Wimbledon 2023

[Hiber-nation]

Missing Sir David Gray on here, he would have had the thread started long before now. Hope he's back some time.

My wife and I had tickets for Court 1 on Friday but we're both down with a sickness bug with no sign of much improvement so had to cancel. Absolutely gutted.

Anyway, Alcaraz has just started and looking forward to Murray v Peniston this afternoon.

[He's here!]

Spoiler alert. That bellend Djokovic wins.

[hibeg]

Spoiler alert. That bellend Djokovic wins.

Shock. Not like you to come on and slag him off.
Hope he wins, your outrage will be epic.
Alcaraz could be the guy to stop him though. Superb player, and improving on grass court

[Hiber-nation]

Love watching Sabalenka, all that raw power, these screams and facial expressions. Hope she wins it.

Easy win for Murray. Tsitsipas or Thiem next.

[McD]

Missing Sir David Gray on here, he would have had the thread started long before now. Hope he's back some time.

My wife and I had tickets for Court 1 on Friday but we're both down with a sickness bug with no sign of much improvement so had to cancel. Absolutely gutted.

Anyway, Alcaraz has just started and looking forward to Murray v Peniston this afternoon.


hope he’s keeping well

[WeeRussell]

Putting sentiment aside, is anyone else really surprised murray is favourite to beat Tsitsipas today?

Maybe I’m just so out of touch these days but I’d have guessed the Greek would have been about 1/5!!

I’ll be wrong as usual and another good win for Murray incoming 😁

[McSwanky]

Putting sentiment aside, is anyone else really surprised murray is favourite to beat Tsitsipas today?

Maybe I’m just so out of touch these days but I’d have guessed the Greek would have been about 1/5!!

I’ll be wrong as usual and another good win for Murray incoming [emoji16]I think it'll be a good game, but I wouldn't have Murray as favourite.

I guess the bookies are pricing in the fact that Tsitsipas had a long one yesterday, whilst Murray had a day off? Plus the fact that grass isn't traditionally the Greek's favourite surface.

I'd say he did very well to beat Thiem yesterday, and will be a very tough prospect for Murray.

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[WeeRussell]

I think it'll be a good game, but I wouldn't have Murray as favourite.

I guess the bookies are pricing in the fact that Tsitsipas had a long one yesterday, whilst Murray had a day off? Plus the fact that grass isn't traditionally the Greek's favourite surface.

I'd say he did very well to beat Thiem yesterday, and will be a very tough prospect for Murray.

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Yeah you could be right, and he’ll have the whole crowd onside too. As I say I haven’t seen nearly as much as I usually do and didn’t realise his game was so long last round… just expected the Greek to be a fairly short favourite!

[He's here!]

Putting sentiment aside, is anyone else really surprised murray is favourite to beat Tsitsipas today?

Maybe I’m just so out of touch these days but I’d have guessed the Greek would have been about 1/5!!

I’ll be wrong as usual and another good win for Murray incoming 😁

Very surprised to hear that. The Andy Murray of today, capable as he still is of playing tennis most mortals can only dream of, is no way favourite for this match.

[WeeRussell]

Very surprised to hear that. The Andy Murray of today, capable as he still is of playing tennis most mortals can only dream of, is no way favourite for this match.

I’m glad it’s not just a case of me being daft!

[He's here!]

Stunning win for Liam Broady. He's always had the talent, just never nailed it down.

Katie Boulter also going well.

[heretoday]

Looks like Andy and the Greek are set in for the night. A right battle.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

1 set each, gripping stuff! 👏

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

2-1 Murray, he took a terrible fall on the penultimate point. Match continues tomorrow.

[weecounty hibby]

What an athlete Andy Murray is. Talent, skill, will to win, effort, commitment all off the scale

[HibbyAndy]

I'm no sure this break suits Murray , He had his opponent on the ropes !! Sisipass now regroups and goes again tomorrow and if he comes out hitting as hard as he did in the 1st set it's game on ! Still in the balance for me


By the way Murray rolling back the years , Absolutely brilliant ..Metal hip and 36 years old , Scotlands greatest ever sportsman

[He's here!]

