PHOTO OP: Nadal's got serious game

Looks like the Davis Cup final is off to a very promising start...

So I know male athletes generally slap each other on the ass to say, "Good job!" or "Nice effort!" But what exactly does this greeting mean? We could all come up with ideas, but I'd like to think Rafael Nadal just wanted to grab it ("it" being Juan Monaco's firm Argentinean half moon)...HARD (see facial expression). And that this happens, like, lots. While in towels. Or out. And leaves an ass bruise. Like a hickey. But without the sucking. Or maybe...

You can thank reader DDM for tipping me off. You're welcome.

[Photo(s) credit: @olerafa]

Can Djokovic become one of the best ever?

By Mark Hodgson

The ATP tennis season comes to an end in London this week at the ATP World Tour Finals and it got me thinking about the season just gone. There is only one name that springs to mind - Novak Djokovic. The world number one has had an exceptional season, winning three of the four majors, winning a record-breaking five ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments and earning an unprecedented amount of prize money. But one question still remains: Can Novak Djokovic become of the best players ever?

This is not to say that he hasn’t already achieved great things in the game of tennis. This year he became only the sixth male tennis player to win three slams in one season. And just by becoming world number one he has played himself into tennis history. But ultimately, players will be judged on how many majors they win in their careers and Djokovic has some way to go to be up there with the best.

The Serbian has won four slams to date, and would have to win four more to move into the top ten, alongside players such as Andre Agassi and Jimmy Connors. To move into the top five he would have to win seven more titles, taking him level with Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver. So the real question is how many more grand slams can he win? And I think the answer is quite a lot if he can keep showing the sort of form he has shown this season. After all, he has only lost one grand slam match all season. And he has showed if he gets ahead in a match he usually wins, only losing once after taking the first set.

And there is a lot going for Djokovic which suggests he could win many more major titles. He is only 24. This is younger than both Nadal and Federer, so he has a good five or six years ahead of him, meaning there’s plenty of time to win tournaments. Equally, so far he has managed to keep himself relatively fit during his career. This will surely give him an advantage over his rivals. Nadal has had trouble with his knees during his career and this has impacted on his game. It has been affecting him since 2007 and forced him to miss Wimbledon in 2009. Similarly, Roger Federer isn’t getting any younger and he surely won’t be able to carry on playing at the top level for many more years. He seems to have already slipped behind the top three slightly. His recent Swiss Indoors title was the first tournament he has won in 10 months. Although, in the few games Djokovic has lost this season, injury has been a factor in most. This could be due to playing so many games, a knock from winning so many matches.

Physically, Djokovic has the attributes to be one of the best players ever and to win many more majors. The only obstacles are mental. He admitted himself that the reason for his improvement is him being more aggressive and taking a different approach to finals and semi-finals. This change has worked amazingly for Djokovic. If he can continue to maintain his current mind set, I think, he is destined to be one of the best ever.

Mark Hodgson is a Sports Journalism student at the University of Sunderland and reads news on Spark fm. He's a big Middlesbrough FC fan and enjoys writing, especially about sport. You can follow him on Twitter @mrmarkhodgson.

[Photo(s) credit: AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI]

VANtage Point: Seriously, WTF?

Hey out there in DtL land! It’s Van, with the final VP of the year: I couldn’t let the ATP World Tour Finals go on without saying something about it. The field here could actually be more level than it has been in recent seasons, making for a potentially more exciting tournament. Anyway, if you don’t mind, I’m going to get right into things, first with…

 

A Look Back: This is usually where I reflect back upon the last tournament I previewed. Since that was the U.S. Open of 1884, it seems, why not do something a little more recent, like last year’s WTF? Roger Federer ran roughshod over the field then, only losing one set on the way to his fifth career year-end championship. Three of his victims were the players ranked above him: Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. It’s funny to think what a difference a year makes! But enough of the past, let’s get more into …

 

This Week’s Spotlight: The ATP World Tour Finals brings together the crème de la crème of men’s pro tennis, all together under one roof—specifically that of the O2 Arena in London. The players are divided into groups to go at it round-robin style. Group A includes Djokovic, Murray, David Ferrer and Tomas Berdych. Group B is made up of Nadal, Federer, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Mardy Fish. Speaking of the players, though, here’s…

 

The Players to Watch: This is a very intriguing tournament, especially considering where the players are at this point in the year. Djokovic’s season has been unreal, but he has really struggled with injury lately. Can he find the form he’s had all year? Nadal has been out for a few weeks, but is he rested enough? Federer’s coming in to the event on a 12-match winning streak, but has he faced the best of the best? I’d say really keep an eye on those guys, plus two who I think are the most dangerous out there: Berdych and Tsonga, who’ve both been on a tear. They should have a good shot at …

 

The Final Four: Murray over Nadal and Federer over Berdych. Then it’s time for the main event …

 

And the Winner Is…: Murray over Federer, giving the Scotsman the biggest title of his career.

 

So long for 2011: Catch you more next season!

 

Van Sias writes the blog Tennis Talk, Anyone? Follow him on Twitter @ttanyone and Facebook here.

[Photo(s) credit: ATP]

Kvitova kinda likes winning

She's so close, but in my book (and this blog) she's World No. 1. Fuck what the WTA rankings say. Petra Kvitova's only a measly 115 points behind Caroline Wozniacki after ending the year with 6 titles including Wimbledon and the WTA Championships. She's riding Wozzi's ass the way Pocket Golf Boy wishes he could - hard. And, to top it all off, she led the Czech Republic to the FED CUP title with a 3-2 triumph over Russia this weekend. Props.

