+ NETCORDS: News from around the grounds

- Here come the French Open fashions! Check this adizine by adidas (you CLEVAH) showcasing the duds their ballers will be wearing to Roland Garros this year. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (who just dumped his coach), Ana Ivanovic, Andy Murray, Andrea Petkovic, Flavia Pennetta and Fernando Gonzalez are featured in the digital piece wearing their new kits and answering questions in an embedded video on the page. My fave? Gonzo's super cute multi-striped polo.

- Speaking of Gonzo the Chilean tweeted about his return to full-time action after undergoing hip surgery at the end of last year: "Today i finish my 6 months post-op rehab. I was discharged and ready to go back to game."

- Rolex has released their latest ads featuring NaturAna.

- Kim Clijsters will be out for the next 4 - 6 weeks to rehab her right wrist and shoulder which have been overstressed according to recent tests. She will be forced to miss the FED CUP semifinals and Madrid. The 4-time Grand Slammer made the announcement via her website:

I think this is a great pity. The Fed Cup is something I was really looking forward to. But I felt that something was out of the ordinary: There were too many minor ailments, one after the other, which did not seem to disappear. Something like that gets into your head.

I don't want to force anything, because I want to prevent it from becoming chronic by any means. I really want to be there at this year's. Now there is no other option than to rest and I certainly can't use a tennis racket for the first few weeks. We will continue with lots of physiotherapy and exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles."

- Maria Sharapova shot this video during her visit to the Cole Haan boutique at The Village of Merrick Park in Coral Gables, FL where the Russian launched her Spring 2011 Collection. Like her outfit? Well, Vogue.com liked it enough to place her on their Best Dressed list at No. 7.

- Bruce Jenkins won't be placing Shrieka on anything but MUTE. In his latest column the SI.com scribe doesn't hold back, blasting Shrieka, Vika and the sound storm they created during the Sony Ericsson Open women's final:

Both players seem to think it's all perfectly fine, that they're at the vanguard of a trend we should all deeply respect. Wow, are they wrong. Viewers are bailing out like passengers on the Titanic. And when it comes to the people in the stands, here's a message to both of you caterwaulers: They are laughing at you. Got it? And they find it so strange when you warm up in silence.

Is this grunting tirade old and tired? Yes. Are people ever going to stop getting annoyed by it? No. Will the lady ballers ever stop? Probably not, unless they start measuring that shit and creating acceptable levels. Or duct taping. That could work. Honestly, I don't see where this discussion ever ends.

- Fernando Verdasco will not be defending his title in Barcelona. And he's not happy about it.

- Mirka Federer, with a bootylicious Roger in tow, celebrated her 33rd birthday at Italian Prime restaurant in Miami last Saturday. Fed fanatic Anna Wintour and Mary Jo Fernandez were on hand. So was a Victoria's Secret gift bag. Just saying. On Sunday, Tommy Haas rang in his 33rd birthday but he was whisked off to the Bahamas by his wife Sara. Lucky for us they took pics and posted them on his FB page. Sadly, no shirtless shots. Drats.

- Nadia Petrova is not taking any of the blame credit for her recent Ellesse fashion moments. In fact, she mentioned she has no voice in the decision of what she wears, is leaving the sports apparel brand after this year and even says they send her whatever sells well in Japan. Really, Nads?? I wouldn't blame the Japanese for this one - THEY'VE BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH ALREADY. Tennis blog A Change of Ends spoke to the Russian during the WTA's All-Access Hour in Charleston and bravely brought back the money quotes. Cheers!

[Photo(s): adidas, Pacific Coast News, Vogue.com]

(UPDATED) SIGHTING: Someone needed a vacay and took it

Can you guess the mystery baller who was spotted swimming + sunning near Corsica, France?! Seriously, if you get this wrong you'll need to turn in your tennis fan card.

Answer and additional pictures after the jump!

SIGHTING: RoKa return to Italy, take in Armani fashion show

Roger Federer and wife Mirka returned to Italy to take in Giorgio Armani's Spring/Summer 2010 Collection in Milan as guests of Vogue editrix and premiere Fed stalker Anna Wintour.