I'm no sure this break suits Murray , He had his opponent on the ropes !! Sisipass now regroups and goes again tomorrow and if he comes out hitting as hard as he did in the 1st set it's game on ! Still in the balance for me


By the way Murray rolling back the years , Absolutely brilliant ..Metal hip and 36 years old , Scotlands greatest ever sportsman

Not only Scotland's but Britain's greatest ever IMHO.

It was vintage stuff and wonderful to see how passionately the crowd got behind him. As you say, he was thriving on the late night atmosphere and the break came at a better time for his opponent - although Andy may need some recovery time from that fall.

[superfurryhibby]

Last night was sporting theatre of the the highest order. Murray played unbelievably well, so did Tsapitas (he looked like a real talent). What a pity it had to stop, you had the feeling Murray was going to prevail in a fourth set. I suspect things may pan out a bit differently today though.

[Betty Boop]

Soorr puss moaning and groaning.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Murray loses his serve in the 5th set, can't see him recovering from that.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Murray loses 3-2 to the 5th seed. Fine effort but, not quite good enough.

[Hiber-nation]

Soorr puss moaning and groaning.

What a contribution, looking forward to seeing more.

[Hiber-nation]

Disappointing, really thought Andy was going to do it. But a lot of folk (esp the bookies surprisingly) seemed to have forgotten Tsistipas is 5 seed with a fantastic serve and forehand.

Norrie out too.

[He's here!]

Disappointing, really thought Andy was going to do it. But a lot of folk (esp the bookies surprisingly) seemed to have forgotten Tsistipas is 5 seed with a fantastic serve and forehand.

Norrie out too.

He certainly had the momentum last night. Felt he had to win it in four tho as in the end it came down to nothing more than the 12 year age gap as you would never have known one player was fifth seed and the other unseeded.

Great effort by Andy.

[WeeRussell]

Soorr puss moaning and groaning.

I was kind of biting my tongue as was sure I’d be the only one who found him a bit much at times 😂

Couldn’t help thinking that a few individuals would be up in arms at the way oor Andy goes on sometimes if it had been the Serbian machine.

Still some effort to see him back playing at this level with a hip replacement.

[He's here!]

I was kind of biting my tongue as was sure I’d be the only one who found him a bit much at times 😂

Couldn’t help thinking that a few individuals would be up in arms at the way oor Andy goes on sometimes if it had been the Serbian machine.

Still some effort to see him back playing at this level with a hip replacement.

Yeh, you can see the frustration of not quite bring able to rekindle the brilliance of his peak years due injury/age boils over. He's so beloved of the Wimbledon crowd tho and has done so much for British sport that the vast majority will forgive him a few expletives.

He's also remains great box office unlike the Serbian automaton, who played out his perfunctory grind-fest over Wawrinka in front of a barely half-full arena. Any other champion taking to the court for the Friday night slot would pack the place out.

[Jones28]

Eubanks v Tsitsipas going the full five sets. Really good game.

[Trinity Hibee]

That Alcaraz berrettini match was superb. Alcaraz definitely going to win quite a few majors in his career.

[Trinity Hibee]

Superb comeback from Jabeur there.

[WeeRussell]

We can say what we want about Djokovic’s personality. Absolutely phenomenal tennis player.

Would be nice to see Alcaraz take the title but Novak will absolutely deserve it if he claims another.

Hope Jabeur goes on to win the female’s.

[Jones28]

Fantastic final in the wheelchair doubles.

[Betty Boop]

A masterclass from Djokovic well in control so far.

[ekhibee]

A masterclass from Djokovic well in control so far.

He just lost the 2nd set and has just had his service broken twice in the 3rd.

[BroxburnHibee]

And then disappeared for 7 minutes......

Again.

[Pretty Boy]

I was wondering whether an extended toilet break, feigning injury or the 'magic bottle' would come first.

[Betty Boop]

He just lost the 2nd set and has just had his service broken twice in the 3rd.

I'm sure I said so far.

[hibeg]

Love Alcaraz, but go on Novak
GOAT without a doubt !

[LaMotta]

Djokovic is severely unlikeable. Think he will win now but hope not.

[BroxburnHibee]

Love Alcaraz, but go on Novak
GOAT without a doubt !

He'll never be the goat for me.

Too many suspicious breaks/injuries at crucial times.

