And that's a wrap!

Let me 'splain.

As anyone can see I haven't exactly been keeping up-to-date on the final stretch of the ATP World Tour. However, I did see how Roger Federer wrapped up an impressive fall season that saw him lose only two matches since the U.S. Open and win his fifth season-ending championship at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals defeating top baller Rafael Nadal 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. At this point in his long career Fed doesn't usually need confidence-boosting wins but this one against this baller would be the exception. He'll take it.

Like I said, though, I know I haven't been keeping a focused eye in between the lines but rather on my real life happenings. And I still am. So this will be my last post of the year.

I'd like to thank all of the readers out there for continuing to support Down the Line! and for coming back even when I need to take these required breaks. It's a pleasure to write for you guys and I hope you know how much I enjoy it.

Have an awesome holiday season and a Happy New Year! See you in 2011!!

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Doing it dapper, London-style

London is the place to be at the moment, with the engagement heard 'round the world between Prince William + Kate Middleton and, of course, next week's ATP World Tour Finals. Okay, so maybe the newlyweds and that ginormous blue-sapphire engagement ring ice rink will still be hogging all of the attention (and then some) when the first ball is served at the O2 Arena, but we tennis fans can still shower the boys with some love. I mean, look - they got all gussied up and stuff for us (and Prime Minister David Cameron!)

After reviewing the pics from today's media call with the boys, I made a number of very important observations:

1) Bring on the beard, Nole. Just make me drool damn it.

2) Big Berd is a beauty. Still can't find a bad pic of him.

3) Speaking of Berdy, extra style points to the Czech and (gasp!) Muzz for rocking the brown footwear with their suits and bucking the black trend. It's smart, uses contrast to add pop and helps them stand out from the rest.

4) Dear A-Rod: You balding. Bad. Deal, for the love of GAWD (are you listening Rafa?)

More images of the boys doing dapper after the jump - click the headline, y'all.

Buh-bye, Carlos

The former World No. 1 takes a bow.

*sniffles*

[Photo(s): AP]

PHOTO OP: Doing the heavy lifting

"Ok...can someone say HERNIA?!"

They say when a baller lives to see another day of a tourney by saving match points en route to a win they're living on borrowed time. They should be finished but for some stroke of good fortune (read: dumb-ass luck) or plain big ballin' they've survived; they have nothing to lose and can really let their games fly. The others have been warned.

Such was the case with Robin Soderling + Gael Monfils at Paris-Bercy, the last Masters 1000 of the season. They saved a combined eight MPs in their respective epic semifinals with Sod saving 3 during his 6-7(0), 7-5, 7-6(6) win against Michael Llodra and La Monf doing even better saving 5 while upsetting Roger Federer. Both ballers entered the final match with everything to gain including a first Masters 1000 title. 

In the end the Swede used his big serve (he lost only six points on serve in the first set) and trademark power hitting to win 6-1, 7-6(1) and capture the title. He also denied the Frenchies the pleasure of seeing their homeboy, who showed some brilliant stuff while earning his first win over Fed, lift the trophy for the second consecutive year (he lost in last year's final to Novak Djokovic.) Sod is now a member of The Big Four moving up to a career-high World No. 4 today and knocking former member Andy Murray back a spot - where he belongs, I might add.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

MEDIA MASHUP: All things must come to an end

With all my time away from the keyboard vacaying and stuff I missed coverage of the ladies' year-end tourneys including the WTA Championships, Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions and FED CUP.

Here's a quick recap:

WTA Championships, Kim Clijsters d. Caroline Wozniacki 6-3, 5-7, 6-3

Kimmie won her third year-end championship and fifth title of the year. She also denied Wozzi, who clinched the year-end top spot for the first time, the exclamation point on the best season of her career so far. Compared to the rest of the lady ballers who actually made it to Doha the Belgian had the best year of 'em all in terms of quality wins so it was a fitting end for her.

Woz played more, is ranked No. 1 and earned more titles than anyone else (six) but fell short at the big ones. I've heard some say she's just another Jelena Jankovic - all defense with no clear weapons. But I tend to disagree. She's more athletic, more of a "jock" than the Serb and can get gritty when down which will continue to serve her well. The Dane will enter 2011 with an enormous target on her back, though, so the path to her first Grand Slam won't get any easier.



Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions, Ana Ivanovic d. Alisa Kleybanova 6-2, 7-6(5)

Ana Ivanovic seems to have discovered some of the confidence that has alluded her since winning Roland Garros in 2008 and residing in the WTA Penthouse. She won at Linz a few weeks ago and capped off her season by grabbing Bali over Kleybs.

Interestingly, NaturAna parted ways with Coach Heinz Gunthardt during this span. I always find it puzzling when a coaching relationship comes to end right when it seems a baller has turned a corner after struggling for a while. But, sometimes it's really not in their control if the coach wants out for some reason, in this case Heinz's desire not to travel full-time. It'll be interesting to see if NaturAna starts 2011 coachless or secures someone during the off-season. I'd hate for her to lose this momentum she's worked so hard to find.

BTW, ain't she so pretty all gussied up in her Bali-wear?

FED CUP, Italy d. USA 3-1

A big "BRAVA!" to Italy for defending their FED CUP championship over the USA. The Italians had so much experience on their side not to mention a Grand Slam champion in their midst (that would be Francesca Schiavone, duh.) And they got even more help with Coach Mary Jo Fernandez's inane decision to bench Melanie Oudin for Coco Vandeweghe in the opening rubber. Listen, I know Mels has been in slump city but she certainly has light years more experience, relatively speaking, in pressure moments on the big stage than Coco. That counts in FED CUP play. One has to hope the tears the young American cried after losing the final rubber over Flavia Pennetta don't haunt her. It was a bad move on MJ's part. Coco never really had a chance.



Elena Dementieva says BUH-BYE and the ladies pay tribute.

Come to think of it, maybe I should just cover the WTA. You know, the longer off-season and stuff...

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

VANtage Point: Paris-Bercy brings the Masters 1000 season to a close

Hey DtL readers, it’s Van — last seen around these parts during the U.S. Open — with a final VANtage Point for the year. It was a pretty good season for the Point with some now-legendary calls, both good (Francesca Schiavone getting to the finals at the French) and bad (and I quote, from my Wimbledon breakdown on Rafael Nadal’s chances: “I think his draw is super, super tough so catch him while you can!”)

Anyway, in consults with Down the Line! honcho Rich, we decided I’d do a wrap-up of the year in ATP Masters 1000 tournaments (or “Super 9s” for you old-schoolers out there) before looking at the final one on the calendar taking place this week in Paris. So in VP fashion, let’s start with …

A Look Back: It was quite a year for the prestigious tournaments.

· If Indian Wells was going to be any indication for how the season would go, then we were all probably shocked. Veteran Ivan Ljubicic won the biggest title of his career, dusting multiple top tenners along the way: Novak Djokovic in the 16s, Rafa in the semis and Andy Roddick in the final.

· Roddick bounced back, though, in a big way in his next event, winning in Miami over Tomas Berdych in the final. This was Roddick’s first Masters 1000 title since Cincinnati in ’06. That win against Berdych was nice, but it was the semifinal win over Nadal that really stood out.

· Not that I want to cheat you out of more of the beautiful prose that makes up VANtage Point but I think I’m going to lump all the clay-court notes into one nifty little paragraph, especially seeing as how one man conquered the three big tourneys: Nadal. Just when doubt was growing about his game, a trip to Monte Carlo worked wonders as he won his first title of the year against countryman Fernando Verdasco. Then, it was off to Rome, where he blew out another Spaniard, David Ferrer, in the final. In his third final of the Masters 1000 clay-court swing, Nadal defeated Roger Federer in Madrid, reversing the previous year’s result. During this run of his, Nadal only dropped two sets in 15 matches and became the first player to sweep the Masters’ dirt stretch.

· After Wimbledon, it was back to North America for the summer hard court season. Andy Murray won the first big event in Toronto, going back-to-back against Nadal and Fed in the semis and finals, respectively.

· Federer won at Cincy in a dogfight with surprise finalist Mardy Fish. Funny that Federer had to work so hard in the finals because the road there wasn’t tough at all with a first-round bye, a retirement in the second round and a walkover in the third!

