Djokovic, Perello and Petrova keep it HAWT (or not) at the US Open

What a great day at the US Open yesterday!

It's always so much fun walking around the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows during the first few days - a must for any tennis fan. There's a certain electricity in the air with every court showcasing a match and fans meandering from court to court to check out the fate of their fave ballers. You can even catch a glimpse of the ballers practicing and sometimes walking and/or running through the grounds to get from their practice to the locker rooms. Granted, it was, how do you say, 'sultry' yesterday (at least that's what I would tell myself every time I wanted to crawl under an air conditioned rock) but you just deal - it's the US Open for fuck sake!

For the ballers, however, dealing with conditions becomes a severe test of their fitness and stamina. Novak Djokovic, working a cute new black + white Sergio Tacchini kit (sans hat PLEASE), has a well-documented history of retiring from Grand Slams matches due to breathing issues caused by soaring heat so no one would've been surprised if he pulled the plug at some point during his opening round battle against compatriot Viktor Troicki yesterday. BUT! The third seed prevailed gutting out a 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-3 win, a good sign for his chances this year.

And what was Nole's response when asked what it was like when he was finally able to grab some much needed relief from the sun in the late afternoon on-court shadows? "Ahhhh. It was like sleeping with my girlfriend." Ahhhh, it was like tossing rock salt in my open wounds when I read that quote. Thanks Nole.

Speaking of WAGS it was awesome to see the beautiful and stylish Xisca Perello make an appearance at Rafael Nadal's opening round match where he grabbed a tough win against Russia's Teymuraz Gabashvilli. Normally she shows up later in a tourney to give her support, at least in the baller box, so this appearance seems telling about Rafa's focus and desire to win his first title at Flushing Meadows and complete the Career Slam. He's got his girl there - one of the three greatest loves of his life.

Now, one lady baller who always strives to be stylish is Nadia Petrova. I'm not sure if she meant to wear this outfit or just fell into a Crayola crayon box that was left out in yesterday's heat but, honestly, it fits Nads - for better or for HELLA worse. In any case she got booted by Andrea Petkovic in the opening round match so we'll be spared. For now.

Finally I've added a few shots below from the matches I got to see including David Nalbandian, Yanina Wickmayer and Na Li. Nalby (barely) + Wicky (easily) made it out but Li, who was sporting support tape on her right knee and seemed hampered towards the end, was not so lucky. I'll upload the full sets to the Down the Line! Facebook page.

 

[Photo(s): Getty Images, DtL]

Practice makes perfect: Taking a peek around the grounds at Indian Wells

(Hey y'all - I'm thrilled to add FreakyFrites of GOTOTENNIS to the DtL contributor list this year. I love her perspective on the game and her site's pretty great too - a must read especially for all you Fedophiles out there. FF visited Indian Wells this weekend and came back with some on-the-ground views of the action for our reading pleasure.

Also if you're ever interested in writing something for DtL drop me a line at DownTheLineTennis@Gmail.com. I'm always looking for new voices + views on the sport we all love. So without futher ado here's FreakyFrites!)


The highlight of my visit to Indian Wells (a.k.a. the BNP Paribas Open) this weekend was hanging out at the practice courts. Where else could a mere mortal like myself stand within arm’s length of Rafael Nadal while he soaked through his Nike t-shirt? And when Rafa, Roger or another one of my fave Top 5 players wasn’t hitting, I had fun cruising the rows of unobstructed practice courts in pursuit of quirky hitting partner combos, e.g., Simon/Isner, Safin/Tipsarevic and Haas/Stepanek.


Of course, the real thrill was catching Federer and Nadal’s practice sessions, which generated almost as much buzz as their matches. The two had vastly different routines – Rafa pounded balls for an hour or two while Roger barely got around to unzipping his RF warm up jacket - but both players attracted hoards of fans. We’re talking six-person deep crowds lining the court, kids climbing on top of trashcans for a better view and hundreds of faces peering down from the upper reaches of the main stadium.

The amateur sociologist in me enjoyed observing the true Rafanatics and Fedophiles in their natural habitats. Fed fans brought banners (“Federer is Better-er than Chocolate”) and Rafanatics brought their libidos (lots of décolletage and lip licking.) Both groups shun irony.


And then there was the grassy practice field, my favorite spot for witnessing chance encounters between the players. A typical scene: Nalbandian and Del Potro horse around with an Australian rules football while Daniela Hantuchova does jumping jacks in the background. Gasquet saunters between the Argentines, and a game of monkey-in-the-middle ensues. Then Gisela Dulko jogs by in her short shorts, distracting David. I also caught Rafa exchanging (air) kisses with a mystery WTA blonde and Tsonga switching places with his trainer to get a better view of Maria Kirilenko’s stretching routine. It was like watching the Real World: Tennis Tour!