Obviously, the FED CUP win doesn't count towards the single rankings but it counts in other big ways besides a win for her country and the team. Look what winning Davis Cup last year did for Novak Djokovic this year. I'm not saying Kiva will go undefeated in the first part of next season and bag three majors, but it cemented her as THE lady baller of the WTA after a dismal post-Wimby stretch that ended indoors this fall. She has the all of the momentum going into 2012 after a spectacular end to 2011.

Is she flawless? Hardly. Kiva still has bouts of inconsistency, but where those moments used to do her in during big matches in key moments she's found a way to work through it and pull out the win. Hell, she's got the weapons to turn any match around in her favor. And let's face it: When she's on court with most lady ballers, save for the Sisters Sledge and, perhaps, Kim Clijsters, the match is in her hands.

And, at the end of the day, that's a nice place to be.

[Photo(s) credit: Kirill Kudryavtsev /AFP/Getty Images]

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Ana Ivanovic

I believe so. My new team can help me to get there.

- Ana Ivanovic on whether she can take up residence again in the WTA Penthouse after winning Bali for the second straight year

Top 20? Absolutely. Top 10? Sure. Top 5? Maybe. World No. 1? Ummmm...no. 

I get that these ballers need to say it (especially to themselves) or why else get up in the morning and pull up the laces, but I just don't see it with NaturAna. Nope.

But nice birdy-feathery-headdress-thingy. Or is that coral? Seriously, how is she not falling over wearing that? I don't see wires. Maybe the trophy is balancing her out. Or it's MAGIC. 

I'm so confused.

[Photo(s) credit: AFP PHOTO / SONNY TUMBELAK]

PHOTO OP: Istanbul eight (well, seven)

These photos crack me. I never have high expectations for the lady ballers' attempts at fashion because it's not their focus - that would be tennis. But I can't help but giggle when I see what they come up with. Well, most of them anyway.

How amazing does Petra Kvitova look here? 'Effortless' would be the word that comes to mind for her in the photo - and 'natural.' Maria Sharapova looks good (and she's got that pose down pat). The girl does love a camera lens. And, no, your eyes aren't buggin' out. That's not Victoria Azarenka or her mom in the middle with the black dress - it's WTA CEO Stacey Allaster. The Belarussian was busy winning Luxembourg this weekend.

Um, I think I'll stop here. It's the end of the year, the last hurrah, the "Final Countdown...da-na-ne-na, da-na-nun-dun-dun" so let the others dress up as awkwardly as they want. Out of all the competitors fighting for the 8 coveted spots at the WTA Championships all year long, these girls made it to Istanbul (and not that other year-end thing going on - what is the point of it anyway?) and deserve to put on their highest heels, weirdest dresses, cakey makeup and celebrate their asses off. So let 'em.

P.S. Why does Sam Stosur look like she's photo bombing this shit? Ok, now I'll stop.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Caught in mid air

This photo of a glammy Svetlana Kuznetsova (you can pull yourself up off the floor...it's really her) was shot by Chris Kolk here in New York according to @froggysveta who tweeted it. Yeah, it's pretty cool.

There's another one of Sveta after the jump. I don't like nearly as much which is kinda why it's there. Click the header y'all.

PHOTO OP: Stonefaced Murray

"Ummm...thanks?"

The art of the non-reaction. Good idea, Muzz.

So let's just say, hypothetically speaking, Andy Murray continues this tremendous run-of-form, wins either Shanghai or Paris, the season-ending Masters Cup in London and his first Slam in Oz. I think we'll look back at his demolition of Rafael Nadal in the last two sets of the Tokyo final as the big turning point. To be more specific, we can pinpoint the three consecutive bombs he threw down to save break points in the second set after earning the break over Rafa as the moment Muzz's balls finally dropped.

From that point on, he never looked back. He also never looked like the Muzz we've come to know. The one who, when things get tight, he gets defensive and even a bit edgy. This Muzz took it to the Spaniard and looked like he meant it. Not hypothetically, of course, but FOR REALS.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Zvonareva drops trou (and then some)

Following Serena Williams's + Esther Vergeer's naked footsteps, most of Vera Zvonareva is appearing in the latest installment of ESPN the Magazine "The Body Issue". I'm a little surprised to see her flashing her half moon since, to me, she's the intellectual one of the bunch. But there's more than meets the eye (especially here) with Bepa. Just look at her game. How else do you explain reaching two major finals and the second spot in the world rankings with a game, while solid, isn't brutally powerful, sexy or flashy?

Well, I guess a girl needs to get it out somehow. Cheek-y.

[Photo(s) credit: ESPN magazine]

FASHION FIX: Nike puts Nadal in bold berry

I haven't really liked much of what Nike has given Rafael Nadal this season. It's not that any of it was full-on fug or anything. The duds just didn't make an impression. This week in Tokyo, the Spaniard broke out the Men's Winter Rafa Ace Masters Crew ($65) in bold berry that features a funky graphic on the bottom front and back. While it's still pretty basic I'm LOVING this color - it's deep, rich and looks really good against his skin tone. Plus, it feels fresh next to all the red that's been littering the ATP World Tour - major points.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Li Na

I have just lost all confidence. On the court, I don't know what I can do. It was tough even winning one point. 

- Li Na after losing in the first round of Beijing to Monica Niculescu 6-4, 6-0

 I wonder what it must be like to be riding the ultimate high of winning your first major and making history for your country and then hitting the skids and taking a nosedive all in a span of months. The shock of winning a Slam just evolves into another kind of shock, one that has to do with having no control over your game. How could that winning game just suddenly disappear?

