Hitting pay dirt

It was lucky number 7 for Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard defeated compatriot David Ferrer 6-4, 7-5 for a record seventh consecutive Monte Carlo Masters. He won his 19th Masters 1000 title and 37th straight match in Monaco. There were some other records broken with this win so click here to read all about it.

Obviously Rafa had a great week here, as usual, though it wasn't his best game on display towards the end. But I'd like to show some love for Ferru who reached his first Monte Carlo Masters final. He's such a workhorse and just goes about his business without huge fanfare or show. Ferru always puts up the good fight but accepts defeat with dignity. I do hope he gets to bag a big one sometime soon. Kudos to him.

It was also a good week for Andy Murray who couldn't buy a set since January but managed to win a few, even grabbing the rare one against Rafa on the clay yesterday. The Brit baller, who needed a cortisone shot in his injured elbow right before their semifinal bout, even showed glimpses of the Muzz who dissected the Spaniard at the 2008 US Open with his deft mix of spins and crafty use of the court. He actually looked like a clay court baller at times. The second set of their match, in particular, gave clues to the right strategy against the Mallorcan Matador on the slippery stuff but even that wasn't enough to stop Rafa. I mean, he ain't the King of Clay for nothin'.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Yep, it was me. I did it.

"Guilty as charged."

Congrats to Jurgen Melzer for earning his first win over Roger Federer in four attempts upsetting the 16-time Grand Slammer 6-4, 6-4 in the Monte Carlo Masters quarterfinals. And he did it while dealing with a back injury which required Melz to leave the court for treatment in the first set.

The Austrian was understandably thrilled to add the Swiss to his list of elite scalps:

It [has special meaning]. I mean, I have beaten Rafa last year. I have beaten Nole [Djokovic]. So this was the one missing. I'm very happy I actually did it today.

I'm sure Fed loves being referred to as 'this...one'. Heh. Great win, Melz, and a great accomplishment to have wins over those ballers. Now you get to face that Spanish dude who can run all day, defend all night and never seems to tire. No, not Rafa silly but he other one - David Ferrer.

[Photo(s): AP]

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Andy Murray

I wasn't bothered at all. I was doing what I had to. Every player on the tour would have done exactly the same thing. I wasn't doing anything wrong. We'll see the reaction tomorrow.

- Andy Murray on the Monte Carlo crowd booing his drop shot exhibition against a hobbling Gilles Simon today

You know, even Sneaky said it was the right tactic. But there are some who think it was crossing the line. I'm curious to know what you guys think. Was it fair play or did Muzz go overboard with it?

[Photo(s): Reuters]

PHOTO OP: He make pretty

Now that's my kind of party! 

I'm still wondering where Tsonga learned to tuck so well. I mean, he is tucking right?

*hopes for his sake*

[Photo(s): Caroline Wozniacki Twitpic]

PHOTO OP: His lips don't lie. Oh no.

"If I suck hard enough I just might be able to...ay, nevermind."

So Feliciano Lopez lost in his second round match at the Monte Carlo Masters. Well, more like he got destroyed by compatriot David Ferrer 6-2, 6-0. We all know it's not Feli's best surface, right?

I say we focus on the positives (see headline) and look towards Wimbledon.

[Photo(s): AFP PHOTO SEBASTIEN NOGIER]

PHOTO OP: Murray's hairy situation - REVISITED

"I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. Wait, it's my hair actually."

In the world of Down the Line! Andy Murray's slump-stopping opening round win at the Monte Carlo Masters in Monaco was a mixed bag. Why, you ask? Let me 'splain.

Of course we should celebrate his 6-1, 6-4 win over an always tricky Radek Stepanek. It was the first set, let alone match, he grabbed since the Australian Open semifinals back in January. I'm sure he was feeling an enormous amount of pressure just to grab the first set especially against someone as seasoned as The Worm. Can you imagine the uproar if he dropped this match, too? He would've needed an armed guard just for the British press alone. But, alas, he ran it out in straights. Next up: Gilles Simon. Another tough, but winnable, one for him.

