QUOTE OF THE DAY: Tomas Berdych

"I just said to my coach now that I probably played over 700 matches in my career, and I met guys like Andre, Roger, all those probably in their best times. But I have never, ever experienced anything like that."

- A stunned Tomas Berdych after his 6-0, 6-2 drubbing at the hands of Novak Djokovic in the China Open final

High praise. The only time they were on the same playing field was right before the first ball was struck. Nole literally raced out to a 6-0, 5-0 lead before finally getting broken by Berd. It was simply an awesome performance against a quality opponent by the 5-time champ, who remains unbeaten in Beijing.

Nole stated earlier in the week that securing the year-end No.1 spot was a big priority for him, and the possibility of achieving it again gives him motivation. No kidding.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Grigor Dimitrov feeling flexy

Grigor Dimitrov took out Spain's Pablo Andujar 6-4, 6-4 at the China Open and will try become the first baller to defeat Novak Djokovic in Beijing when they meet in the quarterfinals. The Serb is riding a 21-0 streak at the tourney.

Grisha doesn't seem too concerned about the world number one's record:

"[Novak] has always played well here. At the same time I like my chances. I've been practising well. I had a good block before the last bit of the season. In a way I'm excited to just come out there and play that match. Of course... I'm going to give my all." 

I actually give the Bulgarian a chance because I think he may have learned a few things from their semifinal meeting at Wimbledon. In that match, Nole was shaky and Grisha had his chances but let the moment get to him. There should be less pressure here; and the Serb has not been his supremely confident self since that championship run at the All England Club.

The ATP site also posted a Player Profile on Grisha. Check it out here.
 
[Via ATP.com; Photo(s) credit: Emmanuel Wong/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]

TENNIS COURT: Wozzi v. WTA/Beijing

Speaking of choice words, Caroline Wozniacki had some of her own for the WTA and tourney director of Beijing.

The US Open finalist caught a virus while in Tokyo and had to retire from her opening round match against Aleksandra Wozniak on Tuesday, September 29th. However, she was scheduled to play her first round match in Beijing on the following Sunday, October 4th, but requested a Monday start with hopes getting more rest.

Wozzi discussed what happened in her latest blog:

In Beijing, I still was not feeling close to 100%, so I asked the tournament director and WTA for a Monday start (instead of playing my first round on Sunday), but it was very frustrating to learn on Saturday that I was scheduled to play my first match on Sunday. I really needed every hour of rest to get over this virus and ready for my first match, but the WTA or tournament director did not seem to care at all and take this into consideration. The WTA Tour is supposed to be a players union, but I certainly don’t think they represented my best interest this week in Beijing and it was very disappointing. In my first round, I ended up playing Maria Jose Martinez-Sanchez, and I played a good first set which I won close 7-5. In the second set, it was really close again but I lost it in a tiebreaker and then in the third set I just completely ran out of energy and ended up losing the match.

Losing my first round in is Beijing was exactly what I was worried about since I have not practiced for more than one hour in the past week. I was hopeful that if th WTA were to give me a first round start on Monday that I could’ve had a much better chance of winning and feeling better as I were to advance through the tournament. I am never one to make excuses because Martinez-Sanchez did play a good match, but I really feel the WTA and tournament director could’ve helped me and they chose not to.

I'm actually very surprised the WTA and the tourney directors didn't give her an extra day considering she's a Top Tenner and just reached the US Open final. Plus, Wozzi doesn't consistently abuse rules (like some lady ballers we know.)

I understand there are matches to be played and scheduling to be completed but it seems they were being too rigid in this situation.

VERDICT: I find the WTA/Beijing "guilty" of being lame. I mean, HELLO, Wozzi rocks.

(Photo: AP)

VIDEO VAULT: Shrieka pulls JJ card on Vika in Beijing

Maria Sharapova had a hot mic moment during her epic 3-hour plus win against Victoria Azarenka in Beijing.

Vika requested a second medical timeout for an apparent leg issue so the ref walked over to Shrieka and advised her about the extra time. Let's just say she had a few choice words about the situation - and they didn't involve the Belarussian.

*dying*

Thanks Isa!

(via kiera123j)

FASHION FIX: JJ booted from Beijing, looks pretty in ANTA purple

Jelena Jankovic still seems to be bothered by the arm injury which forced her to retire from the Tokyo final last week against Maria Sharapova.

The defending champ played well at the outset during her first round match in Beijing, and even served for the match in the second, but couldn't sustain her level of play and succumbed to homegirl Shuai Peng 4-6, 7-5, 6-2. Ugh.

JJ also debuted this new ANTA number and FINALLY sent the red version of the pinata dress to pasture (let's hope there's no returnament in that thing's future tennis career, k?) It looks like something she could've worn during a US Open night match with the deep purple coloring, gathering along the chest, shiny embellishments on the waist + skirt, and a pleated second-tier underneath. And let's face it, anything would look great after THAT other one.

Too bad we won't see it anymore...at least this week.

(Photo: Getty)

Two US Open champs go the WTA way - which is worse?

Juan Martin del Potro + Andy Roddick both played their first matches since the US Open and both lost, though one of the losses is more worrisome than the other.

The current US Open champ, who was suffering from some jet lag and an upset stomach, was shocked by 189th-ranked Frenchie qualifier Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-4, 6-4 in Tokyo. A-Rod, who won at Flushing Meadows back in 2003, suffered his second consecutive loss since being upset in the third round of the year's final Slam falling to the 143rd-ranked Lukasz Kubot of Poland 6-2, 6-4. He also missed out on a chance to qualify for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

It's not surprising to see Delpo struggle after winning his maiden major. There's an emotional element to overcome here (not to mention the endless celebrating no doubt) more than physical so it'll probably take some time for his game to reemerge. But it will.

