Thems are the breaks for Nadal

Rafael Nadal couldn't catch a break, or rather covert a break, when it really mattered today and was sent packing from the Bangkok semifinals by compatriot Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.

The World No. 1 was only able to capitalize on 2 of 26 break point opportunities during the 2-6, 7-6(3), 6-3 defeat to his compatriot, bringing back memories of the US Open final - the last tourney he played - where he only converted 6 of 26 against Novak Djokovic. Of course he managed to win that (big) one but made a telling prediction during his post-match presser saying, "Yeah, on the statistics of the ATP I was No. 1 on breakpoints converted, so I think after this tournament I [won't] be No. 1 on breakpoints converted." No doubt.

Could it be possible his opponents have begun to find a chink in Rafa's muscular armor e.g. his lack of a strong return on hard courts? He seems to have difficulties with the backhand return on the rough stuff, opting for a chip rather than a drive, giving his opponents time to set up an aggressive stance off his return. From that point on it becomes very difficult for him to grab the initiative in the rally.

It's too early to say yet whether this is a coincidence or the beginnings of a worrying pattern for Rafa. He's playing the next two tourneys on the hard stuff - Tokyo + Shanghai - so it's surely something we'll all be watching.


[Photo(s): Getty Images]

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Juan Martin del Potro

The most important thing today was the wrist, and it was perfect.

- Juan Martin del Potro after going down to Olivier Rochus 7-6(7), 6-4 in the first round of Bangkok. It was his first match since losing in the fourth round of this year's Aussie Open to Marin Cilic

That's the news I was hoping to hear. I couldn't have cared less if you ended with a win or a loss today - just very happy to have you back you big boob!

[Photo(s): AP]

SIGHTING: Nadal makes a tour of it in Thailand

Rafael Nadal finally hit the practice court after winging it into Thailand and taking a lengthy vacay with family and friends. He has a bye into the second round of Bangkok and was drawn to face a qualifier on Thursday.

Before returning to the courts, though, the World No. 1 participated in an anti-global warming project called "One Million Trees for the King" which featured a tree-planting ceremony in Hua Hin in honor of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej today. He'll be visiting with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva at the Government House tomorrow.

Over the weekend Rafa traveled to a beach in the Prachuab Khirikhan province and offered lotus flowers to a Buddhist monk. He doesn't speak much about his spirituality but recently gave some insight to Sports Illustrated's Jon Wertheim on his beliefs:

"It's hard to say, 'I don't believe in God'" said the 24-year old. "I would love to know if God exists. But it's a very difficult thing for me to believe. I don't know. It's private and I don't want to speak about it, but I say, "If God exists, you don't need [to cross yourself] or pray." If God exists, he's intelligent enough to [do] the important things, the right things."

More images from the practice and the tree-planting ceremony after the jump (click the headline y'all.)

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One night in Bangkok (and then some) for Del Potro

TRANSLATION: The boy is back in Bangkok.

Mother. Fucking. Yeah.

 [Screen grab: @delpojuan]

SIGHTING: Nadal flies into Bangkok in more ways than one

Rafael Nadal and his aerodynamic hair - it's got wings! - were spotted arriving at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok. The World No. 1 is taking a bit of holiday with friends and family there according to his website and will be competing at the Thailand Open next week.

The big news, however, doesn't belong solely to him. Juan Martin del Potro is slated to make his return to the ATP World Tour at the tourney after being sidelined for most of the season with a wrist injury. I had some doubt as to whether he would actually play here but as of today he's still on the player list.

Don't get me wrong. I will absolutely blow a load if Delpo actually makes his return next week, and all signs say he'll be there. But I also want him to take his time and come back when his game and fitness are on point. The tour needs him healthy because when he's in full flight he can beat anyone at any time, including the Spaniard.

In the meantime, check out more images of Rafa's arrival below and after the jump (click on the headline.)

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PHOTO OP: HE WOLF

Gilles Simon howled to the heavens after edging past Evgeny Korolev 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the semifinal in Bangkok. He'll face off against Jurgen Melzer for a spot in the final.

I guess Gilly is now ready to receive Jo-Willy - doesn't it all make sense now? Gotta love the Frenchie MOMA.

So in honor of his wolf-y ways and because it's Friday *cheers*, I give you Shakira's "She Wolf" for your listening and viewing pleasure. That's if you like smokin' hot, half-dressed, gyrating, bendy blondes in a cage, I mean.

CHECK IT:



(image via getty, video via freshmusic9)

PUT A CAP ON IT: Jo-Willy

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga made a strange yet interesting gesture during his exhausting 6-7(3), 7-6(4), 7-6(2) win over Ernests Gulbis in Bangkok. The defending champ and top seed reached the quarterfinals where he'll face off against qualifier Marco Chiudinelli.

Believe it or not I'm actually at a loss to explain what's going on in this pic so you tell me: what the hell is Jo-Willy doing peeps?

(Photo: Reuters)

WEEKEND WINNERS: A-Rod, Jo-Willy, JJ, Maria K

Andy Roddick - Beijing

A-Rod earned his third title this season (San Jose, Dubai) when he struggled to beat Israel's Dudi Sela 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-3 in Beijing. Afterwards, the American baller donated $25,000 of his winnings to the Chinese Tennis Association to help with the earthquake recovery in the Sichuan Province:

I would really like to contribute a part of my prize money to those families affected, to those who lost everything they had, suffered painful injuries or lost loved ones in the earthquake. It’s my great honor to be in Beijing to work with CTA to assist those kids who are in need. It is an athlete's privilege and responsibility to give back.