· Shanghai was number eight on the slate and Murray took the shield there for his second title of the year with both wins coming against Federer.

And now, here we are.

This Week’s Spotlight: The final regular-season event before the ATP World Tour Finals, the Paris Masters. It’s the crown jewel of the indoor season, and the defending champ is Novak Djokovic, who beat hometown fave Gael Monfils in the finals. The tournament, which kicked off yesterday, has already been rocked by the withdrawal of Nadal, but the rest of the gang is there. Plus, it’s the final place those in the hunt for a spot in the ATP World Tour Finals can gain points, which leads to ...

Players to Watch: There are three spots left for the Finals, and right now, Berdych is in sixth place, followed by last week’s Valencia Open champ Ferrer and Swiss Indoors semifinalist Roddick. You remember Berdych, right? That guy that put himself into the mix of Slam contenders after years of unfulfilled promise? Looks like he’s in a bit of a rut, to say the least. So is another Finals hopeful, Verdasco, who’s won only a single match since the U.S. Open. Watch out for Nikolay Davydenko and Monfils hurting their respective chances. I don’t think any of those guys will make the semis, though.

The Final Four: Federer, who has been in great form indoors, will take out Murray in the top half of the draw, while Roddick will stop Djokovic.

And the Winner Is … : Federer, for his first title at this event, which would be a nice way to enter the year-end championships, don’t you think?

So, signing off for VANtage Point this year, it’s Van (Get it? Van? VANtage Point?) saying see you later and enjoy your tennis viewing!

Van Sias writes the blog Tennis Talk, Anyone?

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

(UPDATED) Letter to DtL readers: On the road again

Believe it or not I'm off for another short trip away. I'm kinda getting the hang of these extra long weekenders. It feels like I've been away a bit but not so long that I'm dreading the return. Wait. Who the hell am I kidding? I always dread the end of a vacay no matter what the length, but I guess these shorter trips aren't as painful to give up.

Anyway, have a good rest of the week!

UPDATE: Hey readers - I'm taking this week off to attend to some personal business. It's nothing bad but these projects require my full attention. I'll be back for Paris-Bercy and the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. See ya!

(UPDATED) SIGHTING: THE PRECIOUS

The at-some-point-to-come-they-will-be-married couple, Maria Sharapova + Sasha Vujacic, were spotted by the stalkeratti taking in some lunch in LA over the weekend. It was the couple's first public appearance together since their engagement news broke last week.

I know my handy work above isn't ready for prime time but even from that close up we can all see the boy's got some basketballin' bank. He hooked Shrieka up with an ice rink any girl would be thrilled to lug around. At least that's my guess. I, for one, am not really into huge, showy pieces like this one, but at least it's not at Mirka level (by the looks of it her ring was ready to launch.)

Speaking of huge, when these two are standing side-by-side they seem so normal size, huh? But, alas, they're not. It's all MAGIC.

More images of the happily strolling couple after the jump (click the headline.)

UPDATE: According to a jewelry expert, the Precious is "approximately 7 to 8 carats on a thick, split-shank platinum band." Cost? A cool $250,000. Put that in the pre-nup. (via USMagazine.com)

MEDIA MASHUP: WTA celebrates year-end Championships, launches new logo

Seven of the eight lady ballers who qualified for the Sony Ericsson WTA Championships in Doha made their way to the official draw ceremony last night. Roland Garros champ Francesca Schiavone, US Open champ Kim Clijsters, Wimbledon + US Open finalist (edit: and new World No. 2 today) Vera Zvonareva, World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, Jelena Jankovic, Elena Dementieva and Roland Garros finalist Sam Stosur got their glam on before making their way to the event. The eighth qualifier, Victoria Azarenka, was busy beating Maria Kirilenko in Moscow for her second title of the year and fifth overall.

The tourney begins tomorrow and features a round robin format with the lady ballers broken out into two groups. The Maroon group features Wozzi, Fran, Sam and Elena while Kimmie, Bepa, Vika and JJ make up the White group. View the full singles draw here.

