the semis.

I also don't see Tsonga beating Nishikori but I agree with the rest of your predictions.

5/2 Nadal is very tempting.

[Sir David Gray]

5/2 Nadal is very tempting.

I actually just remembered that Nadal's to play Djokovic!

I think Djokovic will win the tournament so I'm backing him to win that one.

However if Nadal is 5/2 to win the match, that is very tempting indeed, considering he's only lost one match at the French Open in ten years!

[Future17]

I think Djokovic will beat Nadal - he's looking unbeatable at the moment and Nadal is still nowhere near back to his best.

Having said that, I fancy Wawrinka to shock Federer, so what do I know! :greengrin

[Off the bar]

I think Djokovic will beat Nadal - he's looking unbeatable at the moment and Nadal is still nowhere near back to his best.

Having said that, I fancy Wawrinka to shock Federer, so what do I know! :greengrin

Good call! Wawrinka knocks the fed out in straight sets!

[Future17]

Good call! Wawrinka knocks the fed out in straight sets!

Nice. I've got Tsonga as well but looks like he's doing his usual loss of concentration routine.

[Speedy]

On course for 0/2 the way it's going :greengrin

[Sir David Gray]

Great result for Stan Wawrinka earlier to knock Roger Federer out in straight sets.

He'll now play Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the semis, after he recovered from losing a two sets lead against Kei Nishikori to win in five sets.

The other two quarter finals are played tomorrow with Novak Djokovic playing Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray facing David Ferrer, with both matches scheduled to begin at around 3pm UK time.

[Future17]

Great result for Stan Wawrinka earlier to knock Roger Federer out in straight sets.

He'll now play Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the semis, after he recovered from losing a two sets lead against Kei Nishikori to win in five sets.

The other two quarter finals are played tomorrow with Novak Djokovic playing Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray facing David Ferrer, with both matches scheduled to begin at around 3pm UK time.

After today's success, I'm sticking with Djokovic tomorrow but can't call the Murray game as haven't seen much of Ferrer lately.

Hopefully Murray gets through though.

[Sir David Gray]

After today's success, I'm sticking with Djokovic tomorrow but can't call the Murray game as haven't seen much of Ferrer lately.

Hopefully Murray gets through though.

I think Djokovic will win the tournament, as I said earlier in the thread, but I think the match tomorrow against Nadal could be a real cracker.

Really gutted that I'll miss most of it, being at work. :boo hoo:

Murray will have a massive test on his hands and should be prepared for it going to five sets. I have a feeling that he may just come through this one although I don't see him going any further, regardless of who his semi final opponent would be.

[JimBHibees]

Personally think Ferrer is a good bet at around 6/4 to win this afternoon. Clay court specialist and can play all day also wiped Cilic in straight sets in last round. Hope Andy proves me wrong however cant see past Ferrer on clay and has beaten Andy last 4 times on this surface.

[Off the bar]

Murray wins first set on a tie break, after no-one could hold serve in the set!

[Off the bar]

Djokovic 2 sets up on Nadal 7-5 6-3

[Speedy]

Haven't seen anything today.

How did the Djokovic match go? Was he just that good or Rafa not up to scratch?

[Sir David Gray]

Ferrer takes the third set 7-5 after Murray had a match point a few minutes ago.

[Sir David Gray]

Murray wins 7-6 6-2 5-7 6-1

[Future17]

Haven't seen anything today.

How did the Djokovic match go? Was he just that good or Rafa not up to scratch?

A bit of both. Nadal does not look 100% but Djokovic is a machine.

Cracking result for Andy but he's going to be up against it in the semi-final.

[Sir David Gray]

A bit of both. Nadal does not look 100% but Djokovic is a machine.

Cracking result for Andy but he's going to be up against it in the semi-final.

Murray will need to play the match of his life on Friday if he's going to beat Djokovic, and even then it might not be enough.

In all honesty, Murray would need to be at his very best and Djokovic playing below par in order for Murray to progress to the final.

I really can't see past Djokovic for the title.

[PatHead]

Can't believe Nadal will be out of world top ten after this tournament,

[Sir David Gray]

Can't believe Nadal will be out of world top ten after this tournament,

:agree: Quite incredible.

He could be playing Djokovic at the last 16 stage at Wimbledon now!

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Murray wins 7-6 6-2 5-7 6-1

He played awfy well but, I feared the worst at the end of the 3rd set. Crucial hold of serve at the start of set 4 meant that fortunately the fears were unfounded.

[ronaldo7]

Great piece by Andy on his coach.

http://www.andymurray.com/feature/lequipe-column/

[liamh2202]

Great piece by Andy on his coach.

http://www.andymurray.com/feature/lequipe-column/

Can't argue with that

[Sir David Gray]

Murray v Djokovic is on second tomorrow after Wawrinka v Tsonga.

That match starts at 12pm so hopefully that goes to five sets so I can see as much as possible of the Murray match.

