PHOTO OP: Take a swig, Muzz

 You too, Shrieka. Don't hug it. SWIG IT.

[Photo(s) credit: AP]

Gotta love those growing pains

As you may or may not have noticed, I didn't post about Caroline Wozniacki's opening round loss in Toronto to Roberta Vinci nor did I write about her opening round defeat to American teen Christina McHale in Cincinnati yesterday. Why? Because it's just not that shocking.

I mean, how fucked is it to say it's not a surprise to see a reigning World No. 1 go down to someone ranked 76th? And it has nothing to do with the "depth" in women's tennis. She hasn't been playing like a top lady baller since March when she won at Indian Wells. Yeah, she also won a few weeks later on the clay in Charleston, but if you compare the draws she fought through in each one you'll see which one was more impressive (don't even get me started on Copenhagen). Each tourney Wozzi played after Indian Wells she looked a little less confident and little more unsure, leading us to what we witnessed the last two weeks.

It's also not a surprise to see her finally can Papa Woz as her coach (which, apparently, happened after losing early at Wimbledon). We've seen this story played out before - the child star grows up, becomes more independent, demands more control of their career, dumps parent as coach. And Wozzi should if she feels like it's not working anymore and she'd like a new voice. After all, it's her career. But how many top ballers in the history of tennis have made a coaching switch-a-roo while sitting in the Penthouse? I'm not sure but I don't think it's happened too many times. That's not to say it won't work, but if the last two weeks are any indication she may need to fall down so she can get back up. On her own.

[Photo(s) credit: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images]

SIGHTING: Caroline Wozniacki + Rory McIlroy get all smiley in Cincinnati

Caroline Wozniacki and golfer Rory McIlroy are finally coming out with their whatever-you-want-to-call-it (some might call it a PR stunt).

In any case, you know it's getting serious when you bring your man-piece to a practice session. Although, in this photo, 'boy-piece' might be more fitting. She looks like she could bench press him. Seriously.

[Photo(s) credit: AP]

(UPDATED) Ana Ivanovic's struggles continue, suffers foot injury in Cincinnati

Ana Ivanovic finally seemed destined to get her game back in track after hitting through her draw and reaching the semifinals in Cincinnati. But, after sustaining a left foot injury during her match against Kim Clijsters, she's in a race against time to be fit for the Pilot Pen where she grabbed a wild card and the U.S. Open.

The former top lady baller suffered the injury while hitting her fave forehand in the fourth game of the first set. After receiving on-court medical treatment she tried to play but could only get through two points before leaving the court in tears. Here's what she had to say about that moment in the match (via AnaIvanovic.com):

"All of a sudden on that one shot I felt like something crack a little bit. I was very scared. I'm obviously disappointed the way it finished, because I felt like I had a really good run and it was a good start to the match for both of us, I think.

(photo courtesy of GVTennisNews)

And just on that one forehand when I went to step around it, I just felt like pain all of a sudden, so much pain in my foot and I couldn't step on it anymore. I tried a bit of tape, but I could not put any weight on it, and there was no point in me continuing."

She left afterward to have an MRI done on her foot and said she would release a statement after the tests were completed.

As if the Serb needed more frustration and disappointment here comes more. You've got to feel for NaturAna right now - she's really going through it with her struggling game, the Montreal brouhardyha and now this injury. She was playing confident, inspired tennis and for the first time in a long time looked happy and relaxed out there.

Ironically, Kimmie also suffered a similar injury earlier in the season and described hearing a "crack" in her foot. Unfortunately it knocked her out of the entire clay season including Roland Garros. Let's hope there's better news for NaturAna. *fingers crossed*

UPDATE: It appears based on the MRI that she's suffered strained ligaments in her ankle and not a bone fracture according to her website. No word on the recovery time as of yet.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Ana Ivanovic

It's huge.

- Ana Ivanovic on defeating Stanford champ Victoria Azarenka 2-6, 7-6(8), 6-2 in the first round of Cincinnati today after being down a set and a break.

