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]

PHOTO OP: Radek Stepanek + Nicole Vaidisova tie the knot in Prague

Radek Stepanek and former lady baller Nicole Vaidisova were married at St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague yesterday.

Czech public radio reported that guests included ice hockey star Jaromir Jagr and tennis player Barbora Zahlavova Strycova.


Vaida, 20, retired from the WTA tour earlier this year while The Worm, 31, is currently ranked No. 29 and was the former boyfriend of Martina Hingis.

I wonder if she'll ever return to the tour. She's still so young and could make a comeback. I mean, married people are winning major all over the place (Federer, Clijsters) so it's not out of the question.

Anyway, congrats to the newlyweds!

[Photo(s): Getty Images] 

WEEKEND WINNERS: Andy, Tommy, The Worm, Amelie, Vera

Andy Murray - Rotterdam

Andy won his second ATP World Tour title of the season defeating injured top seed Rafael Nadal 6-3, 4-6, 6-0 in Rotterdam and adding this trophy to the Doha title he won last month. It was the Brit baller's second consecutive defeat of Rafa (third if you include the Abu Dhabi exo) and increased his head-to-head to 2-5 against the Spaniard and his record this year to 13-1, the lone loss coming in Melbourne at the hands of another Spaniard, Fernando Verdasco.

It's good to see Andy has continued his solid play after the disappointing early exit from the Aussie Open because when the 21-year old is healthy his game matches up with anyone's. What's not good to see is the re-emergence of Rafa's right knee issue that abruptly ended his 2008 season prior to the Masters Cup and forced him out of the Davis Cup final. I'm thinking (or is it hoping?) it's most likely fatigue from the many (long) matches he's played already this year.

Tommy Robredo - Costa do Sauipe

The Spaniard earned his eighth career title this weekend when he beat homeboy Thomaz Bellucci 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 at the Brasil Open. BONUS: Tommy also won the doubles crown with compatriot Marcel Granollers, the first time he's won both titles at the same tourney.

Radek Stepanek - San Jose

The Worm continued his winning ways at the SAP Open earning his second title of the season (Brisbane) by downing Mardy Fish 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 in today's final and shoring up his 2009 record to a solid 12-2. The Czech baller also avenged his finals loss last year by scraping past Andy Roddick in yesterday's tight semifinal.

Amelie Mauresmo - Paris

There was no place like home for Amelie this weekend - who wudda thunk it?! The Frenchie veteran marked her return from tennis oblivion to capture the Open GDF SUEZ title defeating Jelena Jankovic in a 3-set semifinal tussle and Elena Dementieva 7-6(7), 2-6, 6-4 in the final. It was her 25th career title and first since Antwerp almost exactly two years ago. Welcome back, Amelie!

Vera Zvonareva - Pattaya City

Vera continued the strong form she's shown this season racing to the final in the Thai city without dropping a set and continuing that trend, defeating a resurgent Sania Mirza 7-5, 6-1 to win the championship. It was the Russian's first title of the season and eighth of her career.

(images via AP + Getty)

PHOTO OP: Top ballers get their party started at Crowns IMG Party

The top ballers in the world traveled over to Breezes at the Crown Entertainment Complex for the annual Crown IMG Baller Party celebrating the start of this year's Aussie Open!

Rafael Nadal: "I don't know why but that red powder sprayed all over my rippling muscles really worked, no?"

Roger Federer: "Do I look twelve?"

Jelena Jankovic: "For my new tennis collection with ANTA, I'm thinking bolero hats and satin."

Nicole Vaidisova + The Worm: "Are we tennis' creepiest coupling?"

Feliciano Lopez: "I'm channeling Scarface today - and for all the reasons you're thinking."

Tommy Haas: "Oh, this wasn't a post-match presser? Damn, I would've worn my good t-shirt."

Arnaud Clement: "I'm cute and I don't even try - it's a French thing."

James Blake: "Banking or balling - I can't decide."

F-Lo, Carlos Moya, Rafa: *swoons*

(images courtesy of Getty via MTF)

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Radek still wormy but wins Queensland, Elena roars to first '09 title in Auckland

Radek Stepanek, whose questionable fashion I checked out yesterday, came back from a set down to defeat Fernando Verdasco 3-6, 6-3 6-4 in the Queensland final. It was the third time this week the 30-year old baller came back from a set down to win his match (Soderling, Gasquet).