Because it's an individual sport a baller's success is always teetering on the edge. A career-making win can free up someone so much their game hits extraordinary heights while for others it can have the opposite effect. As we've seen, the former is probably more the exception while the latter is more the rule. Pressure comes in many forms as do ballers' personalities, and when the two collide it can be inspiring to watch or down right awkward.

A hit to the confidence can snowball, build up speed and knock them back down especially for a new major winner. Every experience becomes a new one because you're now a Grand Slam champion. There's a reason why it takes most multiple Slam winners a while, sometimes years, to snatch that second title. Talk about a blessing and a curse, though it's a curse most ballers wouldn't mind having.

[Photo(s) credit: Feng Li/Getty Images]

Winning a title feels pretty good to Tipsarevic

He really does have his big boy panties on now.

Janko Tipsarevic finally found out what it was like to be the last one doing whatever he's doing in that pic after winning his very first ATP World Tour title. After a slow start he defeated Marcos Baghdatis 6-4, 7-5 in the final of the Malaysian Open at Kuala Lumpur.

Here's what Tipsy said after the win:

"It feels great. I think I deserved it. I’m so happy that it came in a good place, at a tournament that is really, really nice, and against a good player. Marcos Baghdatis has played in 11 finals and was a former Top 10 player, a Grand Slam finalist. So I feel happy that I won against a great player in a final that I hope kept the fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. I could not be happier."

So about this winning titles is "overrated" thing, Tipsy. Good to see you haven't changed your mind or anything.

PHOTO OP: Wozzilreally?

Check out what Rory McIlroy gifted girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki. She tweeted the pic saying, "Here is my new club @McilroyRory made for me." Wozzilroy???

Everyone keeps comparing it to "Brangelina" and "Bennifer" which makes sense because it's a mashup of their names. Duh. Here's the big difference: I don't remember either of those couples actually coming up with the mashup themselves and celebrating it by putting it on shit. They own that Velveeta.

I suppose it's better than those "I'm with him--->/<---I'm with her" t-shirts. Uh-oh. I better not give them any ideas.

[Photo(s) credit: Caroline Wozniacki's tweet]

PHOTO OP: Tipsarevic takes it off for Extreme Intimo

Can you believe Janko Tipsarevic of all ballers is following in Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco's foot steps and stripping down to his skivvies for Extreme Intimo? Let me be the first to say HE'S COME A LONG WAY.

More images from the ad campaign and behind-the-scenes video after the jump - click the header.

SIGHTING: Andy Murray + Kim Sears at Burberry

Andy Murray and the WAGilicious Kim Sears were spotted at the Burberry Spring/Summer 2012 Womenswear Show at Kensington Gardens today in London. As he did last year, Muzz took his spot in the front row with Kim next to famed photog Mario Testino, who shot the Brit baller for Vogue, and model-actress Rosie Huntington Whiteley.

Muzz also made another bit of news today when he told the BBC that the ATPers were ready to do what was necessary to get the schedule changed, including the possibility of some sort of strike. Right now, it would take years to get anything done according to Muzz, but the current ballers want something done sooner rather than later. They plan to meet up in Shanghai next month to discuss their options, including a strike. Via BBC:

"It's a possibility. I know from speaking to some players they're not afraid of doing that [striking].

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that but I'm sure the players will consider it."

Asked whether the subject of a strike or boycott will be mentioned during the meeting in China, he continued: "Yes I think so.

"If we come up with a list of things we want changed - and everyone is in agreement but they don't happen - then we need to have some say in what goes on in our sport. At the moment we don't.

"We'll sit down, talk about it with the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and International Tennis Federation (ITF), see if they will come to a compromise and, if not, we'll go from there.

"We just want things to change, really small things. Two or three weeks during the year, a few less tournaments each year, which I don't think is unreasonable."

Tennis is made up of so many disparate parts with competing agendas and bottom lines that need to be fed. I think having the ballers convene and come up with their demands is one way to get the officials to listen. As much as I wouldn't want to see a strike it's a pretty remarkable to think they would actually band together push back that way. We'll see if they do.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Spanish boys in their own words (not really)

Rafa: "It is true. I was not with colm in the final. But I will fight for the win next time and the next time and the next time...and the next time. It's a beautiful challenge."

Fer: "Uh, yeah. Sure."

Ferru: "My shorts are short. Heh."

 Feli: "Judy. Ju. Dy. Señora Lopez. Ooooh yeah."

[Photo(s) credit: AFP PHOTO / CRISTINA QUICLER]

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Serena Williams

My emotions did get the best of me this past weekend when I disagreed with the umpire. It has been a long road to get back to the US Open this year, and I am thankful to have had such a great two weeks in New York. 

- Serena Williams' tweet about her tirade in the US Open final

It's sort of like an apology, right? RIGHT? Whatever. I'd prefer to talk about Bootyrena anyway. She's more entertaining. I mean, all she wants is a pole to ride. Er, that came out wrong.

[Photo(s) credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images]

(UPDATED) MEDIA MASHUP: Hop on the media merry-go-round with the Noles

US Open champ Novak Djokovic hopped on the media merry-go-round today, a tradition the day after the winner is crowned. He and Trophy stopped by the Today Show to talk to Matt Lauer and the gang about his phenomenal win and season so far. But that was just the first stop of many, and all the Noles came for the fun. Why? Because six Noles are better than one, I guess.

Dancing Nole at Regis & Kelly!

Pointing Nole at the Early Show!

Famous Nole with Sarah Michelle Gellar!

