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]

PHOTO OP: The 2014 China Open Player Party

The China Open Player Party has come a long way. So long traditional garb, hello sometimes questionable fashion choices. But I have to say, for the most part [SPOILER ALERT] these looks aren't screaming, "Wait, what the hell were you, or your stylist, thinking?!"

It's safe to say our ballers have come a long way, too.

THE GUYS

Novak Djokovic. The Serb usually goes for relatively safe, classic looks for these events and this outfit is no exception. First of all, I love the blue, but Nole's bordering ever so slightly on game show host here.

Rafael Nadal. I wasn't kidding when I said they've come a long way, especially Rafa. Back in the day, he would never show up wearing anything that actually fit him well. That's no longer the case. Aside from the slicked back hair, I think he looks quite good here.

Tomas Berdych. I'm not a huge fan of denim made to be distressed. I much prefer either raw denim or denim that has been distressed naturally and over time. In this case, Big Berd's jeans give his look some edge and make it less conservative than Rafa's. As we've seen on-court with his H&M kits, the Czech isn't afraid to be bold.

THE LADIES

 

Serena Williams. She dares to be different and this striking dress is no exception. It's certainly in the theme of the evening. But if ReRe's trying to out-Milos Milos Raonic with her one-sleeve number, SHE WINS.

Ana Ivanovic. I'll keep it short here and say she looks lovely. It feels like, on-court and off, she's coming into her own this year.

 

Caroline Wozniacki. What I just wrote for Ana? Ditto for Woz. Great look.

Simona Halep. If this haircut is a new one, it's fantastic. Plus, the pops of yellow against the simple black dress are just right.

Genie Bouchard. You really can't go wrong with a great pair of jeans, a simple white blouse and black heels, and easy flowing hair. Smart, classic look.

Andrea Petkovic. Head-to-toe black is easy and always looks chic. Petko gives the outfit a little kick with these fantastic shoes.

Heather Watson. Fine, she's still very young as this outfit shows. It's a little casual for this event, in my opinion, but at least she's not trying to look older.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Top ballers take the stage (and drums) for China Open party

The top ballers competing at the China Open this week donned traditional Chinese garb and hit the drums as they took part in the official opening party for the tourney.

However, some of them seemed to be a little distracted...

What could Ana + Fernando be talking about? Another trip to Spain for the Serb?? Poor Sveta got the shaft though - oh well...

Thanks for the tip B2012!

(images via Getty)

TENNIS 2007 AWARDS: The Shank Award

So we've arrived at our second TENNIS 2007 Award. Last week, we awarded Serena Williams the first award for Best Dramatic Performance which took place during her 4th round Wimbledon show. The second award is for the biggest choke in a match this year - we're calling it The Shank Award. This most deserving player gave us a few matches to choose from this year but this match beats out the rest.

The Shank Award - Jelena Jankovic

Jelena Jankovic met rising 18-year old star Agnes Szavay for the first time in the final of the China Open and was expected to pull out an easy win over her more inexperienced opponent. The first set was very tight affair, ending with the Serb overcoming a 0-5 deficit in the tie-breaker and winning 7-6. She carried the momentum into the second set, racing to a indomitable 5-1 lead, or so she thought. The Hungarian, who began the year ranked 207th, launched an impressive comeback breaking back the World No. 3, winning the second set 7-5, and dominating the third 6-2 for her second, and biggest, title of her fledgling career.

After the match, Jelena acknowledged her opponent's talent saying,

"She's a youngster and she's got huge potential and for sure we'll see a lot more of her."

Tennis insiders said the same thing about you, Jelena, when you were but a youngling on the tennis tour. Now it's time to put or, well, you know the rest. In any case, congrats Jelena on your TENNIS 2007 Shank Award!

P.S. Didn't catch the match? Click here to view the 2007 China Open final.

