Tennis!

[Lineker]

Andy Murray has announced he has pulled out of the Australian Open with a hip injury.

[Bobfoc]

And Konta has pulled out of Brisbane with an injury. British tennis isn't looking healthy right now.

[Adam]

None of tennis is, they need to do something about it. Nigh on everyone has injury problems, most of the world's top 10-15 male players have had significant time off in the past year missing many key events.

[therockbox]

I think Murray completely wrecked his body in that push to get to World #1. I don't think he'll ever get back to a full time schedule or be anywhere near the level needed to win another Slam.

[Bobfoc]

Murray at least has the luxury of being able to work a lighter schedule now, having met the relevant ATP criteria. We're now seeing how much of an advantage that's giving Federer when he's up against a field of exhausted players.

[Adam]

5 hours ago, Bobfoc said:

Murray at least has the luxury of being able to work a lighter schedule now, having met the relevant ATP criteria. We're now seeing how much of an advantage that's giving Federer when he's up against a field of exhausted players.

How does this work? Is it to do with Protected Rankings?

[Bobfoc]

12 minutes ago, Adam said:

How does this work? Is it to do with Protected Rankings?

Players over the age of 30 who have played more than 600 matches and completed twelve years on the ATP circuit are exempt from having to compete in a minimum number of tournaments each season. Murray now fulfils those criteria, so he wouldn't be fined for not competing in tournaments when he's considered medically capable of doing so. From now on, like Federer, he should be able to pick and choose his schedule more freely.

[MDK]

Edmund might be into the quarters here. And apparently it is hot enough to melt concrete.

[Bobfoc]

3 hours ago, MDK said:

Edmund might be into the quarters here. And apparently it is hot enough to melt concrete.

He'll need to beat Karlovic or Seppi before the quarters. That would be a great achievement.

[MDK]

6 hours ago, Bobfoc said:

He'll need to beat Karlovic or Seppi before the quarters. That would be a great achievement.

My TV is a bit shit and I couldn't figure out why Edmund was using the St George Cross 

I'd love a Kyriagos vs Edmund final.

[hugobomb]

Edmund has made the quarters!

[Bobfoc]

He's done very well. Dimitrov or Kyrgios will probably provide the biggest test yet, but he should be confident enough to at least give it a good go.

[MDK]

Pity it is on at such a stupid time in the morning 

[Bobfoc]

Dimitrov will be Edmund's opponent, after winning a long match against Kyrgios. I'm glad because Kyrgios is a ballbag.

[Adam]

Edmund took the first set, Dimitrov fighting back in the second but this one could go the distance.

[Bobfoc]

What a win. I really didn't see Edmund winning, but I'm glad to be wrong. Nadal or Cilic next.

[MDK]

Listened on the wireless and sounded like a corker of a match. Imagine if he beats Nadal!

[Baddar]

It's Cilic, Nadal out injured. Retired in the 5th set.

[Bobfoc]

Edmund v Cilic should be a hard-hitting battle.

[MDK]

Not sounding so good for Edmund