A-Rod's loss, however, provided more proof that the Wimbledon loss to Roger Federer over the summer is lingering. He had plenty of time to prepare for the Asian swing but it seems only time will heal the wounds from that missed opportunity. How long is anybody's guess.

So I guess some of the early-losing top lady ballers can gain some comfort now, no?

(Photo: Getty, Reuters)

FASHION FIX: Rafa returns and wins, goes green spark + navy for Nike

Rafael Nadal played his first match since his semifinal defeat to Juan Martin del Potro at the US Open and his recovery from an abdominal injury.

The 6-time Grand Slammer was pushed by Marcos Baghdatis in Beijing but eventually prevailed taking out the Cypriot 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in the first round. He'll face James Blake next and will try to close the gap in the H2H which currently sits at 2-3 in favor of the American baller.


Rafa also debuted some new colorways of the Nike duds he's been wearing recently but they've also been renamed for the season. He's working the Nike Winter Bold Master Polo ($60) in green spark with black + white paired with Nike Woven Winter Woven Long Short ($55) in dark obsidian navy with white + green spark.


I'm liking the bright green spark choice but it's certainly not a color everyone could get away with wearing (unless your a bronzed, primal tennis gawd.) Those of you with yellow undertones in your skin should run far, FAR away unless you'd like to look like, uh, death.

The shorts aren't really doing anything for me, though the boldness of the style is fitting for Rafa. The design doesn't really match up - it looks messy and patched together. I much prefer the older style especially from his championship run in Oz which featured a subtle, clean window pane effect.

So much bettah.

(Photos: Getty, TennisWarehouse.com)

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Team Williams hit by ADD bug

Team Williams found all kinds of ways of distracting themselves during Venus' 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 loss to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the second round of Beijing. It was her second consecutive loss to the Russian teen after falling to Pavlov in Tokyo last week.

Let's see if you can match the following reactions to the correct member of Team Williams:

1) These shoes are just WRONG. Never get dressed in the dark.

2) 'dw' will look awesome on t-shirts, jeans, even pillows. RF has nothing on me. LMAO"

3) ...zzzzzz.....*snore*.....zzzzzzz......

4) Im bored. Wat r u all doing?????????

On a side note: I didn't think it was possible but Dinara Safina lost to someone ranked LOWER than the 132nd ranked Chang Kai-Chen who defeated her in Tokyo last week. The honors this time go to 226th-ranked Chinese wild card Zhang Shuai who grabbed a 7-5, 7-6(5) upset, and could cause Dinara to lose the WTA Penthouse keys if ReRe defeats Ekaterina Makarova in her next match. For some reason I'm thinking Dinara would like nothing better than to have that ranking taken away - along with her coach too.

UPDATE: WTA just confirmed the Russian's loss to Zhang as the worst lost EVAH by a reigning WTA Penthouse resident in terms of ranking. She bested Ana Ivanovic's shock exit at the hands of Julie Coin, who was then ranked 188th, at last year's US Open. Uh, me thinks it's probably not the kind of history Dinara was hoping to make.

UPDATE #2: You can peep a preview of ReRe's almost-nude-but-not-quite ESPN The Magazine cover for "The Body Issue" here which hits stands October 19.

(Photo: Reuters)

SIGHTING: Rafa arrives, smile in tow

After finally being cleared to compete, Rafael Nadal began his season-ending effort arriving in Beijing today for the China Open.

Boy, it's like deja vu: Rafa, Beijing, striped polo. But at least this time he's smiling. Last year, not so much.

More images of his arrival along with Tommy Robredo + Ivo Karlovic here.

(Photo: chinaopen.com.cn)

FASHION FIX: JJ soaks sweat with Burberry blanket in Beijing

Jelena Jankovic, who seems sold on working glitter for the rest of the year, was spotted working a Burberry cover during her Beijing win over Svetlana Kuznetsova.

A Burberry blanket to soak up her sweat? How very fancy of her. She should follow A-Rod's lead and give it up for charity. In fact, I hear EBay calling JJ...

(image via Getty)

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)

SIGHTING: Fernando scopes out Ana with Dragana - is "Anando" in the works?

Fernando Verdasco was spotted with Ana Ivanovic's mama, Dragana, watching her daughter practice before going down to Zheng Jie in Beijing today.

Hmmm - after seeing Fernando whisper "sweet somethings" to the Serb during the player party this week and now this photo, the pair are most definitely getting closer. Another trip to Spain for Ana has got to be in the works.

I'm liking the idea of "Anando" very much - quite the sexy couple. What says you? Do tell!

Side note: Though she seems sweet enough, the name "Dragana" scares the crap out of me. Don't ask...

(image via HCFoo's Tennis Blog)

Quote of the Day: Ana on Beijing loss

She was really aggressive and she was dominating a lot. At the (time) I wasn't realizing I was running a lot, but after the match when I talked to my coach, he was saying that, probably, I should have been more aggressive.

- Ana Ivanovic on her second consecutive loss to Zheng Jie in Beijing

You probably "should have been more aggressive"? You didn't realize you were "running a lot"?? Seriously???

Oh Ana - get a grip.

(image via Getty)

Ana stops Serbian Slide, earns first win since first round of US Open

Ana Ivanovic put a stop to her Serbian Slide for now.

The former no. 1 defeated rising Frenchie baller Alize Cornet 6-1, 7-6 (1) in Beijing today earning her first tour win since her US Open first round defeat of Russian Vera Dushevina on August 26th - almost a full month ago.

I guess that's why Ana looks so pumped up here - and what a good sign. Let's hope she can keep her intensity and consistency for the remainder of the season. A championship run at in Moscow and at the WTA Championships in Doha could get her career back on track, quiet the talk, and set Ana up for a great 2009.

(image via Getty)