Federer Reaches 11th French Open 4th RD, Cuevas Chokes; Young Aussies Take On Slam Champs Saturday

While I love Krygios and Kokkinakis, I give neither any chance against Murray and Djokovic, respectfully, especially on clay.

Clay blunts Krygios’ serve and overall power more than any other surface, obviously, and Murray has shown terrific sharpness on clay this spring.

Djokovic is an even better clay court player than Murray, and Kokkinakis might be feeling the effects of his spill against Tomic – I’m not sure if he sustained a hip flexor strain, a hip bruise or something else.

Nonetheless, Murray in 3, Djokovic in 3 and the Warriors in 6 (could be 4, should be 5, but the NBA refs and David Stern/Adam Silver will extend the series for the $$$).

May 29th, 2015 at 4:39 pm

Agree with most of Rich’s comments – but I do give both K’s a chance – because:

….was Djokovic injured or not – last match?
… is Murray strong enuf YET on clay?

Fingers crossed and crystals out….

May 29th, 2015 at 4:53 pm

@KatH

…. Nope
… Yes

May 29th, 2015 at 5:23 pm

Think both Rafa and Nole get through to set up the Clash of the Titans.
But 4K ought to be a fine warmup match for Nole. He has positive things to say about the 3 young Aussies, even Tomic. (Though Milos and Coric are the current apple in his eye young player faves..)
Roger vs. Gaels. La Monf has taken Fed down before and loves playing Roger because he is also guaranteed the big spotlight.
Beware the Birdman. A lot more game, and a lot less choke to him than in past years. And in those years, he still had Fed’s number on some big occasions. I would not be surprised to see Tomas in the Finals.

May 29th, 2015 at 5:23 pm

Berdych will s.uc.k in the final no matter what.

May 29th, 2015 at 7:01 pm

And talk about an easy draw…Rafa v Kuznetsov.

Some great atp matches not mentioned other courts:

Cilic v red hot Leonardo Mayer

Chardy v Goffin

Coric v Sock

May 29th, 2015 at 7:35 pm

wow rick; you can’t be the same rick that usually posts here, or your writing style has drastically transformed!

May 29th, 2015 at 8:38 pm

Jalep – I hope Tomas sucks if he makes the Final. 3 guys in the top half of the draw I would prefer win it over him… But he might take down Fed along the way.

May 29th, 2015 at 11:03 pm

I have my predictions for June 30 up at http://tennisabides.com – I think Fed’s 3 most recent matches with Monfils make his round of 16 match with Monfils quite interesting. I think Kei and Fed are the two most likely finalists from the bottom half of the draw.

May 29th, 2015 at 11:59 pm

Actually don’t think they’re any exciting matchups tomorrow. The womens side has some good ones however.
Novak, Murray an Nadal should not have any probkems with their opponets. If they do, it may prove some weakness in their run on Clay.
Kokki? Kuznet? And Kry has looked silly on Clay so far..

May 30th, 2015 at 12:37 am

Dumping all speculation into dust, Fed will sail through at best in 4th set. But, Real surprise is waiting either Djokovic or Nadal can stumble in the 4th round. Even though many are placing Djokovic as outright favourite I don’t see him winning French title. And, if he gets knocked out early then djoko will have mini slump dismissing him of favourite tag at Grandslam for a while. And, Nadal, if he get past 4th round I don’t see him loosing to Djoker. Nadal just won’t let it happen. Poor djoko, this French Open will sting him like a poisonous bite of cobra. For Federer, my guess is he’ll reach the final but will fall short like wimbledon 2014. So, in all probability Rafa is still likely to clinch French title if he doesn’t get upset at 4th Round.

May 30th, 2015 at 12:53 am

It should be an eventful day. Some of the line up of matches seems engrossing and raises our curiosity levels. Of particular interest will be the Novak match against the new prospect, Kokkinakkis. Being hailed as the future of Tennis, this match will show the mettle Kokkinakkis is made of when he meets the World’s best player. Also, there is some anxiety on the physical problems suffered by Novak in his earlier encounter and this match will give us an indication of his fitness levels.

As regards Andy Vs Krygios, there is every possibility of an upset knowing that the later is a Giant Killer. Rafa on the other hand should not have much of a problem and should be comfortably through to the 4th round.

May 30th, 2015 at 1:59 am

Nikola – Love your certainty – Worth putting in my Bank vault – however, the other comments on this thread are making me nervous…..

May 30th, 2015 at 3:06 am

There will be no clash of the titans. I watched Nadal against Almagro; the court is so slow that Rafa had no problems running down everything Nico threw at him. It will be a big surprise if Rafa loses a set at this RG.

May 30th, 2015 at 3:33 am

Novak has a small chance to win, but a very small one. He would have to play out of his mind, especially to serve and return very well, and hope that Rafa will fold under the pressure, something I don’t see happen.

May 30th, 2015 at 3:37 am

@KatH
Crystals at the ready, girl!
And just check H2H for further reassurance. Think myself Andy would have to have a dreadful serving day to lose, and even then Nick’s ROS isn’t the best part of his game. Anything’s possible tho., of course.
Let’s Go Andy! Let’s Go!