Thumbs Up Nole with fans at the Empire State Building!

And Romantic Nole smooching Trophy while overlooking New York City. It must be lust.

UPDATE: Here's vid of Dancing Nole in HD at Regis & Kelly.

[Photo(s) credit: AP, Mike Stobe/Getty Images for ATP]

(UPDATED) VIDEO VAULT: Serena Williams' post-tennis career is set

Wanna know what Serena Williams does in her off-court time? Well, she loves karaoke. And, she apparently loves to dance. Like, booty dance. And other parts.



UPDATE: Thanks to GOTOTENNIS we'll always have Bootyrena. Always + 4EVR.

UPDATE #2: Serena's lawyers aren't happy with me for posting that screen shot so it's gone. Thanks for the memories Bootyrena. You'll always live on in our heads and some other places (you know who you are).

[Via: WorldStarHipHop]

PHOTO OP: Kissing the cup

Oh, to be a trophy.

Yes. Congratulations, Novak Djokovic, on a whole bunch of things: first US Open title, fourth career major, 10th title of the year, 64-2 record, 3 Slams in a single year, sixth straight win over Rafael Nadal, and beating Roger Federer and Rafa back-to-back. Pretty massive list of accomplishments.

So where does he go from here? From the Serbian horse's mouth at his post-match presser:

There is still a lot of things to prove, you know, to myself, to the tennis world. I still want to win many more events, many more major events. That's something ‑‑ as I said, you know, it's not just habit of standing up every morning and being focused on what you do. It's just that love for the sport that keeps me going. And winning on the court, that feeling, as along as it stays with me, I will keep fighting for more trophies. Yeah, so it would be unbelievable to be able to complete the Grand Slam, to win the French Open. It's something that is definitely an ambition, but it's going to take time.

Sure it's going to take time, but the French Open won't be far off. Before Wimbledon, I would've said winning on the grass was going to be the biggest hurdle and he took that one home. But all that talk is for next year. Right now is where it's at. Major props, Nole. Now go stuff your face with gluten. You've earned it.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: There's absolutely nothing awkward about this picture

Yup. Still stunned.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

(UPDATED) MEDIA MASHUP: Serena Williams sounds off. Again.

"Double OMG, Eva. I'm totes getting déjà vu!"

You would think Serena Williams would be tired of these controversies at the US Open but sometimes a girl just can't help herself.

Two years and a round later, ReRe got all in an uproar with chair umpire Eva Asderaki after getting penalized a point and going down a break for yelling out during play. She thought she hit a forehand winner and screamed "C'mon! but Sam Stosur got a piece of her racquet on the ball. Eva gave the point to the Aussie under the hindrance rule. ReRe was less than happy. Ok, she was fucking pissed.

In the end, the incident was more of an annoyance and did nothing to shake Sammy's focus. But it was like raw meat to the media sharks who couldn't wait to get right into it:

Q. Regardless of whether you thought it was right or wrong, the decision, do you think it's fair on the official to berate her like that?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Excuse me? To berate?

Q. Do you think it's fair on the official?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I think everyone is so intense out there. I was really intense, and everyone just wants to do great. I know I did. Um, yeah, just try my best, you know? It's like giving it 100%.

Q. What is your history with that chair umpire, and what episodes might you have had with her in the past?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Oh, I don't know. I don't know. I just was out there trying to fight against a great player who played really, really well. I don't know.

Q. But between games, you referred to something that happened in the past with her. What were you referring to?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I can't think off the top of my head, actually.

Q. A match in Doha maybe where you were called for a similar penalty?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I promise you if I knew I would tell you, but I don't know off the top of my head.

Q. According to the ITF, a chair umpire has latitude in assessing a point or in replaying the point if the action was not deliberate. Did you deliberately hinder your opponent?

SERENA WILLIAMS: (Laughter.) No. I mean, I didn't, but I can't even -- you know, I think my opponent played really well. I actually thought it was a winner, but she did really good to even put her like racquet on it. I thought it was a clear winner. I thought it was the hat drop rule, where if you drop a hat you kind of replay the point. I don't know. I think for the most part it was just -- I don't know, I tried my best. As always, I gave my 100%.

Q. Do you regret at all what you said to the chair umpire?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I just am really excited to be here really and to have gotten so far. To get here has been a really great experience for me. I regret losing, but I think there was nothing I could do today. I think Sam played really, really well.

Q. Why would you not regret saying things like...

SERENA WILLIAMS: I don't even remember what I said. It was just so intense out there. It's the final for me, and I was just -- I have to go -- I guess I'll see it on YouTube. I don't know (Laughter.) I don't know. I was just in the zone. I think everyone, when they play, they kind of zone out kinda thing. I don't know, I'll see it later, I'm sure.

Q. Was there a part of you that said, I can't believe this is sort of happening again, this scene?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No, not at all. That is definitely different moments. So, no, not at all.

Q. You're one of our greatest champions and an elite athlete, a real role model. Do you think it's important for top level athletes, even in tremendous heat of the moment, to treat refs and officials with respect?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Um, I don't know. I think that, you know, when you're an athlete, whether you're looking at a basketball player or football player or tennis players, these athletes, we train all our lives since I was three -- and I lie about my age a lot, but I'm 29. (Smiling). You know, we live for these moments, you know. Everyone lives to be, you know, in the final of Wimbledon or the final at the US Open. Whatever happens in that moment, you live for them and we breathe for them, and hopefully I'll be back for them.

Q. Wouldn't that be the moment to be most respectful of all at that moment?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I honestly don't know the answer. Everyone, we athletes, give 2,000%. I know I do every time.