The 15-time Grand Slammer announced his withdrawal from Tokyo + Shanghai today saying,

Dear Fans

I am disappointed that I have to withdraw from Tokyo and Shanghai as they are two of my favorite cities in the world and the fans have been great to me over the years. After consultation with my team and doctors, I decided to take the difficult decision to withdraw from both tournaments so that I can give my body a chance to rest, rehabilitate and fully recover from a physically challenging year.

Kind regards
Roger

No surprise there. I expected a pretty limited schedule for Fed's fall campaign - you know, with the mangoes and all.

(Photo: AP)

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: FedFam revealed - first look!

Here's a first look at Roger + Mirka Federer with newborn girls Myla Rose + Charlene Riva. Cuteness abounds!

Via RF Facebook: As promised, here is a family picture that my dad took. He thinks he's becoming a professional photographer. It was very funny as both girls had the hiccups while we were trying to take a decent picture. The girls and mom are doing great. Thanks for all your warm wishes.

Thanks to katsada for the tip.

UPDATE: Guess who's playing Montreal next week? You got it - confirmed via the Rogers Cup tweet:


Color me SO excited!

BTW, if you're not following DtL on Twitter feel free to do so by clicking here. It's pain free but oh so good - pinky swear.

(UPDATED) RF + MF announce the birth of MRF + CRF!

Congrats to Roger Federer + Mirka Vavrinec who gave birth to twin mangoes - eh, girls - late last night.

The 15-time Grand Slammer announced the big news via his Facebook page:

I have some exciting news to share with you: Late last night, in Switzerland, Mirka and I became proud parents of twin girls! We named them Myla Rose and Charlene Riva and they are both healthy and along with their mother, they are doing great. This is the best day of our lives!

Ah yes, welcome to the world MRF + CRF. I can see the hats already though MRF will always stand for Mango to me. *pouts*

Now only about 16 years before the WTA tour becomes watchable again. Oh c'mon, you know one if not both of these babies are already sucking on tennis racquet pacifiers.

SIDE NOTE: Dontcha just love how ballers like Fed + Andy Roddick (who announced DC as his return tourney via his Twitter account) are skipping the mainstream media and announcing the info through their own social media accounts? BRILLS.

Thanks to JadeFoxxy for the tip off!

UPDATE: The media hawks await the first sighting of MRF + CRF at the clinic Bethanien in Zurich where Mirka supposedly gave birth. Baby Watch begins...



(image via getty)

SIGHTING: Momma Mirka + Mango

Mirka Vavrinec and unborn Mango were spotted in the stands watching Roger Federer defeat Robin Soderling 6-4, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5) to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals in a rematch of their Roland Garros final. The Swiss will next face dangerous Ivo Karlovic for a spot in another Grand Slam semifinal.

She is SERIOUSLY ready to burst at any moment. I'm thinking it'll be this coming weekend - at least they'll have a cup and a dish to help with the birth - and afterbirth.

(image via getty)

SIGHTING: RoKa attend Lenny Kravitz concert in Madrid, Mirka mammies (almost) overrunneth

Roger Federer, who grabbed some much needed confidence and momentum after upsetting Rafael Nadal for the Madrid title yesterday, wife Mirka, and unborn Mango were spotted in the Spanish capital attending a Lenny Kravitz concert during their free time.


Some observations if I may:

1. Fed needs to get new jeans. Stat.

2. Ditto on the sneakers. Double stat.

3. Mirka's mammies already look primed for a Mango feeding. Dayum.

4. Does Fed always have to wear that RF hat? They know who you are. At least he's hoping they do but is prepared if they don't I guess.

5. Crackberry is conspicuously inconspicuous.

4. I'm wondering (more like completely having inappropriate fantasies) if Lenny showed up in THIS outfit for the show. (nsfw)

(via HCFoo)

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Mirka debuts ice rink in Monte Carlo, retires ice cube

Mirka Vavrinec (Federer?) was spotted working an ice rink on her ring finger while watching now husband Rog defeat Andreas Seppi in the Monte Carlo second round and raising his head-to-head against the Italian to 5-0. He'll next face compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka for a spot in the fourth round.