May 30th, 2015 at 3:41 am

@Margot

Got yah girl – have 7 crystals….hope don’t need…Let’s go Andy YES

May 30th, 2015 at 5:59 am

Just hearing fed playing Halle AND Queens!!!

May 30th, 2015 at 6:11 am

Margot and KatH hello. Just woke up.

Come on, Andy! Stay away from Nic’s forehand.

Petra won I see :D

Marin doing well too.

May 30th, 2015 at 6:29 am

CF1. I don’t dislike Berdych in general, just calling it as I see it. We all know he can get to the final but once he gets there…uh, he likely fails.

May 30th, 2015 at 6:34 am

So far, Andy and Novak roll on their vast experience and versatility. The young Aussies look good, and will be top players in just a few years. 1K has a great serve and a big FH, while 4K has a remarkable FH DTL.

May 30th, 2015 at 7:11 am

BTW, Hi, C.

May 30th, 2015 at 7:11 am

skeezer I agree about Rafa v Andrey Kuznetsov. But these two kids from Australia? Can’t help setting my alarm to get up early and make sure you are right, hopefully. Dodgy characters like these kids need to be watched. ;)

So far, so good, happy to report, you are right. Andy finished off Nice in 3. 64 62 63

Nole got his 1st set.

Always excited to see how Madison Keys will do.

May 30th, 2015 at 7:17 am

mat4, only a “very small chance”? Methinks thou dost protest too much. If the court and conditions suit Rafa, fine, I am ready to be proven wrong, but to me, Novak has every chance…

May 30th, 2015 at 7:19 am

Oh my Andy’s damn first serve % :(
But some wonderful, wonderful Murray magic on display :)
Let’s Go Andy! Let’s Go!
@Wog Boy
Courier was very interesting about Nick. Said a) tennis needs players like him to attract people to the beautiful game when Andy and co retire and
b) was he going to become a “showman” like Monfils, or a serious slam contender?
I don’t like him but….he is seriously talented.

May 30th, 2015 at 7:20 am

On Eurosport, we just got a batch of commercials while 4K was serving.

@Jalep:

The Aussies will be very dangerous very soon. A year, two years at most.

May 30th, 2015 at 7:20 am

@Eric:

You just can’t hit through a good defensive player. The ball just freezes at the top of the bounce and waits for the player to hit it…

May 30th, 2015 at 7:22 am

Bon jour, mat4!

Cilic is through and looks strong. 63 62 64

Nole is in command, mat4. But 4K. is a bit scary.

May 30th, 2015 at 7:24 am

Margot agree about Kyrgios. Don’t like him but have to admit, very good-impressive potential.

May 30th, 2015 at 7:27 am

Kyrgios and Coric seem to have the most potential of all the young ones. After my initial dislike for Coric about his play-like-Djokovic/Murray comment, I have grown to like him, both about his talent and his discipline. Kyrgios is somewhat crass which makes me not root for him at all. But he is young and can change for the better. When that time comes, I will root for him, too.

Re: Monfils, he is a great athlete and seems to be a nice person. He just tends to be showy on court. I don’t think it’s exuberance rather than showboating. He just likes to have fun so much on court.

May 30th, 2015 at 7:29 am

@ Margot and all AM supporters – THREE CHEERS FOR ANDY.

May 30th, 2015 at 7:35 am

4K is keeping close but Nole still a break up in the 2nd set.

Pretty much agree with your 7:29 post on all counts.
Coric and Rublev my favorite teens. Hope you’re right about Kyrgios.

May 30th, 2015 at 7:39 am

KatH, Yay Andy!

Now I’ve got to make sure Nole makes it and he is looking brilliant 64 64 one more set to go.

May 30th, 2015 at 7:44 am

@KatH
Blooming DA is working not watching, apparently. What kind of excuse is that?….;)
Now 4xK is a player I really do like. Petch was saying he reckons he’ll do better than NK.

May 30th, 2015 at 7:48 am

Post match celebration 4K after beating Tomic was crass but like him better than Kyrigos. Both are exciting prospects for tennis.

To Margot ^

As Markus says -they are still young.

May 30th, 2015 at 8:00 am

re: my 7:29 AM post about Monfils. It should be:

“I think it’s exuberance…” I forgot to delete “don’t” after I edited it.

About Murray: I have said it before and will say it again, it makes me happy each time Murray wins regardless of who he plays against. Hard to explain why because he’s not even my favorite player.

May 30th, 2015 at 8:01 am

Nole wins 64 64 64.

My only complaint about 4K: compulsive nuts grabber. Guess it can’t be helped.

May 30th, 2015 at 8:25 am

@Margot:

I like 4K more than 1K too. He has a more rounded game, and I guess he could improve his serve. He shows more patience, too.

May 30th, 2015 at 8:26 am

Well the two “veterans” as Courier kindly called Andy see off the young Australian bucks…..for now. Not much doubt they are the future.
TV, was it you saying you thought the mantle would hover very briefly over the next generation, Raonic/kei/Dimitrov etc but actually come to rest rest on the generation after them- the 19/20 year olds?