In this context size does matter. Good win NaturAna.

[Photo(s): Getty Images] 

The Fab Four ready to rock Cincinnati - can you stand it?!

Flushing Meadow foreshadowing perhaps?

The Fab Four take the big stage today in the Cincinnati semifinals today with Roger Federer trying to snap a four match losing streak to Andy Murray while Novak Djokovic attempts to stop his own run of 5 consecutive defeats to Rafael Nadal, who looks to be pain free and rounding into form after his 10 week injury lay off. It's the first time the four top ballers in the world have all made the semifinal round at the same tourney since Monte Carlo last season.

These mouth-watering match ups should give us a solid idea of where each of their games stand with the US Open a little over a week away.

But, sorry no predictions here peeps. I'm just ready to enjoy some sick tennis and I hope you are too!

Click here for live streaming of today's match and here for ESPN2's TV coverage. NOTE: Fed v. Muzz will be shown live while Rafa v. Nole will be tape delayed. Whatevs.

(image via nytimes.com)

PHOTO OP: Safin the ultimate SexGawd

If only I could take this image of Marat Safin glistening in all his glory after a practice session in Cincinnati and blow it up to LIFESIZE my days would be complete.

OMG - I can't stop shuddering at that thought. Don't leave us!

*drowns in drool*

(image via rorymiller4/flickr)

VANtage Point: See ya in Cincinnati!

So, what did I miss?

Hey DtL readers, it’s the return of VANtage Point! Sorry I’ve been away so long, but the past few months have been kind of hectic with tendinitis in the knees forcing me to take some time off. Then my wife gave birth to twins and … well, let’s just say I’ve been busy, but now I’m back. And if you aren’t familiar with VP, here’s the scoop:

Each week, I look at one of the tournaments on the ATP and WTA tours, then give my predictions from the semifinals on, as well as look at some of the players I think will make a big move during the week.

Anyway, without further adieu, here’s VANtage Point!

A Look Back: So much has happened since the last edition of the Point, and to recap all that would take up a lot of precious Internet space, so I’ll spare you. Last week was pretty big, though, with the Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal stranglehold on the top two spots being broken by Andy Murray, who went on to win the ATP 1000 tournament in Montreal. Jelena Jankovic came away with a big title, too, picking up the crown in Cincinnati over Dinara Safina. Jankovic looked really good, I thought, in those last two matches and could be poised to challenge for the top spot by the end of the year.

This Week’s Spotlight: Since Cincy was such a hotbed of activity last week, why not keep it going by looking at what the men will be doing there? The ATP World Tour makes its annual visit to the Midwest with the ATP 1000 Cincinnati stop. All your favorite top tenners are there, led by Federer, Nadal, Murray and the gang. It’s a tough tournament for the second week in a row for the guys, but I guess you couldn’t ask for a better tuneup stretch heading into the last Slam of the year, the U.S. Open.

Players to Watch: There are three players I’m really going to have my eyes on this week. First is the top dog, Federer. Is he ready to get back on a roll again? I think he’ll do fine here. Then second, it’s Nadal. Last week, he managed to get in a few matches to work the rust out. I’m not too sure about how successful he’ll be here with a tough draw. And lastly, the other player I’m interested in seeing how he makes out is Juan Martin del Potro. He’s been playing lights out the last couple of weeks, but it look liked he show some signs of fatigue against Murray in the Montreal final. Those two are on track for a rematch in the quarters here.

The Final Four: In the top half of the draw, I’m expecting it to come down to Federer and Murray, with the Scot winning that matchup. On the other side, I’m picking Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (who I think will beat Nadal in the quarters) over Novak Djokovic.

And the Winner Is: Murray’s making it a habit of winning ATP 1000 events, and there’s no reason why this shouldn’t continue. It’ll be a tough final, but he has the game to handle big hitters like Jo-Willy. That’s my call and I’m sticking to it. Check back next week to see how I made out!

Van Sias writes the blog Tennis Talk, Anyone?