When I needed a break from the excitement of all this practicing, I lounged on the main lawn with a beer or browsed the tennis gear for sale in the retail tents. I even watched an actual tennis match or two. But after being within sniffing distance of Rafa’s back sweat and Roger’s deluxe hair care products, everything else kind of faded in comparison.

FreakyFrites writes the blog GOTOTENNIS

(images via GOTOTENNNIS, photos courtesy of J. Nguyen)

Nalby knocked by rampant virus, won't compete in Davis Cup tie

The rampant virus that has struck the ATP + WTA Tour's this season has taken down another victim: David Nalbandian.

The Argentine was to compete in his country's Davis Cup tie versus the Netherlands but the virus, which effected him during his first round loss in Acapulco last week, continued to linger. Nalby could be replaced by Juan Martin del Potro in Buenos Aires this weekend.

Last week, Andy Murray was forced out of Dubai because of a virus which has bothered him since the Aussie Open; Jelena Jankovic was hit by the flu in January during the JB Group Classic in Hong Kong; and Victoria Azarenka walked away mid-match from her fourth round tussle with eventual champ Serena Williams in Oz because of sickness due to a virus.

So, what the hell is going on with this mystery virus? And more importantly how's it being spread around?? Inquiring minds would definitely like to know.

In any case ballers, wash your hands regularly, don't stick your (or anyone else's) fingers in your mouth, and above all else don't kiss anyone questionable - well, at least get their name and medical history first.

(image via getty)

VIDEO VAULT: Nalby's belly bump makes Aussie Open appearance, smiles for camera

Thanks to the DtL reader Jorge for sending sending me this hysterically funny video of David Nalbandian at the Aussie Open last week.

The Argentine baller, who was embarrassed by Yen-Hsun Lu in the second round, was spotted carrying extra baggage in Melbourne and the boys at ESPN2 made sure to let us all know about it.

Not that we couldn't tell he was pushing the pounds (hi belly bump), but now we have proof. I think he's on my training regiment actually (read: lots o' beer).

CHECK IT:



(via Fue Buena)

Yen-Hsun shocks Nalby in Melbourne, continues giant-killing ways

Yen-Hsun Lu "the giant killer"? It seems so.

The baller from Chinese Taipei grabbed a huge win at the Aussie Open today when he knocked out Sydney champ David Nalbandian 6-4, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 in a messy second round match featuring a combined 121 unforced errors against only 88 winners. Ick. He'll face Spain's Tommy Robredo for a spot in the Round of 16.

It's not the first time Yen-Hsun has served a big-name baller an upset special: Yen-Hsun also shocked Brit baller Andy Murray at the Beijing Olympics last summer.

As for Nalby, well, I can't say that I'm really THAT surprised. He's like the guy who tells you he'll call you but never does because he's just not that into you.

*has dating flashbacks, sobs uncontrollably*

But even though he lost early here, I still say he shouldn't quit his day job.

P-P-P-Please!

(image via Getty)

WEEKEND WINNERS: Fed, Nalby, J.Martin, Elena, Petra

Roger Federer completed his preparation for next's Aussie Open by comprehensively crushing doubles partner, good friend and potential quarterfinal foe Stanislas Wawrinka 6-1, 6-3 in 57 minutes to earn his second Kooyong title.

No real surprise here but it's still a good confidence win for Fed before the year's first major. But the big question is: when did Stan leave adidas and join Lacoste?


Fed's longtime nemesis David Nalbandian is up to his usual tricks again. After a relatively non-existent 2008, the enigmatic Argentine stormed back to take the Sydney title by defeating Jarkko Nieminen 6-3, 6-7(9), 6-2 for his 10th career title. Regal Rog owns a 10-8 lead in their head-to-head and the pair, who sit in the same half of the draw, could meet in the semifinals.


Speaking of Argentines, Juan Martin del Potro has picked up where he left off last season when he won his first four titles consecutively and reached a major quarterfinal for the first time at the US Open. The 20-year old defeated American Sam Querry 6-4, 6-4 to capture the Auckland title and is the eighth seed next week. He sits in the bottom quarter of the draw that features Fed + Stan, Marin Cilic, Marat Safin, and controversial Aussie prodigy Bernard Tomic.


