We've been admiring a new girl in town - 18-year old Agnes Szavay. We love her game - solid serve, hard groundies, variety, excellent movement - and, of course, her flirty skirt moment. The former junior French Open champ has been making serious noise at this week's US Open warm-up, the Pilot Pen, by reaching the final as a qualifier and taking down World No. 10 Daniela Hantuchova earlier in the week.
And it seems we're not the only one's taking notice: SI's Jon Wertheim has picked the Hungarian to reach no less than the SEMIFINALS at the Open, with a potential matchup against fashion-loving Russian Maria "Shriek"apova.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
New girl in town: Tennis ingenue Agnes Szavay makes run to Pilot Pen final
Friday, August 24, 2007
SIGHTING: Roger Federer honored by Anna Wintour at Men's Vogue Dinner
Roger Federer was the guest of honor last night at a dinner for the World No. 1 thrown by Anna Wintour, top fashionatrix of Vogue & Men's Vogue, and held at the Grammercy Park Hotel restaurant, Wakiya, in New York. He attended with long-time girlfriend, Mirka Vavrinec. Other luminaries in attendance included Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Donald & Ivanka Trump, Diane Von Furstenberg, Rachel Weisz, and Jimmy Fallon. (via NY Magazine)
HOT or NOT: Rafael vs. Novak
Here we have 2 of the hottest players on the ATP tour, and we're not talking about their games. Spain's Rafael Nadal has an incredible body - those arms are sick. Plus, the Spaniard has some serious "junk in the trunk." We think he looks good best when he's giving it his all on the tennis court - and not bad off it either.
Serb Novak Djokovic has powered his way to No. 3 in the world and is pushing for the top. We know he packs some serious heat in his game and otherwise. But the best part: the Djoker has this tendency to always want to take his clothes off - something Down the Line! and some others can truly appreciate!
HOT or NOT: Rafa vs. the Djoker. Tell us!
SIGHTING: Venus Williams visits David Letterman, talks tennis and fashion
After announcing the launch of her new sportswear collection EleVen with Steve & Barry's, Venus Williams visited Late Night with David Letterman to discuss her US Open chances and her new clothing line. Here's V arriving working a full EleVen outfit and then what she wore on the show.
Didn't get to see V on the show? Check it out here!
SIGHTING: The boys of the ATP get cookin' for charity
Continuing the media merry-go-round before the US Open, a few of the boys from the ATP tour put down their tennis rackets and picked up a spatula for charity. Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, and Lleyton Hewitt joined chef Todd Mark Miller to prepare food at the 8th annual 'Dacor Taste Of Tennis' charity event at the W Hotel in New York City.
A-Rod looked his typical jovial self while Rafa won the award for "Hottest Tennis Player in an Apron." But could Hewitt look any more disinterested? He should get some pointers on how to fake it for the camera from his wife, Aussie actress Bec Hewitt. It's for charity, man!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
+ THURSDAY NETCORDS: Venus & Serena, US Open seed report, Andy's troubles...Tim says farewell, being a ballboy (or girl) and more
(image courtesy of fotoizm)
- Farewell: Britain's Tim Henman is retiring after Davis Cup in September.
- The Sisters Sledge, Venus and Serena Williams,will be opening the night sessions at the US Open, with both sisters playing Monday evening after the tribute to Althea Gibson on the 50th anniversary of her win in New York.
- Reality check: Some in the media are criticizing the US Open Series commercials for suggesting the players in the spots are playing the tournaments and coming to a town near you. Geez, if we believed that then we'd believe cavemen really were living in LA and starring in their own TV show. Get a grip.
- The NY Sun profiles Roddick's year so far, and gives us this stat: "Roddick has had one of the worst years of his career as a returner [...] This year, he has won only 17% of his return games, 5% less than last year. In the four return categories tracked by the men's tour — return games won, points won off first serves, points won off second serves, and break points won — Roddick ranks among the worst in the game. He doesn't break the top 50 in a single category and is ranked 60 or below in three of them." Coached by one of the greatest returners in the history of tennis, what gives?
- SI's Jon Wertheim services his men's and women's seed reports for the US Open...no surprise on the men's draw, but check out his semifinal bracket for the women...interesting.
- Playing with balls: A inside look at the ball(person) tryouts, and images of those who made the cut in action
- Daily Racquet wonders: Was the AGK Ball Lounge Chair from the Agassi Graf Collection inspired by Unisphere at the USTA National Tennis Center?
