Talk about shiny, happy people

Honestly, I don't think I've ever seen Andy Murray as happy/excited/toothy as I did today after he won his first title of the year over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 3-6, 7-6(2), 6-4 at Queen's Club. He even sounded genuinely happy talking about how actually enjoyed his tennis this week after struggling in the early rounds. Notice the word 'fun':

"It's been one of the most fun weeks for me because the tennis, the last two matches was very good. It was relaxing. I said everyone thinks at this period of the year it's so stressful, you can't play, you can't enjoy yourself, you can't do anything. But I felt like I expressed myself on the court. I felt like I was hitting the ball really good. I enjoyed it."

Fun? Who IS this person? It's like someone shoved a happy pill down his throat or, better yet, something clicked and he now knows his game is right up there with the very best. I saw signs of this new attitude over the clay season especially during that 5-setter against Viktor Troicki at Roland Garros. He didn't seem overcome with frustration about an injury, missed opportunities or errors. Rather, he just dug in his Barricades and went to work. And now the Brit baller is even talking like he actually believes he could win the big ol' Wimbledon thingy:

"I'm going to Wimbledon with the feeling that I'm going to win the tournament. I don't think you can go in with any other attitude. I feel like I'm playing good tennis. I'll need to improve the next week or so and work on some things going into Wimbledon." 

Oh my GAWD. His gonads just dropped and he's already talking like he's ready to kick some baller ass. He's ready for the fight and believes finally his best is good enough to win his first major, even at the All England Club. Fuck. Now wouldn't THAT be something???

Just a quick shout out to Sabine Lisicki who won her first title since 2009 defeating Daniela Hantuchova 6-3, 6-2 at Birmingham. I didn't see the match but apparently she served lights out against the slender Slovak. I mean, talk about someone who's been through it. I still can't get the image of Lissie being carried off on a stretcher at Roland Garros out of mind and here she is winning her first title in two years. Go ahead and drink yourself silly, girl. You earned it.

More celebratory shots of Muzz + Lissie after the jump!

PHOTO OP: The British are coming! The British are coming!

"You're shittin' me right?!?!

Well, yes and no.

No, it's not a full-on British invasion in tennis yet but, yes, they have reason to be psyched. Wild card James Ward squandered 8 match points (7 in the second set TB alone) but eventually defeated Adrian Mannarino and his hairy situation 6-2, 6-7(14), 6-4 to reach his first ATP World Tour semifinal at Queen's Club. He joins fellow Brit baller Andy Murray, who faces off against Andy Roddick, in the final four - the first time two Brits have made it to an ATP semifinal since 1999 (Rusedski + Henman - Rotterdam). JW also took out defending champ Sam Querrey.

If I didn't know any better I'd say these Brits have their 'O' faces down pat. Right Muzz? But seriously, they must be pinching themselves seeing two of their boys in a big semifinal on their home turf. It's like a bad dream turned good. Or maybe it was the luck of Prime Minister David Cameron who was in attendance today. Who the hell knows but, in any case, go hit the pub and drink up Britters. It's a good day!

In other Queen's Club news, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga upset top seed Rafael Nadal and will face off against JW. Rafa looked def looked fatigued towards the end but full credit to the Frenchie for some spectacular play including a tremendous dive volley on a Rafa passing shot up the line. I guess this win will make him think this whole coachless thing is working. Don't believe the hype, Jo-Willy. Not just yet.

[Photo(s) credit: Michael Regan/Getty Images]

Mannarino's hairy situation needs managing - stat!

Yes ladies, gentlemen and those in between. This is the baller who beat Juan Martin del Potro 7-6(3), 7-6(7) at Queen's Club today. His name is Adrian Mannarino, a Frenchie who sits at 54th in the rankings, and he's got a hairy situation like no other.

I mean, how could the Argentine lose to someone whose hair role model is obviously Michael Myers?? Fine, it was great win for Manna but if he's going to deplete the Delpo HAWTNESS of a tourney like Queen's Club he should tame that whispy helmet and give us something pretty to look at. Or use conditioner. For the love.

More proof of Manna's hairy situation after the jump. And, remember: YOU'VE BEEN WARNED.

VIDEO VAULT: Nadal's ass impersonates an anchor

Here's Rafael Nadal hitting the skids during his 6-3, 5-7, 6-1 win over Radek Stepanek at Queen's Club today.

I knew that caboose would ground him down one day and I was soooo right. NEVER DOUBT ME. EVAH.