Great moment - kudos to you A-Rod!

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - Bangkok

Unbelievably, Jo-Willy earned his very first ATP title in Bangkok when he defeated top seed Novak Djokovic 7-6(4), 6-4 in a rematch of the Aussie Open final where the Serb earned his maiden Grand Slam trophy (karmic brothers maybe?). If he can keep his injury woes at bay, this winning run should boost his confidence and make the Frenchie a big threat the remainder of the season and beyond.

Jelena Jankovic - Beijing

In a battle of mental midgets, JJ avenged her loss to Svetlana Kuznetsova in Tokyo, routing the Russian baller 6-3, 6-2 and earning her second title this year. The Serb stopped a run of four straight hard court losses to Sveta and continues her run towards the WTA Penthouse. I suppose whomever is left standing after everyone else implodes will win titles this fall - how entertaining.

Maria Kirilenko - Seoul

The Russian didn't let the fashionable bloomers she was working here stop a run to the title. Maria, the top seed, stopped a three-match losing streak by defeating Aussie Samantha Stosur 2-6, 6-1, 6-4 in Seoul earning her third Tier IV title of the season (Estoril, Barcelona). So when is Maria going to step up and take her game to the next level? Winning is winning for sure, but it makes me think the 21-year old is destined to be a second-rate baller in a (sometimes) pretty dress.


(images via Getty)

Reuters has a secret crush on "classy" Nole - who knew?

Reuters must be watching Novak Djokovic very closely these days and loving it.

The global news organization reported on Nole's 6-4, 7-5 defeat of Swede Robin Soderling in Bangkok today with the headline "Classy Djokovic through to Thailand Open semis". Classy? Intriguing.

Stumped as I was by this description, I anxiously ran through the story to see what level of classiness the Serb displayed today. Did he offer an overly excited fan an autograph and a hug? Did he give full credit to Robin for his own defeat?? Did he share his Pad Thai???

But, alas, nothing. Nothing even close to the Nole's past attempts at classiness like, oh, putting words in a stadium crowd's mouth.

You're a tease Reuters and now your secret is out.

(image via Getty)

PHOTO OP: Nole's arms are doing their own thing - and he's worried

Uh-oh. Novak Djokovic, who made the quarterfinals in Bangkok by crushing Germany's Simon Stadler 6-1, 6-3, looks like might have busted something in his Serbian body here.

I'm thinking Nole's saying to himself, "Oh shit. I think my arms might detach right now. Is that possible?" Ouch, ouch, ouch.

(image via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Shirtless Jo-Willy works shorty-shorts in Bangkok...so where's Rafa's pair?

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who managed to scrape out a 7-6 (9), 3-6, 7-6 (1) win over Czech Lukas Dlouhy in Bangkok, took time out to perform an obviously Ali-inspired kickboxing presentation (as Forty Deuce observed) at the Impact Arena.

So Jo-Willy's been a shirtless brigade member since the Aussie Open (when he was looking a bit fitter, btw.) But who knew he'd be able to pull off the shorty-shorts moment?

Rafa - get a move on it please.





(image via Getty)

Mare demolished in main draw debut, looks to lose Jan Brady label

Marko Djokovic's ATP main draw debut went pretty much as expected: the 17-year old was pummeled by flying Finn Jarkko Nieminen 6-2, 6-0.

But Mare wasn't discouraged by the result of his first foray into the Big Boys Club:

Being here is amazing, playing in the ATP is a huge experience. I'm happy to play -- very, very happy.

And what does he think of the comparisons to big brother Nole?

Everyone expects me to be like him, they come to watch me play because I'm his brother. People have told me I play with the same technique as Novak. They say it's like watching him. My backhand is very similar to his. I'm trying to think like him, I've watched him all my life, but I'm also trying to be my own player. I want to be Marko, not Novak's brother.

Exactly Mare. Here's some advice from one Jan Brady to another: Be smart, learn from their mistakes, and find your own way. You'll be much better off and a lot happier in life.

At least that's what my therapist told me to do...

(image via Getty)

SIGHTING: Nole arrives in Bangkok with Jelena - does she have him on lockdown?

Novak Djokovic was spotted arriving with Shrieka...I mean Leryn...I mean his actual girlfriend Jelena Ristic in Bangkok where the Serb is the top seed. Nole has teamed up with brother Marko, who received a wild card, in doubles and could face Mare in the quarterfinals of the singles draw.

Based on these pictures, the couple seem to be holding it together though I wonder what Jelena thinks of all the girl rumors (and pictures, btw.) Maybe that's why Nole looks so stiff - she's probably got him on lockdown after the whole Olympics mess.

As the saying goes, "What happens on the Tour, stays on the Tour". She'd be a fool to give up her cash cow, right?



(images via Great Tennis Photos)

Oh no it's another Djoko: Mare makes main draw debut in Bangkok

Brace yourselves people: the Djokovic Clan is looking to begin their full-scale invasion of the ATP Tour this week in Bangkok.

Nole is the top seed at the Thailand Open with a potential Aussie Open final rematch with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga who comes in as the second seed. But here's the more intriguing news: Nole's brother Marko, the family's "Jan Brady", received a wild-card into Bangkok, his first main draw into a pro-tourney, and the two could meet in the quarterfinals.

Let's hope the Djoko's have learned from their past mistakes and put Mare in the PR machine (high, spin cycle please) before he starts spewing chunks of nonsense publicly too.

(image via Vince Caligiuri)