Although I couldn't zoom in close enough without losing too much picture quality, you can see the ring is MAMMOTH. I'm surprised Mirka could even raise that hand to clap even though she already gets a good arm workout with the Crackberry. Nice moves, Rog.

And just so we can see the big improvement, here's Mirka at the Oz Open back in January working an ice cube:


Oh, and thanks to a few readers who alerted me to the fact the couple are expecting a boy but still have yet to pick out a name. Don't they know it's already been chosen via the DtL Peanut Gallery? Like, duh.

UPDATE: Damn, Crackberry's going to PISSED once Mango arrives - you know, lack of attention and all. Wait! Mirka will put it down, right?


(image via getty, ap)

PHOTO OP: Gwen + Baby Zuma share playtime with Mirka

Gwen Stefani + Baby Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale were spotted playing (and probably sharing baby-raising tips) with mommy-to-be Mirka Vavrinec in the baller box watching Roger Federer dismiss Fernando Gonzalez 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 in the fourth round at Indian Wells. The 13-time Grand Slammer will next face the streaking Fernando Verdasco in a battle of forehands for a spot in the final four.

Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale. Really? And some of you thought Baby Mango was ridiculous. Think again.

(image via getty)

BREAKING: Mirka is totally preggers announces Fed!!!

So it's not an engagement ring but maybe something better for the ever-patient Mirka Vavrinec.

Roger Federer announced his long-time girlfriend is PREGNANT via his website:

Dear Fans

I arrived in Indian Wells earlier this week and I am eager to get back out on court. My back is feeling much better and I am ready to go.

I also have some really awesome news to share with all of you: Mirka and I are excited to let you know that we will be parents this summer! Mirka is pregnant and we are so happy to be starting a family together. This is a dream come true for us. We love children and we are looking forward to being parents for the first time. Mirka is feeling great and everything is going well.

Speak soon and thanks for all your continued support!

Roger

OMG - I really thought they were pregnant last year, or at least trying, after the rumors and the mysterious weight gain. Maybe something happened then.

But in any case congrats to RoKa and thanks to Pamela for the tip off!!!

PS - I'm putting my hat in the ring and offering up names: Ralph for a boy, Lauren for a lady. Perfection for the preppy fashionista!

What says you?

DO TELL!

PHOTO OP: Mirka loves to finger her Crackberry (addicted much?)

Mirka Vavrinec, who got fashion-y at the Aussie Open recently, was spotted texting her arse off (shocker) while watching long-time boyfriend Roger Federer reach his fourth Aussie Open final by defeating Andy Roddick.

ATTENTION MIRKA: PLEASE PUT THE CRACKBERRY DOWN. I REPEAT, PLEASE PUT THE CRACKBERRY DOWN. STEP SLOWLY AWAY FROM THE CRACKBERRY...

(image via WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images)

FASHION FIX: Mirka watches Regal Rog crush J. Martin, works pretty LV metallic satchel

Mirka Vavrinec was spotted working a beautiful Louis Vuitton metallic silver satchel (though the fuzzy white heart is questionable) while watching her man, Roger Federer, absolutely annihilate Juan Martin del Potro 6-3, 6-0, 6-0 and reach his record 19th straight Grand Slam semifinal.

The stats tell the tale: 38 winners against 9 errors, 70% success on first serve deliveries, 12 aces, 21 of 25 net approaches, and converted 7 of 11 break point chances. Yikes. He'll take on a resurgent Andy Roddick for a place in Sunday's final.

So what was Juan Martin del Potro's assessment of why he was completely whitewashed in their match: "He's Roger Federer."

Clearly Fed's feeling good after being given a second life after his 5-set, fourth round escape against Tomas Berdych and he's letting his game fly now. Watch out.

But back to RoKa: they seem alive and well, as usual. And, I'm sure there'll be more LV satchels in Mirka's future though I imagine she's probably looking for something a little smaller, shinier, and has a diamond or 10 on it.

(image via AP)

PHOTO OP: RoKa together during Melbourne Park practice session, share secret words

Roger Federer, who's been biting with quotes these days, was spotted with long-time girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec on the Melbourne Park practice courts before heading to Kooyong recently. The 13-time Grand Slammer moved easily past Carlos Moya 6-2, 6-3 at the Aussie Open warmup today.