May 30th, 2015 at 8:28 am

Or was it you mat4?

May 30th, 2015 at 8:29 am

Well nice post match ceremony. Kokkinakis shows a lot of class in his tennis match and far more poise than Kyrigos; nuts grabbing aside. I’ll ignore it.

May 30th, 2015 at 8:34 am

@jalep
Enough nut grabbing talk already. Some of us were fortunate enough not to have seen it….;)

May 30th, 2015 at 8:37 am

Took me years to ignore Rafa’s habit. As I said, I’ll ignore it and appreciate that 4K is the future of tennis, by all accounts, that’s how I see him.

Anyways Gasquet is taking the court. Lots more to watch…

May 30th, 2015 at 8:43 am

@ Margot
Like your phraseology @Jalep….

Wish Andy would keep up with the “Joneses” and learn a bit of French – Nole tries but his level is pathetic – but he tries + Andy has a walking dictionary working with him.

Noticed Roger is not only playing at Halle but also at Queens – wonder if he’s doing that to ensure his Wimbledon ranking stays high OR demonstrates his determination to win Wimbledon
…..maybe both!!!!!

May 30th, 2015 at 8:53 am

omg, i totally misjudged the time and missed the matches i wanted to see. would’ve had to get up at 4:00 i guess. :/ am doomed to never see 4-k! how was he? both novak and andy won in straights with no tiebreaks. wow.

jalep, do you think cilic could take out ferru in this form? he played novak really tight at FO last year, i think in R16.

May 30th, 2015 at 8:55 am

Being at the top is what separates the men from the boys! Congrats to Andy and Novak……but no surprise here. Regarding the KKKKKKs, they’re not like the cereal yet….special…not in my books anyway. When the top dogs retire…..maybe???

I watched a little bit of Nick’s match and he went on a talking out loud tirade and I couldn’t hear what he was saying but the commentators apologized for his language. Hopefully he will grow up one of these days, but I seriously doubt it. He seems to walk to the beat of a different drum…..

May 30th, 2015 at 8:56 am

Hmmm… Charlie Hebdo making a few waves about Roland Garros

May 30th, 2015 at 9:03 am

Andy is a true Scot. It is not in his nature to learn French simply to appease the crowd. On the contrary, he seems to relish the role of the villain.

He’s his own man and I hope he never changes for anyone but himself.

He is by far my favorite of the top 4 and is a dark horse at RG.

C’MON ANDY!!!

May 30th, 2015 at 9:05 am

carole bouchard, the french journalist at l’equipe, said novak’s french is totally conversational and getting better and better. still a work in progress perhaps, but i don’t think it’s anywhere near “pathetic.”

May 30th, 2015 at 9:20 am

@jane. Only saw bits of Cilic match. But have watched one of his FO matches. My feeling is that he is making steady progress towards his US open form. Quite possible for him to trouble Ferrer.

4K and how much potential has – was going to write more about him after I watched entire 4K match v Tomic. But had no time last week. Admit to being concerned for Nole v him on this FO surface. As it turned out, no need to worry, happy to say.

May 30th, 2015 at 9:30 am

Sorri Jane – it is for me – but as I said Nole at least tries.

Sorri Alina – Andy looks embarrassed when he waits for the translation – so its not really about appeasing the crowd – and I don’t understand the bit about being a true Scot in relation to not learning French.

We are all entitled to our opinions i.e. vive la difference!

May 30th, 2015 at 9:36 am

thanks jalep. i would love to hear your thoughts on 4-k, esp. in relation to the other 2 young aussies (i realize tomic is older now). do you think one of 4-k or nick have more potential?

elina, not sure if you’re suggesting novak learned french to “appease the crowd”? in any case, he explains it thus: “We have a saying in our country: The more languages you know, more is your worth as a person,” and also “I like to understand what people are saying wherever I am, at least to pick up a few phrases of those languages. I was always interested in linguistics, so I would love to keep on learning and kind of developing my knowledge”.

perhaps it has something to do with interest rather than nationality, although novak did say they had to know 2 languages in elementary school besides serbian. maybe andy just isn’t as interested in picking up other languages. maybe he has other interests instead. to each their own.

May 30th, 2015 at 9:39 am

well, i will go with was carole bouchard says. thanks.

May 30th, 2015 at 9:40 am

*what not was

May 30th, 2015 at 9:41 am

wow, jack sock is cruising over coric.

May 30th, 2015 at 9:50 am

Jane no I’m not saying that exactly. I’m just not a fan of the RG crowd.

Learning multiple languages makes you more versatile of course and Novak lives in Monte Carlo so it only makes sense. However you can see Santoro speaking slowly and simply to Novak. He’s not quite there yet.

Andy doesn’t need to learn French to improve his worth and he doesn’t seem embarrassed at all.

