PHOTO OP: La Monf outhits Devilder, outfuzzies tennis ball

Frenchie baller Gael Monfils was spotted looking somewhat tense during his match against Nicolas Devilder in Doha but managed to pull out a tight 7-5, 7-6 (4) over his compatriot.

So La Monf will face top baller Rafael Nadal in the next round. Could that be why he looks worried? Or is it because he realized he's actually winning the "Who's fuzziest?" face-off against that ball??

A hairy situation for you, La Monf, is not completely out of the question - beware.

(image via AP)

PHOTO OP: The return of Ross, shirt included (double drats)

Shirtless brigade member Ross Hutchins, who accompanied friend Andy Murray during Team Murray's off-season training intensive in Miami, was spotted with the World No.4 at the kids' clinic today.

The duo also paired up for some Doha doubles action later in the day but lost to German ballers Christopher Kas and Philipp Kohlschreiber 5-7, 4-6.


It's good to see Ross finally getting some attention, but I can't say I'm happy he'll have to keep his shirt on or that I'll have to start watching doubles just to catch a glimpse.

Oh, the things we do for tennis...


(images via Getty)

MEDIA MASHUP: Rafa + Fed hit the high seas, Fed + Murray hit with kids in Doha

The ATP World Tour officially kicked off the 2009 season seaside this year.

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer did their part to promote the Tour and this week's Qatar Open by hitting some balls on a shipping vessel off the shore of Doha on Sunday.

I can't wait to see these two actually competing against each other on-court! *remembers Wimby final and cries, remembers Rafa and his ass-ets climbing Wimby wall and faints*

CHECK IT:



And today, Fed and Abu Dhabi champ Andy Murray took part in a kids' clinic for the Qatar Open.

Let the season begin - woo woo!!!

(images via AP, Getty)

FASHION FIX: Qatar is cold! Break out the cool-weather tennis gear

Warming up: Though the tennis may be hot, the chilly temperatures at this week's Qatar Open in Doha are destroying any sense of style on our fave ballers, forcing the fashionistas to cover up their tennis duds (and bodies) with long-sleeved shirts and scary leggings.

In any case, Venus Williams + Maria "Shriek"apova got through to the third round, but Amelie Mauresmo continued her inevitable slide towards retirement with a 7-6(7), 7-5 loss to veteran qualifier Tamarine Tanasugarn.

(images via Getty)

THE LOW DOWN: Qatar Open goes Tier 1 but draws controversy

The Qatar Open has brought out some of the biggest stars on the WTA Tour, most likely due to the fact that the tourney was promoted to Tier 1 status this season, increasing the purse and the amount of ranking points a baller could earn here. The event isn't without controversy, however.


Israel's Shahar Peer is the first person from her country to compete at an event in one of the Persian Gulf states. The 20-year old was asked about playing in the region and said,

"If I can help for the political things to go better and have peace in the world, of course I'll be happy to do it, [...] But I am not going there for political reasons. It's a big tournament, I've never been in this country, and I'm really excited to go and I'm happy to compete."

But is she concerned about her safety while participating in the tourney? "I have no concerns," said Shahar.

(images via KARIM JAAFAR/AFP/Getty Images)

FASHION FIX: Sharapova arrives for Qatar Open, works eclectic style

Maria "Shriek"apova was spotted arriving in Doha for the Qatar Open this week, which this season has been promoted to a Tier 1 event for the first time. The Aussie Open champ is the No. 4 at the tourney.

Maria's outfit, however, is causing confusion. The casualness of her look, the color combo, and the Fendi satchel are great but the white suit vest seems strange, not to mention the oversized sunglasses. Plus, what is she actually carrying in the Prince Gold Collection tennis bag since co-coach Michael Joyce is clearly carrying her racquets?

In any case, it's good for her sponsor and that's all that counts.

(image via STR/AFP/Getty Images)