In a rematch of the Beijing Olympics gold medal round, Elena Dementieva won again and evened her head-to-head series with Dinara Safina to 5-all by pulling out a 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 over her compatriot in Sydney and earning her second title in as many weeks (Auckland). She's the form lady baller going into Melbourne and if her legs stay under her, watch out.


Congrats to Petra Kvitova who defeated her Czech compatriot Iveta Benesova 7-5, 6-1 to win her maiden WTA title in Hobart. She sits in the bottom quarter of the draw that features 9-time Grand Slammer Serena Williams.

(images via Getty)

PHOTO OP: Ballers gather for Medibank International, hit up Sydney cocktail party

A number of top ballers looking to sharpen their games ahead of the year's first major, the Aussie Open, have gathered in Sydney for the Medibank International.

But before they hit the courts for competition, some of these ballers put on their party-best and hit up a cocktail party celebrating the opening of this long-standing tourney.

Check out both draws here.

Serena Williams: The ladies' top seed, who's back to her match-point saving ways, is working a diamond-studded necklace given to her by Aussie Nic Cerrone. Sorry, but I'm not a fan of chokers, not matter the price. Ick.

Novak Djokovic: Can the boys' top seed get his ass in gear ahead of the defense of his Aussie Open crown?

Agnieszka Radwanska: Pretty in plum

Gilles Simon: I still wonder if this Frenchie baller with the sneakily effective game can keep it up this year.

Vera Zvonareva: A strong end to 2008 - but what will 2009 hold for this Russian? I'm not sure. But I am sure that I like this minimalist, Calvin Klein-esque look on Vera.

David Nalbandian: The Argentinean baller, who shouldn't quit his day job, might need some face block. Just sayin'.

Lucie Safarova: "OMFG hurry up. I so need to use the john."

Mardy Fish: Did they snip off your chin when they cut your hair?

(images via Getty)

(NSFW) MEDIA MASHUP: Nalby's off-season training involved singing + dancing, boobs + butts

Firstly, a huge "THANKS" to Argentinean tennis site Fue buena for voting Down the Line! 2008's Blog of the Year. So cool!

They also sent over this hysterical video of David Nalbandian, his physical trainer Diego Rodriguez, and some naked bodies in a singing + dancing contest at the main carnival in Gualeguaychu, Entre Rios.


Apparently Nalby became friends with the owners of Papelitos, one of the dance groups competing at the carnival, and this video shows him singing and partying all the while wearing a very questionable outfit.

So much for Nalby's off-season training intensive, huh Murray?

CHECK IT:



(image via fuebuena.com.ar)

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Nalby feeling the big "O" during his dominating Davis Cup win

David Nalbandian was feeling absolutely orgasmic during his opening round Davis Cup rubber versus David Ferrer today (the speedy Spaniard does have that effect on people, you know.)

The prickly Argentine managed to dominate David 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 and get his country to a 1-0 lead in the big final. Juan Martin del Potro is currently battling Feliciano Lopez in the second rubber of the day. (UPDATE: Feli defeated J. Martin 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 to tie it up!)

So now, if you don't mind, let's enjoy the many "O" faces of Nalby...






(images via Getty)

PHOTO OP: Cheery Nalbandian accepts runner-up award, smirks and says "die" to the camera

In typical style, David Nalbandian looked absolutely thrilled after losing his Paris Masters shield to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga this weekend.

Doesn't the Argentine look like he's about to smack the nearest Parisian he can find with his lovely runner-up trophy (wait, where's Jo-Willy in that pic btw?) I guess he's pissed he couldn't pull off his October surprise this year and grab the Madrid-Paris double again.

David should know by now you can't put all of your season's eggs in these two baskets. No worries - there's always the Davis Cup final to save his season.

(image via Getty)

WEEKEND WINNERS: David, Igor, Philipp, JJ

David Nalbandian - Stockholm

Here he goes again. Last season the Argentine came out of nowhere to win back-to-back Masters Series shields at Madrid + Paris defeating Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in both tourneys. The 26-year old earned his ninth career title in Stockholm this weekend pulling out a 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 win over homeboy Robin Soderling. Can he make another surprising run this year?

Igor Kunitsyn - Moscow

The Russian baller earned his first career title when he snuck out a 7-6 (6) 6-7 (7) 6-3 over hottie headcase and good friend Marat Safin.

Philipp Petzschner - Vienna

The German baller joined Igor in winning his first ATP title when he shocked Frenchie Gael Monfils 6-4, 6-4. The 24-year old came in as a qualifier and had never made it past the quarterfinals of an ATP tourney before this win.

