VIDEO VAULT: Del Potro back hitting backhands, Raonic practicing with Serena and Nestor

There were a couple of videos that made the rounds today and they were pretty noteworthy. The first one shows Juan Martin del Potro hitting backhands. He's basically pushing the ball to protect his surgically repaired left wrist. It's a start. I, personally, can't wait for the BIG LUG to return. #biglugluv y'all.

Milos Raonic was practicing today in Toronto and brought along a couple of friends...Serena Williams and Daniel Nestor.

ReRe tweeted about the practice session afterwards:

Had a fun hit with Daniel Nestor and @milosraonic today. I tried to hang in there. Hope I did ok! 👍
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) July 24, 2014

[Photo credit: Milos Raonic Facebook page]

Melbourne from the middle

Ahhh, what a great off-season. And, no, it didn't involve giddily dipping a dance girl on a tennis court. That's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and not one of my vacay pics. In case you were confused. Because it happens. Sometimes.

Anyway, I’ve been away for a bit and missed the season-opening tourneys and the first week of the Australian Open. But there was a silver lining. You got to see Rafael Nadal’s ass grab for about two months. No harm there.

Life has been busy. My full-time gig is going well but there’s bigger news: I’m getting married! Married? Yes, married. Married?? Yes, MARRIED! 2012 is the year I finally do the deed. Well, more like "we." Kalil and I always said if we could get legally married in NYC we would do it. So when Governor Cuomo announced the bill had passed making gay marriage legal in New York state last year, we looked at each other and excitedly said, “I guess we’re getting married!” It’s truly a special time right now. There’s so much to plan (no wedding planner…blame my control issues) and organize. But it’s all good. Really REALLY good.

What’s also really REALLY good is what’s going to come in the second week of the Australian Open. The big ballers on both the men’s and women’s sides are still around which means epic battles are most likely on the Aussie horizon. Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova are barely losing games. Juan Martin del Potro is showing some of that old form that made him a Grand Slam champ. He’s been steadily rounding into devastating form.

The veterans—Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Kim Clijsters—have drool-worthy quarterfinals to look forward to. Fed gets Delpo and ReRe will get Shrieka if she gets by Ekaterina Makarova (no offense, Macky, but really…). And the defending women’s champ, who just about got the boot until she houdinied her way from 4 match points down and a balky ankle to beat Li Na, gets top seed Caroline Wozniacki in the quarters.

And there’s still Rafa, Andy Murray, Petra Kvitova and Victoria Azarenka in the mix. Suffice it to say there aren’t any true feel good, prodigy-against-the-draw or journeyballer-on-a-hot-streak stories this season in Melbourne. But that’s okay. I’ll take a a few classic throw downs between top ballers under the lights any day because you just know it’s going to be good. Really REALLY good.

[Photo(s) credit: Reuters]

Del Potro downed by Simon, up close and personal (well, almost)

I finally made it out to the US Open yesterday. Normally I like to grab a grounds pass for the first couple of days since every court is filled with matches. But with the new job it just wasn’t possible. Perhaps next year.

Anyway, I was able to catch the third round match between Juan Martin del Potro + Gilles Simon in full. The Frenchie played some solid tennis in hot and humid conditions, running down Delpo’s ginormous groundies and keeping the big boy on the move. He forced the former US Open champ into errors and served well on key points - none bigger than when he saved set points in the fourth set.

 Even the Argentine thought so:

Q. There was that one point where I think there were three times where it looked like you had a winner, and three straight times he ran it down somehow. How shocked were you? How mentally tiring is it playing someone like that, too?

JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO: Is tough because you try to make the winners all the time, every point, and the ball come to you every time, too. And if you don't serve really, really well, Simon plays a nice tennis, very fast and it's not easy to make a winner to him. But, anyways, the crowd help me a lot 4 5 in the fourth set especially, and I was really close to win that set. But not this year.

Yeah, Delpo, that was me. Screaming and stuff. We all tried to lift you because you looked really weary out there (not like your usual look) but Baby Daddy was too good. Eh, that’s okay. You'll always have next year and we’ll always have 48th and Lexington. Always.

[Photo(s) credit: Reuters]

HE SAID/SHE SAID: Wimbledon Day 4

Q. The fact you've been so relaxed, you've been making friends with a squirrel.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: You've seen my tweets. It's my best friend now in London, the little squirrel. She's getting closer and closer each day. I'm trying to feed her from my hand. Maybe one day.

