Wilson releases limited-edition gold (K) factor tennis rackets, Venus & Serena sign on for charity

Wilson has released limited-edition versions of the gold (K) Factor tennis rackets used by 2-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams and, of course, reigning and 4-time Wimbledon titlist Venus Williams at this year's Championships.

Only 650 of each model will be available, with ten percent of the proceeds going to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). Additionally, Venus and Serena will autograph 10 rackets that will be auctioned off to support the charity. (via Sybarites)

UPDATE - The FED CUP Chronicles: Sharapova claims, "...I am always invited to play for Russia."

The "FED CUP Chronicles" continue this week for World No. 2 Maria "Shriek"apova. The Russians beat a Venus Williams-led U.S. team in the semifinals after Maria withdrew from playing with an injury; they will take on Italy for the title. Recently, Russian FED CUP captain Shamil Tarpischev was quoted as saying, "I feel it just wouldn't be right to invite Sharapova this time."

However, Maria claims a different story according to a recent post on her website:

"It is important to me that people realize some reports about my status with the Russian Fed Cup team during the past two weeks are false. Here are the facts.

I have been in contact with Shamil Tarpischev through my father who is currently in Moscow, and he has assured us that he was misquoted by some of the Russian media. He never said that I was not invited to the Fed Cup Final. He repeated that I am always invited to play for Russia.

I have told Shamil and the Russian Federation that I will make myself available to play in the finals if they need me. My injury created a problem, and I understand and respect that many of my Russian teammates who competed in the first two rounds should get the first chance to play in the finals. I told Shamil that I will respect his decision on the players he chooses in the finals. I congratulate the players on the recent victory, and, whether I am chosen to play or not, I will be cheering for Russia."

Who is telling the truth here? It sounds like Tarpischev is playing both sides of the draw, appeasing the players who have played the previous rounds, but keeping Maria on a string since they're playing on fast, indoor carpet - a surface that plays up her strengths.

Let us know what YOU think is going on.

UPDATE 7/27/07: World No. 7 Anna Chakvetadze, competing at the Bank of the West Classic and member of the winning Russian FED CUP team, had this to say about Maria and her chances for the final:

"The captain decides, but I think it would be weird because we played quarter-finals and semi-final with the same team," Chakvetadze said.

"I don't think that the captain will decide to take Maria. She's a great player, but usually people don't do it like this. Tarpischev is a diplomat, so you never know how it will go, but I would be okay if she's on the team. I have nothing against her."

(image courtesy of AP Photos)

+ FRIDAY NETCORDS: Roger vs. Pete, Maria vs. Rafa...Annie Leibovitz shoots the Grafassi's, 2008 Olympics and more

- Catching up with the Grafassi's: Here are some active retirees. Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf are keeping busy these days. The tennis power couple are planning to build a $600 million dollar Fairmont resort hotel in Idaho, equipped with a rock-climbing wall, a machine that simulates kayaking, and a bowling alley, too. As if that weren't enough to keep the mulitple Grand Slammers busy, their mugs will be featured in an upcoming advertising campaign for Parisian fashion label Louis Vuitton along with former Soviet Union president Mikhail S. Gorbachev and shot by famed photog Annie Leibovitz.

- Tennis Diary says "B" girls (that's B-level players) need love too and can play some A-level tennis...what says you?

- John McEnroe and Maria "Shriek"apova were on hand to close out the Newport Beach Breakers tournament. Wanna see them play some doubles? Click here.

- 2008 Olympics update: The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour has agreed to allow players to accrue ranking points at the Olympics, and the total number of participants from a single country has been raised from 4 to 6 (a country can nominate 4 singles players and a separate doubles team if they choose.)

- On a break during the Bank of the West Classic this week Daniela Hantuchova played tennis, both real and the Playstation variety, with race car driver Bruno Junqueira, who is in town to compete in Sunday's third annual San Jose Grand Prix. Was a love connection made?

- Tennis tips from mom: Tennis mom Judy Murray, momma of both Andy and Jamie, explains hardcourt tennis, from how the court effects the ball to winning strategies on this unforgiving surface

- This weekend catch the ending of the World Team Tennis season, featuring the championship match between the Sacramento Capitals against the Springfield Lasers, on RadioTennis.com

- Rafael Nadal vs. Maria "Shriek"apova? It could happen at the inaugural Merdeka Tennis Challenge at the Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam on Nov 18-25. Roger Federer and Pete Sampras are scheduled to play a match, with Rafa's opponent being either Maria or Marcos Baghdatis, both of whom are expected to play exhibition matches.

- Peter Bodo wants to know which men's players you think are "Hott". Submit your list, in order of hottness, now...

(image courtesy of victoriax21)

The FED CUP Chronicles: Sharapova claims, "...I am always invited to play for Russia."

The "FED CUP Chronicles" continue this week for World No. 2 Maria "Shriek"apova. The Russians beat a Venus Williams-led U.S. team in the semifinals after Maria withdrew from playing with an injury; they will take on Italy for the title. Recently, Russian FED CUP captain Shamil Tarpischev was quoted as saying, "I feel it just wouldn't be right to invite Sharapova this time."

