Delpo goes down, double bagels and Kuznetsova all dressed up

"Yup. A real head scratcher."

Ahhhhh. The first week of play is over at the 2013 Australian Open. I dare say most everything has been going to plan, with the exception of sixth-seeeded Juan Martin del Potro’s 5-set loss to Frenchie Jeremy Chardy in the third round yesterday. If you follow me on Twitter (self-promo alert: @RawUncutTennis), you will have witnessed my conniption during the tennis match. You see, Delpo and I have a very special relationship. ‘Special’ as in I totally wrangled him into taking a picture with me after Taste of Tennis one year along with Karen from Tennis Panorama. Whatever. When he loses, I feel it, okay?

Sam Stosur imploded during her epic choke against Jie Zheng in the second round – certainly not “BREAKING NEWS!” for her in Oz. Disappointing? Yes. Shocking? Hell nah nah. Other than that, the faves have been making pretty quick work of their foes. Maria Sharapova not only performed a single axel, triple sow cow, double double bagel in her first two rounds, but also a pseudo-controversial post-match celebration after crushing Venus Williams. (Shrieka and/or her corporate sponsor doppelganger also officially joined Twitter.)

"Thumbs up for me in a dress?"

Like the Russian giant, Serena Williams has been barely losing games. She’s been rolling over her opponents and almost took her right ankle with her. But ReRe redeemed herself by pummeling two 128 mph serves – that’s gotta make a girl feel good. During her match against an injured Jamie Hampton (who can hit a serious ball) Victoria Azarenka seemed…cranky. Maybe she needs a RedFoo diet. Svetlana Kuznetsova is wearing a dress. That alone is news. But the 2-time Grand Slammer is having a good streak and winning matches. Shhhh! Don’t tell her.

WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH PETRA KVITOVA? We didn’t get any closer to answering this question in Oz. Sadly.

"Gimme that MOMA, Worm."

Novak Djokovic is looking pretty flawless in game and Uniqlo fashion. Roger Federer and Andy Murray haven’t lost a set either, but they've all had some tight sets. Still, in this form, it’s hard to see any of them getting upset before the semifinals. Jerzy Janowicz gave an Oscar-winning performance. Can you believe the fucking unbelievably bad luck Brian Baker has had with injuries? It was heartbreaking to see him being wheeled off the court after tearing his meniscus during his second round match against Sam Querrey. Another four months out for BB. On the opposite side of the tennis spectrum, Rafael Nadal announced he’s officially returning a bit earlier at the Chilean Open on February 4. Rafanatics rejoice!

So, onto the second week. Bring it.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images, AP]

PHOTO OP: We found love in a hopeless place

"One day it'll be yours. No, not me silly."

 If that's the consolation prize, sign me up.

[Photo(s) credit: Pool/aaron Favila/AFP/Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Nadal's got serious game

Looks like the Davis Cup final is off to a very promising start...

So I know male athletes generally slap each other on the ass to say, "Good job!" or "Nice effort!" But what exactly does this greeting mean? We could all come up with ideas, but I'd like to think Rafael Nadal just wanted to grab it ("it" being Juan Monaco's firm Argentinean half moon)...HARD (see facial expression). And that this happens, like, lots. While in towels. Or out. And leaves an ass bruise. Like a hickey. But without the sucking. Or maybe...

You can thank reader DDM for tipping me off. You're welcome.

[Photo(s) credit: @olerafa]

Grisha + La Monf post-match MOMA

At least he went for it. You gotta give Grisha some props.

[Via: nidssserz]

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: 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]

PHOTO OP: There's nothing like the first time

The boys of Serbia - Novak Djokovic, Janko Tipsarevic, Viktor Troicki, Nenad Zimonjic - reached their first Davis Cup World Group final defeating the Czech Republic 3-2 over the weekend. Huge props go out to Nole who pulled out of his opening rubber with a stomach flu but managed to even things up at 2-all by overcoming a knee injury and Tomas Berdych 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.

I've said it before but it can't be said enough: He could've easily skipped this huge tie and no one would've blamed him, but he came through big for his team. I know it's not a major championship but maybe this win will help soothe some of the pain of losing the US Open final.

But the boy wearing the golden balls this weekend was Tipsy who also beat Big Berd in the second singles rubber to get to 1-all and clinched the tie with 6-0, 7-6(6), 6-4 win over Radek Stepanek in the decider. His reward? Full-on celebratory MOMA and a sexy shoulder ride. I guess it's our reward too.

Oh, and call me crazy but I think dropping the dragon and bringing back the falcon brought Nole super powers. In fact, I'm convinced. Sergio Tacchini, please take note.

So who's up next? The Frenchies, that's who. They blanked Argentina 5-0 utilizing four different ballers for each singles rubber - Llodra, Monfils, Simon, and Clement. That's either showing off the depth in the Frenchie team or throwing salt blocks into Argie's open wounds - not sure. Clement and Llodra teamed up for the doubs win as well. As for the Argie's they can play on the indoor hard stuff but could've used big-hitting Juan Martin del Potro, who's still preparing his return to the tour, in the mix. Coulda, shoulda, woulda I suppose.