Q. Does she have a name?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No. I will think about that. 

Q. Have you gotten your strength, fitness, muscle, back to where you want it now?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah. It's still work in process, but it's big, big difference since French Open. And I feel it, you know. Each week it's been better and improving. I really did a lot of work on it since French Open, spent lot of time in the gym. You know, wasn't having much time off.

But that's at the end of the day what gives you confidence. And I can see it gives results on the court. So it just makes you want to do more and more. It's then finding balance when it's enough and when you have to switch and do recovery instead.

Q. So what are you bench pressing?

ANA IVANOVIC: I haven't gone that far yet. I'm still with rubber bands (laughter).

Q. Did the crowd ask for your shoes? Have you ever given your shoes before?

JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO: No, the first time. After the match, I saw the kid with my shoes and I sign for him.

Q. Did you walk back to the locker room in your bare feet?

JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO: My socks.

 Q. You and Venus almost look at it as an insult that you're not automatically put on Centre, 1, like Djokovic, Nadal.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, they're never moved across. Actually, Venus and I have won more Wimbledons together than a lot of the players or by ourselves in doubles even. So, you know, at the end of the day, I don't know. Like I said, they're not going to change, doesn't look like. So I don't know.

Q. Do you think in any way it could relate to you and Venus, you're bigger than life, you speak your mind, you're big personalities? Do you think that relates to it at all in any way?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I don't know. Like I said, I don't really think about it. I don't make it a big issue.

I think at some point maybe I should. I don't know. I just really try to focus on not going down on Court 2. At least now they have a review out there, so I do like that. It was much better than the old one that was actually closer. I really hated that court, but...

Q. What is your reaction when you find out the next day's play? Do you say, Oh, no, that you're going to be out there?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I just say, What court am I playing? I just say, What time am I playing? Like 12:00. Oh, I have to wake up early.

Q. Jimmy Connors the other day made kind of a Jimmy Connors type point saying he felt the rivalries in this era were soft. Can you talk about that.

ROGER FEDERER: It's hard for me to talk about his generation because I don't remember him much from playing. I mean, I was hitting with a junior the other day, and he didn't remember seeing any matches of Pete. It's like, C'mon. The guy just played 10 years ago. That's how quick it goes, unfortunately.

I can only talk about it from hearing. But obviously the rules have changed quite drastically. So we're not allowed to do all sort of crazy stuff out on the court, otherwise we get penalised, fined, all that stuff. You don't want to be a bad sport either toward your opponent.

If that's what he means, I can understand some points with him. But it's not as easy as it seems. I think we play with a lot of respect for the game still, which I think is most important, to be quite honest, that we respect what has been done before, like, for instance, from players like Connors and McEnroe, Laver, back to when it all started really.

I think that's very important that we don't forget the roots of the game. Every generation is different. Our rivalries are different. They might be different in five to ten years. You have to enjoy the ones that are happening at the moment.

Q. Why is there such a difference between the men and the Chinese women?

NA LI: Women's always working so hard (laughter).

Q. What's the problem with the men? Lazy?

NA LI: Yeah, right, lazy.

Q. Are you telling the Chinese men to work harder?

NA LI: I mean, if someone tell them what they have to do is nothing. They have to think about what they have to do. You know, is much different.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

Mannarino's hairy situation needs managing - stat!

Yes ladies, gentlemen and those in between. This is the baller who beat Juan Martin del Potro 7-6(3), 7-6(7) at Queen's Club today. His name is Adrian Mannarino, a Frenchie who sits at 54th in the rankings, and he's got a hairy situation like no other.

I mean, how could the Argentine lose to someone whose hair role model is obviously Michael Myers?? Fine, it was great win for Manna but if he's going to deplete the Delpo HAWTNESS of a tourney like Queen's Club he should tame that whispy helmet and give us something pretty to look at. Or use conditioner. For the love.

More proof of Manna's hairy situation after the jump. And, remember: YOU'VE BEEN WARNED.

PHOTO OP: Djokovic, Del Potro and their post-match MOMA

"Be gentle."