Just can't take to him

[CallumLaidlaw]

He'll never be the goat for me.

Too many suspicious breaks/injuries at crucial times.

Just can't take to him

100%


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[007]

Amazing game of tennis. Really hope Alcaraz wins. Haven't wanted someone to win so much since Murray.

[LaMotta]

Amazing game of tennis. Really hope Alcaraz wins. Haven't wanted someone to win so much since Murray.

:agree:

[hibeg]

He'll never be the goat for me.

Too many suspicious breaks/injuries at crucial times.

Just can't take to him

Lots of people can’t take to him.

The talent however is undeniable,

How many others have won more grand slams ?

[Jones28]

Lots of people can’t take to him.

The talent however is undeniable,

How many others have won more grand slams ?

Doesn’t mean you have to like him. Federer was a better winner and a better loser.

[hibeg]

Doesn’t mean you have to like him. Federer was a better winner and a better loser.

So does that make him the GOAT because he is likeable ?

[LaMotta]

What a game, unbelievable watch. Alcaraz is some talent. Important for Tennis him coming through.

[Jones28]

So does that make him the GOAT because he is likeable ?

I think a lot of people would argue Federer is the GOAT.

[hibeg]

I know, but I disagree, it’s a forum :greengrin

[hibeg]

What a game, unbelievable watch. Alcaraz is some talent. Important for Tennis him coming through.

Brilliant player, unusual foe a Spaniard, who are brought up as base liners.
He will dominate in years to come
Hope Novak has at least one more in him to surpass Rafa

[LaMotta]

Brilliant player, unusual foe a Spaniard, who are brought up as base liners.
He will dominate in years to come
Hope Novak has at least one more in him to surpass Rafa

Djokovic already ahead of Rafa I thought? 23 to 22 Major wins.

[makaveli1875]

What a player Alcaraz is . Don't think you'll see anyone hitting so many winners against Djokovic in a grand slam final . He's got a dangerous combination of power and accuracy and his backhand is almost as deadly as his forehand .

[lapsedhibee]

That Alcaraz berrettini match was superb. Alcaraz definitely going to win quite a few majors in his career.

:not worth

[BroxburnHibee]

I think a lot of people would argue Federer is the GOAT.

He is for me.

Djokovic will always have a question mark against him

[MWHIBBIES]

Not so sure Tennis has a clear GOAT.

Nadal is better on Clay than anyone else has ever been on any surface IMO. Roger and Novak probably better all rounders, although suffered less injuries than Rafa.

Honestly been a pleasure to watch all 3 in their peak years.

Todays final was exceptional. CA could win many, many titles.

[hibeg]

Djokovic already ahead of Rafa I thought? 23 to 22 Major wins.

Oops :greengrin

[hibeg]

Not so sure Tennis has a clear GOAT.

Nadal is better on Clay than anyone else has ever been on any surface IMO. Roger and Novak probably better all rounders, although suffered less injuries than Rafa.

Honestly been a pleasure to watch all 3 in their peak years.

Todays final was exceptional. CA could win many, many titles.

I can only really imagine Sinner competing against Alcaraz in the next few years
It is almost unbelievable that CA has only played on grass 4 times, yet beats Novak to win Wimbledon
The lad is exceptional

[Jones28]

I know, but I disagree, it’s a forum :greengrin

For me for a sport like tennis it’s not just down to numbers, but like you say it’s a forum where we all have opinions!

[hibeg]

He is for me.

Djokovic will always have a question mark against him


What question mark ?
Was anything said before COVID, genuine question ?

[hibeg]

For me for a sport like tennis it’s not just down to numbers, but like you say it’s a forum where we all have opinions!


Guys like Connors, McEnroe, Nastase we’re not exactly likeable
They were all numbers 1s in tennis for a reason.
They had a will to win which lesser players couldn’t match
It’s a very hard sport to reach the pinnacle

[Hiber-nation]

Great to see the tide turning at last. Could Alcaraz be the one to equal Laver's record?

Sinner and Rune will keep improving too. Exciting times ahead.

[Jones28]

Guys like Connors, McEnroe, Nastase we’re not exactly likeable
They were all numbers 1s in tennis for a reason.
They had a will to win which lesser players couldn’t match
It’s a very hard sport to reach the pinnacle

And yet Federer did so, and I’d suggest Nadal did it as well, with a hell of a lot more charm on the court than ND.