- New York magazine, our latest obsession, gives their tips for enjoying the US Open experience. Our personal fave: "Family drama! Juniors matches are also held during the Open, and they can be riveting. It’s especially fun to pick out the parents and watch the match through their facial expressions and gesticulations."
FASHION FIX: Spain's sexiest players get dressed, turn up the heat for Spanish Marie Claire
Fernando Verdasco
Some of Spain's hottest tennis players are appearing in Spanish Marie Claire under the title Sex Point: Tenistas Espanoles. Stepping out of their tennis gear and into some fashion duds, these players strike a sexy pose.
Carlos Moya & Guillermo Garcia-Lopez
Tommy Robredo & David Ferrer
(via ATP)
FASHION FIX: Venus Williams launches EleVen clothing line, will wear collection at the US Open
One of tennis' most famous fashionistas is launching her own clothing line. Venus "V" Williams has partnered with Steve & Barry's, whose low-price clothing has attracted sports/celebrity collections with New York Knicks' Stephon Marbury ("Starbury") and actresses Sarah Jessica Parker ("Bitten") and Amanda Bynes ("Dear"), to create a clothing line named EleVen. The sportswear line will include high-performance, lifestyle and active clothing and footwear exclusively for retailer Steve & Barry’s.
V will be involved in the design and marketing of the apparel line, and gave some insight into the inspirations behind the collection:
V will be involved in the design and marketing of the apparel line, and gave some insight into the inspirations behind the collection:
On the name EleVen:
"Eleven is a good number," [...] "It was part of my address growing up in Compton [Calif.]. It also represents the top of the top, because people always say, one out of 10, but it's an 11. You can be more than your best in EleVen."
On why she wanted to launch her own collection:
"I have always been into fashion," [...] "There are a lot of celebrities who are into fashion, but I actually go to school for it.I am going to graduate as soon as I finish my portfolio. I am living the fashion student's dream, which is to have your own line."
On her design philosophy:
"It's all about having a fashionable fate, whether you're at the gym, or you're going shopping in your EleVen clothes."
On the famous bodies she's like to dress in EleVen:
"Obviously, the first on my list is Serena," [...] "And I would love to dress Janet Jackson. I think she is great, and the picture of ultimate fitness. I would also love Jennifer Lopez, because I think she has a great figure, and I think it's a figure that women aspire to."
V will be showcasing pieces from the collection during this year's US Open. The former No. 1 adds the EleVen line to her already growing portfolio including her design company V Starr Interiors.
(via wwd.com)
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Maria Sharapova unveils US Open dress, talks fashion and function
Maria "Shriek"apova spoke with the press about the design details and inspirations behind the US Open dress. Here are some interesting tidbits:
- The dress is a sleek garment made of a breathable wicking jersey and constructed with a no-sew technique with seams bonded with heat and silicone instead of thread.
- There are more than 600 Swarovski crystals incorporated into the design.
- There also are three crystal buttons down the back, creating a keyhole effect.
- The dresses are decorated with graphic interpretations of the cityscape on the chest.
- The designs were created in collaboration with Nike senior designer Colleen Sandieson.
Here's some of what Maria "Shriek"apova had to say about the tennis dress and what inspired the design:
On the NYC-inspired color of the dress:
"I've worn a red top before but never a red dress, but there is no better place to do it than New York."
On her personal style:
"I don't like things with too much pattern ... things that are tacky."
On tennis gear as fashion:
"It's always important to feel comfortable in what you're wearing when you're playing, but in tennis, you can do so many things with your wardrobe."
...More of Maria Sharapova's US Open '07 Nike fashion
More Maria: Here is the second Nike dress Maria "Shriek"apova will be sporting over the next 2 weeks at the US Open. Seems like Nike is continuing with their classic black + white moment of late.
We definitely like this one better - the detailing at the neckline is a nice touch. We presume she'll wear this color in the day, leaving the shocking red number for after hours, or her night match.
LADY IN RED: Maria Sharapova reveals US Open '07 dress
Here are some first looks at Maria "Shriek"apova's latest Grand Slam dress, courtesy of Nike. The defending champion at this year's US Open, Maria wants to make sure she's noticed. We don't think that's going to be a problem this year...
This dress is one of 2 she will be wearing.
More images to come!