Novak Djokovic + Juan Martin del Potro gave up the MOMA after the Serb defeated his good friend 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 in a third round match at Roland Garros that stretched over two days. It was Nole's biggest test yet in Paris not only because Delpo's, like, HUMONGO but because the man knows how to win on the big stage (hello U.S. Open?). And the prospect of meeting up with someone of Delpo's quality so early on must've had the Beyonce's dancing in Nole's tight, sexy belly. But, he prevailed and will meet homeboy Richard Gasquet for a spot in the quarters.

I don't know about you but seeing these boys get all touchy-feely with each other makes me get all touchy-feely with my...uh...I need some private time, guys. Laters.

One more shot of their post-match MOMA after the jump...

PHOTO OP: Wonder Twin powers ACTIVATE!

 

"Shape of a Babolat AeroPro Drive GT...PLEASE."

So, yeah, that's my update on Rafael Nadal and the defense of his Madrid Masters 1000 title. Insightful, eh? He's been steamrolling as usual and even got a walkover when Juan Martin del Potro withdrew yesterday with the hip injury he sustained in Estoril (uber *sad face* for Delpo but happy he's being cautious with Roland Garros on its way). I was so looking forward to that match but it wasn't meant to be in Madrid. Let's hope we see those two ball where it really matters, though, at RG.

Today, the top seed pummeled Michael Llodra 6-2, 6-2 bringing him to 36 straight matches on clay. You could tell he wasn't in the mood to putz around early on though the Frenchie's serve and volley tactic probably wasn't the right one either. The Spaniard now gets either Roger Federer or Robin Soderling. Good luck to them. Really.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: A helping hand

"Uh, that's not my hip, sir."

Remember last week when I said, "I can't wait to see what [Juan Martin del Potro] does at Roland Garros. Could be kinda awesome (no jinx, really)" in this post? Now, I'm pretty sure my words don't have magical powers (that I know of) but look what happened.

Delpo defeated Mikhail Youzhny 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in the first round of Madrid today but aggravated a hip injury he suffered during his run to the title in Estoril:

It’s a pain that I've had since Estoril and maybe it could be because it has been a long time since I played on clay. I always want to win and I think of winning no matter the amount of pain and it's a type of pain that allows me to play. It’s a Masters 1000 where there are lot of people looking at me to do the best I can and that’s why I continued on the court, because I knew I could win the match.

He also said he doesn't want to take a chance of missing out on Roland Garros by playing with the injury:

I will be careful for my future - I am playing really well last week and this, but my first goal is to play healthy. I want to be safe this week so I don't want to risk my presentation in French Open.

I agree. If it's bothering you, Delpo, pack it up. You're playing some top level ball right now and getting better each match. Even Nole said you'll be Top 5 by end of year. So don't be a hero. Save that for RG you big lug.

[Photo(s): AFP PHOTO / DANI POZO]

PHOTO OP: Spank it. Hard.

"KA-BOOM!"

Juan Martin del Potro reached the semifinals of Estoril today after he defeated top seed Robin Soderling 6-4, 7-5 in a rain-interupted match. It's the Argentine's fourth straight win over Sod - an impressive stat against someone ranked No. 5 IN THE WORLD. Yes, Delpo's won a major and stuff but still, impressive. He'll face off against Pablo Cuevas, who beat Tomaz Bellucci 6-4, 6-2, for a spot in the final.

What a beautiful shot of Delpo leaping into his fearsome forehand. When he's killing that shot you better have your big girl panties on or risk being rolled over and, well, you know the rest. If you don't I can fill you in. Pun intended.

I can't wait to see what he does at Roland Garros. Could be kinda awesome (no jinx, really).

[Photo(s): Patricia De Melo Moreira /AFP/Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Juan Mardy share post-match MOMA in Miami

Juan Martin del Potro + Mardy Fish shared some post-match MOMA after the American won their fourth round encounter 7-5, 7-6(5) in Miami. He's aiming to become the top-ranked baller in the States but will need to get by David Ferrer in the quarterfinals to accomplish the feat.

The two are apparently pretty good friends and are planning to pair up again in Madrid for doubs. You know, I love when boys play nice this way. Carry on, Juan Mardy.

[Photo(s): Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images]

Juan Martin del Potro wears winning well

Juan Martin del Potro won his first title since snatching his maiden major at the 2009 US Open when he defeated Janko Tipsarevic 6-4, 6-4 at Delray Beach. He officially re-entered the Top 100 this morning, putting those lanky legs to good work and lunging 77 spots to land at No. 89.

Welcome back, ya big lug.