Serbia will host the Frenchies the weekend of December 3 - 5.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

(UPDATED) MEDIA MASHUP: Nadal downs Djokovic, wins first US Open title to complete Career Slam

Rafael Nadal is the US Open men's champion.

The 24-year old defeated third seed Novak Djokovic 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 to win his first title at Flushing Meadows and complete the Career Slam, only the seventh man in history to have achieved the feat and the youngest to do so in the Open Era. He also became the first man to win three consecutive major titles in a single year since Rod Laver won all four in 1969 to complete the Calendar Slam. Just amaze.

That's some pretty heavy history, and Rafa played like it mattered from the outset of this tourney. He gave himself the best chance to win here coming in healthy and adding a more potent serve to go along with his trademark forehand and athletic defense. Oh, and his net play was kinda good, too.

Moreover, the Spanish lefty's intensity and focus, which is usually very strong, was laser sharp from the first point of the tourney.  He was stingy with leads and didn't give up a set until Nole struck back and grabbed the second one today. When Rafa got on top, he wasn't letting go. And, he didn't until he won match point falling onto his back and rolling onto his stomach in celebration.

As I said on Twitter as the match was moving to its obvious, historic conclusion, it's remarkable to think only a few years ago he was labeled as a 'clay-court specialist' and now he holds all four majors - a sure sign of GREATNESS.

Rafole MOMA

Nole seemed to be playing better than ever after shocking Roger Federer in a classic semifinal on Saturday. He got off to a bad start, though, (bad like losing your opening service game of the match) and was never able to catch up. Eventually, it became one too many hurdles to climb and after getting broken early in the fourth the wheels came off. But the Serb was the only baller who took a set off the 9-time Grand Slammer and played him very tough so he should be feeling good about the direction of his game. Another Slam is surely right around the corner for Nole.

But, on this night, history was on Rafa's side. Congrats!

Check out SI.com's slideshow featuring each of his nine major championship runs. And, of course, Rafanatics should make sure to head over to NadalNews for Miri's coverage of her boy's big victory.

Here's video of the trophy ceremony:

Nike Tennis tribute:

And just one more for the road...

UPDATE #1: Here's an interesting quote from his post-match presser. There's always so much talk about his forehand and, during these two weeks, his serve but for Rafa a strong mentality and a willing to adapt are key. Read the full transcript here.

Q. You've achieved so much over these brief years starting maybe with the clay court streak and then winning in so many different circumstances. In the big picture, we sort of debate what are your greatest strengths. What do you think your greatest strengths are as a champion? Is it strokes or focus, willingness to make changes, attitude? What do you think are your two or three greatest strengths?

RAFAEL NADAL: What's my best thing? I think the mentality, attitude on court I think always was good for me. I am positive on court, and I fight all the time. But not the only thing. Positive attitude is not only fight on court. I think I was able to listen all the time to the coach and to have adjustments and to be ready to change things to be better and to improve. So probably that's was the best thing for me.


If we talk about the game, for sure for me I think the best thing that I have is my intensity on court, no? When I am playing well, the intensity always is high. The rhythm is high. Sometimes yes but not always I have easy winners or with one shot winner, but I can have winners after three, four shots having a great rhythm all the time, no? So the focus on court I think was -- that's similar, no, the rhythm and focus. I can, I think, play at the same rhythm and the same level long time. So that's what I think my best thing is.

UPDATE #2: Uncle Toni's reaction to his the historic win...

"Players said Rafa could never win on hardcourt because he played too much topspin, he's too physical. And now I believe there's not much that the players he plays against can argue with."

[Photo(s): Getty Images, Nike]

PHOTO OP: Rafuzz post-match MOMA

Q. What about Andy, you said to him after the match that he could win a major.

RAFAEL NADAL: I wished him best of luck for the rest of the season, and sorry for today. I know it was an important match for him I think because he play at home, and this is a chance for him to win probably the most important title for him win here at home in Wimbledon.

Just I felt sorry for him because he's a very nice person, very good person. I am sure he gonna win a Grand Slam very soon, because when you have final in US Open, final in Australia, semifinals here this year and the last year, you are there all the time. So one day you win. I am sure he gonna win. He deserve to win.

*sniffle, sniffle*

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Missing that MOMA no more

"Was it as good for you?"

Gilles Simon is on a mini-roll.

The Frenchie baller, who had been recovering from knee issues, captured his first win of the season on Monday when he beat Evgeny Korolev in his opening match at Eastbourne. And, today, he won his second consecutive match when he defeated Andrey Kuznetsov 6-1, 6-7(3), 7-6(2) to reach the quarterfinals where he'll face compatriot Michael Llodra. It must be nice to have that winning feeling again.

So now I remember why I missed Sneaky so much. This photo brings back all kinds of memories like this and THIS. Welcome back, boy.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

Stosur stuns Serena, Melzer makes good against Djokovic at Roland Garros

And the upsets continued today at Roland Garros with Sam Stosur shocking top seed Serena Williams 6-2, 6-7 (2), 8-6 and saving a match point in the quarterfinals two days after knocking off 4-time champ Justine Henin. The Aussie served well, particularly with her kick serve out to ReRe's backhand on the ad side, and moved fluidly allowing her to drive those big forehands to all parts of the court. She hit 30 winners against 24 errors, 6 aces and won 58% of the points when she had to thrown down a second delivery.