(image via getty)

PHOTO OP: Now who should REALLY be hiding their face?

"I just got blitzed and I still haven't taken a breath yet."

Jelena Jankovic's game may finally be getting back on track this season. *fingers crossed*

Even after a grueling semifinal bout against Elena Dementieva last night that saw her save four match points and get bageled in the second set, the Serb still upended top seed Dinara Safina 6-4, 6-2 to grab the title in Cincinnati. JJ played solid from the backcourt, and despite a classic dramatic pause (read: call for the trainer) she managed to earn her second title this season (Marbella). Interesting Fact Alert: it was JJ's first win over a reigning World No.1 evah.

As for Dinara, it was another tense, error-strewn performance by the Russian. The girl really needs to learn to relax and enjoy these match moments. Or at least fake it 'til she makes it. Something. Please.

(image via getty)

Get your drool ready: Rafa + Nole to play doubs in Cincy

Rafael Nadal + Novak Djokovic will be paired for doubles action next week in Cincinnati. No, really.

According to The Globe and Mail,

For next week in Cincinnati, where Nadal is expected to play doubles with Novak Djokovic, some of the white sleeved shirts, which he was supposed to wear at Wimbledon, will be shipped in.

LOL. Good thing those Wimby Nike shirts for Rafa are being recycled and not ending up at the Nike outlet, though eBay would be a better choice.

Should be good fun watching Rafole - and yes, I'm jealous of all of you going to the Cincy Masters. I admit it. Talk about eye candy GALORE.

Thanks to Djangoo!

(image via getty)

Venus, Serena, and Sveta hit the skids in Cincinnati

Venus + Serena Williams were both knocked out of Cincinnati's third round today within hours of each other.

V fell to current nemesis Flavia Pennetta 7-6 (2), 6-4 while ReRe was knocked out courtesy of Sybille Bammer by a similar score of 7-5, 6-4. The Sisters Sledge hit a combined whopping 82 unforced errors in their match. No, I didn't stutter peeps. I said 82 UNFORCED ERRORS. Ugh.


The pair were joined on the sidelines by Svetlana Kuznetsova, who became the third Top 20/first Top 10 victim of Kim Clijsters' remarkable return to the WTA tour. At least the Roland Garros champ managed to get to a deciding set but eventually succumbed 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 to her Belgian foe.

Great day for the tennis balling MILFs and the Italian, who now owns a 4-3 edge in her H2H with V.

As for ReRe, well, I think you answered your own question today about why you're not No. 1 yet. It still may happen by default, though, if Dinara Safina doesn't defend all of the points she accumulated from last summer.

(images via ap, getty)

FASHION FIX: Pretty or piñata? You decide.

Let's start with the positives - shall we? (Note to Sara: pipe in at ANY time here. Oh wait, you can't. See you in the DtL Peanut Gallery I guess.)

Jelena Jankovic got past Maria Kirilenko in Cincinnati today, besting the Russian cutie 7-6 (6), 6-3 in the tourney's second round. Good stuff.


Now for the bad: WTF is up with this ANTA dress JJ? *pulls out hair* The color is a bit too canary yellow for my taste but that's not the worst part. The dress is a manic mess of ruffles, raised seams, layers, and frills. The designers need to pick one concept or two at the most and stick to it. The color with a simple design would suffice here.

I swear there's a crying child somewhere longing for their party piñata so give it back JJ. Or at the very least tie a rope around your waist, hoist yourself up onto a tree branch, and let the kiddies have at it.

(images via getty)

Kimmie makes winning return, beats Bart in Cincinnati

It was a successful return to the WTA tour for Kim Clijsters in Cincinnati!

The former top lady baller, who is returning after 2 years away, downed Stanford champ Marion Bartoli 6-4, 6-3 in the tourney's opening round after an hour and 23 minutes of play. I'd say that's a pretty big win especially since Bart has been playing some good ball of late. Impressive indeed.

