Necker Island ...

So how's it all going down on Necker Island?

To be honest, I haven't really spent any time trying to work out or understand the format of this "exhibition" tournament.  It's like its a bunch of players both past and present, plus lucky others and Branson family members, have got together in a little bit of private paradise to knock a few balls about.

Lucky them.

But back in London, a bit of kvetching is going on ...

Top tennis players complaining about no off season. Surprise, surprise longer off season,Exhibitions galore coming up next few weeks
— Greg Rusedski (@GregRusedski1) November 13, 2013

Boo hoo, Greg. It probably cheesed you off having to sit in the Sky Sports studio with Boris last week whilst he was going blah, blah, blah about his little trip to the Caribbean which - of course - due to Rusedski's lack of presence in the game or anyone really caring a jot about him ... he would never be invited to as a past pro in the first place. Haha. Rusedski - the PoD fanboy - is now firmly on my Twonk List as he declared before the start of the WTF final when lovely Mo mentioned the 25 second rule to the players, that no umpire at the start of any of the WTF matches had warned the players about this rule, and that Djokovic's team must have been to speak to the ATP to make sure that it be enforced. Tosser. EVERY umpire had drawn the players' attention to this rule before the start of EVERY match, and it would be bloody rich of the Djokovic team to go complaining to the ATP about anything, considering their player took as long between points as Rafa did and they BOTH committed the heinous crime of going 2-3 seconds over. I'm so over that discussion, I really am. Move on!!

Anyhow, Dr Ivo felt compelled to respond to the Grinning Goon ...

@GregRusedski1 longer off season = top players making more money = not top players have no opportunity to make money..
— ivo karlovic (@ivokarlovic) November 13, 2013

Boo hoo. Now I know Karlovic has been a bit ill of late, but so what? I don't think I'm being obtuse by thinking that he's one of those "not top players", but the guy has earnt almost $5 million dollars for serving for a living. I'd probably have to work 70+ years on my current salary to earn that kind of dosh. And if the "not top players" perhaps worked a bit harder and showed more of the kind of dedication that top players have to exhibit, then they might do better too. Notwithstanding that, I wouldn't have minded spending the best years of my young life, travelling the world doing something I loved to do whilst eking out some form of income. Do I sound sympathetic?  Hehe.  I should be so damned lucky!!

But on the subject of exhibitions. Would I prefer Rafa being at home doing nothing and then after a good rest, start preparing for the next season? Probably. But do I think he's flogging himself on the holiday island of Necker? No I don't. I think he's probably having a laugh and a good time. And having a couple of knock-abouts with David Nalbandian in Argentina I don't see as too exerting either. There's been a few occasions when Rafa has had to endure 2 x Bo5 set matches to try and win the Davis Cup with Spain at the end of the season. So Davis Cup vs a couple of exhibitions? Precisely.

But back to Rafa ...

Yes ... looking good.  And I don't mean the bruiser on the left.  :D :D

But oh ... the funniest thing in Rafa's match today.  He shared the court with Sumo. No, not the wrestler ... THE DOG!!!!

Now we all know that Rafa doubts the intentions of our beloved 4 legged friends, and I'm not sure if he's demonstrating here to Sumo how to play a right-handed forehand swing, or if he's gesturing to the island dog catcher to just back off for a moment whilst the dog makes his own way off court.  Lol.

I wonder if Sumo took longer than 25 seconds ... ???