[Via: Lady Venom Tumblr]

FASHION FIX: Kim Sears + Pippa Middleton go retro while watching the Andys

Kim Sears was spotted watching boyfriend, Andy Murray, edge out the always tricky Janko Tipsarevic 6-4, 7-6(3) at Queen's Club. As you guys know I've always loved seeing Kim work my fave shades - the Ray Ban Aviator. In fact, the Aviator was considered serious WAGwear after being spotted on the likes of Xisca Perello and Brooklyn Decker.

But, lately, she's been donning another throwback style popular in the '80's - the Clubmaster. I had a pair back in the day that I wore with my stonewash (no acid-wash for me, I swear) pegged jeans and jean jacket. I know I'm not alone when I say I can't wait for the 80's revival to just curl up and die in some dark, dank corner already. Once is enough for me. Uh, no offense Kim.

Speaking of stonewash jean jackets, Pippa Middleton, who's becoming somewhat of a tennis watching whore (join the club, gurl) after also getting photographed in Paris taking in the French Open, showed up at Queen's Club to watch the other Andy, that being Roddick, take out Kevin Anderson 6-4, 6-4 to advance to quarterfinals where he'll meet Fernando Verdasco.

Looks like Pippa's got on the Ray Ban RB3386 which, according to the brand, is another retro style. I'm not loving these so much. Plus, the jean jacket is giving me bad flashbacks. Like, pop-up-the-collar-throw-on-some-concert-pins-blow-out-the-bangs bad.

[Photo(s) credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images, Getty Images via The Slice]

PHOTO OP: Mardy Fish - Fashion Influencer

"Mine ankles be nekkid."

It was all the rage on Twitter this morning. No really, it was.

Andy Roddick, sans crew socks and ankle braces, took to the court for his second round match against Feliciano Lopez at Queen's Club in a look obviously inspired by Mardy Fish. AND PEOPLE LOST IT. In less important news, he survived 35 aces from the (other) Spanish lefty and pulled out a 7-6(2), 6-7(5), 6-4 win. It was his first win since getting past the third round at Indian Wells.

Now, don't tell me A-Rod's not in his happy place on the slick stuff. Meanwhile, I'm in my happy place 'cause I get to see his gams in all their glory. Yums.

[Photo credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images]

Samurai, Lleyton and Li get their grass-court games in gear for Wimbledon

Sam Querrey became the first baller to win a title on three different surfaces this season after defeating compatriot Mardy Fish 7-6 (3), 7-5 at Queen's Club. He won his first title of the year on hard at Memphis, second on clay in Belgrade and this week on grass. It's a tremendous win for Samurai especially when you consider who was in the draw at the start of the week: World No. 1 Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Andy Roddick to name just a few. He seems primed to do better than his career-best second round appearance at Wimbledon.


Lleyton Hewitt decided 15 straight losses were enough and shocked Roger Federer 3-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4 at Halle where the Swiss holds a lifetime contract. It was the Aussie's debut at the tourney and, more importantly, his first win over the 16-time Grand Slammer since he beat Fed in five sets at Davis Cup in 2003. As for Fed he lost for only the second time in his last 78 matches on the slick stuff, the only other one being the epic Wimbledon final in 2008 against Rafa.

Lleyton will be, what's the word, RELIEVED to have that monkey off his back and he'll no doubt like his chances to make a good run at Wimby now. But what about Fed, who hasn't won a title since capturing the Aussie Open in January? Well, he's on his best surface entering the tourney he loves the most so he should be feeling good about that. But his confidence isn't living at its usual heights (as evidenced by his recent losses) which might make him vulnerable early on at Wimby. He's an expert at managing his game over the two weeks of a major, though, so if he gets through the first one relatively unscathed he could still go all the way.


Li Na went one further this year in Birmingham but needed to defeat Maria Sharapova again to get there. The Chinese lady baller, who ousted Shrieka last season in the semifinals but lost in the final, once again bested the Russian 7-5, 6-1 to claim the crown. Nice win for Li and a good effort by the former Wimby champ to get to another final. But Shrieka threw down 7 DF's in the match after smacking 12 aces in the semifinals which shows real inconsistency in her serve. She'll be looking at another early round loss at The All England Club if she doesn't get that part of her game under control.

Noticeable Notables:

Dinara Safina lost her fifth straight match going down this time to Magdalena Rybarikova 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-4 in the first round of 's-Hertogenbosch. I'm not feeling too good about her chances to defend the Wimby semifinal appearance from last year or even make it past the first week, and that could mean a big tumble down the rankings. Like out of the Top 30 even.

Novak Djokovic & Jonathan Erlich were REALLY happy about the men's doubles title they won at Queen's Club:


Let's hope they double up s'more.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

Nadal + Murray beaten at Queen's Club, Top 6 seeds now out

Rafael Nadal is out.