Nice try, press. It may be bait but she ain't biting.

UPDATE: She was fined $2K for verbally abusing the chair ump but won't face a suspension as it was not deemed a "major offense" said the USTA. Bigger question right now: What the hell did Mike Bryan do to deserve a $10K fine???

[Video via: OzBroadcasting]

VIDEO VAULT: Stosur might still be stunned

Sam Stosur needed to play the match of her life and she did just that, upending Serena Williams 6-2, 6-3 to win the US Open and her first major title. The way she owned the court against the 13-time Grand Slammer was pretty impressive. But that's the only way a lady baller is going to beat ReRe in a major final and she was on point from start to finish.

Sammy's power and serve were in full effect and her strategy of hitting and serving right at ReRe to take away angles and draw attackable balls was uber-smart. ReRe is fast but not necessarily quick to get out of her own way when a ball is screaming towards her. Other lady ballers take note.

It must feel incredibly satisfying to be able to execute your A-game at the highest level under the greatest pressure with only two sets and a living legend separating you from your lifelong dream. So cheers to you Sammy. Can't wait for the Australian Open (no pressure, really).

[Video: US Open]

VIDEO VAULT: Djokovic's sick match point save

In case you missed it. Ballsy, jaw-dropping stuff.

[Via: Diegoamuy]

QUOTES OF THE DAY: Roger Federer

Yeah, I had it. There's no more I could do. Snaps one shot, and then the whole thing changes. It's strange how it goes, you know, but it was a good tournament for me. Sure, I'd love to be in the finals and give myself a chance to win the title, which is not the case now. So I have to accept that and move on.

- Roger Federer after squandering two match points during his semifinal loss to Novak Djokovic at the US Open

I don't know why it struck me strangely to hear Fed say "There's no more I could do." He was obviously disappointed after losing a match he probably should have won but I don't recall ever hearing him sound so resigned. The Swiss always has a way of explaining a big loss away and giving the impression he could've won if he had done this or that differently. It seems he realized a match actually could be out of his hands. This one, however, was not.

The Serb was unreal on the first match point - one of the best match point saves that I've ever seen - but Fed had a chance on the second match one. He served smartly into Nole's body and had a forehand he could've put away, but it clipped the net and went out. Maybe he was already discouraged or feeling tight after losing the first match point. But really, there's no explaining that miss away.

Confidence? Are you kidding me? I mean, please. Look, some players grow up and play like that. I remember losing junior matches. Just being down 5 2 in the third, and they all just start slapping shots. It all goes in for some reason, because that's the kind of way they grew up playing when they were down. I never played that way. I believe in hard work's gonna pay off kinda thing, because early on maybe I didn't always work at my hardest. So for me, this is very hard to understand how can you play a shot like that on match point. But, look, maybe he's been doing it for 20 years, so for him it was very normal. You've got to ask him.

- Fed on the match point return winner by Nole

WhatEVAH. That is all.

[Photo(s) credit: Al Bello/Getty Images]

MEDIA MASHUP: "We're the kids in America..."

Quintessential.

Tennis is a funny little thing sometimes, especially now that you can actually speak the words "Melanie Oudin, Grand Slam champion". SAY WHAT??? No, it's true now. The fact that she and partner, Jack Sock, overcame a match point in their first round mixed doubs match, upset top seeds Liezel Huber + Bob Bryan in the next round and then defeated Gisela Dulko + Eduardo Schwank to win the mixed doubles title is pretty remarkable for the young ones.

I'm not saying anything, but what I will say is winning begets winning. And if anyone needed a big win at something, anything it's Mels. Will it open up her game at all? Who the hell knows. She sure could use a jolt of confidence and you'd think this title would give it to her. But nothing is guaranteed in sports. And it can only help Socks continue to develop his explosive game. Tennis, you funny.

Here you go All-Americans. Enjoy, and go celebrate hard. Or however you kids do these days (I'm old, duh):



[Photo(s) credit: Jared Wickerham/Getty Images for USTA]

SIGHTING: The First Lady wave

 I love that she loves tennis.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: High five hundred

"It's finally ov...ah crap."

Is the US Open still going on? I swear, after two straight days of canceled matches it seems like a whole new tourney, like a fifth mini-Slam or something. But don't think it was quiet around the grounds. Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Andy Roddick held hands (symbolically kids) and joined forces to bitch out US Open referee Brian Earley for scheduling them to play - and they did for a short while - when the weather forecast was gloomy at best.

THEN. The bottom half boys complained about having to possibly play four days straight since they finished their fourth rounders today and would need to complete their quarterfinal matches tomorrow, semifinals on Saturday and the final on Sunday if they got there, of course. In the meantime, water began seeping through a crack behind the baseline of Louis Armstrong Stadium forcing A-Rod and David Ferrer to move their match to Court 13. Oh yeah, the planes. Really annoying.

This US Open couldn't have been written this dramedy any better if they tried. Seriously. 

All is good now that the tourney officials made the right decision and moved the women's final to Sunday at 4pm and the men's final to Monday at 4pm. It's the fourth consecutive year the men will be balling on Monday for all the marbles. 

But now in the quarters we've got Rafa facing A-Rod, Muzz taking on John Isner, and Roger Federer battling Jo-Wilfried Tsonga tonight. Top baller Novak Djokovic is already through to the final four after Janko Tipsarevic retired from their match with injury.

As for the ladies, Serena Williams downed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and will face Caroline Wozniacki, who beat Andrea Petkovic, in the semis. Sam Stosur ousted last year's finalist, Vera Zvonareva, and will face super-surprise semifinalist Angelique Kerber (don't even say you thought she might, because you didn't).