SIGHTING: Andy Roddick is Hamptons magazine's latest coverboy, attends event in NYC
Andy Roddick was the guest of honor at the Hamptons magazine US Open celebration event last night at Tenjune in New York. A-Rod arrived in an electric blue Rolls Royce Phantom courtesy of event sponsor Grey Goose.
The tennis hottie graces the cover of the newest issue of Hamptons magazine.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is an ultra-luxury saloon automobile made by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, a BMW subsidiary, in the United Kingdom. It was launched in 2003 and is the first Rolls-Royce branded car made under the ownership of BMW.
Ana Ivanovic gives it up for Vogue & Men's Vogue
More Serbian news: Like hottie Novak Djokovic, Ana Ivanovic is not opposed to showing off her goods. But she's decided to give it up to Vogue and Men's Vogue this month, continuing her Global Domination Tour in style. Here's a look at the Vogue spread "mighty aphrodite".
Men's Vogue interviewed Ana for the "courtly behaviour" piece during Wimbledon, where she reached the semifinals. We think she looks gorgeous in the Stella McCartney dress and Christian Louboutin mary-janes. For more of the interview, click here.
(courtesy of anaivanovic.com)
Novak Djokovic in shorts, packs serious heat
Okay - as if we needed more proof of Novak Djokovic's hotness. Wow - what is tennis' sexiest Serb packing in those shorts?
We have our own guesses...oy...
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
SIGHTING: Boris Becker & girlfriend share some public lovin'
Tennis legend Boris Becker has no problem sharing his love in public. Here's the 6-time Grand Slam champ on vacation in Ibiza getting frisky with current girlfriend Sharlely Kersenberg.
Of course, Boris' most infamous moment of public fornication happened when he was discovered getting in on with model Angela Ermakova in a broom closet at Nobu in London - resulting in a daughter, Anna, and a divorce from his wife at the time, Barbara Feltus.
Some things never change...
(via of thisislondon)
+ TUESDAY NETCORDS: Nicole, Patrick, Roger vs. Nadal...Wilson goes green, TENNIS magazine gets caught and more
Arthur Ashe Stadium, USTA National Tennis Center
- Go green: Wilson Racquet Sports is following the green trend has launched a new Green Initiative that will work to develop and implement environmentally responsible products and manufacturing procedures across the racquet brand’s major product categories.
- Eye candy: A clip of a bunch of shirtless male tennis players for your viewing pleasure...
- SI's Jon Wertheim profiles the rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal and compares them to the days of Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova saying, "Classic rivals Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova became fast friends. Once, before they met in a Grand Slam final, one of them had her period, and together they scoured the locker room for a tampon. While Federer and Nadal aren't quite at that point yet (and not simply because neither menstruates), unmistakable warmth passes between them." That's T.M.I - too much info, Mr. Wertheim.
- Everything you ever wanted to know (and a few things you probably didn't care to know - favorite breakfast cereal?) about Nicole Vaidisova
- The USTA and JP Morgan Chase bank have signed a 5-year worldwide promotional partnership agreement to be the premiere sponsor of the US Open which includes naming rights to the electronic line calling challenge system and "Chase Review" branded replays on television broadcasts and on in-stadium video boards.
- Patrick McEnroe gives New York magazine his "Nine Rules for Watching the US Open". Our personal fave: 3. Watch the players from behind. That's never a problem for us...
- Checkmate: Chess bloggers wonder aloud: Did chess help Roger Federer?
- Tennis heads staying at The Ritz-Carlton in Cancun can now visit The Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center, a premier sporting facility offering world-class tennis programs all year round. Services range from private lessons and morning clinics, to group tournaments and corporate socials. Custom-designed classes using Drysdale-style and technical instruction take place at the three outdoor hard courts overlooking the Nichupte Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea.
- Busted: Is TENNIS magazine guilty of comment boosting on their blog (posting fake comments to boost readership numbers)? Tsk, tsk...
THE LOW DOWN: Adam Levine rebuffs 'dead frog' comments about Maria Sharapova
Maroon 5 lead singer Adam Levine is denying he made remarks to Russian magazine eXile about tennis superstar Maria "Shriek"apova's non-shrieky ways in bed. Levine was quoted as saying:
“She wouldn’t make any noise during sex. I can’t tell you how disappointed I was. I really thought, like a lot of guys, that she’d be the loud screaming type. But instead, she just lay there like a dead frog. She even got angry if I started to moan, said it ‘ruined her concentration.’ It was so disillusioning that I went on Paxil for a month afterwards. Really, it was much more of a shock than when I found out there’s no such thing as the Easter Bunny.”