It looks like RoKa are having some words. Could it be Mirka's scolding the regal Swiss for his recent media moments? Or is she desperately fiending for her seemingly missing Crackberry??

What's going on here people?

DO TELL!

(image via tennisweek.com)

SIGHTING: Fed + Mirka spotted at Euro 2008 with Tony Parker + Eva Longoria

Roger Federer and girlfriend "Mirror" Vavrinec were spotted taking in Euro 2008 with the NBA's Tony Parker and his wife Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria. They were all in Zurich watching the Group C football match France vs. Italy.

I love seeing images like this. Who would've ever imagined Fed hanging with Eva Longoria? What the hell are they all talking about?? Did Mirror and Eva go shopping and stuff???

Maybe Fed's deciding whether to go all Hollywood like another baller we all love...


(image via Getty)

Mirka may not want to look in The Mirror today

One of the UK's biggest tabloidy newspapers, The Mirror, had some harsh words about Sunday's Roland Garros bloodbath and they weren't directed at Roger Federer but at his constant companion Mirka Vavrinec.

In today's edition the paper said,

Roger Federer was highly embarrassed at Roland Garros on Sunday afternoon. And he's only himself to blame for letting his tubby fiancee Mirka sit in the stands.

Poor old Fed - he offered as much resistance to Rafael Nadal during the French Open as Mirka does when the dessert trolley appears.

Oh that's rough, but Mirka has been looking hefty these days. If only those pregnancy rumors were true...

(image via Getty)

BREAKING: Is Mirka Vavrinec pregnant?

Daily Tennis is reporting that Mirka Vavrinec, Roger Federer's long-time girlfriend, is pregnant. This would be the first child for both.

Can anyone out there confirm this news?

Thanks for the heads-up Brent!

[tennis.com via dailytennis.com]

THE LOW DOWN: Anna Wintour hearts Federer big time, becomes his personal stylist

Vogue fashionatrix Anna Wintour's obsession with Roger Federer continues to astound. Wonder how the World No. 1 stays looking so fashionably styled? According to gossip monger Page Six, Anna has become Fed's personal stylist. "Anna sends stuff to Federer with little notes that say 'This would look great on you,' " according to an insider. A Vogue rep pushed back saying, "Vogue certainly helps a number of people with fashion, but Roger's style is all his own."

However, New York magazine had a different take. Daily Intelligencer had this to say about the Men's Vogue cover shoot featuring the stylish Swiss: "Wintour draped Federer in over $4,000 worth of Prada, $2,500 worth of Gucci, $1,500 worth of Dolce & Gabbana and Michael Kors, and $2,500 worth of Dior Homme. Since much of that shoot took place at sea or on the beach, it wouldn't be outrageous if some of the clothes didn't get returned to the designers."

Having worked in the fashion business we know how beautiful, expensive things tend to "disappear." We guess it always helps to have a fashion cougar in your back pocket. But what we want to know is: what does Mirka, Fed's longtime girlfriend, think of all this attention?

SIGHTING: More of Roger Federer and the media merry-go-round

Media frenzy: World No. 1 Roger Federer created quite a stir in New York City today. After stopping in Times Square for a photo-op and some questions from the press, the US Open champion hit the morning show circuit. The Swiss stylist made stops at the Live with Regis & Kelly and the Today Show.

Fed topped off the day by catching Oscar De La Renta's Spring 2008 fashion show with girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec and Anna Wintour, Vogue fashionatrix and obsessesed Federer fan.

SIGHTING: Roger Federer honored by Anna Wintour at Men's Vogue Dinner

Roger Federer was the guest of honor last night at a dinner for the World No. 1 thrown by Anna Wintour, top fashionatrix of Vogue & Men's Vogue, and held at the Grammercy Park Hotel restaurant, Wakiya, in New York. He attended with long-time girlfriend, Mirka Vavrinec. Other luminaries in attendance included Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Donald & Ivanka Trump, Diane Von Furstenberg, Rachel Weisz, and Jimmy Fallon. (via NY Magazine)