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

VIDEO VAULT: She who laughs last has the last laugh (duh)

I was reading all day about this supposedly awful, tasteless, no good, desperate attempt by Caroline Wozniacki to grab more attention during her post-match presser last night. She made fun of Rafael Nadal's recent cramping conference by imitating his now-infamous slide down his chair all the while giggling and showing off her full set of teeth and gums (more gum than teeth actually).

Boy, what a dumb fucking move. I don't say that because I think what she did was awful, tasteless, no good or desperate. In fact, I may have snickered a little a bit with her (besides who am I to talk after what I posted - we should all be relieved she didn't imitate THAT). No, it's dumb because she just incurred the wrath of the Rafanatics. They are a fiercely loyal group who take offense when anyone dare poke fun at their boy. Doesn't she know they'll burn her in effigy and sacrifice her first born son to the tennis gods? I guess she does now:

Sorry, sweets. Ain't nothin' gonna get you back in their good graces. Save it for someone who cares. 

You know, Wozzi's usual attempts at humor (think: rooooo) are awkward at best and her make out sessions border on the bizarre. But this one made me chuckle. Well, more like chuck. Get it? That's, like, half-a-laug...ah, nevermind.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Serena Williams

 

Yeah. I walk out there, do the Crip walk and try to intimidate them. No, I don't try. I just am. I am who I am. I don't know whether that's intimidating or not. I am just me.

- Serena Williams on whether she's intimidating

OMG.

*on the floor*

[Photo(s) credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images]

Del Potro downed by Simon, up close and personal (well, almost)

I finally made it out to the US Open yesterday. Normally I like to grab a grounds pass for the first couple of days since every court is filled with matches. But with the new job it just wasn’t possible. Perhaps next year.

Anyway, I was able to catch the third round match between Juan Martin del Potro + Gilles Simon in full. The Frenchie played some solid tennis in hot and humid conditions, running down Delpo’s ginormous groundies and keeping the big boy on the move. He forced the former US Open champ into errors and served well on key points - none bigger than when he saved set points in the fourth set.

 Even the Argentine thought so:

Q. There was that one point where I think there were three times where it looked like you had a winner, and three straight times he ran it down somehow. How shocked were you? How mentally tiring is it playing someone like that, too?

JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO: Is tough because you try to make the winners all the time, every point, and the ball come to you every time, too. And if you don't serve really, really well, Simon plays a nice tennis, very fast and it's not easy to make a winner to him. But, anyways, the crowd help me a lot 4 5 in the fourth set especially, and I was really close to win that set. But not this year.

Yeah, Delpo, that was me. Screaming and stuff. We all tried to lift you because you looked really weary out there (not like your usual look) but Baby Daddy was too good. Eh, that’s okay. You'll always have next year and we’ll always have 48th and Lexington. Always.

[Photo(s) credit: Reuters]

VIDEO VAULT: What happens under the table stays under the table

No pervs. It's not what you think. Rafael Nadal is cramping. He would never do THAT in public (I'm not completely convinced.)

[Via: NadalNews]

Sharapova's new normal

Back in the day you knew what you'd get with Maria Sharapova. These days you still do, but what you're getting these days ain't always purty. The former champ was sent home in the US Open third round by a revived Flavia Pennetta 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 hitting 60, yes 60, UEs against only 30 winners and 12 double faults.

This erratic play has become the norm for Shrieka as we saw at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and now here. When the going gets tough the nerves get going. As the match gets tighter and the points get bigger you just know a double fault or three are likely on their way. Before the shoulder surgery it was quite the opposite. She was a big match lady baller whose game got bigger and more effective when it mattered most.

You can see it in her eyes and body language as she steps to the line to serve on a set point, match point or break point - and that 'it' is called fear. She seems afraid of these big moments, afraid her serve and game will desert her. And, sadly, she's right.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

HE SAID/SHE SAID: US Open Day 4

Q. Caroline Wozniacki has a high profile relationship with a golfer. You've kind of been there. Any advice for her on how to deal in the public eye in that way in that kind of a relationship?

ANA IVANOVIC: I think it's different for every person, because some people like to be in the middle of attention or public eye and others don't. It's just very personal how you like to deal with it. I think, you know, once you decide how you want to handle it you should go about it. Of course if you want to be more private, that's harder. If you want to be out there it's a little bit easier. It's, you know, about to find the balance and to accept these things.

Check out more 'HE SAID/SHE SAID' from the US Open Day 4 after the jump - click the header!

FASHION FIX: Is Kuznetsova getting the good vibes?

Have you seen this Fila outfit before? Yes, no, maybe so? It's the outfit Kim Clijsters was supposed to wear to defend her US Open title. As we all know she was forced to pull out due to ANOTHER injury, this time to her abdominal area. Svetlana Kuznetsova was given the go ahead to wear it by the Italian sportswear brand.

I'm thinking it has some of Kimmie's lucky US Open vibes. Why? Because Sveta's actually playing well in Flushing Meadows. So far. I was hesitant to mention it because we all know the rollercoaster ride she puts us on when she hits the court these days. She can be playing well and then, out of nowhere, start spraying groundies everywhere but where they need to go. I suppose at some level we love the drama but it would be great to see someone of her talent (HELLO, she won two Slams somehow) play up to her ability. Plus, we still have JJ.

We should start a prayer circle for Sveta and hope she keeps this going. Then, maybe she won't have to wear Kimmie's hand-me-downs again, nice as they are. So there's that.