Now here's where the mixed part comes into play: Muzz has got a hairy situation going on and it's not the first time as many of you know. But WHYYYYY???? Back in 2007 we were just really getting to know the Brit baller and his penchant for Sideshow Bob stylings. He was one of the tour's worst offenders:

In February 2008 Muzz decided enough was enough. He visited a salon and chopped off the unruly locks. He even brought a camera along to document his metamorphosis: 

Not bad, eh? Yet here we are again. Now it's not at the 2007 level yet but it's quickly growing in that direction. Is this phase a regression? Hopefully, if it is, it's in hair only. On second thought, scratch that. His hair, like his game, needs an update. For the love of GAWD.

[Photo(s): Getty Images, AndyMurray.com]

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Rafael Nadal

This year Novak has a lot of advantages. He is in a perfect situation to be number one. I'm sure he'll be number one next month. He started the season playing unbelievably. In my opinion he didn't even play his top level in Indian Wells and Miami.

- Rafael Nadal talking Nole at his pre-tourney presser at the Monte Carlo Masters today

Rafa is not only the King of Clay. He's also the king of taking pressure off himself when it comes to his goals, long and short. In the same presser the Spanish southpaw admitted it will be difficult to repeat the feat he accomplished last year of capturing all clay Masters 1000s + Roland Garros.

I agree. It will be incredibly difficult to repeat, but if anyone can it's Rafa. I do see Nole breaking through, though, and winning one of the Masters. Maybe Madrid where the altitude will speed up the court just enough for Nole's liking. But will he become No. 1 in the next month? Anyone (who has an affinity for numbers and ranking points)?

P.S. Here's my runner-up quote. It's from the World No. 1 as well: "It's almost a year since I've played on clay. As usual, I try to watch videos (of myself) to remember what I have to do."  Uh, can you remind Muzz the importance of watching yourself on video? And that's not what I'm talking about, Rafa. Keep it clean.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Battle of the bulge

"No seriously. It's actually about THIS big."

Up 5-1 in the second set of his Monte-Carlo quarterfinal match, Fernando Verdasco wasted three matches points against compatriot Albert Montanes before regaining his composure and clinching a 6-3, 6-7(4) 6-0 win. He'll face top seed Novak Djokovic, who ousted David Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3, for a spot in the final.

Oh boy. I'm sure Nando is really, really happy he kept his head together and closed out the match in emphatic style though the same can't be said for Nandito. He looks all shy and withdrawn.

Those 3-D glasses would come in handy right about now. *squints*

[Photo(s): Getty]

BALLER MUG MASHUP: Muzz vs. Rafa

Andy Murray suffered another disappointing, and worrying, early round loss falling 6-2, 6-1 to Philipp Kohlschreiber in Monte-Carlo. It was his second consecutive opening round straight set defeat after going down 6-4, 6-4 to Mardy Fish at the same stage in Miami last month. Let's keep that head shrinker on speed dial, shall we?

I'd venture to guess that at the moment the Brit baller wouldn't mind melding his tennis IQ and skill set (and hair?) with a supreme dirt baller. I mean, we just started on the slippery stuff and there's a WAYS to go.

So here's a little Rafa for your ass Muzz. Don't ever say I never gave you anything.

[Photo(s): Reuters]

PHOTO OP: Monte-Carlo baller party - who wore it best?

First off, my apologies particularly to Down the Line's long time readers for the abrupt break in posting recently. I've needed to focus my energies on some personal matters and I'm hoping *everything crossed* that I've turned a real corner. I can't promise I'll be able to post as often as I have in the past but I'll do my best to cover the really important happenings i.e. half-naked, sweaty ballers. You know, the stuff you expect from me.

That being said, I'm always open to having contributors come on board and take a swing at blogging. It'll help keep DtL going, it's quite painless and the glory is unmatched. Right. So if you like to write and you are obsessed with tennis and the boys and girls who play it, write me at downthelinetennis@gmail.com.

Now onto the "news"...

The boys have gathered in Monaco to officially kick off the 2010 clay season at the first Masters 1000, Monte-Carlo. So who looked their best at the baller party last night?

