VIDEO VAULT: Babies under assault, targeted at major tennis tourneys

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Did you hear that David Ferrer went all Charlie Sheen during his 7-5, 6-2 loss to Mardy Fish in Miami? It's true. He beamed a crying baby in the stands with a ball then grabbed the unconscious child, ran to the players' area, shoved it in a locker, had a massage and a quick bit to eat then came back and resumed his match. Blasphemy! Outrageousness! Impressive!

Actually, the baby was crying and it was an annoyance and he did lob the ball in that direction in the stands but it didn't come close to the child. The crying did stop, though. Afterward he told the press, "It was in one moment of the match, but nothing special. It was not the problem." The problem, according to Ferru, was a stomach thingy.

I agree it wasn't the most professional move; he should have just tried to ignore the crying and kept playing. I also think the parent(s) of the child should have left the stands if the crying could not be controlled. You know, respect for the ballers playing the match and the other fans watching. But if you go by how the U.S. national media, in this case ABC News, described it in their segment and on screen you'd think he went on a rampage and all but bit the child's head off on the changeover. Literally.

It's a real shame the only coverage tennis seems to get these days in the U.S. national media is crap like this "story" or incidents like Serena Williams going ballistic on a linesperson at the U.S. Open. I have yet to see anyone cover the tours efforts to raise funds for the relief efforts in Japan which occurred at major U.S. tourneys in the last few weeks. If you're not a hardcore fan of this sport you would not know about it since you're probably not living on the sites, blogs or other social media where the game is dissected to its minute detail daily. You might have the impression that tennis was only comprised of privileged athletes (there are some) who have temper tantrums (some do) on the regular and do not have control over themselves or their emotions. I understand sensationalism sells and grabs eyeballs but they really could cover both angles if they wanted. Step it up, guys.

[Video: ABC News]

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]

WEEKEND WINNERS: Nole, Mardy, Nico, Venus

Novak Djokovic - Dubai

Nole took full advantage of a draw decimated by injury, illness, and political posturing by capturing his first ATP World Tour title of the season and 12th of his career. The Serb scraped past Gilles Simon in the semifinals and defeated David Ferrer 7-5, 6-3 in the final. He served well and turned up the aggression when needed.

I give Nole full credit for capturing this title especially since many of the top ballers decided against the trip to Dubai or, in Andy Murray's case, were knocked out by illness. All the pressure was on him to win and he came through in grand style - which hasn't been the case of late. This win is a good sign and is very telling of the level of Nole's confidence at the moment. It will certainly boost his game as the ATP boys enter the first weekend of Davis Cup and March Madness.

Mardy Fish - Delray Beach

The American came back from a break down in the first set to beat Russian Evegeny Korolev 7-5, 6-3 and become the first top seed to win at Delray Beach in the tourney's 17-year history. Mardy ran through the draw without dropping a set and earned his first title of the season and third of his career.

Nicolas Almagro + Venus Williams - Acapulco

Nico defended his title in the Mexican city, upsetting Frenchie Gael Monfils 6-4, 6-4 for his fifth ATP World Tour title. He becomes the first baller to win back-to-back titles in Acapulco since Thomas Muster won four straight from 1993-96 when the tourney was in Mexico City. Nico is def someone to watch during the clay-court swing as he was last year.


V won her second title in as many weeks conquering recent nemesis Flavia Pennetta 6-1, 6-2 in a swift 62 minutes. The Italian had won the last three meetings with the 7-time Grand Slammer but an in-form V had too many answers, not to mention her devastating serve. The American earned her 41st career WTA title and has won 20 of her last 21 matches dating back to her winning run at Zurich last season.

I'd say V's playing more like the top lady baller than her sister these days. But I guess she'll have to prove her mettle at a Grand Slam to really earn that distinction. And as for THAT dress? Well, we won't be seeing it ever again if V's to be believed - one can only hope.