Injuries derail Martina Hingis, calls it quits on '07 season

Yes, it's been that kind of year for Martina Hingis. The sophomore year of her return from retirement has not been kind to the 5-time Grand Slam champ. A lingering hip injury sustained in March at the Sony Ericsson Open has hindered the once fleet-footed tennis prodigy. Her results this year speak to her woes: 1 title at Tokyo and 1 Grand Slam quarterfinal.


Now comes news today that the Swiss Miss is shutting down her game for the remainder of the year to heal her body. "I've done everything I can to be able to compete, but since Key Biscane I've had problems with my hip which are stopping me from playing any more tournaments this year and even from practising properly," said a dejected Marty.

Who knew that when we saw her waving good-bye at the China Open it would be for the last time this year?

A champion like Marty deserves better...

Lindsay Davenport talks tennis, working motherhood, and Kim Clijsters

We've been covering the very successful return of Lindsay Davenport to the WTA Tour. She's competing this week at the China Open and has reached the quarterfinals with a win over Greece's Eleni Daniilidou, 7-5, 6-3. In a recent interview, the former World No. 1 spoke about being a working mom, getting the balance right, and her thoughts on another mom-to-be, the now-retired Kim Clijsters:

On being a working mom:

"It's been really fun to do both, " [...] "At the beginning when I would leave and go and play tennis for a couple of hours I would have all this guilt" [...] "But I've learned that it's probably been good for both of us." [...] I feel like my life on the road is more fulfilled now I have my son with me" [...] "Once the tennis is over all my attention is on him and I think that helps me focus on the court."

On the challenges of coming back:

"Just physically, your body is really different after giving birth and I'm definitely not back to where I was before," [...] "It will probably take a few months ... I'm definitely not the fastest player out there so I have to rely on my anticipation."

On Kim Clijsters:

"[...] I just have to talk Kim (Clijsters) into coming back," [...] "I don't think she has any plans to do it but we'll try."

On her goals for tennis:

"It's been a wildly successful trip for me whatever happens here," [...] "For me it's just about the challenge of trying to get back to the top, of trying to win tournaments and being a force on the tour again."

(source, images via AP Photo)

PHOTO OP: Martina Hingis says goodbye to China Open

Which one of these kids is doing her own thing? Swiss Miss Martina Hingis has a game all her own and looks to be the odd man out at this event for the China Open. Unfortunately, Marty lost to homegirl Peng Shuai 7-5, 6-1 the next day in only her second match of the tournament. It's as if she knew she would be going home - say "bye-bye" Marty...and don't look so happy Amelie!

(source)

SIGHTING: Elena Dementieva arrives for China Open, looks to resurrect game

Former top 10 player Elena Dementieva arrived in Beijing alongside mom and coach (not to mention baggage handler) Vera for the China Open. The Russian with the incredible groundies but sketchy serve is the No. 4 seed this week and hopes to get on track this fall. Elena is now sitting at No. 15 in the world after a rough summer - she lost in the 3rd round at both Wimbledon and the US Open.

Her first match is a very tricky one - she plays up-n-coming slugger Tamira Paszek, a 16 year old from Austria, who defeated Elena in their first and only meeting at Wimbledon this past summer.


(source)

Fernando Gonzalez wins China Open, shows off "sexiest legs in tennis"

Fernando Gonzalez won his first title in almost 2 years by defeating Spain's Tommy Robredo for the China Open title this weekend. We've always been admirer's of the handsome Chilean and these photos reaffirm our thinking. Wow - Fernando has some incredibly sexy legs. We won't divulge the visuals running through our mind right now...ouch.

(images via AP Photo)

The China Open begins, Ivan Ljubicic and wife enjoy festivites

While the US Open was winding down this weekend, the China Open was gearing up for some tennis action. The Chinese went all out to celebrate the start of the tournament, with dancers working tennis rackets as props and giant-size blow ups of some of our favorite players.

Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic and his wife, Aida, hold candles before making wishes and releasing them onto the water during a boat cruise at Shishahai Lake in Beijing, China. Ivan is the No. 3 seed at the tournament.