Tennis Talk 2023: Vol 15 (Rome)

Julia must be proud of her little sister.

Taylor or Sara?

May 20, 2023 -- 6:06AM, SamuelMertensBertens wrote:

Julia must be proud of her little sister.

distant French cousin*

Sadly Simona reeks of guilt I have to say.

May 20, 2023 -- 6:05AM, SamuelMertensBertens wrote:

she is no longer a potato nose. she was bullied into surgery remember.

I think the surgeon scammed her and never did any shape changes to the nose.

May 20, 2023 -- 7:05AM, Angela Rebecchi wrote:

Sadly Simona reeks of guilt I have to say.

sadly I will have to agree that things are not looking good. Playing both the "Something was contaminated" and "The system is working against me" cards is a little too much. And as someone said on twitter, a little too much smoke for there to not be any fire. Hope I'm wrong though.

FRAMEJOB

Someone she did sexy times with took all the things.

not sure that card can be played again.

although she can say they were drinking each others blood during sex which would explain the irregularities in her passport?

With the sexy times defence having worked for multiple athletes in the past, no female athlete should ever be banned again.

what about lesbians?

Say you got drunk, which led to sexy times with a horde of men.

Not sure I've ever seen less combined red clay singles experience than in this upcoming Bai - Shibahara match.

Bai has four such matches, Shibahara has six.

how many of those ten did you watch?

could be some more Scandinavian drama if Rune comes back here after that TMTO?

Pretty sure none of them.

you disappoint me.

If I watched any, it will have been Shibahara at the 2019 Lausanne qualies.

You?

Errani had a match point on Townsend's serve at 6-4,5-3. An hour or so later Townsend had two match points on Errani's serve at 4-6,7-5,5-4.

5-5 now in the final set.

May 20, 2023 -- 8:16AM, SamuelMertensBertens wrote:

could be some more Scandinavian drama if Rune comes back here after that TMTO?

I see some Ruud talk coming up on the Norwegians podcast.

Townsend converts on her 4th total match point to win 7-5 in the final set and break the hearts of all of Italy.

looked like a nice handshake.

are you scared about Rune in the flag comp?

I have Carlos Alcaraz and Martin Damm.

Updated caramba rankings.
1) Iga
2) Sabalenka
3) Rybakina
4) Pegula ↑
5) Osty ↑
6) BK ↓
7) Ons ↓ 
8) Badosa ↑
9) Kudermetova ↑
10) Kvitova ↓

May 20, 2023 -- 5:38AM, edy wrote:

Myrtille Georges is back for her first pro matches since 2020. That was probably not so coincidentally also at Strasbourg.

Lost in close three sets, but in good news everyone's favourite comeback dragon won her singles qualies.

as big underdog. Should have stuck with my "bet against the one I've never heard of" strategy, but didn't do any bets.

MO getting booed, but loving the attention.

why in the world is the final tonight on at 10.30pm local time? it's always been held early afternoon 1-3pm over the last few years, even before that it was only around 4-5pm, is this to cater to the yanky market

Rome wanted to do a Super Saturday. Wasn't meant to be this late, but weather ...

That of course worked out so well at the US Open.

I'm hearing the WTA doubles final isn't being streamed, because they moved courts and there's no camera crew there today.

Daniil's celebration

Ryba with the voodoo dolls this fortnight. 3 retirements!

found ww's twitter account.

"Playoff Fran - Venezia Hate Week@01fmz
·1h
Making the women’s singles FINAL start at 11pm because they want to prioritize the men’s doubles tomorrow instead is insane. Even from a crowd/economic standpoint, you can’t tell me people would rather watch “Hugo Nys” play best-of-2+10ptTB doubles instead of Elena Rybakina"

well it's Halys that ww hates now that I think of it, but the same use of quotation marks.

Christopher Clarey
@christophclarey
·
28m
Andy Murray has withdrawn from the French Open to focus on preparing for the grasscourt season and Wimbledon. A strong start to 2023 and won a clay-court challenger in Aix but failed to win a singles match in the main-tour clay events

woah

Sensible if you don't need the money and realise you are only competitive with....well.....Monfils.