The Maroon 5 singer’s publicist, Dvora Englefield, had this to say recently:
“I represent Maroon 5 and wanted to let you know that the quote on [PerezHilton.com] [from the Russian newspaper] isn’t true. Adam never said this, and they only met once at Maria’s birthday party in 2004.”
I guess that's that...
(image courtesy of James Minchin)
PREVIEW: Rafael Nadal's US Open '07 Nike gear
A huge "thanks!" to Rafael Nadal's PR team for handing us this preview of what clothing sponsor, Nike, is outfitting the World No. 2 in for his run to the US Open title.
"The essence of Rafael’s on-court look, featuring not only superior style, but also advanced Nike Sphere React Dry technology."
"Conquer the court with the same attitude and style as Nadal in these all-condition three-quarter length Dri-FIT shorts."
"An elite-level shoe designed with enhanced torsional rigidity and durable XDR rubber compound to enhance the powerful plays Nadal’s known for."
We are loving the fashion color combo - it definitely plays up the Spaniard's personality and boundless energy.
Could this be Rafa's big win off the clay? We know one thing: New York is ready for Rafa!
Monday, August 20, 2007
FASHION FIX: Lacoste previews the Stealth Fall 2007 sneaker collection
Frenchie sportswear label Lacoste is releasing the Missouri 85, a high performance tennis shoe, and one of the first by Lacoste for all-terrain. This style is part of the larger Stealth Fall 2007 Collection, which also includes the Ravan 3 (we'll cover that style later.)
Seen on both hard and clay courts in the mid 80's, they now feature a premium leather and suede mix. Additionally, they come in 4 colorways.
We like the rugged sportiness of the shoe, though we probably wouldn't go with this particular color.
Is this a BIG HIT or BAD MISS for Lacoste? Tell us!
Venus goes on shopping spree for New York magazine
New York magazine, the magazine of news and cultural happenings for our beloved city, interviewed 6-time Grand Slam winner Venus "V" Williams and asked her to imagine how she would spend her Wimbledon (equal prize) winnings - $1.4 million dollars, that is. Here's some of what V said:
- Hire V Starr, her design company, to furnish the NYC apartment she shares with sister Serena (at a nice discount of course)
- Gibson J45 acoustic ($8,000 for a vintage 1955 model at Matt Umanov) & a purple Fender Stratocaster ($6,000 at Sam Ash) for herself
- A pink Fender Strat ($6,000 at Sam Ash) for Serena
- Custom king-size mattress ($10,400 at Duxiana), and sheets from Frette ($6,950 for a Helena Limited six-piece set)
- A Frette bathrobe ($550)
- 12 pairs of Giuseppe Zanotti strappy shoes embellished with big jeweled alligators, snakes or butterflies ($7,800 for twelve.)
- For mom, Oracene: A shopping spree at St. John or Escada ($50,000) and an Infinity QX56 ($57,960, fully equipped).
Not a bad list at all. But, tennis superstars V & Serena playing dueling guitars on the Eagles' "Hotel California"? Now that's something we'd pay to see.
SIGHTING: Lindsay Davenport doubles up with son Jagger, talks motherhood
3-time Grand Slam champ Lindsay Davenport is returning to tennis action this week, playing doubles at the Pilot Pen. She was accompanied by a special guest during her press conference: Jagger Jonathan Leach. "I can't believe I'm subjecting him to this at such a young age," said Lindsay.
The former World No. 1 also talked about motherhood saying, "It's been a blast. Being a mother is pretty wild," [...] "Anyone who has a child knows that your life changes, your responsibilities change. But I've felt my whole life that I've wanted to be a mother. It's a lot of balancing right now between practicing and spending time with him. But it's going to be really exciting to get back out there again."
(images via Connecticut Post)
Sunday, August 19, 2007
INSTANT REPLAY: a look back at this week's top tennis plays
COURTSIDE
The king and his reign
Maria gets in shape
Getting into a retro kinda mood
The law according to Venus
Sveta's feeling flirty
Le Coq Sportif: it's good to be back
Black + white = Nike
Catching up with Anna K., Jelena, and Elena...
What are Andy, Roger, & Justine thinking?
TUESDAY: Roger, Anastasia, the Grafassi's on HBO...Althea Gibson honored and more
THURSDAY: Amelie, Ivan, Rafa answers...NYC needs courts, no love for US Open Series and more
tennis
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