Pierluigi V-neck Top, $58

Pierluigi Skort, $60

Available at: Fila.com

[Photo(s) credit: Fila]

HE SAID/SHE SAID: US Open Day 3

Q. What were your emotions when you stepped onto the grounds here for the first time since having won the championship?

JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO: It's very, very strong, you know, see the fans, the crowds. After the match the guy who was with the microphone, he say the only player who beat No. 1 No. 2 of player of the world in the Grand Slam. You know, it's an honor. And I want to say thank you to the fans, to the Argentinian people who come to see me play here. I know who was behind me in the right moments and I know who are in this moment, too.

Q. Is it hard to believe it was two years ago, or does it seem like it was two years ago?

JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO: Yeah, to be honest, I feel like the final was yesterday, because when I was walking around the street or when I talk with the fans, they say, I remember your final; you can repeat; you can win again. It's every, every day, every time say or talk about this tournament.

More 'HE SAID/SHE SAID' from US Open Day 3 after the jump - click the header y'all.

PHOTO OP: From leap to launch

"5...4...3...2...1...I've got lift off!"

You know, I'll take this reaction from Irina Falconi, who upset 14th seed Dominika Cibulkova in the second round today, over the usual "It's a good win...I didn't play my best but I got through...I'm just happy to be here..." any day of the week.

Let us know how you really feel, girl. It's the US Open damn it!

[Photo(s) credit: Michael Heiman/Getty Images]

More struggles facing Venus Williams

The troublesome 2011 for Venus Williams took an even more unfortunate turn today when she withdrew from the US Open after revealing she has been suffering with Sjögren's Syndrome, an autoimmune disease where the bodies' white blood cells attack the glands that produce moisture. There is no cure.

She released the following statement:

"I'm really disappointed to have to withdraw from this year's US Open. I have been recently diagnosed with Sjögren's Syndrome, an autoimmune disease which is an ongoing medical condition that affects my energy level and causes fatigue and joint pain. I enjoyed playing my first match and wish I could continue but right now I am unable to. I am thankful I finally have a diagnosis and am now focused on getting better and returning to the court soon."

The 7-time Grand Slammer was asked about the illness after winning her opening round match and described it as "energy sapping" but didn't give a name to it. Her next opponent, Sabine Lisicki, was told about the withdrawal 30 minutes before their second round match was to begin today. "I saw Venus and heard she practiced as usual. I saw her in match clothes so was fully prepared and really looking forward to the match. I love those big matches and playing against Venus - we had two amazing matches the last two meetings. But that's tennis. It's unfortunate and I hope she will be fine quick."

The Williams sisters have been notoriously private about injuries and illness over the years but have opened up lately, most notably with Serena's recent health scares. And while this news comes as a surprise to us (and some in her close knit circle) it has been an issue according to her mom and coach, Oracene Price, who told SI.com, "It's been something that's been worrisome for a long time."

At this point, no one knows when V will come back. Some are even questioning whether she will at all considering her age, litany of injuries and the unknowns surrounding the management of this disease. There's no doubt that if she tries, and my gut tells me she will, it'll be a tough road back. But as we've seen over the years, when it comes to the Williams sisters they love a good comeback.

[Photo(s) credit: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images]

HE SAID/SHE SAID: US Open Days 1 + 2

Yeah, Mardy. I feel the same way. A few of these questions are head-in-the-hand BAD. Who writes their stuff anyway? Oh wait. THEY DO.

P.S. I love you already, Ms. Keys. Not in a creepy, stalkeratti kinda way but in a "You get fashion and therefore you're awesome"  way. You knows what's up.

Check out 'HE SAID/SHE SAID' from Days 1 + 2 at the US Open after the jump!

A postscript postcard to Petra Kvitova and Li Na

It's okay, ladies. Really. You both entered the tennis history books this year in huge ways: You, Petra Kvitova, by winning Wimbledon and, according to Straight Sets, becoming the first Grand Slam ladies' champ EVAH not to win even a set in her next major tourney and you, Li Na, for becoming the first baller from Asia to hoist a Grand Slam trophy and coming in second to Maria Sharapova in the top earning female athlete ranking thingy.

I think your first round losses at the US Open were almost meant to be. Why? Well, you both showed up wearing pretty much the same Nike duds (one is a cap tee while the other a tank) and you both lost to young, up-and-coming Romanians. Pretty obvious signs if you ask me.

You both must be mentally tired, too, after your efforts earlier in the season and especially now that you're wearing big ass targets on your backs. Those other lady ballers will be gunning for you every chance they get and preparing to step into your Nike kicks at the first strike. They want to be where you are (if they're not there already, that is).

While it's never good to lose reigning major champs in the first round I think you deserve (read = desperately need) a break. And now you have one. So enjoy it. And make sure to return the favor and send a postcard from your vacay. Through snail mail. Not that e-card shit.

xoxo,
RiCH

[Photo(s) credit: Nick Laham/Getty Images]

Grisha + La Monf post-match MOMA

At least he went for it. You gotta give Grisha some props.

[Via: nidssserz]

FASHION FIX: What exactly is this dress, Venus Williams?

So Venus Williams looked good today. LOOOOL. And you thought I was talking about her EleVen "mullet" dress. No, you didn't? My bad. Uh, more like her bad.

At least V's tennis was stand out. She beat Vesna Dolonts 6-4, 6-3 in the first round at the US Open hitting 28 winners to 27 errors - pretty impressive after not having played much this year. Granted, the Russian had literally spent the previous 10 hours on a flight from Russia after having visa issues and may have had moments of delirium, but hey, that's the luck of the draw!