I'm not the only one who's impressed, though. You can count Serena Williams in that camp:

I look like I’m the one who had a kid more than her. She looks amazing.

It seems ReRe may have found some inspiration from Kimmie's life as well:

I mean, I plan on playing a long time so if that means I have to pop one out and keep going, I guess so.

I guess being a married pro-tennis playing parent is the newest trend on the tours so why not? I mean, just ask Fed.

(image via getty)

WEEKEND WINNERS: J. Martin, Nadia

Juan Martin del Potro - Washington, DC

Teenager J. Martin continued his remarkable run on the ATP Tour picking up his fourth consecutive title defeating Serb Viktor Troicki 6-3, 6-3. He becomes the first baller in history to win his first four titles in as many matches and raised his match wins to 19 in-a-row, something not seen since a teenaged Rafael Nadal won 24 straight matches in 2005. If he stays healthy, the Argentine will be a true threat for the US Open title.

Nadia Petrova - Cincinnati

Nadia made the most of a soft draw in Cincinnati defeating Frenchie Natalie Dechy 6-2, 6-1 and earning her first title of the year. A good win for sure but as always with the Russian headcase it's not necessarily a sign of good things to come.

(images via SEWTA, Getty)

PHOTO OP: Dr. Ivo shocks Fed, comes down to our reality

Ivo Karlovic came down from the clouds to celebrate his dismissal of Roger Federer 7-6 (8-6), 4-6, 7-6 (7-5) in Cincinnati and putting the fate of the Swiss' top ranking squarely in Rafael Nadal's clay-caked hands.

Color me jealous but Dr. Ivo's probably still 6' 5" in that squat position. Must be nice - aaargh.

(image via Getty)

THE LOW DOWN: A-Rod injury woes build - can he salvage his summer in New York?

Andy Roddick's woeful summer season continues to get worse.

After losing early at both Wimbledon and the Rogers Masters, the American baller withdrew from the Cincinnati Masters with a neck strain yesterday.

A-Rod told the press,

Yeah, I mean, I’ve been feeling fine. I got in practices yesterday and the days before. I fell asleep last night. I was pretty tired. I fell asleep and woke up and I still had the lights on in my room. I just kind of passed out. I think when I did, we’re guessing it was in had the wrong position or whatnot. I work up this morning and something in my neck and kind of any activity is causing it to flare up. I went out and tried to warm for about five minutes at about 5:00.

I mean, we’ve been getting treatment all day. You asked what was leading up. Went to a chiropractor and we had Doug work on it. We’ve had kind of everyone take a crack at it today. Tried to hit at 5:00; didn’t go so hot. Went out for some more treatment. Tried to take some painkillers and whatnot.

You know, I thought I might be able to give it a go if it didn’t get any worse. My second or third serve in warm up out there just got infinitely worse, kind of just to the point where it’s tough to move my head right now.

According to A-Rod, this injury is unrelated to the shoulder injury he suffered in the spring, which forced him out of Rome and Roland Garros.

These setbacks only put more pressure on the 25-year old to make good on his decision to skip the Olympics to focus on winning the US Open. His chances in New York were slim even with good preparation, match play and the rest of ATP traveling back from Beijing - but now those odds are shrinking even more.

(image via Getty)

PHOTO OP: Tipsy's game falters but accessory count rises in Cincinnati

Janko Tipsarevic, who lost to Carlos Moya 7-6 (5), 7-5 in the first round of the Cincinnati Masters today, definitely gets my award for "Most Accessorized Tennis Baller". He's got the men AND women beat this time around.

We've all seen the nose strip and glasses (sun + clear) on the Serb's mug before but he's decided to also add a black Fila headband to the mix - crazy! And, if you count the wrist bands then there are four types of accessories total - and that's only what we can see.

Who knows what's going on underneath Tipsy's tennis gear - and I'm not talking about his tattoos either.

Let's just hope, though, that he stops here and doesn't get influenced by Roger Federer's recent accessory mishap. Oh, the horror...


(image via Getty + AP)