No question he’s on of the all time greats - I think Nadal, Federer and Djokovic will be remembered as three giants of the game.

[McD]

What question mark ?
Was anything said before COVID, genuine question ?


yeah, lots said about his overnight transformation from a guy who couldn’t last 5 sets into a superhuman with stamina to spare

then there’s the regular lengthy toilet breaks, convenient injuries, delays asking for the doctor, that only occur when his opponent has momentum and/or on top

Imo, the man is a cheat - everyone is entitled to their opinion though

[007]

yeah, lots said about his overnight transformation from a guy who couldn’t last 5 sets into a superhuman with stamina to spare

then there’s the regular lengthy toilet breaks, convenient injuries, delays asking for the doctor, that only occur when his opponent has momentum and/or on top

Imo, the man is a cheat - everyone is entitled to their opinion though

Interestingly one of the pundits today said he always seems to come back after a toilet break somehow refreshed, which sounded like he was suggesting something dodgy was going on.

[ekhibee]

I'm sure I said so far.

You did. I didn't say you hadn't.

[He's here!]

I was wondering whether an extended toilet break, feigning injury or the 'magic bottle' would come first.

Tennis fans know the score and they know Djokovic is, always has been, and always will be a grade A tool.

He could win 30 Slams and never be regarded as the greatest. There's more to that accolade than trophy tallies and he can't hold a candle to Federer or Nadal when it comes to all-round on and off court class. As you say, his gamesmanship is always distasteful, while you'd never see Rafa or Roger smash their racket in those circumstances. His suffocating, grinding style works for him but it's a turn-off for those who want to be entertained.

Throw in his moronic behaviour during Covid and his 'gluten-free diet' inspired transformation from brattish 'injury' prone loser to near unbeatable automaton and it's not hard to see why he's arguably the least popular sports champion of all time.

For many his career highlights were his disqualification from the US Open and his deportation from Australia.

Well done Alcaraz.

[BroxburnHibee]

Tennis fans know the score and they know Djokovic is, always has been, and always will be a grade A tool.

He could win 30 Slams and never be regarded as the greatest. There's more to that accolade than trophy tallies and he can't hold a candle to Federer or Nadal when it comes to all-round on and off court class. As you say, his gamesmanship is always distasteful, while you'd never see Rafa or Roger smash their racket in those circumstances. His suffocating, grinding style works for him but it's a turn-off for those who want to be entertained.

Throw in his moronic behaviour during Covid and his 'gluten-free diet' inspired transformation from brattish 'injury' prone loser to near unbeatable automaton and it's not hard to see why he's arguably the least popular sports champion of all time.

For many his career highlights were his disqualification from the US Open and his deportation from Australia.

Well done Alcaraz.

Sums it up perfectly

[heretoday]

Talking to a tennis coach who said Federer was technically the perfect player in the game.

But that doesn't make him the top achiever.

That's Djokovic, warts and all, and he's not finished by a long chalk.

The US final should be a cracker if it's the same guys.

[WeeRussell]

Tennis fans know the score and they know Djokovic is, always has been, and always will be a grade A tool.

He could win 30 Slams and never be regarded as the greatest. There's more to that accolade than trophy tallies and he can't hold a candle to Federer or Nadal when it comes to all-round on and off court class. As you say, his gamesmanship is always distasteful, while you'd never see Rafa or Roger smash their racket in those circumstances. His suffocating, grinding style works for him but it's a turn-off for those who want to be entertained.

Throw in his moronic behaviour during Covid and his 'gluten-free diet' inspired transformation from brattish 'injury' prone loser to near unbeatable automaton and it's not hard to see why he's arguably the least popular sports champion of all time.

For many his career highlights were his disqualification from the US Open and his deportation from Australia.

Well done Alcaraz.

I’m not his biggest fan (always been a Nadal man) and was right behind Alcaraz yesterday, but I think that’s an extremely bitter and pathetic way to sum-up the achievements of a player like Djokovic. Covid stance aside, I think he gets a pretty over-the-top rough deal. And his trophy haul is absolutely immense.