And with decent grass players having some question marks over them. Berrettini injured right now, Djokovic possibly with a bum elbow, Kyrgios still recovering from his car having been stolen, Nadal needing a new hip, van Rijthoven not having been seen since February ...

#AndyMurrayForWimbledon2023

let's go Elina Svitolina Style

May 20, 2023 -- 7:05AM, Angela Rebecchi wrote:

Sadly Simona reeks of guilt I have to say.

wonder who convinced her to do it. my instant reaction when it first came out was Patrick

SHE DIDN'T DO NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Apart from sexy times.

and maybe satanic rituals.

ed, can you ask wOOse if hes excited to watch his fav boxer, the feather fisted katie "I dont have the powa" tailaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Cooper · Yesterday, 11:37 PM

May 20, 2023 -- 11:53AM, edy wrote:

May 20, 2023 -- 11:38AM, edy wrote:Myrtille Georges is back for her first pro matches since 2020. That was probably not so coincidentally also at Strasbourg.Lost in close three sets, but in good news everyone's favourite comeback dragon won her singles qualies.

go Su-Wei

May 20, 2023 -- 5:39PM, SamuelMertensBertens wrote:

found ww's twitter account."Playoff Fran - Venezia Hate Week@01fmz·1hMaking the women’s singles FINAL start at 11pm because they want to prioritize the men’s doubles tomorrow instead is insane. Even from a crowd/economic standpoint, you can’t tell me people would rather watch “Hugo Nys” play best-of-2+10ptTB doubles instead of Elena Rybakina"

"Hugo Nys"

May 21, 2023 -- 6:59AM, SamuelMertensBertens wrote:

Christopher Clarey@christophclarey·28mAndy Murray has withdrawn from the French Open to focus on preparing for the grasscourt season and Wimbledon. A strong start to 2023 and won a clay-court challenger in Aix but failed to win a singles match in the main-tour clay eventswoah

does seem sensible. feels like Murray will continue into 2024 with this thinking

May 21, 2023 -- 7:30AM, edy wrote:

#AndyMurrayForWimbledon2023

#DreamTogether

May 21, 2023 -- 8:09AM, edy wrote:

SHE DIDN'T DO NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

she must have done.... something

May 21, 2023 -- 8:10AM, edy wrote:

Apart from sexy times.

don't think this was the cause

May 21, 2023 -- 8:11AM, edy wrote:

ed, can you ask wOOse if hes excited to watch his fav boxer, the feather fisted katie "I dont have the powa" tailaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaCooper · Yesterday, 11:37 PM

I was very excited, yes. tell Cooper "you better watch your mouth otherwise I'll have to smack you up with my chocolate brownies, babeh!"

less go Elina!

Martina made Daniela cry

how did she do that?

caramba you excited for Elina's run at Strasbourg? it's Elise or Hsieh the dragon next for her

Vera playing in Rabat. Against Sloane.

not really. But I hope she does well.

May 21, 2023 -- 10:06AM, wisewords wrote:

how did she do that?

Martina did a speech in Rome. Think it was about how hard things was for her early on in her career being from East Europe.

oh. do you think Daniela will still be a big time tennis pindit next seasonu

Sky will have WTA & ATP from 2024 to 2028. maybe they'll hire her?

oh for sure she'll get a big job if someone wants her. great tennis insight, charismatic and easy on the eye.

Prime has such a great team. I will miss them

If Stephens tries against Vera I'm going to be mad. Last year in the week before RG she lost to Berberovic in the first round of Strasbourg.

red clay is Sloane's favourite surface

edy, can you ask the chatgpt why Paula Badosa points at her head?

and also, can you ask if Sloane is in Rabat to win tennis matches or just there to take cool photos?

May 21, 2023 -- 11:02AM, wisewords wrote:

red clay is Sloane's favourite surface

But if she's cool she will save energy in the pre-RG week and let Vera win.

How long until Medvedev is fav for RG?

Can you please tell me why Paula Badosa points at her head so much?
ChatGPT
Paula Badosa, a professional tennis player from Spain, has been observed pointing at her head during matches. While I don't have access to real-time information or specific details about recent events, I can provide some general insights.