She'll face Jelena Jankovic, who defeated Yaroslava Shvedova 7-5, 6-4, for a spot in Saturday's ladies' final.


The seventh seed was asked whether she felt it was her time to break through and win a major:

Q. Do you feel you can win the tournament here?

SAMANTHA STOSUR: Well, yeah. I mean, I think I've got as good a chance as anyone. I'm in the semis now; I played two great matches. Hopefully they're both gonna help me for tomorrow's match.

Q. You've obviously been able to fight it out not only against Justine, but now Serena. How's your belief right now?

SAMANTHA STOSUR: As good as it's ever been. Two great matches back to back for me, which is fantastic. Yeah, it's not over yet. Now I'm in the semis, and I want to definitely try and keep going. I made it to this point last year. If I can try and go another set further, then that would be great.

And what about ReRe's post-match comments? Well, in typical style she gave more credit to her supposed bad play than the Aussie's superior one. Go figure.

What a great moment for Sammie. I think the big question before the match was whether she would be able to come back after defeating Justine, who was the choice of many pundits and fans to take the whole thing, and not be emotionally spent or mentally shaky. I thought she might not be able take this match after being broken when serving for the match in the second set but she stayed calm and played within herself.

Clearly, if Sammie continues to play this brand of tennis she'll make it extremely tough for anyone to stop her.


An even bigger upset occurred when Jurgen Melzer and his wings, who never made it past the third round of any major, edged out 2-time semifinalist Novak Djokovic 3-6, 2-6, 6-2, 7-6(3), 6-4 in their quarterfinal match. The Austrian wasted two match points but made good on the third to win in 4 hours and 15 minutes. He'll face the ultimate test when he takes on Rafael Nadal, who beat compatriot Nicolas Almagro 7-6 (2), 7-6 (3), 6-4, for a spot in the men's final on Sunday.

Jurgen was typically drop shot happy but was steady balancing 59 winners against 59 errors and hitting 9 aces against 5 double faults. The same can't be said for the Serb who hit 53 winners/62 errors and 4 aces/10 double faults - a sloppy performance down the stretch for the third seed.

The pair shared a sweet MOMA moment at the net after the match:


It's exciting to see Jurgen make a real push here at the tender age of 29-years old. We've grown accustomed to seeing prodigies win the big ones in tennis but this time around the veterans like Jurgen and Francesca Schiavone are finally making waves. And it's about time.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

MEDIA MASHUP: SO LONG, SAFIN

Marat Safin played his final professional match at the Paris Masters today. In a symbolic passing of the torch, the former U.S. Open champ fought hard but eventually succumbed to the reigning U.S. Open champ Juan Martin del Potro 6-4, 5-7, 6-4. He ended his 13-year career with 15 titles including 2 majors, 422-267 singles record and nine weeks as the world's top baller.

The pair shared some MOMA at the net after match point followed by a sweet gesture by Delpo: he made his way over to SexGawd's side of the ump's chair to spend some time and share some words with the new retiree.



In an emotional ceremony, the 2-time Grand Slammer was given the key to Paris from President of the French Tennis Federation (FFT) Jean Gachassin followed by a video tribute starring the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Nikolay Davydenko. A number of past and present ballers joined him on court to celebrate the moment including Nole, Gilles Simon, Ivo Karlovic, Tommy Robredo, Federico Gil, Albert Costa, Younes El Aynaoui, Marc Rosset and Delpo.

He had a few things to say about his career:

[My best moments] came in different stages of my career. Beginning with 1998 Roland Garros when I qualified and I beat [Andre] Agassi and [Gustavo] Kuerten and I lost to [Cedric] Pioline. And of course there is the next one, winning the 2000 US Open.

I don't have a lot of them [titles] only 15, so not too many majors. But they were really special and very welcome. A lot of people [think] that I'm not really [a] hard worker, but you can ask all my coaches how I dedicated myself to tennis. I worked for it, and I worked very hard.

Here's video of the ceremony in case you missed it.

CHECK IT (thanks Jills) :



Even though he wasn't winning anymore, Marat had a unmistakable presence whenever he stepped onto the court and a unique way with words that could only be described as "Safinisms."

We'll miss you SexGawd. May you go happily into the tennis afterlife.

*sniffles*

More images from the ceremony below.




(Photos: Getty, AP)

PHOTO OP: Pico + Jo-Willy get Frenchie with some MOMA in Paris

Not only did Juan Monaco + Jo-Wilfried Tsonga entertain the Parisian crowd with some scintillating tennis during their second round match, they also came together for some intimate man-on-man action at the net. YUM.

Oh yeah, the Frenchie won 7-5, 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (10) and will face Christophe Rochus for a spot in the Round of 16.

Now back to your regularly scheduled gawking. *drools*




(images: ap, getty)