I'll be home just after 5:30pm so if the previous match lasts five hours then I'll be happy!

[Future17]

Going for Wawrinka to win this one. Playing the better tennis for me and usually has more in the tank than Tsonga even before the difference in playing time in their quarters is taken into account.

[Sir David Gray]

Djokovic two sets up, looks all over for Murray.

[Sir David Gray]

Third set to Murray, 7-5. :thumbsup:

[heretoday]

The usual time wasting tactic by Novak. Keeps Andy hanging around and kills the momentum.

[Pretty Boy]

Murray well in this. Even in the first 2 he wasn't far away. Big ask but you never know.

[Pretty Boy]

How good was that point?

[Pretty Boy]

Good save there from Murray.

Thought the Djokovic gamesmanship had worked again.

[Sir David Gray]

Murray breaks to go 2-1 up in the fourth.

He's playing so well right now.

[Pretty Boy]

Murray breaks!

Hard to tell with Djokovic but he looks knackered. Murray will be praying the light holds out.

[liamh2202]

His mental strength is unreal now. Would be interested to hear his thoughts on how he turned this weakness into a strength

[Sir David Gray]

Djokovic breaks back, 2-2.

Slack game by Murray.

[Pretty Boy]

Djokovic breaks right back.

Some match between these 2 yet again. Both look far more comfortable returning than serving atm.

[Pretty Boy]

Djokovic holds. Rain expected in 20 minutes.

[Sir David Gray]

Murray saves break points and draws level at 3-3.

Great game to win.

[Pretty Boy]

Is it just me or is there a hell of a lot of empty seats for a slam semi final featuring arguably the 2 best players in the world at the moment?

Anyway Murray holds.

[Sir David Gray]

Match suspended due to the forecast.

Terrible decision.

[Pretty Boy]

And that's that.

The fans, and Murray by the looks of it, very unhappy.

[Sir David Gray]

That's a shocker.

I've never seen that before, that a match gets stopped because of weather that might happen!

If a storm's expected in 10 minutes, why not stop in 10 minutes? They could get another couple of games in, in that time.

[Pretty Boy]

That's a shocker.

I've never seen that before, that a match gets stopped because of weather that might happen!

If a storm's expected in 10 minutes, why not stop in 10 minutes? They could get another couple of games in, in that time.

Only thing I can think of is there has been lightning in the locality.

If it's just for rain and wind then it's a shocker of a decision as you say.

[Sergey]

Looks like it was the correct decision as it's now hosing it down.

I too was peeved, but fair play to the authorities.

[Danderhall Hibs]

That's a shocker.

I've never seen that before, that a match gets stopped because of weather that might happen!

If a storm's expected in 10 minutes, why not stop in 10 minutes? They could get another couple of games in, in that time.

Crowd safety?

[Sir David Gray]

Match abandoned for the evening and resumes again at 12pm tomorrow.

[Pretty Boy]

Match abandoned for the evening and resumes again at 12pm tomorrow.

Is the final on Sunday?

If so Wawrinka will be delighted.

[Sir David Gray]

Is the final on Sunday?

If so Wawrinka will be delighted.

It is indeed.

To be fair, they're only going to be playing a set and a half at the most tomorrow and it could be as little as three games if Djokovic comes flying out of the blocks.

It is still a slight advantage for Wawrinka though.

[Future17]

It is indeed.

To be fair, they're only going to be playing a set and a half at the most tomorrow and it could be as little as three games if Djokovic comes flying out of the blocks.

It is still a slight advantage for Wawrinka though.

It's not just the game time though is it? It's the prep time, warm-up time, warm-down time etc. It's getting yourself fired up and then dealing with the post-match adrenalin. It's the things you can't do as well (which you could do if you have a day off) like rehydrate as you like, eat when you like, sleep when you like, avoid people, rest an injury etc.

Definitely a big plus for Wawrinka.

[Sir David Gray]

It's not just the game time though is it? It's the prep time, warm-up time, warm-down time etc. It's getting yourself fired up and then dealing with the post-match adrenalin. It's the things you can't do as well (which you could do if you have a day off) like rehydrate as you like, eat when you like, sleep when you like, avoid people, rest an injury etc.

Definitely a big plus for Wawrinka.

I agree with that. It's definitely not ideal for them coming back tomorrow. However I would still put whoever wins tomorrow as the slight favourite for the final.

[hibby19]

Is the continuation of this being shown on TV anywhere? ITV4 have been covering it so far but appear not to be showing it

[Future17]

I agree with that. It's definitely not ideal for them coming back tomorrow. However I would still put whoever wins tomorrow as the slight favourite for the final.

Yeah, think you're right. If it's Djokovic, probably the difference between 3-0 and 3-1. :greengrin

[Pretty Boy]

Is the continuation of this being shown on TV anywhere? ITV4 have been covering it so far but appear not to be showing it

Eurosport 1.

On serve after 2 games.