1. Tomas Berdych - I've always thought this pretty boy Czech came impeccably dressed for his on-court battles. He works styles that are simple in design but fit him well. Plus, he isn't afraid of wearing strong colors. I'm espesh loving this rugged look for the party: a motorcross/bomber style jacket and a great pair of jeans. Now stick his arse on a Ducati and we're all good.

2. Novak Djokovic with Jelena Ristic - Yes, I used the image of Nole with his girl because they looked good here. I can't hate on the pretty. Anyway, though I'd always take Nole sans clothing the World No. 2, who just split with co-coach Todd Martin, always looks drool-worthy in dark colors and tailored pieces. I'd much prefer a shorter jacket on him (why hide the ass-ets?) but that's just being picky.

3. Rafael Nadal - First the positives: Rafa's clothes actually fit him! We can finally see the defending champ's world-class body - the one we've all come to know and Rafantasize about. Now the negatives: The color combo is a bit boring. And why wear house slippers to this event? Is it a slumber party? I mean, if it is, sign me up. *grabs lingerie and bon bons*

4. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - Banker or baller? You decide.

5. Andy Murray - This is embarrassing. It's like Casper wearing a sheet. Get thee to a stylist.

6. Fernando Verdasco + Feliciano Lopez - The only reason they're listed below Muzz the Friendly Ghost is because I can't see their full outfits. But from what I can see, the boys looked like they called each other the night before to find out what they should wear:

FV: "Feli, it's Nando."
FL: "What up bro?"
FV: "What are you wearing to the baller party?"
FL: "Not sure. Maybe a suit and a button-down shirt. Easy breezy. You Nando?"
FV: "Whatta stud. Maybe the same thing. I don't know. I've been in my underwear of late so clothing seems silly these days. My bod is paying the bills."
FL: "Keep it clean, Nando. Keep it clean."
FV: "Claro. Shirt and suit it is!"

[Photo(s): Getty, TennisTV.com]

VANtage Point: Monte Carlo musings, FED CUP preview

Ahhh, nothing like basking in the glow of victory!

After picking the first correct champ in weeks here at VANtage Point, I decided to treat myself to a mini-vacation: I figured since I was down in Monte Carlo watching VP pick Rafael Nadal storm his way to victory, I might as well stay down there a few extra days. I deserved it after all those missed calls. And let me tell you, there’s nothing like Monte Carlo in the springtime!

(I can dream, can’t I?)

Anyway, now that I’m back (to reality) it’s VP time!

A Look Back: So this might’ve been the biggest no-brainer pick of them all that I’ve made, but Rafa took home his fifth Masters 1000 Monte Carlo title in a row, beating Novak Djokovic in a pretty decent three-setter. Nadal was my only semifinal pick to get that far: Andy Murray, Djoko and Stanislas Wawrinka, who beat the newlywed Roger Federer, all had better runs than I expected. I might have to revise my original train of thought about Murray on the dirt this year. And I think Djokovic will have a pretty strong clay-court season, too.


This Week’s Spotlight: “Hey, where are all the WTA tournaments this week?” you might be asking yourself. Well, readers, the answer is the calendar’s cleared off this week for Fed Cup. (“VANtage Point: Where we have all the answers”!) The WTA’s Davis Cup counterpart is down to the semifinals this weekend with national powerhouse and defending champs Russia traveling to Italy and the little-underdog-that-could U.S. squad heading to the Czech Republic. There’s also some intriguing playoff ties, such as Serbia vs. Spain and France vs. Slovak Republic, among the match-ups.

Players to Watch: Russia has three top 10 players it’s throwing out there—Vera Zvonareva, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Nadia Petrova—but I’m not tagging them as the ones to watch. (New world number-one Dinara Safina and number-three Elena Dementieva aren’t making the trip.) Rather, I think you should watch out for their Italian opponents, particularly Flavia Pennetta, Francesca Schiavone and Roberta Vinci. Schiavone and Vinci have been playing really well the past few weeks, and Pennetta’s always pretty tough. Even though on paper, they’re the underdogs, you have to wonder what playing at home will do for them on their favorite surface.


As for the other semifinal, the top U.S. player on the team, Bethanie Mattek-Sands, is making her Fed Cup debut—and doing that on the road in a later round is always tough, no matter who you are. For the Czech squad, I really want to see what Lucie Safarova does. She was supposed to be a solid top-tenner by now, but we all know that hasn’t happened. If she’s chosen to play, can she be a possible weak link?