Jelena Jankovic - Moscow

Can we give JJ some props now? The top lady baller won her third straight title, and second Tier 1 of the year (Rome), dismissing Vera Zvonareva 6-2, 6-4 at the Kremlin Cup. It seems the slidin' Serb has figured out how to not only be consistent within a tournament but between tournaments, closing out matches she should win and finding ways to close out tighter ones. Unless Serena Williams or Dinara Safina grab wildcards into Linz or Luxembourg, JJ will most likely keep the keys to the WTA Penthouse until next year.

(images via Getty + AP)

Nalbandian on the fast track road to tennis nowhere

David Nalbandian. The Argentine is one of the best ball strikers on the ATP Tour and can beat anyone but that's only when he's actually fit enough to get behind the ball. Wasn't it just the end of last season when David defeated Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal twice and Novak Djokovic to win the Paris Indoors and Madrid?

And based on the "athletic prowess" he showed in his pathetic 4-6, 2-6, 4-6 first round loss to Canadian Frank Dancevic, he'll need to hit the weight room or psych couch stat.

But the former Wimbledon finalist gave nothing in his post-match presser but nastiness and indifference. Check it:

Q. What were your expectations coming in?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: Much better than this, for sure.

Q. Physically you're fine? There was no problem with that? Did you feel your preparation was good?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: Well, not a hundred percent, but...

Q. In what way?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: Injuries.

Q. What's the injury?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: I can't tell you.

Q. Why?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: I have to?

Q. Just interested. No.

DAVID NALBANDIAN: All right.

Q. Do you prefer not to talk about your injuries? Are you worried that it will sound like you're making excuses, or...

DAVID NALBANDIAN: There's no reason to talk for.

Q. Did the injury hamper you on court?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: I already asked you that one.

Q. You seemed quite flat emotionally. Did you feel like that, or was it a physical thing?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: Maybe both, yeah.

Q. Were you flat mentally because of the physical problem?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: It's hard to tell which is first and which is second.

Q. You're known for going deep into Grand Slams. You haven't gone deep into a Grand Slam for quite a while now.

DAVID NALBANDIAN: Yeah, that's one of my goals, and I couldn't made it.

Q. So what will you do next?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: The hard court season in U.S.

Q. Do you expect to be fit again relatively quickly?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: I don't know. We will try.

Q. No Olympic Games?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: Si.

Q. How would you actually summarize this disappointment? How disappointed are you today?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: I already asked that one.

Q. In the sense of overall.

DAVID NALBANDIAN: (No response.)

Ugly loss, ugly attitude David.

(image via AP)

SIGHTING: David Nalbandian looks primed for Aussie Open challenge

Spoiler alert? Former Wimbledon finalist and current Roger Federer nemesis David Nalbandian was spotted training in Melbourne recently for the Australian Open.

From these photos the man with the lethal double-fisted backhand looks in great shape to spoil Fed's chances at the first Grand Slam of the year. After all, he did beat the World No. 1 the last 2 times they played - in Master Series events no less (not to mention 2 straight defeats of World No. 2 Rafael Nadal as well.)

The Argentine will also be part of the elite 8-man field at the Kooyong Classic this week. Unfortunately, we won't get to see a rematch between the two just yet as Fed pulled out of Kooyong with a severe stomach virus. More to look forward to in Melbourne, we suppose...

(images via WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images & AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill)

The ATP asks fans to 'FEEL IT' for new global marketing campaign

The ATP is giving the world a preview of its new multi-million dollar 'FEEL IT' campaign at this week's Paris Masters tournament. The ad campaign, which will officially launch in 2008, stars many of the top player's in the men's game including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Roddick. The spots highlight the sport as a "one on one gladiatorial battle, full of intensity and passion."



Here's some of what the players starring in the spots had to say about the campaign:

Roger Federer -
“I think ‘FEEL IT’ is a very good idea and I like the legends aspect with all the other great players on my photo. It makes me proud as I'm not only playing against the current players but also against history. The ‘FEEL IT’ campaign looks good and we need something like this as there are a lot of new players coming up as well as players that are well established. I think it's great to try it as a test at the BNP Paribas Masters tournament in Paris.”



Andy Murray -
“I think ‘FEEL IT’ is a really good idea. Sometimes when you watch tennis on TV you don't understand the intensity that the players are playing with. This kind of campaign can really show that to the fans. I like the flames coming out of my racket. I like to think that when I hit the ball, there's a bit of fire coming off my racket!”




David Nalbandian -
“’FEEL IT’ is a very good idea. It shows fans what we all feel for the sport and anything that can help the sport of tennis, whether it's through the ATP or the players, to attract more fans is excellent. The video showing me smash a giant racket into a bench is very funny.”