The ladies also helped tour Chairman & CEO Stacey Allaster, joined here by President of the Qatar Tennis Federation Nasser Ghanim Al Khelaifi (4th from left) and Tournament Director of the WTA Championships Doha 2010 Karim Alami (5th from left), launch the revamped identity for the WTA brand including a new logo. Via the WTA tour:

The new mark is designed to serve as a distinctive and modern reminder of the captivating athleticism and excitement that has driven the international popularity and growth of women's pro tennis and placed it firmly at the nexus of sport and entertainment.

The design of the new brand image departs from conventional sport logos by not featuring a figure of a female tennis player, but rather putting the emphasis on the letters W, T and A. The symbol also incorporates subtle references to the sport: the oval shape of the mark is a reference to both the imprint a tennis ball leaves on the court and to the shape of a racquet, while the yellow circle as the crossbar of the A recalls a tennis ball. The new core brand identity will be fully integrated throughout the WTA and women's tennis, including in TV graphics, print materials, tournament branding, advertising, promotion and digital and social media in all its forms throughout the 2011 season.

Here's some video promoting the new logo:



Check out more images from the draw ceremony here. Listen, I know I didn't comment on each lady baller's outfit but I didn't want to sound like a broken record. You guys know how I feel about their repeated attempts at 'fashion' for these events. At least their consistency gives me comfort, like a pair of ratty, worn-in sweatpants. Heaven.

Today, the ladies were given the chance to leave their mark on this year's Championships by offering up their hand prints before heading to their pre-tourney pressers. Here's Wozzi's helping:

BONUS: Hello make up man. Even Elena looks intrigued. Who you be?

[Top image + video: WTA tour, Elena image: Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: "How's this for more leg?"

Let's give a big congrats to Robin Soderling. No, not for giving his best spread eagle or getting bounced from the quarterfinals of Stockholm by Florian Mayer.

The towering Swede received his official acceptance into the ATP Art School after clinching the fifth spot at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. Sadly, Sod's self-portrait moment wasn't captured on video (yet) but here's a shot of his masterpiece:

His portrait along with those created by Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray will be displayed at the La Galleria Pall Mall in London from November 8-18 and will be auctioned online for charity through barclaysatpworldtourfinals.com/ArtofTennis.

If it was up to me I would've picked that uber-sexy pose from the top pic for his portrait. But I guess that's why it's not. Drats.

[Photo(s): Getty Images, ATP World Tour]

VIDEO VAULT: She's a giver, not a receiver

It's because I'm four. And because I wish this U.S. midterm election season would just curl up in a corner and die a slow, moldy death.

Happy Friday!

[Via: DListed]

(UPDATED) Maria Sharapova engaged to Lakers' Sasha Vujacic

A "Congratulations!" is in order for Maria Sharapova and her now fiance Sasha Vujacic.

The L.A. Laker guard proposed to Shrieka this past Tuesday and apparently gave the 3-time Grand Slammer a hefty engagement ring. The news was first reported by gossip site TMZ and confirmed by CNBC's Darren Rovell. The pair have been dating for about a year.

So the next obvious question (at least for me) is: Who will be designing Shrieka's wedding dress?!

I'm readying my rice. Just in case.


UPDATE: Sasha gave up a few details on how they're feeling about the engagement and how it all went down. Via SI:

"We are engaged and are both really happy," Vujacic said Thursday night before the Lakers' exhibition game against Golden State. "It's good and now we can focus on other things."

The agent for three-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova confirmed the news in an e-mail to The Associated Press.

Vujacic said he proposed on the one-year anniversary of their first meeting at a friend's barbecue.

"It's was probably old school," Vujacic said. "I had to do it like a gentlemen."

Vujacic said a wedding date hasn't been set.

VIDEO VAULT: Murray makes four while the ladies look back (with Mystery Baller Bonus!)

Click here to watch the full video

Compared to the entries by Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray's official induction into the ATP Art School for clinching the fourth spot at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals is like video Ambien. Where's the slap-stick humor, the physical comedy, the punched-in-your-gut-rolling-on-the-floor lulz?? Oh right. That's not your bag (poor Kim.) Moving on...