He was as gracious as ever in his post-match interview and seemed to have plenty of support from ‘tennis folk’ during and after the final, despite playing a young and likeable upcoming star.

I don’t get why people get so upset about him going to the bog for 5 minutes. I often take double that to have a *****.

If anything ever comes out about him taking illegal substances to enhance his performance or fitness, I’ll lose my respect for him like I would any other sportsman. As it is, he deserves all his success and more praise than he receives.. for me.

[He's here!]

I’m not his biggest fan (always been a Nadal man) and was right behind Alcaraz yesterday, but I think that’s an extremely bitter and pathetic way to sum-up the achievements of a player like Djokovic. Covid stance aside, I think he gets a pretty over-the-top rough deal. And his trophy haul is absolutely immense.

He was as gracious as ever in his post-match interview and seemed to have plenty of support from ‘tennis folk’ during and after the final, despite playing a young and likeable upcoming star.

I don’t get why people get so upset about him going to the bog for 5 minutes. I often take double that to have a *****.

If anything ever comes out about him taking illegal substances to enhance his performance or fitness, I’ll lose my respect for him like I would any other sportsman. As it is, he deserves all his success and more praise than he receives.. for me.

There's no bitterness on my part. As you say he's racked up a stack of trophies doing things his way. I just think he's a tw*t of a bloke and I also find his style of play (which is focused on sucking the life out of his opponent) plus his gamesmanship when things are going against him deeply unattractive. So much so that I stopped watching matches involving Djokovic a couple of years back. Prior to that I'd only really watch a full match involving him when he was playing Andy Murray.

A one-off excessive toilet break would be fine but it's a common 'tactic' of his at key moments (almost succeeded yesterday too) as is calling for the trainer to deal with 'injuries' which just happen to occur when his opponent has the momentum.

There's no 'rough deal'. He brings his unpopularity on himself.

[Hiber-nation]

There's no bitterness on my part. As you say he's racked up a stack of trophies doing things his way. I just think he's a tw*t of a bloke and I also find his style of play (which is focused on sucking the life out of his opponent) plus his gamesmanship when things are going against him deeply unattractive. So much so that I stopped watching matches involving Djokovic a couple of years back. Prior to that I'd only really watch a full match involving him when he was playing Andy Murray.

A one-off excessive toilet break would be fine but it's a common 'tactic' of his at key moments (almost succeeded yesterday too) as is calling for the trainer to deal with 'injuries' which just happen to occur when his opponent has the momentum.

There's no 'rough deal'. He brings his unpopularity on himself.

I agree. I can only think of Seb Coe and Phil Taylor as sportspeople (non-football) that I've disliked more.

[hibeg]

I’m not his biggest fan (always been a Nadal man) and was right behind Alcaraz yesterday, but I think that’s an extremely bitter and pathetic way to sum-up the achievements of a player like Djokovic. Covid stance aside, I think he gets a pretty over-the-top rough deal. And his trophy haul is absolutely immense.

He was as gracious as ever in his post-match interview and seemed to have plenty of support from ‘tennis folk’ during and after the final, despite playing a young and likeable upcoming star.

I don’t get why people get so upset about him going to the bog for 5 minutes. I often take double that to have a *****.

If anything ever comes out about him taking illegal substances to enhance his performance or fitness, I’ll lose my respect for him like I would any other sportsman. As it is, he deserves all his success and more praise than he receives.. for me.

Agree completely.
However , for the last couple of years, it seems we are the only two on the forum who are of the same opinion :aok:

[McSwanky]

Agree completely.
However , for the last couple of years, it seems we are the only two on the forum who are of the same opinion :aok:I think people just love the pantomime 'goodies and baddies' scenarios in sport. Djokovic is quite a typical winner I'd say, willing to do whatever it takes to gain an advantage.

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[He's here!]

I agree. I can only think of Seb Coe and Phil Taylor as sportspeople (non-football) that I've disliked more.

As I mentioned earlier I no longer watch his matches live as I find him so repellent. We had a few days away this week tho and I took the opportunity one lazy, rainy afternoon to check out the final properly, safe in the knowledge he got beat. What was really noticeable was that he was made to look his age by Alcarez. Almost as though he grew old before our eyes.