[Photo(s): AP]

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]

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

TRANSLATION: The boy is back in Bangkok.

Mother. Fucking. Yeah.

 [Screen grab: @delpojuan]

PHOTO OP: Looks like someone is getting back on track

 

"Here's the proof bitches."

Quick! Someone tell the USTA that Juan Martin del Potro is hitting again. But for reals this time.

[Photo(s): delpotrojuan twitter]

USTA claims rebuffed as Juan Martin del Potro updates status

Status: CONFIRMED. Uh, not quite.

Juan Martin del Potro took to Twitter to clear the air about his status after the USTA claimed the Argentine had begun hitting in preparation for the defense of his U.S. Open title:

Translation (via Tennis.com): "I haven't picked up a racquet yet so I can't tell an exact date. When I know I'll tell you the news here. I'm improving, that's a good thing."

Also, according to a tweet by Fue Buena, Delpo's kinesiologist spoke to ESPN Radio in Argentina and confirmed he will return at the Thailand Open in September and not at Flushing Meadows.

This incident is a big PR strike against the USTA. They made public information about Delpo that obviously wasn't confirmed by anyone in his camp. Even if, hypothetically, they received some kind of update from someone on his team it wasn't information that should've been shared so quickly especially after Bangkok was the only tourney actually mentioned as a return by the 21-year old himself. The officials needed to treat this information as a "hopeful sign" rather than official news and if, by chance, he somehow made it to Flushing Meadows it would have been a surprise bonus for everyone involved. Now, THAT would have been a better lead-up headline than what they're dealing with now.

We all know they have their motives for wanting the defending champ to be mentioned in their communications and marketing of the U.S. Open (e.g. sponsorships, advertising, ticket sales) but, unfortunately, they're now walking around with an omelette and a side of bacon on their face.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

(UPDATED) Juan Martin del Potro readies his return to the ATP World Tour

Juan Martin del Potro is preparing to make his comeback to the ATP World Tour after undergoing wrist surgery back in May. *cheers*

According to a statement released by the USTA the U.S. Open champ will be in Flushing Meadows to defending his title. Now, there hasn't been confirmation from his camp so I wouldn't be too quick to assume the 21-year old will be there. It could be a wait-and-see situation from all sides.

Delpo, though, has confirmed he will be competing at the Thailand Open, alongside Rafael Nadal, which begins on September 27. "I am looking forward to playing the PTT Thailand Open on my return from injury," he said. "I really enjoyed myself on my last visit to Bangkok and hope for good results at this year's tournament."

Believe me, I would be ecstatic to see Delpo at the U.S. Open but the USTA may be hedging their bets in the hopes they can get him in full health by August 30, the start of the year's final major.

We'll see. *everything crossed*

P.S. - Anyone have a spare ticket to Bangkok they'd like to throw at me? Just askin'.

UPDATE: I guess the USTA is really, really intent on pushing the story of Delpo's likely return to the tour in defense of his U.S. Open title. Via Tennis.com:

The USTA's announcement that Juan Martin del Potro will try to defend his U.S. Open title is no fantasy: The Argentine is already hitting, according to USTA spokesman Tim Curry. USTA officials have kept in contact with del Potro, who had wrist surgery earlier this year. At this point, his wrist is healing ahead of schedule.

But mega-blog Fue Buena, who happen to be based in Buenos Aires, had something different to say in response to tennis scribe's corresponding tweet about the USTA claim:

Intrigued, much? It seems there are a few things happening here. As I mentioned above, the USTA would love nothing better than to have the defending champ at the tourney for obvious reasons. No one wants the biggest headline of the days leading up to the U.S. Open to be his absence. Pretty empty stuff.

On the other hand, Delpo's team probably wants to keep all the options on the table for the slim chance their boy actually recovers in time to play at Flushing Meadows. It's hard to imagine that scenario since he just tweeted about his continuing recovery only last week and has mentioned nothing yet about a return to training. And then he's supposed to enter a defense of a Grand Slam? With the U.S. Open a little over a month away, he'd be coming in on a wing and a prayer.

But stay tuned.

[Photo(s): Zimbio]

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Delpo

el medico esta contento por la evolucion..ahora hay q seguir con el fortalecimiento un tiempo mas y dps estare listo para la raqueta

- Juan Martin del Potro on the progress of his wrist via Twitter

Translation (via Tennis.com): "The doctor is happy with the progress. Now we have to keep strengthening [it] and then be ready for the racquet."

