(UPDATED) VIDEO VAULT: It still must be love for the U.S. Open Series

Here we go!

Next week the 2010 Olympus U.S. Open Series commences with the new ATP World Tour stop at the Atlanta Tennis Championships and ends with a bang at the the U.S. Open. And, the USTA has decided to continue the "It Must Be Love" marketing campaign from last year to promote the run up to the season's final major.

I know, I know. I'm still recovering from the long stretch that was Roland Garros + Wimbledon but the tennis won't wait for us. So put your big girl panties on (or big boy jock if you're into that kinda thing) and get ready.

As a bonus (and because the other embed codes were a total USTA fail), here's Chef Rafael Nadal talking pasta + gambas courtesy of someone smart enough to get it to YouTube. I know what you're thinking: He'd look better cooking in nothing but an apron, right? No gambas there. Huh-uh.

CHECK IT:



See the rest of the spots at USOpenSeries.com.

UPDATE: More of the promo vids have been uploaded to the U.S. Open YouTube channel...











[Videos: USTA] 

SIGHTING: Pat Rafter works Bonds' runway for Melbourne Fashion Week

Like a fine wine: Tennis Hall of Famer Pat Rafter was spotted looking casual-cool on the runway during Bonds' Pop UP Show at the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival. The Aussie star is an ambassador for the underwear label (though he sometimes doesn't wear any) and took part in the show for Melbourne Fashion Week.

Some things just get better with age...

(image via Getty)

PHOTO OP: Pat Rafter inducted into Australia Tennis Hall of Fame, though likeness can't replicate hotness

Aussie cutie Pat Rafter was inducted into his country's Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday, Australia Day. The former World No. 1 retired in 2002 after capturing consecutive US Opens from 1997 - 1998. Upon accepting the induction Pat said,

"Obviously the International Hall of Fame is probably as high as it gets and the Australian one is as high as it gets here in Australia. I won the US Open and I would have loved to have won one back at home."

Pat, you'll always be a member of our Sexiest Tennis Ballers Hall of Fame...


(image via ROMEO GACAD/AFP/Getty Images)