And while it’s just a playoff tie, that Serbia-Spain one can be a dogfight with all the players on both squads going all-out.

And the Winners Are: You know what? I’m going to go with Italy in the upset, taking the tie 3-2. As for the other one, I think the matches will be closer than anyone would expect, but I still see the Czech Republic beating the U.S. 4-1.

Van Sias writes the blog Tennis Talk, Anyone?

(images via getty)

PHOTO OP: The King of Clay, well, at least for today

"I know they're taking a shot of me and the crown right now. They still think that's funny?"

A big congrats to Stanislas Wawrinka for taking his chances when the going was good and knocking out Roger Federer in Monte Carlo today.

It was a bittersweet victory for the friend of Fed, however:

I am a bit embarrassed to celebrate it. I believe [Federer] hadn't found his rhythm on clay and he made many errors.

Oh, that's nice and everything Stan but stop being so Swiss and celebrate damnit. It's the biggest win of your career, friend or not. You can kiss and make up later. And if you do, please photograph and send it my way. For my private collection. I swear.

(image via ap)

VIDEO VAULT: Rog stunned by Stan in Monte Carlo, gets awkward for Gillette

Roger Federer's recent slope became even more slippery on the red clay of Monte Carlo today.

Last year's finalist (and for the third consecutive time) was booted from the tourney's third round by good friend Stanislas Wawrinka 6-4, 7-5 after taking a last-minute wild card to get in. I guess he'll also be taking a big hit in the points tally after this disastrous performance, leaving his World No.2 status on very shaky ground (though I'm positive there are two ballers just waiting to take his place, eh?).

In other news, Fed is also starring in a new ad for Gillette along side Tiger Woods and the New York Yankees' Derek Jeter. The spot is a take-off on John Travolta's iconic walk down a Brooklyn sidewalk in the classic film Saturday Night Fever.

In the ad, Fed is shown wearing straight-up 70's silver platform shoes and the mandatory spread collar and gold chain looking all kinds of awkward.

It ends with the tagline "Here's to Confidence". Uh, weren't we talking about Fed here?

CHECK IT:




(video via gillette)

(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: Casper the Scottish Ghost makes Monte Carlo debut

Andy Murray sped through his first match on clay in Monte Carlo downing Romania's Victor Hanescu 6-3, 6-2 in 86 minutes. The Miami champ will next face either Fabio Fognini or Marin Cilic in the next round.

Note to Fred Perry: Please refrain from putting Andy in head-to-toe white. I'm begging you. I mean, you're not doing his pastiness ANY favors.

The boy needs color somewhere, anywhere and stat.

(image via getty)

PHOTO OP: Gilles knows all there is to know about the crying game

Gilles Simon lost his opening round match 7-5, 6-1 to qualifier Andreas Beck in Monte Carlo continuing his poor form of late.

The Frenchie had nothing but positive reviews for his performance today:

This match was completely rotten from the first to the last point. I'm surprised myself. I felt at ease on this surface. I was moving well. But I don't remember ever playing so badly. Nothing was right. Nothing was working. My forehand, my backhand, my serve, nothing.

Ever since Gilles went 0-2 in Davis Cup play earlier this season he hasn't been able to get past the fourth round of any tourney. Clearly, his confidence has been shaken but hopefully he won't freefall.

And in more bad news for the Frenchies, Gael Monfils was spanked 6-3, 6-1 by Janko Tipsarevic (ouch!) while Paul-Henri Mathieu went down to David Nalbandian 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.

What's up Frenchies??!

(image via ap)

PUT A CAP ON IT: Misha meets up with Fed

Mikhail Youzhny seems to be exchanging some pleasantries (or not) with Roger Federer on the Monte Carlo practice courts today.

What did they say to each other?

DO TELL!

(image via getty)

VANtage Point: Houston hangover, moving on to Monte Carlo

Hey guys, wait for me!