The campaign has developed a full line of executions including TV spots, billboards, online banners, virals, merchandise, fan giveaways and PR stunts. The ‘FEEL IT’ campaign is one part of a wider marketing initiative to support the extensive changes being undertaken by the ATP including a new global calendar for 2009, added investment into facilities, increased prize money, and a new brand look and identity.

+ FRIDAY NETCORDS: Maria, Justine, Rafa vs. Nole...Nikolay gets fined, Venus eats (but doesn't cook) and more

(image via pushtoflush)

- Fine, fine day: Nikolay Davydenko can't seem (or isn't willing?) to stay away from controversy. The usually feisty Russian was actually fined $2,000 for "lack of best effort" during a 1-6, 7-5, 6-1 defeat by Croatian qualifier Marin Cilic in St. Petersburg. More stunning was his response to the claim: "I was simply shocked to hear him say that. This is just outrageous. How does he know what I was trying to do?...I was so upset with the whole thing I started crying...The reality is that I started feeling tired. My legs were just dead by the third set. Maybe my problems are psychological, maybe it's in my head." Maybe???

- Falling off the bandwagon: After David Nalbandian's enthralling win over World No. 1 Roger Federer tennis media, including blogs, were heralding his return. Slow down Tonto - in his return to the court at this week's Swiss Indoors, the enigmatic Argentinian lost his first round match to homeboy Stanislas Wawrinka. Time to park the bandwagon for now. In the meantime, check out Peter Bodo's interesting comparison between David and another much-maligned but supremely talented player: Marat Safin.

- "Shriek"apova update: Last time we posted about tennis' high-profile glamour girl, Maria "Shriek"apova was auctioning off the cursed Nike dress to some (un)suspecting fan. Now word comes that ever-evolving Maria will sharpen her writing chops as guest "lifestyle" editor for tennis week magazine while also looking to produce a sport-centric TV show for the CW network.

- 10 is tops: World No. 1 Justine Henin claims she's "not a machine" but she's sure playing like one these days. And is the Belgian satisfied with her title count this year? “I would prefer 10 titles to nine this year for sure but [the WTA Championships are] probably for me the most difficult tournament of the year." said Justine.

- 18-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova will be a guest panelist on the political talk-fest known as Real Time with Bill Maher. The show is scheduled to air this Friday, October 26th.

- Celeb chef and Oprah Winfrey disciple Rachel Ray takes a peak inside Venus Williams' fridge and does a quick Q & A with the Wimbledon champ. And who would be V's dream dinner guests? "I'd invite my favorite band, 311. I'd cook the guys whatever they wanted—no matter what!" (via TSF)

- Matt Cronin for FoxSports.com thinks World No. 2 Rafael Nadal needs to step up or be stepped on by rising Serb Novak Djokovic.

War of Words: TENNIS mag's James Martin attacks Marat Safin, "You're a mess, man," says Martin

It seems the normally innocuous TENNIS magazine is finally ruffling some feathers. Editor-in-chief James Martin recently wrote a scathing open letter on the mag's website to 2-time Grand Slam champion Marat Safin in his "Viewpoint" column. In the piece, Martin lays into the Russian saying, "You’re a mess, man. You haven’t won more than two matches in a row since mid-July, and your best result this season was in February when you reached the semifinals of Las Vegas. Fitting, since you’ve been coming up craps ever since." He goes on to question his commitment to the sport comparing Marat to a certain playboy ("Lately, you’ve been as committed to tennis as Hugh Hefner is to monogamy."), his lackluster attitude ("You’re like a teenager who’s way too self-absorbed for his own good.") and even makes mention of Marat's recent failed attempt to climb Nepal's Cho Oyo ("I can only imagine how miserable you were, and how miserable you made your fellow hikers on that journey, when you discovered that climbing a mountain is, like, real work.")

The brutal letter did not go unnoticed by Marat's camp, however. A response to the "insulting article" appeared on his website attacking James Martin and accusing the editor of "trying to put a smear on Marat's situation." The post goes on to question the integrity of TENNIS magazine and the site saying the article was "written on a 'respected' website and this article was full of hate - really patronizing and vicious in its comments and aimed at hurting Marat, his reputation, his past contribution and achievements in the field of tennis."

We wholeheartedly agree Marat Safin, with his immense talent, is an ultimate underachiever and we're all for "tough love". So let's not stop with him. Let's add in Kim Clijsters, Amelie Mauresmo, Andy Roddick, and David Nalbandian. And these are just the more recent underachievers. Where are their scathing open letters James Martin?