He, of course, busted out his trademark "The Worm" dance after winning his third career title. Do you think Nicole Vaidisova finds this dance anything close to sexy? I have serious doubts - love isn't that blind.


Elena Dementieva roared out of the gates this season earning her first title of the season in Auckland by overwhelming compatriot Elena Vesnina 6-4, 6-1. The elder Russian dominated the draw and finished the week without dropping a set.

Let's hope this title run gives Elena some much needed confidence for Melbourne where, believe it or not, she's never been past the fourth round - crazy!

This 27-year old is a true enigma so I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens.

UPDATE: Marin Cilic defeated wild-card Somdev Devvarman of India 6-4, 7-6 (3) in the final of the Chennai Open today for his second career title. Another one to watch in Melbourne people!

(images via Getty)

FASHION FIX: A Czech loves his checks in Queensland (maybe a little too much)

Radek Stepanek is taking his love of everything Czech to a new level in Queensland.

The Worm, who will battle Fernando Verdasco in today's Brisbane International final, has quietly snuck through the draw defeating Michael Llodra, Robin Soderling, and Richard Gasquet. But the same can't be said for his ALEA duds.

I'm sorry but this polo shirt could substitute as a picnic table cloth (or Scrabble board) and pairing the purple + white top with the all-purple shorts is asking for trouble. It's all just a horrendous distraction.

Gamesmanship, perhaps? I say yes.

(images via Getty)

PHOTO OP: Nicole spotted in Radek's box - is she wearing an engagement ring?

Nicole Vaidisova was spotted this week following boyfriend Radek "Ladies Love" Stepanek to Madrid where the Czech baller lost to Roger Federer in yesterday's second round.

So late last year there were many rumors the pair had filed a marriage application in Florida where the two keep residence. Now whether or not they actually did has been speculated but the ring Nicole is sporting here surely looks like an engagement ring to me (and a nice chunky one too.)

What says you? Do tell!

(image via Getty)

Victorious Stepanek shows off his worm while Vaidisova watches

As usual, Radek Stepanek saved his best move for last.

"The Worm" caused another huge upset in Rome defeating Roger Federer in the quarterfinals 7-6(4), 7-6(7) and denying the Swiss his first title here. And guess who was there to cheer on the Czech?

Why none other than girlfriend Nicole Vaidisova who had time to watch her beloved compete since she was a first-round loser in Berlin. I hope she picked up some helpful hints on how to play elite-level tennis again.

(images via Getty)

SIGHTING: Vaidisova + Stepanek enjoy a break together at Indian Wells

Love is in the air: Nicole Vaidisova and Radek Stepanek took a break and made a very public outing together during this week's Pacific Life Open. The pair had been spotted spending time together in Sydney back in January and by the looks of this photo, things are going well.

The Czech may want to spend some time focusing on her tennis, though. Her best result this year? A semifinal showing at the Medibank International, losing to Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova.

(image via AP Photo/Mark Avery)

THE LOW DOWN: More insider info on Stepanek + Vaidisova romance

Some insider 411: So a reader tipped us off to some more info on the rumored romance between Czech mates Radek Stepanek + Nicole Vaidisova. Her spy spotted the couple numerous times in a Sydney hotel together during the Aussie calendar swing and said he...

"always saw these two leave Radek's room - they always headed out in the evening together. She was definately (sic) staying in his room. It's not as if it was kept a secret or anything, but then again your regular Sydney-sider wouldn't even care or know who they are were so I guess they didn't feel the need to hide it? He reckons that Radek seems like a pretty cool guy always really friendly and joking around with the staff."

We're sure Radek's a really friendly guy, but we still can't get over what hottie Nicole sees in "the worm". He must have something going on that we're not aware of...go figure.

Radek Stepanek + Nicole Vaidisova caught together on video, relationship rumors grow

I spy: It's good to know there are nosey people with video cameras in the world - they make our jobs so much easier. We stumbled upon images of the rumored relationship between Czech mates Radek Stepanek and Nicole Vaidisova in action. Though this is certainly not full-proof evidence that they're together, the Czechs look very comfortable and friendly in this exchange.

These still images were taken from this video - nice work spy!

(via womenstennisblog.com)

THE LOW DOWN: Czech mates? Stepanek and Vaidisova rumored to marry

We couldn't believe the rumors swirling around this past weekend about Radek Stepanek and 18-year old Nicole Vaidisova. According to the Bradenton Herald in Florida, the Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court said the pair, who are both from the Czech Republic, applied for a marriage license on December 10. Huh?