Hell yeah.

[Photo(s): Sportinglife.com]

(UPDATED) + WEDNESDAY NETCORDS: Quick hits from around the grounds

- Novak Djokovic + Gael Monfils guest star in DJ Martin Solveig's new video for his single 'Hello' which was partly shot in Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros. Fantastic Frenchie record producer and DJ Bob Sinclar also makes an appearance as Solveig's opponent.

- “Now I have to run around and be nice to everybody," said Marat Safin about his current role as a Russian tennis official. He also had some words for his sister, Dinara, who's been troubled by a herniated disc in her back. "I think she needs to rest six months and think about the future," SexGawd says of his sister. “Don’t play two weeks here and two weeks there and get [re-]injured.”

- Steve Tignor offer his thoughts on the Fedal dominance at the Slams and wonders aloud how many more each baller will win - and who will end up with the most when all is said and done. 

- Janko Tipsarevic and the very posey Biljana Šešević were married late last week and Serbian mag Story got the exclusive photos. I wonder if she forgot this photoshoot was actually for her wedding pictures?

- Enough with the injury talk and just play ball says Peter Bodo.

- Fierce Tennis gave me serious lulz with its fantastic take on Maria Sharapova's decision to play doubles with Yanina Wickmayer at the Bank of the West Classic at Stanford. Angry grrrls.

- With all the talk of Fernando Verdasco + Feliciano Lopez's boat and beach bromance, it's strange to see Nando going it alone. Trouble in paradise, perhaps? But no worries, his better half was 'uncovered' by the ATP though not in the way you would really like. Ah, well.

- Juan Martin del Potro purchased a road in his hometown of Tandil connecting two recently purchased lands, which caused a rift with some of the town's residents. The U.S. Open champ, who's at the Mayo Clinic getting a check up on his wrist, confirmed the news via Twitter but said the move will keep the tourists away from his home.

- TOT: Nike released this t-shirt to celebrate Spain's first EVAH World Cup win!

UPDATE - I thought this piece of news would be an interesting tidbit to pass along: Stanislas Wawrinka will now be coached by Peter Lundgren. His past pupils include, of course, Roger Federer and most recently Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov. His reason for taking on the veteran Swiss? "When I asked what he wanted help with, he said he wants to return to the top 10," said Peter. "It's what you want to hear as a coach."

Del Potro undergoing wrist surgery, could be out 3-6 more months

Juan Martin del Potro, who hasn't played since losing to Marin Cilic at the Australian Open, has confirmed he will be undergoing surgery to his right wrist today according to a report by ESPN Deportes.

The 21-year old has traveled to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota to be treated by a specialist.

“I decided to write because I want them to know by my own words of what is happening to me. Throughout this year I wanted to avoid surgery with different treatments, but obviously the injury was more serious," said Del Potro.

He also denied rumors the long break was due to panic attacks or "stage fright." The recovery may take 3-6 months.

Here's to a 3-month recover Delpo though stay out if you need more time to rehabilitate the wrist. That's your career right there.

[Via: Tennis-X.com]

Delpo + Sveta come undone Down Under

Fourth seed Juan Martin del Potro hid his head in frustration during his 5-7, 6-4, 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 defeat at the hands of Marin Cilic in the Aussie Open fourth round.

The towering Croat gained sweet revenge for his defeat at the hands of Delpo in the quarterfinal stage of last year's U.S. Open. He'll face Andy Roddick for a spot in the final four.

It was a breathtaking display of power hitting from every part of the court with each baller throwing in some slices and making quick forays into the net for good measure. I'd say Marin's focus and calm in the big moments made the difference here.

Svetlana Kuznetsova, the third seed, was also upset in the fourth round by her giant-killing compatriot Nadia Petrova 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.

Even though the Roland Garros champ traditionally struggles in Oz, Nads has been playing big ball this tourney and - I can't believe I'm saying this - has been toughing out opponents mentally. Her game hasn't let down even when it's been challenged the most.

But this new found mental strength will face it's biggest challenge when she takes on Justine Henin for a spot in the semifinals. The winner of this contest will be the fave from this half of the draw to get to the final.

In any case Nads should keep doing whatever she's been doing in her training on and off-court because it's working.

[Photo(s): Reuters, AP]