philwrig wrote:

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I knew this one was a massive win for them, and yes Ken is a generous chap, the number of times last summer I tried to offer to buy him drinks/meals and he refused. Can't think of anyone in my life who has turned down those sorts of offers from me, basically cause they know they don't get them too often, haha.

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 The banter/conversation also encompassed your fantasy football skills LOL

My lips are sealed

Bob in France wrote:

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Skupski Bros

Pleased to report that the guys were terrific today right from the first point to the last. An 83% first serve stat in the 1st set was an indication of how well things went. But with these doubles matches, however well you play, a couple of points here and there can change the whole complexion of the match. At 3-3, they faced a BP on Neal's serve but held on well before going on to break in the next game and then comfortably see out the set.

In the second set, they broke early and never really looked in any trouble with Ken looking as solid as a rock on the volleys and overheads. But as they said afterwards, without a win so far this year, pressure can be a funny thing. As Neal served for the match at 30-15, Pavic blasted a fabulous crosscourt return, but as Erlich inched to his left, Neal carressed a stunning backhand half-volley winner down the line. It even brought a few claps from their opponent's coach. Had it been 30-30 when serving for the match, that could have got the nerves jingling, but at 40-15, all was good and they sealed the match with the next point for a well earned victory.

It was clear too, at the end how much this result meant to them having had two close loses so far this year and after the match, the banter contined as their "on site fan club" took some light hearted stick. Ken suggested that given my new business venture, I should drop the Bob in Spain/France/Croatia/Brazil nickname and just go with Bob the Builder. I soon forgave him though as he sorted me out a free lunch in the players lounge with himself, Neal, Colin and Jonny. Anyone jealous yet

As I left today, I notice Rosco has arrived to bolster the supporting ranks as well. The more the merrier, I say.

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Lovely report, Bob   - & I'm jealous as hell!  

Thanks Bob for the report. Good to hear that the Skupski's got the win. Will be good for the three British pairs (I count John Peers as well because his partnership with Jamie has brought the best out of his game) to go deep in the tournament and also keeps the positive support between the players going. Double's has seen such a change since the introduction of the Match Tie Break to decide the final set.

Good to hear also how Ross has come to support the doubles players also. He is a miss to the doubles circuit but the positive aspect his he made a full recovery.

Hope you manage to see Jamie tomorrow and maybe Colin + Jonny in their next match.

Could you put in a good word for me for a free lunch for Saturday?!  I'll be cheering loudly for them if they are still playing. I was born not too far from Dunblane in Stirling so have played tennis as a youngster at Bridge of Allan Sports Club which might bring some recollections to both Jamie and Colin.

Stircrazy wrote:

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Colin & Jonny are going to have their work cut out in the QF:

QF:  (1) Pierre-Hugues Herbert & Nicolas Mahut (FRA/FRA) CR 50 (30+20) vs Colin Fleming & Jonny Marray CR 135 (76+59)

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They were watching the match this evening, eyeing up the opposition. 

Jamie and John up first tomorrow. All other Brits will have to wait until Thursday

mathieuw wrote:

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Thanks Bob for the report. Good to hear that the Skupski's got the win. Will be good for the three British pairs (I count John Peers as well because his partnership with Jamie has brought the best out of his game) to go deep in the tournament and also keeps the positive support between the players going. Double's has seen such a change since the introduction of the Match Tie Break to decide the final set.

Good to hear also how Ross has come to support the doubles players also. He is a miss to the doubles circuit but the positive aspect his he made a full recovery.

Hope you manage to see Jamie tomorrow and maybe Colin + Jonny in their next match.

Could you put in a good word for me for a free lunch for Saturday?!  I'll be cheering loudly for them if they are still playing. I was born not too far from Dunblane in Stirling so have played tennis as a youngster at Bridge of Allan Sports Club which might bring some recollections to both Jamie and Colin.

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 Ross still has TD job at Queens doesn't he?  Not much else to do for the rest of the year ...

Maybe he's going to be involved in Davis Cup?  Or at least is assessing the doubles guys for Leon?  There'll be some difficult choices to make ahead of the tie in Glasgow that's for sure.  We have some very good doubles players at the mo'.  Perhaps Ross is brokering a 'pair' that could beat the Bryans irrespective of how well they get on when playing and which doesn't involve Andy who'll be needed to win 2 singles.