Remember not so long ago, the 29-year old Radek was on the fast track to becoming Mr. Martina Hingis until their engagement was ended before the US Open in August under mysterious circumstances (we're thinking her failed drug tests might have been a reason). Talk about moving on.

In any case, to say this news is shocking is an understatement. No word yet today on whether the pair has confirmed the engagement. Stay tuned...

(images via AP Photo)

PHOTO OP: Novak Djokovic bends back for victory

Wow - there are so many visuals going through our heads right now that we don't know where to start. Novak Djokovic celebrated his 5-set win over Czech Radek Stepanek at the US Open today by showing his fans more of what his body can do. Keep it up Nole - we'll be watching...

+ THURSDAY NETCORDS: Fed, Nole, Alona, Martina the black widow...Rafa's injuries worry, Lleyton is ready and more

- Pulling a fast one: Is the hardcourt surface at the US Open faster than the Wimbledon grass? The debate rages on...

- Far and Wide, an AP news blog, reports on the gender-biased fashion news coverage from the AP's reporting on the US Open. Mentions: Women -1077, Men - 0. Clearly they need to start tracking Down the Line's! consistent coverage of the Open...we LOVE the men over here.

- Is Rafa's playing style catching up to him? Bonnie D.(esimone) Ford of ESPN opens up the conversation.

- Ready to go: Darren "Killer" Cahill, part-time ESPN broadcaster and Lleyton Hewitt's fill-in coach at the US Open, says the Aussie's game is in good form and he's up to challenging the top players - namely Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. "...his game at the moment is in terrific form. His practice sessions have been great leading into the US Open. He's been working hard the last six or seven months and obviously his form in the last three months is getting back to where he's challenging the top players in the world."

- Notorious NY gossiper Page Six has called out TENNIS magazine for labeling Martina Hingis a "black widow" after injuries plagued past boyfriends including Radek Stepanek, Magnus Norman, and Justin Gimelstob. Conspiracy or coincidence???

- Get to know Alona Bondarenko

- More Borg-inspired trainers: check out these kicks from Diadora

+ MONDAY NETCORDS: Daniela, Radek leaves Martina, Bjorn on Novak...Player progress report, Gwyneth Paltrow in W and more

(image courtesy of lynn.berenbaum)

- Heartbreak hotel: Czech Radek Stepanek calls off his engagement to Swiss star Martina Hingis and no reason has been given. Isn't the not knowing the worst part?

- The heir apparent: Ted Robinson says to Novak Djokovic: "This is your NOW." And Bjorn Borg believes the Djoker has Grand Slam written all over him.

- Pro tennis players are giving advice on how to stay healthy on and off the courts. Daniela Hantuchova says, "I think taking just as much time for regeneration as you do for practice, is the key to being healthy all the time," [...] "Most of it comes down to staying positive and being at balance with yourself - I think that can really help to prevent a lot of injuries."

- The much beloved, yet much maligned (read: Federer), Hawk-Eye line calling system will make its FED CUP debut in the upcoming final between mother Russia and defending champions Italy

- Progress report: Yahoo! Eurosport grades the players on their summer so far and, no surprise, the Serbians are head of the class

- Doing nothing to dispell the image of the pampered pro-athlete, the ladies of the WTA Tour will be receiving Caribbean hand and foot treatments, seaweed masques, facial cleansing, and more at The Rogers Cup this week, all courtesy of Aveda

- Scoring Serena: Here's a peak inside the player wheeling-and-dealing that goes on behind the scenes to get top players at tournaments

- Even World No. 1's have bad luck

- OFF TOPIC ALERT: Gwyneth is back...in W magazine (images courtesy of style.com)

Radek Stepanek worms his way to a win, Blake falls

Unseeded Radek Stepanek, also known as the future Mr. Martina Hingis, won the ATP Countrywide Classic on Sunday besting No. 2 seed James Blake in 3 sets. After dislocating a disk in his neck last year and losing the use of his right arm, Stepanek can hardly control his excitement, busting out the "worm" for all the lucky spectators. Could he BE any happier?

But what about Blake? Peter Bodo says the book on how to beat him is out there and it's not the one he wrote himself.

(images courtesy of AP Photo)