May 30th, 2015 at 9:54 am

Although the set was 6-1, See nothing from Nadal of old. 11 Unforced Erros in 52 points for him is a lot. Served poorly, 52% first serves. Face BP is 2 of the 3 Service games, being broken one time. The problem is Kznetsov serve doesn’t bother Nadal at all, so he was able to break all 4 times he served. But if he was playing a better opponent this set could be more competitive. The score doesn’t reflect that Nadal had an awesome display, he played much better against Almagro.

May 30th, 2015 at 9:57 am

Didn’t saw remaining matches due to time, but see everybody went thorough with no trouble.

Gasquet is down a set, Boleti lost first but is winning second so this matches could go 4th set or even 5. Nadal will win in 3 easy sets, Kuznetsov just doesn’t have a serve to win free points and trouble Nadal. He may even get an eventual break but he won;t hold his serve enough.

Sock, surprisingly is dispatching Coric.

May 30th, 2015 at 9:59 am

daniel maybe he’s just doing what he needs to do to get through, not over-extending himself? just a thought.

is anyone watching sock vs. coric?

re: novak’s french.

“Carole Bouchard ‏@carole_bouchard 44s45 seconds ago
“That was impressive… I took french in school for 7 years & have no idea…”, Kokkinakis on Djokovic’s French, and how he translated for him”

elina, why would andy be embarrassed and who said he should learn french? not me.

for novak it started in childhood – best time to learn languages – but you can tell he’s just interested. also jelena knows various languages and studied in italy. i read once that he learned italian to converse with her and others when he visited her there.

May 30th, 2015 at 10:03 am

It’s bizarre, Kuznetsov could play 3 sets and not hold serve once, he already was broken 5 times!!!

May 30th, 2015 at 10:04 am

also daniel, rafa’s on lenglen. i wonder if that smaller, faster court could affect his play?

May 30th, 2015 at 10:07 am

Jane, read above. Am not your secretary lol.

May 30th, 2015 at 10:12 am

jane,
It is true, in primary schools in Serbia, one foreign language is compulsory and second one is optional, in high schools depends which one you choose to go but one foreign language is compulsory plus Latin language or two foreign language are compulsory plus Latin language. Besides, Nole lives in Monaco for the last seven-eight years and they speak French. Young people pick up a language of the country they live in in no time.
Nole’s match with Kokkinakis was much closer than the result shows. Just check Kokkinakis stats and you will see how good Nole had to play to beat him. Nole’s stats are unreal. It was FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS!

May 30th, 2015 at 10:17 am

elina nor did i say you are. but you were responding to me. so not sure why you wouldnt say that to KatH if that’s where it was directed?

May 30th, 2015 at 10:21 am

thanks for the update on novak/4-k’s match wog boy! i wish second languages were compulsory here too. in europe, though, i guess people have more opportunity to use multiple languages. i couldn’t get over, for example, the last time i was in london how many languages you’d hear just walking down the street.

May 30th, 2015 at 10:24 am

KatH – “I don’t understand the bit about being a true Scot in relation to not learning French.”
==============
It means Andy is still struggling with English. Once he masters that, mastering more languages surely await.

True story – Novak went to UK as a 12 year old. Part of the time Judy Murray was his chaperon. Andy and he had many practices and a match or two. In the practices, Djokovic, fluent in English, couldn’t understand what Andy was saying. His thick brogue made what he said gibberish to Novak. They had to practice with hand signals. He later asked Judy how long it took her to learn to speak English.

May 30th, 2015 at 10:43 am

I don’t understand why people even critique a person who tries to learn and speak another language. It’s not gonna be perfect, no? I give them all an “E” for effort. If they choose not to learn another language, no big deal……

May 30th, 2015 at 10:50 am

No. It means he’s happy with himself and doesn’t see the need to seek approval from others, least of which the boorish Roland Garros crowd.

Not that difficult and no need to be insulting about it.

May 30th, 2015 at 10:56 am

….Elena I’m not a fan of the “RG crowd” either but Having lived in Geneva for 5 years I know that a great majority of the Swiss are fluent in at least 3 languages from early childhood …hence it is easy for Roger.

Of course Andy doesn’t need to learn some French to improve his worth, but I still don’t understand how learning some French would prevent him from continuing to be a “true Scot”
….whatever that is.

To ramble on a bit – Andy is my favourite player originally because he came from Scotland as I do, but subsequently because I liked his youthful tantrums (as I used to love MacEnroe’s) – so I’m not posting comments to be dismissive – even when I bemoan the fact that his second service often needs A&E attention. I call that free speech.
Cheers.

May 30th, 2015 at 10:57 am

I don’t believe I criticized anybody for that. I said it makes sense for Novak as he lives in Monte Carlo.

May 30th, 2015 at 10:59 am

I love to hear Andy talk. He gives the best on court interviews of the whole bloody lot!! I hope he always as peaks his true tongue! OKIE has spokie!

May 30th, 2015 at 11:00 am

My significant other is Scottish and agrees with me (not always).

By true Scot I meant stubborn in a healthy way. It was intended as a compliment. He doesn’t need to impress anyone.