Click here to watch the full video

Here are Caroline Wozniacki, Agnieszka Radwanska, Jelena Jankovic, Sam Stosur and few others discussing their 2010 seasons. This video was obviously shot before Wozzi, who describes here year at that point as "really good," moved into the WTA Penthouse. I mean, I'd at least expect a "really, really good" for that accomplishment.

Click here to watch the full video

BONUS: This young baller won the junior French Open + Wimbledon titles in 1978 and then went on to rule the pros, reaching World No. 1 and collecting 8 majors. He retired in 1994. Can you guess who he is (before watching the video y'all?)

[Videos via ATP, WTA]

PHOTO OP: Pick your spots

"Don't worry Serg. This translates to golf, too."

Here's Rafael Nadal with Sergio Garcia doing what he does best (fine, one of the things) during a pro - am at the Club de Campo del Mediterraneo in Castellon de la Plana, Spain.

I must say I'm loving these khakis on him, though they're probably not too happy being eaten up by his infamous ass-ets.

More pics after the jump (click the headline.)

Working the system Williams-style

The suspense was unbearable! But, in the end, she did the unthinkable: Serena Williams called it a season today ending any hopes of her participation at the WTA Championships in Doha or the Fed Cup final versus Italy taking place in San Diego. The 13-time Grand Slammer "re-tore" the tendon in her right foot during practice and underwent another "procedure" to repair it. See? Only fashion shows, parties and trips to the beach for ReRe from now on!

I mean, like me, you must've been at the sitting at the edge of your couch in anticipation of this news after she announced she re-injured the foot and pulled out of Linz. But seriously, even if she were completely healthy she nor her sister, Venus, are ever a lock to play Fed Cup or at any point during the fall season. This news is hardly a surprise to hardcore tennis fans.

But will ReRe's withdrawal from the FC final, which takes place November 6 - 7, hurt her chances to compete in the 2012 Olympics in London? Well, according to Olympic rules a lady baller need only make herself available to play in two calendar years of the four leading up to the next Olympics to qualify for the team. Talk about being vague. So, was her cry of "I wanna play the final!" before pulling out with injury enough to count as "being available?" Perhaps. She must, according to this article by tennis scribe Paula Vergara, be present on-site for the tie in order to fulfill her commitment for this year. She would then need to be available next year or in 2012 to make the team that same year. For what it's worth, Venus Williams is in the same boat. 

Coach Mary Jo Fernandez knows that even in 2012 the Sisters Sledge will be the team's best chance at climbing the podium. It will be on grass and they have been so dominant on the surface collecting a combined 8 singles titles, 4 doubles titles and 1 mixed at Wimbledon.

I honestly can't think of any scenario where the Sisters Sledge won't make the Olympic team in London unless they completely opt out of all upcoming Fed Cup ties (which is not happening) or either one is severely injured. In the end, all parties involved need to make sure they've been or at least look like they've been "available."

Something tells me me we may be seeing them limping around San Diego. But, screw playing. Leave that to the kids.

[Photo: Getty Images]

VIDEO VAULT: Nadal on hand to open Rafa Nadal Tennis School in India

Click here to watch the full video

Yesterday, Rafael Nadal inaugurated the Rafa Nadal Tennis School at the Anantapur Sports Village in Andhra Pradesh, India, in collaboration with Fundacion Vincente Ferrer. His mother and president of the Rafa Nadal Foundation, Ana Maria Parera, was also on hand for the ceremony.

According to his website, the school will "offer educational, psycho-social, health and nutritional support to more than a hundred children who belong to the poorest communities in the country, such as the ‘dalits’ or untouchables, tribal groups and the so-called disadvantaged castes. Through the implementation of tools such as education and sports (particularly tennis) they plan to integrate all the boys and girls from different castes, ages and places."

After the inauguration, Rafa said "I'm very conscious of the fact that I can use my image to help make a difference in a large scale. It gives me a great deal of happiness knowing I'm helping them have a better childhood and I really hope they make the best out of this opportunity."

[Via: RafaelNadal.com]

In tennis, size doesn't always matter

Genuine happiness and props go out to Ana Ivanovic, who ended a two year title drought by coming full circle and beating (well, more like annihilating) Patty Schnyder 6-1, 6-2 in Linz, the site of her last title.