[liamh2202]

Is the continuation of this being shown on TV anywhere? ITV4 have been covering it so far but appear not to be showing it

ITV 1 lads I posted the same. Thing before deleting it

[Pretty Boy]

These 2 are unreal.

It's like 2 boxers standing trading blows in the 12th round. Brilliant spectacle.

[Pretty Boy]

Yes!

Now get it done on serve.

[Future17]

These 2 are unreal.

It's like 2 boxers standing trading blows in the 12th round. Brilliant spectacle.

:agree:

The tennis ability is out of this world, but the fitness and athleticism is beyond even that.

[liamh2202]

These 2 are unreal.

It's like 2 boxers standing trading blows in the 12th round. Brilliant spectacle.

Its class to watch. Can't believe how hard work the crowd is to get going though lol. Andy definitely prefers the football type of atmosphere

[Pretty Boy]

Its class to watch. Can't believe how hard work the crowd is to get going though lol. Andy definitely prefers the football type of atmosphere

Think it's just a French thing with some sports. I was at Longchamp for the Arc a couple of years back and had a couple of hundred Euros on Treve to win. She duly obliged and I was going nuts. French guy next me gave a wonderfully Gallic shrug and 'you must av ad zee beeg money on ur. I only ad ten thousand.'

Anyway Murray takes the 4th. Big chance now.

[lord bunberry]

Come on Andy 2-2

[Pretty Boy]

Oh Andy. How many times?

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Looks like it was the correct decision as it's now hosing it down.

I too was peeved, but fair play to the authorities.

I thought Andy wanted it suspended so he could watch the game from ER.

[Future17]

On a side note, I know Andy gets stick for apparently lacking a "personality" but I actually think he's quite interesting to listen to in his interviews.

He's quite monotone (which doesn't help the perception) but he actually makes some of the fantastically dull questions he get asked seem intelligent with the detailed and considered answers he gives.

[liamh2202]

On a side note, I know Andy gets stick for apparently lacking a "personality" but I actually think he's quite interesting to listen to in his interviews.

He's quite monotone (which doesn't help the perception) but he actually makes some of the fantastically dull questions he get asked seem intelligent with the detailed and considered answers he gives.

Also on court I feel he is one of the biggest personalities at the minute

[Sir David Gray]

Great women's final on just now.

Lucie Safarova has just come back from 4-1 down in the second set against Serena Williams to win it in a tiebreak.

Some fantastic rallies taking place.

[Sir David Gray]

Serena Williams wins her 20th Grand Slam title.

[heretoday]

On a side note, I know Andy gets stick for apparently lacking a "personality" but I actually think he's quite interesting to listen to in his interviews.

He's quite monotone (which doesn't help the perception) but he actually makes some of the fantastically dull questions he get asked seem intelligent with the detailed and considered answers he gives.

He's got a droll sense of humour which the English media don't get - hence the general feeling that he's dull and ungracious. And of course they've never forgiven him for his anti-English remark that he made when a teenager.

Dull he ain't. He's a good guy.

[Sir David Gray]

He's got a droll sense of humour which the English media don't get - hence the general feeling that he's dull and ungracious. And of course they've never forgiven him for his anti-English remark that he made when a teenager.

Dull he ain't. He's a good guy.

And they also conveniently fail to mention that his comments were only made after Tim Henman had made some digs at the Scottish football team, during the press conference that they were both attending at the time.

[Sir David Gray]

The men's final between Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka has just started for anyone who's interested.

Live coverage on ITV4 and Eurosport.

I'm going for Djokovic to win it in four sets.

[Sir David Gray]

Djokovic serving for the first set at 5-4.

[Sir David Gray]

First set Djokovic, 6-4.

[Sir David Gray]

Wawrinka having lots of chances to break Djokovic's serve in this set but so far he's been unsuccessful.

4-4 at the moment.

[Sir David Gray]

Wawrinka finally breaks Djokovic's serve and it's come at a vital time as he has taken the second set 6-4.

Game on.

[Sir David Gray]

No-one else watching this?

Wawrinka breaks in the third set to go 4-2 up.

[Sir David Gray]

Wawrinka is playing so well right now.

That backhand is immense.

[Sir David Gray]

Wawrinka takes the third set 6-3.

This is turning into a classic.

[Danderhall Hibs]

Wawrinka takes the third set 6-3.

This is turning into a classic.

I missed the first set but watched the rest. Enjoyed it - Djockovic looked well off the pace.

[Sir David Gray]

I had to go out during the fourth set so missed the end of it.

From what I saw, Wawrinka completely deserved his victory. His backhand is such a great shot and when he really hits it well, it's almost unreturnable.

Now for the grass season.

I can't see Wawrinka being one of the favourites for Wimbledon. He got to the quarter finals last year for the first time in his career and he's not quite as comfortable on grass as he is on the other surfaces.

I can't really see past either Djokovic or Murray for the title this year.