May 30th, 2015 at 11:03 am

At least we are in agreement then that Andy is grandly.:)

May 30th, 2015 at 11:05 am

@WB, jane:

Nadal is playing on the Lenglen, and it seems it is much faster that the Chatrier. Twice faster, to be more precise. If Rafa plays Sock on the Lenglen, the American could have a chance.

On the Chatrier, it is much, much slower, and Rafa can almost run faster than the ball.

May 30th, 2015 at 11:12 am

he won’t play sock on lenglen, mat4. no way. i agree about chatrier and it’s also how big it is.

May 30th, 2015 at 11:13 am

Top guys only play on lenglen once a year before the fourth round.

May 30th, 2015 at 11:15 am

Anyway, Scots were always the allies of France against the French kingdom of England. So we can forgive them not to speak French. It’s not because of us, but because of Edward I and Cromwell. We still remember the Auld Alliance.

When I think about it, Scots are in facts Irish, Irishmen are from Spain, Spaniards are Celtiberians, that means Gauls, and the Gauls are French. So, Scots are French with a most terrible accent.

May 30th, 2015 at 11:19 am

Haha love your explanation, rich with ‘history’ mat4.

Are you sure that Spaniards are Celtiberrains? I thought that was mainly the Basque people. Their language is next to impossible to read and sounds more of a mixture of complex accents. Love Basque culture and their spirit.

May 30th, 2015 at 11:43 am

Don’t know if anyone would be interested, but I happened on to a great live stream feed. No interruptions with pop up ads and it had a constant feed, unlike live score hunter and sportlemon. It’s StopStream.me. I’m so glad I found this since I don’t have the tennis channel and TV isn’t showing the early matches. FYI….

May 30th, 2015 at 11:44 am

***na
Feather ruffler?
—-
Now matches start to get more interesting.

May 30th, 2015 at 11:45 am

Sock is on a roll brimming with confidence. I think with his own heavy topspin forehand plus a good serving day, he’ll be able to at least be more challenge than Rafa’s had yet on Chartrier.

May 30th, 2015 at 11:48 am

jane.

Was so interested to see Kokkinakis v Tomic last week that I woke up at 3 am to watch. Had to go to work straight after. I took notes, crazy as I am. Maybe will revisit details another time if it’s relevant. Will say this much: I was worried about Nole going 4 or 5 sets today, so woke up again at 3 am! And Wog Boy is right, Nole had to pull out his best. Scoreline doesn’t tell the story.

May 30th, 2015 at 11:58 am

It’s all pretty clear now Joker’s interest in linguistics – he can swear at the crowd in a different language each time he plays.

May 30th, 2015 at 12:03 pm

@Jalep:

Joking aside, Basques are probably not Celtiberians, although there are recent theories that affiliates Euskara to the Indo-european language family.

Then, Gauls were never well implemented in Aquitaine, where a paleo-basque substratum subsisted for centuries after the romanization. So, since it’s not my field, I am not sure.

May 30th, 2015 at 12:05 pm

Only if you are a bird my dear ******.

I guess after Andy dismissed Kyrgios, he can go have more sex now.

LOL mat4.

May 30th, 2015 at 12:09 pm

Guess we don’t need to wait for Cilic to challenge Ferrer, Bolelli already did push him – for 2 sets, anyway. Maybe if they play on Lenglen. Cilic can take him to 5 sets…or win??

May 30th, 2015 at 12:15 pm

@jalep:

We also know very little about the demographics of ancient times. There probably were not many more than 100000 Wisigoths. The Celtiberians is a name for different tribes with different populations, and probably with different languages. We know just to little, to few.

Anyway, you can check a bit here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_history_of_the_Iberian_Peninsula

although to connect those data with a historical timeline is very difficult.

May 30th, 2015 at 12:30 pm

mat4. I’m quite sure your history of Europe and languages is beyond mine!

I’ve known some families of Basque heritage when in Idaho- there is a large population of Basque’s there and a history center. One Basque acquaintance I made was French Basque. Only heard stories with claims of Celtics connection. My knowledge of their language comes from listening to cycling commentary in Basque during tour Pais Vasco. I though it was Eastern European sounding. Strange blend of something.

Looks like Nole v Gasquet.

May 30th, 2015 at 12:32 pm

Thanks mat4. Will check out the link. I’m very interested.

May 30th, 2015 at 12:34 pm

Mat 4

Like your shorthand history – don’t forget the Picts and the Norman conquest (a family-named ruined ancient building/castle in Peebles remains – even the sheep won’t live in it) –

and yes Scots have a terrible French accent – at least that’s what the Swiss said of mine – and to add insult to injury -even my American friends agreed.

May 30th, 2015 at 12:35 pm

@katH:

The Picts were French too. The only difference is that we used more white and they used more blue.

About the Norman conquest and the French English Kingdom… I have already written.