It may be a small, International-level tourney but she probably wouldn't have made it past her first round a year ago. NaturAna came in as a wild card after Serena Williams' late injury withdrawal, though, and swept the field without losing a set. And based on the scoreline and the 47 minutes it took to seal the deal, the Serb wasn't taking any chances and came into the match focused and ready to win. How badly do you think she wanted it? Poor Patty had to bear the brunt of that pent up frustration. Ah, well.

Andy Murray also came good comprehensively outplaying Roger Federer 6-3, 6-2 in the Shanghai final and picking up his second title of the year. Even though this tourney is larger, more prestigious and holds more weight for the boys than Linz does for the ladies there was something about this win that left me feeling a little bit empty. Sure, it's another Masters 1000 and Muzz's second consecutive win over the Swiss increasing his lead in their H2H to 8-5.

But maybe that's just it: He can keep getting it up for these matches at this level but once he gets to a Grand Slam Lil' Muzz goes limp. Yup, that would make anyone feel empty. Get thee some Cialis.

Oh, and lest I forget, Tammy got win, too.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Show me your teeth

"You've been a very, very bad ball."

That might work in Frenchie land, but where I'm from you'd be asked to pick up your panties and leave. Trust.

[Photo(s): Philippe Lopez/AFP/Getty Images]

Taking it to the limit

Jurgen Melzer is having a career year already.

The Austrian can claim a semifinal appearance at Roland Garros and fourth rounders at Wimbledon and the US Open as proof. He also reached a career-high No. 12 in the ATP World Tour rankings on the backs of those Grand Slam efforts and put himself within striking distance of the eighth spot for the Barclays ATP World Tour Final. So no one in their right mind would blame the 29-year old for taking it easy during the fall and quietly setting off on a well-earned vacay.

But today Melz made it known that he's ready to mix it up with the big boys in London when he upset World No. 1 Rafael Nadal 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in the third round of the Shanghai Rolex Masters, the first time this year the 9-time Grand Slammer has failed to reach the quarterfinals. The veteran was the aggressor dictating with flat, penetrating shots and keeping the Spaniard on the defense throughout. Rafa was admittedly not at his best after contesting his third consecutive tourney but the Austrian should be given full credit for closing him out especially after having lost their three previous matches in straights.

Afterward he sounded like a man on a certain mission:

To be honest, I could live with that, having busy days in London. But it's a long way there. I'm in the quarter-finals. I have a good chance to reach the semis. I'm almost 900 points off the eighth player. This is a very long way. If it somehow happens, I'll be there, I'll be happy, and I'll be hopefully performing well.

Melz isn't ready to call it a wrap just yet. And with the way he's playing, why should he?

London. So close yet, well, you know the rest.

[Photo(s): Getty]

(UPDATED) THE LOW DOWN: Suit claims Roger Federer involved in illegal betting

Was Roger Federer involved in illegal betting?

So says a lawsuit filed by Agate Printing, Inc. against Theodore Forstmann, owner of IMG and the home to the Swiss superstar's management.

The suit alleges a number of actions by Forstmann not only involving Fed but Tiger Woods as well. The item involving Fed, though, claims Forstmann raised his bet on the 2006 Roland Garros final from $10,000 to $40,000 after receiving "inside information" from the 16-time Grand Slammer. Fed lost that final to Rafael Nadal.

"The allegations in James Agate's complaint are beyond false, they are preposterous," said Michael Sitrick, rep for Forstmann. "Unfortunately, people like Agate look at people like Forstmann as the lottery." The printing company already has admitted to lying and spreading false rumors about the IMG head in a letter sent in April 2009.

Agate, who, according to TMZ, filed the claim due to a breach in contract by Forstmann and because he left tax liabilities on Agate brought on by gambling losses (how the hell does THAT happen?) seems to think they can really hurt Forstmann this time by dragging two of his biggest clients and two of the most recognizable athletes on the planet into the lawsuit. At the very least, they'll get the public's attention. But that's probably about it.