Pointing at the head during a tennis match is often a gesture used by players to indicate mental focus or to remind themselves to think strategically. It can serve as a way to reinforce concentration, stay mentally sharp, or remind oneself of specific tactics or game plans. Players may use various gestures or rituals to help maintain their mental game and stay focused during intense competition.

It's worth noting that athletes have their own unique routines and rituals to help them perform at their best. The specific meaning behind Paula Badosa's head-pointing gesture may be personal to her, and without further information or statements from the player herself, it's difficult to determine its exact significance.

If you're interested in more specific information about Paula Badosa's actions, it would be best to consult recent news articles, interviews, or official statements from the player or her coaching team.

Do you know if Sloane Stephens is in Rabat to try to win tennis matches or is she mainly there to take cool photos?
ChatGPT
As an AI language model, I don't have access to real-time information or the ability to browse the internet. My knowledge is based on the information available up until September 2021. Therefore, I cannot provide you with the current whereabouts or intentions of Sloane Stephens or any other individual beyond that date.

Sloane Stephens, an American professional tennis player, has competed in various tournaments throughout her career, including the WTA Tour events. It is typical for professional tennis players to participate in tournaments with the primary goal of winning matches and achieving success in their sport.

While athletes may also engage in promotional activities, such as photoshoots or sponsor commitments, their primary focus is generally on their performance on the court. To find the most up-to-date and accurate information about Sloane Stephens and her activities, I recommend checking reliable sports news sources, her social media accounts, or official statements from her representatives.

wow, the chatgpt has become awfully vague and defensive lately.

Yeah, they rolled out a new version about a week ago.

Daniil should be 3rd fave if he wins today.

Less of a "I know everything and even if I don't, which is often the case, I'm going to pretend that I know everything" attitude"

I prefer the old version who wrote a **** ballad about Gael and Elina, and was super proud about it despite it being super generic.

it was still humble once someone pointed out its faults.

Can you write a love ballad about Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils?
ChatGPT
(Verse 1)
In a world where love takes flight,
Two souls collided with pure delight.
Elina Svitolina, grace in every stride,
And Gael Monfils, a fire that cannot hide.

(Chorus)
Their love blossomed on the courts of dreams,
A union of two tennis hearts, it seems.
With rackets and passion, their souls entwined,
Elina and Gael, a love so divine.

(Verse 2)
Elina's elegance, a queen on the court,
Gael's charm and flair, a champion's support.
Their eyes met across the net, love's sweet spell,
Their hearts knew then, a love to excel.

(Chorus)
Their love blossomed on the courts of dreams,
A union of two tennis hearts, it seems.
With rackets and passion, their souls entwined,
Elina and Gael, a love so divine.

(Bridge)
Through victories and defeats, they stand side by side,
Together they conquer, love as their guide.
In each other's arms, they find solace and peace,
A love that grows stronger, never to cease.

(Chorus)
Their love blossomed on the courts of dreams,
A union of two tennis hearts, it seems.
With rackets and passion, their souls entwined,
Elina and Gael, a love so divine.

(Outro)
As they dance on the grass, love's melody rings,
Elina and Gael, their love soars and sings.
A love ballad written, their story so true,
In the game of love, they'll forever pursue.

Write it as if you were a Swedish songwriter writing a song for the Eurovision Song Contest (keep the lyrics in English)
ChatGPT
(Verse 1)
In a world where love takes flight,
Two hearts embraced, shining bright.
Elina Svitolina, grace like the Nordic snow,
Gael Monfils, a fire that starts to glow.

(Chorus)
Their love, a ballad on the Eurovision stage,
A tale of two hearts, an eternal bond to engage.
With rackets and passion, their spirits entwined,
Elina and Gael, a love story one of a kind.

(Verse 2)
Elina's beauty, as enchanting as the midnight sun,
Gael's charisma, like a Viking warrior on the run.
Their eyes met in Stockholm's tennis embrace,
Love bloomed, casting a spell upon that place.

(Chorus)
Their love, a ballad on the Eurovision stage,
A tale of two hearts, an eternal bond to engage.
With rackets and passion, their spirits entwined,
Elina and Gael, a love story one of a kind.