BTW, we would be very happy if, after a new referendum of independence, you immediately join a new Franco-scottich confederation. At least, we could beat those Englishmen in rugby. Perhaps. And you’d be quite happy with François Hollande as président. Personnally, I’d prefer Sean Connery…

May 30th, 2015 at 12:59 pm

mat4

Since I’m in the business of knowing my anti-retroviral regimens for those who need them, especially intersting to me is the human genetic haplogroup who doesnt need them, an European sub-group who has a natural resistance to HIV virus, H3,
but only a much higher intelligence than mine would know why or how they got that!

May 30th, 2015 at 1:25 pm

Ah Mat

The origin of the Picts is unknown – there is some connection with the life of St. Ninian (which incidentally is close to my area of current abode- Whithorn DG) St. Ninian associated the Picts with Druids — Scots of Dal Riata.

Kenneth (the 1st King of Scotland) – linked with the Picts. As for the white/blue – there were blue men of the Minch -(almost fairytale/possibly were…).

As for the next Referendum I’m casting for a FISH
for a Nouvelle Auld Alliance – something like a sturgeon.

Bonne Chance.

May 30th, 2015 at 1:38 pm

I haven’t seen Cilic play, but I’ve got a feeling he’ll take out Ferrer, and if he does, I think I’d pick him over Murray.

Anyone with me on this? I think the tournaments gotten much more interesting: we all expected Novak, possibly Rafa to run away with it. And maybe they still will, of course, but at least all the POSSIBLE lower-odds candidates are stll around for week two and looking formidable: Cilic, Murray, Federer, Wawrinka, Nishikori, Wawrinka, Berdych. I don’t think any other player’s were tagged as even dark horses before the tourney, and they are all there in the final 16. So the winner or Rafa/Novak is still going to have to do some work to hoist the cup.

May 30th, 2015 at 1:48 pm

some of the pundits picked murray and fed to win it all, tennis vagabond, but yeah; most went with novak and rafa.

not sure about cilic having a chance versus andy. andy has a great record versus big servers of all stripes. cilic played nole really closely at the FO and wimbledon last year before winning the us open and he does have a big game. still i would pick andy in that match up.

what are your thoughts on the other side? do you pick fed to get through?

May 30th, 2015 at 2:06 pm

Jane, I think everyone Fed will face is dangerous to him, except Nishikori which is more of an unknown. Still, if you have to pick one on that side, I would pick him, absolutely.

But please tell me, for real, what pundits picked Andy or Fed above Rafa and Novak??

May 30th, 2015 at 3:00 pm

some at espn TV.

May 30th, 2015 at 3:05 pm

Vagabond – As the pundits who pick Fed or Muzz note, they expect a titanic Nole-Rafa battle with the winner possibly beat up, with lost energy. An easier time for Murray or Fed if he emerges from that side of the Draw. It’s happened before.
Personally, I think Andy could be a beneficiary, but not Fed. I think Berdych will take him if they meet, and that assumes Fed can get by La Monf. Of course, if Berdych is in the Final, being Berdych, he is likely to lose. But wouldn’t the Gods be laughing if somehow Berdych wins and walks away with Novak’s holy grail…

May 30th, 2015 at 3:13 pm

@ Jane

Yr. question – thoughts on the other side -Federer or Kei.
Second side: Nadal, Nole or Murray

Can’t get closer.

Winner – not Federer or Kei – hence N.N. Or M.

May 30th, 2015 at 3:23 pm

The French crowd won that match for Monfils. It’s so nice to see thehome crowd lifting their man up when he seemed to be down and out. Good for LaMonf, but also sorry for Cuevas who just couldn’t hold it together when the crowd began chanting.

May 30th, 2015 at 3:32 pm

On a more serious note (although, KatH, the origin of Picts is well, ask my grand father, he was there, very nice people he said, never eating Romans on fast days), I believe that it is a bit too early to dismiss Ferrer’s chances, Berdych’s chances too, to underestimate Wawrinka either.

The road to the final is still ahead, and there’s no guarantee whatsoever.

While Novak is a slight favourite against Gasquet, Rafa has a clear advantage against Sock. But if Sock serves well and Rafa gets nervous, it could be close (although it probably won’t be).

Murray should win against Chardy, although Chardy played very well so far. But then, I guess that Ferrer is waiting for him, and, for me, Ferrer is a more accomplished player on clay, and should be the favourite in their match. Anyway, until he loses against Andy on clay, he remains the favourite for me.

I also think that Ferrer should win against Cilic. He returns well, and is very consistent. Those could be the keys in their match.

In the other half, if Berdych wins against Tsonga, it will be a difficult task for Nishikori. Berdych was the more consistent player this year, he is better ranked, and his power gives him an advantage on slow clay.

Fed hasn’t won against Monfils yet. He is the favourite, but his margin doesn’t have to be wide.

Wawrinka plays against Simon. Simon could create a surprise, although I don’t see it. Then, against Federer, we would have the same type of surface like last year in MC, where Wawrinka won.

So, let’s wait and see. The tournament seems very open to me.

May 30th, 2015 at 3:49 pm

I had read that the basque are a remnant of the Neolithic europeans(prior to indo-European)

May 30th, 2015 at 4:05 pm

Novak is a slight favourite against Gasquet, eh?