UPDATE: Fed responds to the allegations during his post-match presser in Shanghai today (around 6:10) saying "Since it involves my name, somewhere out there, I know it's 100% not true...":

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

VIDEO VAULT: Djokovic, Agassi, Henin and Nadal

Click here to watch video

Novak Djokovic became the third baller, after Rafael Nadal + Roger Federer, to enroll in the ATP Art School after qualifying for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. He got his chance to roll around in paint (literally) and create his self-portrait to be auctioned off for charity. Nole's so lucky I wasn't on set and that the paint wasn't edible.

Click here to watch video

Here we go again. Following in the footsteps of Roger Federer + Andy Murray, Andre Agassi throws his hat in the trick shot ring with this promo spot for HEAD. I guess AA could hit the net post from the baseline. But from the stands? *scratches HEAD*

Click here to watch video

I know I'm a little late on this one but I had to post about it. Justine Henin has been known (at least around these here parts) to channel her inner Madonna so it should come as no surprise to see her live the dream and put on her own version of the Blonde Ambition Tour on Belgian TV show Cap 48. Either that or she's stuck in 1990 wearing the same get up. Believe me, it happens (see your local shopping mall.) Thanks Josh!

Click here to watch video

Rafael Nadal is featured in a new Spanish promo spot for insurance sponsor Mapfre. The World No. 1 is asked to answer questions about his personal interests and not about his life as a baller. It's filled with fun facts and funner faces - see pic. (via NadalNews)

Gone, but not forgotten

Hi Rafa. I'm back.

Kalil + I had such a great time in Florida celebrating my parent's 40th anniversary. It was an emotional trip for obvious reasons which always seems to put me in a pensive, introspective mood. I was able to spend time with family and friends I hadn't seen in a long time; it was fun to catch up on their lives and see how they've changed since the last time we spoke. If ever you feel like time is moving at the speed of light, it would be in those moments. Forever young we are not.

The weather couldn't have been better - sunny, 80's, moderate humidity - so we managed to sneak in some hitting with HEAD and Dunlop followed by quick dips in the pool. Now, it wouldn't be a true family gathering (or life) without some drama but all in all it was a beautiful time. A big thanks to those of you who left kind messages for my parents and me in the comments section and on Twitter and Facebook - they read them as well and were moved by your words.

If I'm being completely honest, though, it's always hard to plop my brown arse onto a chair, open up the computer and write something after being away for a bit. You could compare it somewhat to tennis in that you form a 'writing rhythm' when you are posting regularly, but once you stop, it takes a moment to get it back. So I took yesterday to catch up on the happenings and find my motivation. And I think I did.

What was the biggest piece of news to happen while I was away? Aside from all the Brett Favre cock talk (don't be fooled - some penises are not pretty, NSFW) here are the choices:

A) Rafael Nadal wins his seventh title of the year and 43rd of his career in Tokyo over Milli Vanilli (thanks natch)

B) Caroline Wozniacki boots Serena Williams from the WTA Penthouse and takes residence becoming the 20th top lady baller in WTA history at 20-years old

C) Novak Djokovic defends his title in Beijing besting David Ferrer grabbing his second title of the season

D) Wozzi downs Vera Zvonareva in Beijing for her sixth title of the year

E) The Wounded Tennis Association continues its work with Venus Williams, Dinara Safina, Maria Sharapova and Svetlana Kuznetsova ending their seasons and ReRe all but pulling the plug on hers

I guess I'd have to go with choice...uh...'B.' The way Wozzi earned the achievement - by leaping past an inactive and still-injured ReRe - may have been like tripping someone on crutches (no offense V)  on your way to the head of the class but the Dane's season-long consistency earned her the keys and that's all that matters. I keep going back to something TENNIS' Steve Tignor wrote when it seemed likely Woz would usurp the top spot:

Yes, she would be the real No. 1, and she would deserve it. She would not be the best player in the world; that’s still Serena, who won two majors this year. Being No. 1 is a different achievement. It might not sound glamorous, but it’s an honor nonetheless: Wozniacki would be recognized as the best in the world at her job.

Bulls-eye. But, fair or not, the sharks will be swarming and looking for her to legitimize the ranking by winning a major, or as Tigger so eloquently put it, by "mak[ing] something artificial into something real."

Now that's some tough love. Damn, it's good to be back.


[Photo(s): Getty Images]