If we weren’t so busy here at VANtage Point HQ's stuffing our faces with Easter candy, maybe we would’ve realized the big Monte Carlo event started yesterday. Plus, there was a little bit of a pity party since VP pick Jeremy Chardy didn’t win Houston, which was more reason to eat candy. But Lleyton Hewitt won, so the candy eating was more celebratory. And Juan Carlos Ferrero, an old VANtage Point fave, won over in Casablanca, which called for more (wait for it): candy eating!

So now that all the chocolate has been properly disposed of, it’s time to knock the wrappers and Easter grass off the computer and get to the Point!

A Look Back: Well, at least I got it right on Evgeny Korolev getting to the semis! As mentioned above Chardy didn’t win the U.S. Clay Court Championships, but Hewitt did, a great result for someone months removed from hip surgery. As called here, though, last year’s finalists Marcel Granollers and James Blake both lost early. The tournament got decimated with no seeds making the quarterfinals. Anyway, congrats again to Lleyton for coming through.

This Week’s Spotlight: Even though it didn’t wait for the official VANtage Point send-off, you can’t help but look at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 stop in Monte Carlo this week, the first big clay-court tournament of the year, or as I like to refer to it, “The House of Rafa.” Rafael Nadal has won four titles in a row here, so it’s kind of safe to say he owns the joint. All of his top 10 compadres except Andy Roddick are here to challenge him. Roger Federer almost didn’t make it, but accepted a wild card to lead the contenders.

Players to Watch: I think we all know Rafa’s going to do well here, but he’s definitely one to watch just for pure entertainment’s sake. You want to know who I’m really interested in catching out here, though, and for the rest of the clay-court stretch? Andy Murray. I know he’s been one of the dominant players so far this year. I just want to see how his improved game translates to clay. I think Marin Cilic will get him here in the round of 16. A player I’m kind of high on this year, Tommy Robredo, could have a good run and I think he’ll push Federer in the quarterfinals. For old-school entertainment, check the first-round match between Lleyton Hewitt and Marat Safin.

The Final Four: I’m going with Nadal over Cilic and Fernando Verdasco (who has a pretty tough quarter to get through) over Federer.

And the Winner Is…: I said last week I was going to pick Nadal for every clay-court tournament he enters, right? Well, that starts here! Just kidding, I won’t pick him every time, but I do see him adding to the Monte Carlo title haul.

Van Sias writes the blog Tennis Talk, Anyone?

(image via getty)

PHOTO OP: The baller boys go casual chic for Monte-Carlo launch party

A few of the top baller boys joined host Prince Albert II of Monaco for the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters 1000 launch party at the Grimaldi Forum last night.

It seems the mood was most definitely casual chic as most of the boys mixed tailored pieces like blazers, jackets, and button-down shirts with sportswear such as jeans, zipper-front sweatshirts, and cardigans. Check it out.

Rafael Nadal: Much improved from his Miami disaster. See what a little effort can do Rafa?

Fernando Verdasco: DITTO. Cheeseball no more (at least for now.) But could Nando look more constipated?

Jelena Ristic + Novak Djokovic: So good to see Jelena out with Nole again - still going strong I suppose. But do you think Rafa + Nole discussed their outfits before showing up? Maybe they should have.

Andy Murray: I love mixing sportswear and a blazer but I would've preferred the zipper-front sweatshirt in a more high-end fabrication and a bit more fitted while the jean a little darker for the occasion.

Feliciano Lopez: First - deflove the cardigan geek-chic moment. But the necklace, interlocking G belt, and whitewashed jeans are a bit cheese. Now, the jawline - TO DIE.

(images via getty)

Fed gets jump start on clay season, accepts wildcard into Monte Carlo

Thanks to a number of readers for alerting me to Roger Federer's recent change of heart.

The 13-time Grand Slammer has decided to play Monte Carlo next week to get an early jump on his clay-court season:

Via his website:

Dear Fans

I have decided to accept a wildcard into the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters tournament that begins on Monday. I will head there this weekend to start the clay court season.

Thanks to all of you for your continued support.

All the best,

Roger

I guess Fed's season isn't going as he probably planned - duh. At least this will give us fans an early opportunity to see where his clay-court game stands in relation to the big boys. Let's hope it's further along than his hard-court game, though.

(image via getty)