However, Maria claims a different story according to a recent post on her website:

"It is important to me that people realize some reports about my status with the Russian Fed Cup team during the past two weeks are false. Here are the facts.

I have been in contact with Shamil Tarpischev through my father who is currently in Moscow, and he has assured us that he was misquoted by some of the Russian media. He never said that I was not invited to the Fed Cup Final. He repeated that I am always invited to play for Russia.

I have told Shamil and the Russian Federation that I will make myself available to play in the finals if they need me. My injury created a problem, and I understand and respect that many of my Russian teammates who competed in the first two rounds should get the first chance to play in the finals. I told Shamil that I will respect his decision on the players he chooses in the finals. I congratulate the players on the recent victory, and, whether I am chosen to play or not, I will be cheering for Russia."

Who is telling the truth here? It sounds like Tarpischev is playing both sides of the draw, appeasing the players who have played the previous rounds, but keeping Maria on a string since they're playing on fast, indoor carpet - a surface that plays up her strengths.

Let us know what YOU think is going on.

(image courtesy of AP Photos)

Calling on David Beckham: A hairy situation on the men's tennis tour

The tennis news is few and far between these days. The players, both men and women, are fine tuning their hardcourt games for the final Grand Slam of the year, the US Open. A win, or at the very least a good showing, could salvage a player's entire year (are you listening Andy Roddick & James Blake?)

With this free time, I've had a chance to notice a very disturbing, and growing, trend on the men's tour: offensive, unforgiveable hair. And not just bad haircuts but haircuts seemingly grown that way on purpose.

I've pictured a few of the worst offenders here: David Ferrer (Spain - above left), Jose Acasuso (Argentina - above right), Igor Andreev (Russia - below left), Nicolas Lapentti (Ecuador - below middle), and Sergio Roitman (Argentina - below right).

When looking for great hair inspiration, these players need not look any further than new Hollywood transplant, and hair-enthusiast, David Beckham. He has worked every hairstyle known to a man - see for yourself:

If there's one thing Becks can teach these men it's this: it's not the hair...it's how you wear it.

(images courtesy of AP Photos)

Keepin' up with the Serbs: updates on Jelena, Novak, and Ana

The sensational Serbs are gearing up their games for a run at the last Grand Slam of the year, the US Open. World No. 3 and play-aholic Jelena Jankovic has been the quietest, taking a much needed vacation in Marbella, Spain. “After extremely exhausting, but very successful season, I decided to have a one-week rest from tennis and go on a deserved vacation," said Jelena. "I really needed it and I enjoyed it. Marbella is a wonderful place. Since my zodiac sign is Pisces, I spent most of the time on the beach and in the sea, went jet-skiing and swimming." I wonder if that makes Jelena compatible with her Aquarian mixed-doubles partner, and much rumored love interest, Jamie Murray? (image courtesy of Blic Online)

Meanwhile, men's World No. 3 Novak Djokovic has been competing at the Croatia Open this week and suffered a stunning loss to fellow Serb Viktor Troicki in the second round. "Of course I'm disappointed," said Djokovic, "but you have to turn the page and look ahead after such a loss." His next stop: the Montreal Masters on August 6.

Ana Ivanovic has become a non-stop media machine. The World No.5, who recently signed a lucrative deal to be the face of Peugeot in Eastern Europe and was profiled in USA Today and CNN's World Sports, is appearing in the newest issue of Interview magazine. Her next stop on the tour: The Rogers Cup on August 13. The global domination continues... (via AnaIvanovic.com)

Which one of the Serbians will win the first Grand Slam? My bet is on Ana Ivanovic. Tell us what YOU think.

+ WEDNESDAY NETCORDS: A-Rod, Roger & Rafael sing...Monte Carlo saved, Tennis Planet hearts Lindsay Lohan and more

- Cheaters sometimes win: SI's Jon Wertheim provides his top-5 list of ways tennis players toe the line between gamesmanship and all out cheating. My personal favorite: "4. The fake "gimme": Jimmy Connors patented this move. At a non-critical juncture in the match, you concede a point to your opponent on a questionable line call, giving the impression you're an honest sportsman. Then at a crucial juncture, you hit a ball close to the line that's called unfavorably and then you appeal to him to return the favor." Ew, that's sneaky...

- How they got the 2 biggest male tennis stars to do this we'll never know. Want to see Roger Federer singing "Simply the Best"? Click here. Want to see Rafael Nadal sing "La Bamba"? Click here. Simply hysterical...

- Monte Carlo will keep its status as a Masters Series tournament after the organizers filed an antitrust lawsuit against the ATP in April over its plans to demote the event as part of a reshuffling of the calendar from 2009.

- Tennis Planet is a calling a split between Jimmy Connors and Andy Roddick "inevitable" due to the current state of Roddick's game. I'm not so sure they know what they're talking about over there. TP also thinks the women of the WTA Tour should act more like a certain freefalling partygirl of the moment. Get a grip.