(images via ap + 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)

PHOTO OP: Mardy + Stacey make it official, get married in black-tie Beverly Hills wedding

As reported yesterday in Monday's + NETCORDS, Mardy Fish married fiancée Stacey Gardner of Deal or no Deal in a lavish, black-tie wedding at The Four Seasons in Beverly Hills on Sunday.


The bride and groom were surrounded by 150 guests including groomsman James Blake, James' brother Thomas, and basketballer Kevin Garnett. Good friend Andy Roddick was not in attendance since he was a little busy winning Beijing.


Stacy had six bridesmaids all wearing black dresses and worked with wedding planner Linda Howard, from Sensational Celebrations, while Mark's Garden provided the flowers. The couple walked down a red rose petal-strewn aisle to U2's "A Beautiful Day".

Congratulations Mardy + Stacey!

(images via HCFoo's Tennis Blog)

FASHION FIX: It's a new, stylish world for Fish

Mardy Fish is looking to keep his good form going at the US Claycourt Championships. The American moved into the second round with 7-6 (4), 6-3 over German Rainer Schuettler.

Mardy's confidence is definitely on display, even in his current fashion taste. The third seed played his first round match in the K-Swiss Ultracell Polo in periwinkle and the Accomplish Court Short in white.

I like this new Mardy and his stylish tennis duds. Could his engagement be the reason he's turned himself around? If so, let's hope A-Rod's does the same for him, though his recent style choices aren't too encouraging.

(image via AP)

THE LOW DOWN: Is Mardy Fish engaged to a gameshow model?

What's the deal: Can someone tell us what's up with American male tennis players dating models? First, Andy Roddick hooked up with Sports Illustrated's Brooklyn Decker and then James Blake was rumored to be seeing Victoria's Secret model Selita Ebanks.

Now comes word that Mardy Fish is engaged to Stacey Gardner, a briefcase-holding model on the NBC hit gameshow Deal or No Deal. Clearly Mardy's hairy situation hasn't hurt his prospects with the ladies.

UPDATE: We got a tip from The Big Lead to check Mardy's Wikipedia page for confirmation on the engagement and here's what we found: "In November of 2007, Mardy became engaged to Stacey Gardner, a California attorney and a "Briefcase Model" on NBC's 'Deal Or No Deal'." Case solved.

(images via tennisnews.com and thebiglead.com)

PHOTO OP: Mardy Fish's got a hairy situation on his, eh, head

We're bowled over: The ATP's 'hairy situation' from 2007 looks to be bleeding into the New Year. The latest offender: Mardy Fish. Competing at this week's Hopman Cup, the American looks to be working his 7th grade 'bowl' cut and some serious scruff on the face. What gives Mardy?

(image via AP)

Serena, Mardy, and Tatiana join James Blake for Anthem LIVE!

Last week, Davis Cup champion James Blake hosted Anthem LIVE! in Norfolk, VA. a benefit tennis match that supports cancer research (James' father, Thomas, died of stomach cancer in 2004). The event was held at the Old Dominion University's Ted Constant Convocation Center and also featured Serena Williams, Mardy Fish, and Tatiana Golovin.

Here's how it went down via James' site:

"On Thursday it was Anthem LIVE! day in Norfolk. I got there in the late afternoon right as Serena and Tatiana Golovin were hitting a few balls. Then it was off to the player lounge where James dedicated a few of his books for fans like Onsaya, who happened to be in the audience! James also explained the intricacies of the IPhone to Tatiana. You can still get book dedications if you are interested, just email me. James went out first to square off for a set against Mardy Fish. James pulled it out 6-4."

"Then Serena and Tatiana played a set, with Serena winning by the same score. After a short performance by native Virginian Elliot Yamin, which mesmerized the players, James, Serena, Mardy and Tatiana all came out for a little mixed doubles fun. A good time for all, especially super fan Cristen Leaper, and plenty of money raised to help fight the battle against cancer. Afterwards, everyone convened in the restaurant/bar of the hotel, and Norfolk resident and perennial pro bowler Bruce Smith joined the group. It's fun hanging out with this crew!"

(images via dailypress.com)