May 30th, 2015 at 4:12 pm

@TF76:

That’s the usual theory. But other theories exist too. Whatever you read even in scientific papers, the truth is that we don’t much about it.

May 30th, 2015 at 4:13 pm

Same with Picts. We don’t know much about them, their name just disappeared in sources. It is most probable that the people didn’t disappear (anyway, they didn’t call themselves “Picts” anyway), but we lack evidence about what precisely happen.

May 30th, 2015 at 4:15 pm

TK was pretty impressive today. I watched portions of the second and third sets. Based on that display, I think he could have beaten a lot of good players today but he ran into a player in sizzling form. Djoko was simply outstanding especially on serve which seems to have become quite formidable. He was very good at the net too. TK has improved since I saw him last and the basics appear to be in place. It is a matter of polishing now but we have seen many seemingly serious talents not realizing their potential after showing early promise. TK seems quite composed and had a quiet determination about him which is encouraging. I think he could be one to watch out for at Wimby if movement on grass is not an issue. His game seems well suited for quicker conditions.

Djoko showed again why he is the favorite to win the event. It seems he is very well-equipped to handle any condition and any opponent. It’d take a monumental effort to stop him in his tracks. In fact, I think only a seriously bad day at the office can prevent him from winning this event. If he plays at a high level, I can’t see how anybody can beat him at the moment. This french open appears to be entirely on his racket.

May 30th, 2015 at 7:55 pm

Which courts will players be scheduled Monday?
Will it be arranged like Sunday – 2 wta/2 atp on each court; French/top seeds Chartrier? Lower seeds/non-French on Lenglen?
Chartrier:
Nole v Gasquet
Petra v Bacsinszky
Andy v Chardy
Serena v Stephens

Lenglen:
Errani v Goerges
Rafa v Sock
Mitu v Van Uytvanck
Ferrer v Cilic

If so, does this give Marin a little advantage on a slightly faster court? (I’ve seen both Cilic and Ferrer and think Cilic will surprise Ferrer)

Sock will still lose, but does it make a difference v Rafa that the match might be on Lenglen?

Had to look up Mitu and Van Uytvanck…#99 and #88, respectively.

May 30th, 2015 at 9:38 pm

I am going to join in the discussion of Novak’s “pathetic” French. Last year I saw Novak in a TV talk show for French television. He held his own talking, chatting, joking with 5-6 people sitting round a table for at least half an hour. One needs a minimum level of French to do that. The host congratulated Novak on his French.

Given that French is his 5th language: he speaks Serbian, English, German and Italian fluently… and that his main job is playing tennis, he’s not doing too badly, I don’t think. :-)

Changing subjects to his level of tennis, I think he’s doing ok. :-)

May 30th, 2015 at 10:08 pm

So it’s the first major tournament I’m missing in years and Andy decides to play consistently well in his toughest slam (minus one hiccup)? grrrr Although it’s maddening to only be able to check scores occasionally on twitter, there’s also a sense of a burden lifted. You get home and it’s all done, no stress. Still prefer watching though.

@Tennis Vagabond – “I haven’t seen Cilic play, but I’ve got a feeling he’ll take out Ferrer, and if he does, I think I’d pick him over Murray. Anyone with me on this?”

I’m not. Andy has Cilic’s number. He has too much variety as well as proven tactics to neutralize his power/disrupt his rhythm. Bad match-up for Marin The 2 wins Cilic managed came on fast-ish HCs in Rotterdam & USO. Maybe significant? Can’t see it on slower clay. Lastly, he has already beat him at RG (in straights) back in 2009 – the ungainly clay ages :o Not impossible of course.

For entirely selfish reasons I hope your prediction about Ferrer is correct, although I’m very fond of him. Andy still hasn’t cracked that nut and their battles are so intense and draining – not least for me!

May 30th, 2015 at 10:32 pm

Yolita, I’ve not seen Novak speak French, but if what you describe is true, that requires a lot more than a minimum of French! I’ve spoken French as a second language my whole life and I would find such a situation challenging!

@DA: we’ll have to catch up in 4 days!

May 30th, 2015 at 10:36 pm

Novak’s french speaking skills are nowhere near “pathetic” and only a hateful person could state such a silly claim.

“sorry, but for me it is”, (s)he says, and that’s just it. It’s a biased statement from someone who obviously isn’t his fan. I bet that everything he does is more or less “pathetic” for her/him.

And that’s truly pathetic.

May 30th, 2015 at 11:54 pm

@kriket,
I owe an apology for going to hard on you, the only reason I did it was ” начин на који си се обратио Шушкици да сви виде, на крају крајева сви смо наши, треба да се чувамо”.
Пеаце Бротхер

May 31st, 2015 at 12:48 am

Love that French chant: Endeeeeee Mureeee!
Lets Go Andy! Let’s Go!
@ the DA
Well, he did get to the semis last year, bad back and all, so here’s hoping.
Courier was very interesting, for once ;) Will that man EVER shut up? However, basically he said Ivan sucked the joy out of Andy’s game and it has returned with Amelie.
Thoughts?