Andy Murray is out.

The Top 6 seeds at Queen's Club are now out. Ugh.

Rafa fell to compatriot Feliciano Lopez 7-6 (5), 6-4 while Muzz completed his match that postponed for darkness yesterday (under controversy) and lost 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (2) to Mardy Fish. The American played his quaterfinal match afterward defeating Michael Llodra 6-4, 6-4.

So it's Fish versus Feli and Sam Querrey, who beat Xavier Malisse 6-3, 7-5, versus Rainer Schuettler, who ousted Dudi Sela 7-5, 6-4, in the semifinals.

Not the final four anyone would've predicted. At all.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Rafa

I felt something after he handled it.

- Rafael Nadal discussing the injury scare to his Rafarse at Queen's Club today

'Something'? The word is 'fulfilled' Rafa.

Trust.

[Photo(s): AFP/Getty Images]

Big boys take a beating at Queen's Club

"Look Ma! I can fly!"

Many of the top ballers have been struggling this week as the tour's moved from the long clay-court season to the short-as-all-hell grass tour. Just ask Andy Roddick, Novak Djokovic and Marin Cilic.

Fourth seed A-Rod made his earliest exit from Queen's Club since his first round exit in 2001 when he was shocked 6-4, 7-6 (8) by Israel's Dudi Sela in the third round today. To his credit Dude played exceptionally well mixing up his backhand and blocking back the American's booming serve to neutralize his advantage. But A-Rod seemed like he left his aggressive stance in his Babolat bag, playing too much from the back court and not imposing his bigger game on Dude.

Afterward, he told the press he won't take a WC into Eastbourne next week:

I'm not gonna go into a panic mode and start doing that stuff. I'll try to get some practice in. I'll probably get more time on the track or in the gym. Maybe I'll figure out if there's some shows or a concert to kind of get away and take my mind off the fact that I'm not playing here.

Since winning the Sony Ericsson Open back in March A-Rod has played five matches and won three (2 - Roland Garros, 1- QC.) Let's hope he gets some really, I mean REALLY good practice sessions in with all the points he needs to defend as last year's Wimby finalist. An early round loss could mean a big drop in the rankings for the World No. 7.


Second seed Novak Djokovic was booted by Xavier Malisse 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 and complained that the playing conditions were dangerous:

The whole match you can feel the rain and the court was extremely slippery. A couple of times I could have injured myself, to stretch the muscle or something like that.

Let's hope his loss has more to do with the conditions than with his game, particularly any lingering effects from his quarterfinal loss to Jurgen Melzer at Roland Garros. I thought he might take that loss hard which, if true, would put a second week appearance at Wimby in serious jeopardy.


And fifth seed Marin Cilic went down 7-6 (2), 6-2 to Michael Llodra who is consulting with Amelie Mauresmo this grass season. Nice win for this newly formed team. I'd say Momo has given him some good advice based on this result. Good on ya Frenchies.

Plus, did you hear about the drama between Andy Murray + Mardy Fish during their match? Check it here, if you're into that kinda thing.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Bringing the brightness

"Let me shine the light."

Rafael Nadal made the smoothest of transitions from his fave clay to the grass today at Queen's Club. The Roland Garros champ defeated Brazilian Marcos Daniel 6-2, 6-2 in his opening round match to extend his winning streak to 23 matches. It was also Rafa's first match on grass since since winning the Wimbledon crown in July 2008. He'll face Denis Istomin of Kazakhstan in the next round.

I love the perspective of this photo where the 7-time Grand Slammer seems to tower over the crowd, and the contrast of the dark background against the brightness of his outfit and accessories.

And speaking of accessories, what's up with that ginormous Nike bag and what's inside? Curious minds want to know.

[Photo(s): Clive Brunskill/Getty Images]

SIGHTING: Kim Sears watching Muzz at Queen's Club - so what gives?

Tennis WAG Kim Sears was spotted in the baller box watching defending champ Andy Murray struggle past Spaniard Ivan Navarro 7-6(8), 6-3 in his opening match at Queen's Club.

The pair were in a serious 4-year relationship until last November when they called it quits amidst rumors the Brit baller was spending way too many hours working his Playstation joystick. That's a boy for you. However, the gossip mill started churning again this past April when Kim was spotted visiting the Surrey home they shared and word began to fly they were spending more time together as well.


Well, based on Kim's appearance at Muzz's match today (her face, not those awesome Ray Ban aviators we both share) and her I'm-so-happy-to-be-here-supporting-you expression I'd say it's 'Game On' for them. And that's good news for Muzz whose game hasn't been the same since they split - for real.

