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[OldScotSupport]

Yes Queen's should be a 500.  Absolutely ridiculous that it isn't given its prestige value.  Maybe prestige alone counted for something years ago, but things have moved on in the tennis world.

I think that it's all to do with money. Further, the powers that be listen too regularly to the Spanish tennis association. As you have remarked several times Spanish players do not like grass and until perhaps Nadal retires from the scene nothing will change.

Again as many MW members have stated too few grass tournaments and too many clay ones are in the annual calender. To change matters would require the top members of the ATP committee to approve an increase in grass and reduction in clay. It probably won't happen as once again money is king.

[Ruthie]

Thanks for posting the list for Madrid tmh.
How odd that Andy did 2 interviews with Frost.  I thought it was my memory which was letting me down again.
I know this is about RG rather than Madrid but don't think we have a RG thread yet: just read that ITV is going to be covering RG and it will provide more free to air coverage than BBC used to do.  Good news for people who don't subscribe to eurosport and potentially also for the rest of us as might mean we can escape croft and willander.  Mark P is in the comms team and also the magician - Santoro.  Loved him as a player and I think he's lovely so let's hope he's a good comm too.  But what does it say about the BBC?  Looks like it's tennis coverage is now confined to Queens and Wimbledon, which reinforces the British view that that's the only places 'real' tennis happens.

[Bevc]

I love it!  Reminds me of Australia   and if I can see the ball more clearly, then that's a bonus too.

[Caz]

I'm reserving judgement on the blue stuff till after the tournament! I like the colour, but if it does prove to be slippery, I'm hoping the players would band together and refuse to play!

[Emma Jean]

How much will Madrid tell is much more interesting to me since, you know, all the top contenders are all there. We'll see where both Nole and Roger are at both physically and mentally and we all know where Rafa is right now. I guess we can expect the least from Andy realistically speaking. And then there are others. I do like Rome better.

[jdonald]

If it is slippery the organisers will  have to look into this.

it could be dangerous for all the players;

[Aileen]

Thanks Hazel.

What Nole had to say about it: http://www.madrid-open.com/en/noticias-tenis-masculino/djokovic-ganar-aqui-dio-un-gran-empujon-a-mi-confianza/
 
What are your first impressions after training on the Mutua Madrid Open’s new blue courts?
 
I have a lot of impressions. Well I think I need some time, actually I need a couple of days to practice on this surface until I can give a clear judgement on how this surface is and what it feels like. The first impression is that the bounce is a little bit different. Especially with the slice, it bounces low. It’s hard to judge. It’s the first time that I’ve ever played on blue clay. I’m sure these people are doing everything they can to prepare these courts so that players feel comfortable, but it’s only Wednesday and there is still a lot of time until my first match.

Firstly, I'm glad Nole seems to be coming to terms with the death of his grandfather, but I wonder how it might still affect his performance.  He's very tough mentally, but ...

Secondly, I want to hear Andy's opinion on the surface.  Unfortunately he seems to have disappeared.  Still can't find anything about him anywhere.  Mystery Man!

[Katie]

Roddick has withdrawn from both Madrid and Rome due to a hamstring injury. Shame. He just can't seem to get fit this year.

Fish has also withdrawn from Madrid.

http://www1.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/7729391/