May 31st, 2015 at 1:19 am

From the Pot to the Kettle

I’ll go to Church today and confess my sins.

@ Margot
Exactly, my sentiments: Will that man ever shut up? Also following a panful of runny scrambled egg comments and getting a quiet response, he said: “Oh I didn’t know you knew Murray that well.”

May 31st, 2015 at 3:34 am

hey kriket, yolita – glad i am not the only one who finds novak’s level of french quite impressive rather than pathetic.

May 31st, 2015 at 3:51 am

@margot – That’s an interesting comment. Lendl was certainly from the 1-2-kill shot! school of thought and I’m not unhappy that he made Andy aware of the merits of that approach ;) But his game is naturally inclined towards variety; he just loves that kind of game. From the few clips I saw of yesterday’s match, he employed it successfully. I’m all for it but I hope Amelie also stresses the value of aggression/standing on the baseline too.

May 31st, 2015 at 4:14 am

Re: languages:
Wog Boy,
I may have understood incorrectly but you said the second foreign language in Serbia was optional? In Belgrade it’s certainly not the case. Everyone studies two languages English being a must and Russian, German or French (now I hear Italian as well) being offered in different schools. In my elementary school it was French (this one was an experimental school so we started with French in the first grade) and English (from fifth grade on). My husband learnt English and Russian. The school my older son started before we moved back to the States offered English and German. It was never an option but part of the curriculum.

May 31st, 2015 at 5:08 am

@Danica,
I was talking about period when I went to school, primary and high, it was one foreign language by your choice, I picked English my siblings picked Russian, In the high school (matematički smer gimnazije) I added Latin, my siblings added French (društveni smer gimnazije) on existing Russian and Latin. I am talking about 60’s, 70’s and I am correct, second language in primary wasn’t compulsory, maybe later became.

May 31st, 2015 at 6:46 am

It looks like in other countries, they encourage learning how to speak foreign languages which is commendable. In the USA, it is not and the schools they don’t even encourage proper grammar. Most Americans speak only English and with poor vocabulary, grammar and spelling at that.

May 31st, 2015 at 7:06 am

@6:46 am “second language” meaning “second foreign language”

May 31st, 2015 at 7:21 am

You guys! Roger ties Rafa with 11 fourth round appearances! Impressive.

May 31st, 2015 at 10:21 am

Wog Boy,
I was born in 1971. So, started the first grade in ’78. Two foreign languages were part of the curriculum. I had Latin for one year in high school. I don’t know what the school program was before my time :), but since my first days in school, two foreign languages were mandatory.

May 31st, 2015 at 4:24 pm

Danica,
you are soo young, when you were born I was already in high school (2nd Belgrade Gimnazija), can we swap:)

May 31st, 2015 at 6:05 pm

Thanks Wog Boy but I would rather swap with someone younger ;), no offense ;)

May 31st, 2015 at 6:21 pm

Wog Boy and danica:
Ok, while we are on subject of languages here we go: ( while you read this imagine in the background music from ‘Grlom u jagode’…)
Born in 1971
First kiss-Kalemegdan 9 years old
First concert-Partibrejkers (Akademija )
Two languages-English and Rusian
Srednja skola-3 gimnazija two years and then 14 Gimnazija ( kod Kalenica ) for 2 years…

May 31st, 2015 at 7:12 pm

“First kiss-Kalemegdan 9 years old”

9 years old and first kiss, you were advanced and naughty boy….plus “ponavljač”;)

May 31st, 2015 at 7:46 pm

^^I was wrong, haven’t added properly your years in school, no, you are not “ponavljač’, but you were naughty boy:)

May 31st, 2015 at 7:49 pm

Hello everyone over here on this thread. :D just evesdropping…

Was in tears today when Contador was on top step of podium in Milan, Wog Boy. Nice that both my Astana boys, Fabio Aru and Mikel Landa, were up there too.
Glorious 98th edition of Giro d’Italia!

May 31st, 2015 at 8:04 pm

jalep,
unfortunately I was/am so busy these days that I am just crashing into my bed when I get back home late in the evening, so I missed Contador on the podium, but I am happy he won, happy for you too. I hope the other favorite of yours will do the same coming sunday…to stand on the top step:)

May 31st, 2015 at 10:09 pm

@Danica,
Don’t blame you:(

May 31st, 2015 at 10:12 pm

Courbon,
I believe my first concert was also Partibrejkersi but in SKC ;). Akademija was the place where I used to go in the early 90-ies ;). Nice memories…

June 1st, 2015 at 12:35 am

Wog Boy-Yes, I was advanced as young boy-then I regressed as I got older…
So, whats your take on wednesdays QF?
Danica:
I was out of country by 1991. I used to play with my band in Akademija in 88,89,90’s and my last concert was in basta SKC-a with rock’n’roll royalty in the public-Koja, Orgazam, Brejkersi…
First koncert in SKC-Tony Montana;
Yeah, good memories-naive and full of dreams

June 1st, 2015 at 3:23 pm