[Photo(s): Christopher Lee/Getty Images]

(UPDATED) SIGHTING: Momo + scrunchee, Part Deux

A still very fit-looking Amelie Mauresmo + scrunchee were spotted playing a little football at Queen's Club yesterday. The 2-time Grand Slammer and her fave accessory were in the stands at Roland Garros recently watching Svetlana Kuznetsova go down to Maria Kirilenko.

Some ballers just can't stay away. I wonder what she's doing there, though. Anyone know?

UPDATE: Thanks to reader Sam H-Q for the awesome insidery info yesterday in the DtL Peanut Gallery on Momo's appearance at Queen's Club that was confirmed in today's L'equipe (Googlely translated):

As we learn in L'Equipe on Wednesday, Amelie Mauresmo has agreed to come and assist her experience Michaël Llodra for Wimbledon. The former World No. 1, titled in London in 2006, was delighted to make this unique service to those who still led by Rémi Barbarin.

"You could say I am a value-added. On fonctionne au feeling. It works by feel. (...) I attend his training, if I notice something I said. Sometimes I wait it occurs. Nothing is written, "said the former champion. Llodra him, appreciates the helping hand. "She joined me on the Challenger Bordeaux and I told him I was a contractor helping hand. Amelie can bring me a lot about how we approach the big competitions. Even if it is moving more in a friendly than purely professional. During her career she has been much discussion and thought to blow up certain obstacles. She put me on a different look. I like this approach."

Yay! More Momo!

[Photo(s): John Gichigi/Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: A fan's-eye view of Rafa at Queen's Club + Roland Garros

A huge thanks to DtL! reader Mereana, a New Zealander livin' it up in London, for providing these images - a fan's view of the action from the recent Queen's Club tourney where Rafael Nadal won his very first grass-court title and some practice shots from Roland Garros where the Spaniard won his fourth consecutive championship.

If anyone else will be attending tournaments soon, particularly the Grand Slams, I'd be more than happy to post the photos for you here. Contact me at tips@downthelinetennis.com!

And, check out the rest of Mereana's tennis photos and more at Planet Ranger.

PHOTO OP: Top ballers hit the skids at Queen's Club

Slippin' n slidin' seemed to be the name of the game today at Queen's Club (wait isn't the clay season kaput?) Not one but three ballers hit the skids on the slick grass today but managed to dig out wins - and isn't that all that matters?

Rafael Nadal defeated Japan's rising star Kei Nishikori 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, Andy Murray avoided serious injuries to his groin and ankle defeating the talented Latvian Ernests Gulbis 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 and Lleyton Hewitt dismissed Frenchie Paul-Henri Mathieu 6-4, 6-4.



(images via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Stacey watches Fish fall, channels Brooklyn's trench-style/fly-away moment

Mardy Fish's fiancee, Deal or No Deal's Stacey Gardner, was spotted at Queen's Club watching her husband-to-be default from his match against friend Andy Roddick with a left ankle injury after losing the opening set 6-7 (5).

Stacey looks to be working the same trench-style/fly-away hair moment I spotted Brooklyn Decker in yesterday. Love. Plus, the spring scarf is a big trend this season so she hits the mark there as well. But I'm not loving the shape of her sunglasses - makes her face look bugged out or something.

In any case, I'm getting excited about seeing the ballers' significant others getting their fashion on in preparation for their oh-so-glam Wimbledon moment. Who'll be next? Stay tuned!

(image via Getty)

PHOTO OP: Murray has hot friends - who wudda thunk it?

Okay Andy Murray. Now that you're a gay icon and all, I guess I can ask: what's up with the cute boys you're hanging with at Queen's Club (no pun intended, I swear)?

Oh, and speaking of gay icon...you may not want to hang out in this pose too long:


Just something to keep in mind...

(images via andymurray.com)

No rest for the wicked: Rafa's Paris celebrations end, arrives at Queen's Club

Rafael Nadal had one more stop during his Roland Garros celebrations before making his way to London for The Artois Championships at Queen's Club. The Spaniard is the top seed and features a great draw including Novak Djokovic, Andy Roddick and David Nalbandian.

Rafa and his Coupe des Mousquetaires trophy stopped for a photo op on Pont Alexandre III bridge yesterday and Nike gave the French Open champ a new marquer l'histoire polo with the "2008" now crossed out to signify his fourth consecutive win in Paris.

But the ever-ready Rafa doesn't waste time with long, drawn out celebrations and hit the road for London. Today, the 22-year old was spotted with traveling coach Francisco Roig already sharpening his grass-court skills at Queen's Club.


(images via Getty)