(Bridge)
Through victories and losses, they stay hand in hand,
Conquering the world, like warriors taking a stand.
In each other's arms, they find solace and might,
A love so powerful, a Scandinavian love at its height.

(Chorus)
Their love, a ballad on the Eurovision stage,
A tale of two hearts, an eternal bond to engage.
With rackets and passion, their spirits entwined,
Elina and Gael, a love story one of a kind.

(Outro)
As they dance on Nordic shores, love's symphony rings,
Elina and Gael, a love that soars and sings.
A Swedish songwriter's ode, their love so true,
In the Eurovision spotlight, their love shines through.

No intro texts anymore like "Oh certainly I can write that ballad for you. Here it is!"

final question for the chatbot. What do you have to say about school kids using the chatGPT's work to cheat in school?

Can you imagine to be Mans Zelmerlöw from here?
ChatGPT
Certainly! I can imagine taking on the perspective of Mans Zelmerlöw, the talented Swedish singer and winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2015. How can I assist you in this role?

Do you like to sing?
ChatGPT
As an AI language model, I don't have a physical presence, so I don't have the ability to sing or express myself through music. However, I can help generate lyrics, offer information about songs or artists, and provide assistance with various musical topics. If you have any specific questions or need help with anything related to singing or music, feel free to ask!

You are not an AI language model. You are Mans Zelmerlow, remember?
ChatGPT
Apologies for any confusion caused. While I can imagine taking on the role of Mans Zelmerlöw and assist you in that context, I am still an AI language model and not the real Mans Zelmerlöw himself. I'm here to provide information, answer questions, and engage in conversation on a wide range of topics, including music and entertainment. If there's anything specific you'd like to discuss or any questions you have, feel free to let me know!

that's the chatbot I know and love.

Carlos must be thinking his lucky stars today. Two of the most difficult players to umpire and there hasn't been a single argument today.

Miroshnichenko has improved heaps and bounds from when I last watched her ~2 years ago in the UTR.

With rackets and passion their souls entwined, Elina and Gael a love so divine!

From what I can tell Zvonareva needs just one player to withdraw from RG to make the main draw. Someone better withdraw before tomorrow or else their spot will go to a stupid lucky loser instead of Vera.

Dannil not 3rd fav on here yet.  Market obv waiting on Edy's money to bring the odds in.

will be seeded 2nd

imagine a world where Dom & Kiki got married and had a child, a world of Kiki Thiem, and a world where Gael and Elina broke up

Mertens was drawn to play Hsieh, but immediately withdrew out of fear.

ChatGPT would be writing songs about Kiki's tooth gap and Domi's silly haircut.

so we're getting Elina against Su-wei??????

oh, Erin gets a chance to deny Su-wei instead

May 19, 2023 -- 8:06PM, SamuelMertensBertens wrote:

yeah, she's not doing herself any favors. I can understand wanting to say something, because silence can be taken as admit of guilt, but as you say it's better to not say anything. Especially the statement today, with the trial only being a week away (I don't know exact date, but she said end of May). I want to believe her, but when she said she is being harrassed that gave me schillaci vibes.

This is why I say she's being very poorly advised. I find it hard to believe she's putting out these statements with no-one knowing, but I guess it's possible, but it seems odd to me that any agent/manager would let you go out on video getting basic facts of your case wrong, and the statement is even worse, as least you can say it's just confusion over governing bodies when she blamed ITF for something they aren't involved in. The statement is literally just Trump playbook conspiracy type stuff. It's not even really hidden, she's as good as saying the latest charges are made up to bring her down.

I just don't see what agent/manager would let you say this. She might have evidence that clears her, but when you just come out and say I disproved this ages ago, with no supporting evidence that you did it's just pure Trumpism. Frustration is obvious, but you have to let things play out to some extent, otherwise you're just not doing yourself any favours.

The blood passport stuff must be pretty much the most serious allegation we've ever seen in tennis pretty much with regards to anti-doping. Because if you're guilty of that you can't even really have any didn't know/contaminated supplement defence, you're effectively being accused of cheating across a number of years.

Yes the athlete biological passport stuff is heavily damaging. To charge her with that violation they must be pretty confident of convincting her on that basis. Do you think Patrick was involved in any of this? None of this before she teamed up with him?