But seriously, it's great to see the 7-time Grand Slammer back on the court in whatever insane (or inane?) design her mind can come up with. Aside from the first few games when V was launching shots into the sea of green, she played pretty solid. We'll see her true form, of course, as the lady ballers get more experienced and the matches get tougher. So what am I saying? Let's not get too excited about her tennis just yet. As for the dress, I'll let it speak for itself.

[Photo(s): Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Isner 1, Wozniacki 0

We get it Tree. You win, she doesn't. 

Your degree of difficulty is higher. But you need more audience.

[Photo(s) credit: @MICAHMANN]

RICHARD'S RANKINGS: A whole lotta points for the US Open

Here we are. We have finally arrived to the lights of New York City! We have had a change in the leadership at the top of the men's rankings since we began the year and the women remain steady at the top. But at the end of this fortnight, we could see some dramatic changes in both top tens.

Mr. Two Losses the Entire Year - Novak Djokovic - could lose in the first round of the US Open and No. 2 Rafael Nadal could not catch him, a familiar story for the top man pretty much the past few years. Unlike Djokovic, Nadal could slip in the rankings if he falls in the quarterfinals and current No. 3 Roger Federer reclaims the title. Some pundits believe Federer has it in him to win the title again, but his draw is definitely tough.

We are more likely to see some dramatic changes in the No. 5 through No. 10 positions. For starters, who knows how well No. 6 Robin Soderling will perform after missing time with a wrist injury? He’s defending quarterfinal points and could have a tough tournament with a likely drop to at least No. 7, if not No. 10. How is that possible you ask? There are four men behind him with nothing to lose and everything to gain: David Ferrer (5) is only defending 180 points, Gael Monfils (7) 360 points, Mardy Fish (8) 180 points, Tomas Berdych (9) 10 points and Nicolas Almagro (10) 90 points. Each one of those guys can reach as high as No. 5.

Without a Grand Slam title and with early exits of late, Caroline Wozniaki still has a stranglehold on the No. 1 spot somehow and could skip Flushing Meadows and remain No. 1. Last year's finalist Vera Zvonareva still has work to do to keep her No. 2 spot among the women. And, sadly for our favorite (well, my favorite), the defending champ Kim Clijsters will likely fall to No. 9 at the end of the tournament.

But the fun for the women comes from the No. 4 through No. 7 positions – Maria Sharapova, Victoria Azarenka, Petra Kvitova and Li Na, respectively. Lately, Sharapova has shown she deserves to be on the short list of contenders here in New York; with 280 points to defend she has the potential to leap as high as No. 2 because of the points Zvonareva has to defend. Likewise, Li Na, Francesca Schiavone and Marion Bartoli are adding more points this week in New Haven which will likely bring all three of them within 800 points of each other coming into their first matches. And aside from Schiavone's quarterfinal points, the women No. 4 through No. 9 don't have many points to defend at all.

With the race so close, there is only one certainty as this tournament begins: be prepared for some New York magic.

About Richard: A life-long tennis fan, Richard offers thoughts on rankings for both the ATP and WTA. He runs a tennis blog, The Let Tennis, and is the author of two books, including his latest, Anything is Possible. You can visit his website at http://richarddedor.com.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

TASTE OF TENNIS: I asked, they answered

So, yeah. I made it to this year's Taste of Tennis albeit a little late. I had to work so my friend, Erin, covered the Rafael Nadal/Armani event at Macy's earlier in the day for me, where he unveiled his ginormous ballboard to the world, before heading over to the W Hotel in Midtown where we were meeting up.

When I got there I ran into Karen from Tennis Panorama, my annual US Open Party Patrol buddy, who is always up for a good time. I also hung out with Nick from Tennis Served Fresh, @MariyaKTennis and finally got to meet Rachel from OntheGoTennis and Elena from The Slice. The one thing I noticed immediately was the fewer number of media in attendance - it didn't have the same INSANE feel it had last year. But, here was the worst part: no complimentary bottled water. HOW COULD THEY LET US GET THIRSTY??? I wondered if it was on downhill from there. Luckily, I had gum.

The green carpet arrivals began to, er, arrive. Rafa, surprisingly or maybe not so surprisingly, came through first. I compared his appearance to having "the dessert before the main course" over Twitter. It was also like a wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am moment- a quickie but without the guilt. He was literally there for less than a minute before Benito moved him onto the VIP area. For him to do all this publicity for his book and ad campaign must be draining for him - it's soooo not his thing. I guess I'm not surprised he flew through the line.

There were also less lady ballers at this event than last year which meant less opportunity to ask, "Who are you wearing, guuurl???" So I asked the guys. Well, one guy: Marin Cilic. He had on this cool shirt jacket but no idea who designed it. I suppose it wasn't a question he was prepared to answer. Hopefully he will be next time, and in that small way I've helped prepare him for future green carpet questions - or not. Probably not.

A few of us made it upstairs to the big party (we have our ways) where we ate some fabulous food and drank, um, a lot. A fucking blast. But as they say, it's not how you start but how you end and THIS end was awesome. Just awesome. Even an obviously fanatical and possibly drunk person accosting him on the street for a picture couldn't scare him away. HE BE THE BEST.

Thanks to E, who's an amazing graphic designer BTW, for helping me out and DKC for the great event and invite. Until next year Taste of Tennis!!!

Check out my full Q & A with Tommy Haas, Tamira Paszek, Fernando Verdasco, Janko Tipsarevic, Marin Cilic, Gilles Simon, James Blake and Vera Zvonareva from Taste of Tennis after the jump.