Tatiana, Richard and French tennis

Frenchie World No. 19 Tatiana Golovin, of the Wimbledon red knicker fashion uproar this summer, has hooked up with 7-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander for coaching assistance. According to Tati, "He doesn't like the part of women's tennis where we hit as hard as we can and not really think out there...He's going to make me think more, see the court better and play more like a guy, which could be better." (images via Tennis Served Fresh)

Speaking of the French and Wimbledon, Richard Gasquet is still on Andy "A-Rod" Roddick's mind...I mean his devastating loss to the talented Gasquet in their epic quarterfinal earlier this month, that is. A-Rod, speaking from the Indianapolis Tennis Championships, said, "I don't know if I am over it...I was pretty down. It was of the most disappointing losses of my career because I felt I was playing well enough to have a shot." Though feeling down, he went on to say, "...the best therapy for me is just getting back out there and presenting myself with a new challenge."

With the US Open around the corner, this news certainly bodes well for the French particularly with rumors swirling that Amelie Mauresmo may withdraw from the final Grand Slam and the rest of the 2007 tennis season.

+ TUESDAY NETCORDS: Mark & Marion, Jelena flies solo...Jake Gyllenhall and more

- Reality check: Mark Philippoussis, current reality TV star and former Wimbledon finalist (remember?) is in talks for a second reality show about his "comeback" to tennis (collective sigh)

- Speaking of Wimbledon finalists: Can Marion Bartoli back up her great run at The All England Club, beginning at the Bank of the West Classic this week? She thinks so.

- Mid life crisis: The USTA tells The New York Times the average age of a tennis fan is 45 - get a grip, or better market research at least

- Beggars CAN be choosers: Former Top 10 player and current World No. 9,999 Jelena Dokic turns down help from Tennis Australia, which would require the Serb to train with the AIS Pro-Tour program in Surbiton located in London. According to the article, Jelena "wants to do her own thing." True, she's been losing all on her own so why stop now?

- OFF TOPIC ALERT: Jake Gyllenhaal is #1 on AfterElton.com's Hot 100 list

Radek Stepanek worms his way to a win, Blake falls

Unseeded Radek Stepanek, also known as the future Mr. Martina Hingis, won the ATP Countrywide Classic on Sunday besting No. 2 seed James Blake in 3 sets. After dislocating a disk in his neck last year and losing the use of his right arm, Stepanek can hardly control his excitement, busting out the "worm" for all the lucky spectators. Could he BE any happier?

But what about Blake? Peter Bodo says the book on how to beat him is out there and it's not the one he wrote himself.

(images courtesy of AP Photo)

SIGHTING: Venus Williams works out, grabs some grub

Looking no worse for wear after her hectic schedule recently - 4th Wimbledon crown, FED CUP semifinals, World Team Tennis - Venus "V" Williams prepares for the US Open with a good run on UCLA's track.

Afterwards, V took a break from training to grab some lunch with a friend on Sunset Boulevard in LA. She must be having a 70's fashion moment - the kelly green short-shorts with white piping to workout, white halter top & high-waisted flared jeans to lunch.

(via Bossip)

+ MONDAY NETCORDS: Venus, Serenapova, Lindsay is top 10...J.K. Rowling and more

(image courtesy of bridgepix)

- Answer: Rafael Nadal. Question: Who was an inspiration to J.K. Rowling when she was writing the global phenomenon known as Harry Potter?

- Billie Jean King & Venus Williams: a force to be reckoned with

- Lookin' good: Sportscaster Ted Robinson believes new mom Lindsay Davenport still has top-10 skills

- Who is the best female player never to win a grand slam?

- Donald Young Jr. is US tennis' next great hope - no pressure, really

- Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova make the Forbes Celebrity 100 list

FASHION FIX: The naked truth about Serena Williams' style

Serena "ReRe" Williams is certainly a woman
comfortable in her own skin. In the new issue of the now defunct Jane magazine, ReRe bares all for the magazine, with nothing but silver metallic heels and flowers for cover.


In the caption, ReRe says:

"I’ll take off my shirt in a second - locker room girls don’t have much shame. Once I was getting ready to go out and my hitting partner, who is my best friend and, like, Greek god - handsome, walked into my hotel room, it wasn’t awkward for me, but he freaked out."


The clothing returned for ReRe this weekend as she attended the exclusive "Beckhams Welcome to LA Party", hosted by Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes and Will Smith & Jada Pinkett Smith. Continuing her black and white theme that began with The ESPYS red carpet and continued at the Louis Vuitton & Details magazine event, Serena looked stylish in a black silk charmeuse belted jumpsuit, black open-toe stilletos, and large gold hoop earrings.

FASHION FIX: Ted Baker celebrates tennis with a Wimbledon-inspired sneaker

Though our beloved Wimbledon has come and gone, British fashion brand Ted Baker pays homage to the prestigious Grand Slam tournament with the Men's Grip Basket Woven Fashion Sneaker.

These kicks showcase Ted Baker's innovative style, with a basketweave leather upper, signature script detailing, and a quirky grass print insole. Moreover, the sneaker features rubber traction outsoles, cleverly detailed with tennis balls, delivering a reliable grip. Colors include dark brown (pictured) and black.