SIGHTING: Sania Mirza's glacier

It's not only what you do with it. SIZE DOES MATTER.

Ask Shrieka, too, if you don't believe me.

[Photo(s): Mardy Fish Twitter page]

Sania Mirza gets hitched in Hyderabad hotel ceremony

Congratulations to Sania Mirza who married cricketer Shoaib Malik at a hotel in Hyderabad days after his divorce from another Indian woman, Ayesha Siddique, was brokered by Muslim elders.

Okay that's some last minute drama. But at the very least she can keep her monogrammed towels. And sheet set.

[Photo(s): Reuters]

In case you missed it...

Fine. It's me - not you.

I'm the guilty party who took off during Wimbledon's final weekend (for a vacation - sue me!) and only caught up on all the action this week. You probably didn't miss a damn thing.

But if you did, here's a look back:

Roger Federer wins Grand Slam 15, edging out Andy Roddick 5-7, 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 16-14 in an epic match and the longest fifth set in major tourney history. He also became the all-time leader surpassing Pete Sampras who made the trip from the U.S. and snuck in under cover during the first set to watch front row with wife Bridget, and past champs Manolo Santana, Rod Laver, and Bjorn Borg.


Oh, the Swiss maestro also the world's top baller again.

Now I heard some murmurings of readers and fans annoyed by the "15" Nike jacket that was prepared in case of Fed's record-breaking win and the commercial that followed the conclusion of the match:



Was it disrespectful to A-Rod? NOT. These sponsors do the same thing in other sports - they prepare winning t-shirts and hats for both teams playing the big final. You know, for the big photo op. It's not Fed's fault A-Rod's with Lacoste - or that he lost those 4 set points in the second set tiebreaker. Oops.

Serena Williams visited David Letterman to discuss winning her third Wimbledon, 11th major overall, and having grunting role models. They also take time to peg audience members with tennis balls. Good times. She launched her Mission Skincare line, too.



The world's second ranked baller, Rafael Nadal, will be returning to action in Montreal. He traveled to Barcelona for more tests on his knees. According to his doctor Angel Ruiz-Cortorro,

"The evolution of his injury is positive and the player will continue with his physiotherapy and muscular work and will resume his tennis activity in a progressive way starting next Monday July 20th, estimating his return to competition on August 8th at the Montreal event."

Davis Cup semifinals were set with Juan Carlos Ferrero (and his sick bod) winning the decisive rubber over Andreas Beck and leading defending champ Spain to a 3-2 win over Germany. A Roddick-less U.S. was no match for Croatia and fell 3-2. The Croats will face the Czech Republic who defeated Argentina 3-2 while Spain will battle first time semifinalist Israel who shocked Russia.


Ana Ivanovic had tongues aWAGgin' as she was spotted at the Scottish Open where current boytoy Adam Scott was competing. Didn't NaturAna learn anything from her fling with Nando? This shite's bad for your game. Get your head out of the sack and put your eyes on the ball - the fuzzy yellow ones for once. Geez.


Sania Mirza got stalked and engaged in a matter of days. Who knew she had it like THAT?

The WTA Tour has a new head honcho - Stacey Allaster. It's probably not in her job description but do you think you could do a search for some REAL lady ballers?

Phew - is that everything from the last week? Did I miss anything major?? DO TELL!

(images via getty)

VIDEO VAULT: Behind-the-scenes of adidas' baller development program, moobs and all

Thanks to DtL reader Sara for sending me the link to this video about adidas' baller development program. Yay!

It's pretty interesting to hear about the program in more detail from Gil Reyes, Sven Groenefeld, and a few of the adidas execs. WTA CEO Larry Scott and ex-ATP CEO Etienne de Villiers also make appearances.

Ana Ivanovic, Fernando Verdasco, Caroline Wozniacki, Sam Querry, Sania Mirza + Grigor Dimitrov are all interviewed in the video and discuss their experiences and the great benefits of working with the coaches and trainers. Note to Nando: you don't have to work the faux-hawk when you're lifting too. Put the gel down. Just sayin'.

PS - Sara was right about Gil's moobs being straight up boobs. Ana's got nothing on him nor do most of the lady ballers, although he and ReRe could probably share sports bras.

WTA ladies drop gear for gowns + glam at pre-Wimbledon party

The ladies of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour got their party on at last night's pre-Wimbledon party hosted by Sir Richard Branson and held at the Kensington Roof Gardens.

Venus Williams (sporting new hair extensions), Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic, Daniela Hantuchova and Sania Mirza were some of the ballers spotted walking the red carpet.

Also, check out the video below to see some inside footage from event.











(images via wireimage, video via sonyericssonwtatour)

Does the dominant hand know what the non-dom hand's doing?

For all recreational tennis ballers: Have you ever wondered, like me, what your non-dominant hand is doing when you're hitting your forehand (okay, I'm neurotic)? At all levels most players' non-dom hands are usually doing some variety of the action above and saying, "What the *uck is going on with my forehand now?!"

But not Sania Mirza. Her forehand is bad-ass, and her non-dom hand let's you know it:


(image via getty)

THE LOW DOWN: Leander Paes criticizes Mirza, "Nobody is greater than the game," says Leander

Elvis-wannabe Leander Paes has hit back at Sania Mirza's decision to skip the Bangalore Open amidst the constant scrutiny by their home country. In a recent e-mail interview, the 21-year old Mirza criticized the media and her country for neglecting to focus equal attention on Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes' decision not to play the Chennai Open.

The Indian Davis Cup captain and seven-time Grand Slam winner told reporters after a pratice session for the upcoming tie,

"Look at every celebrity, who does not have controversies? We all have adversities. Every celebrity have adversities in their lives. It’s how dignified and honest you are. It's about how you project yourself and how you handle them.[...] I do not want to get into it. I am not bothered but the greatest joy for any athlete is to play for the country and in the country and play for the people. Nobody is greater than the game. That's something Sania has to be careful about."

We don't think Sania believes she's greater than the game of tennis. But the controversies and her own country's accusations have made these issues a political one - something that's becoming bigger than tennis itself.

(image via doha-2006.com)

THE LOW DOWN: Sania Mirza reiterates decision to skip Bangalore Open, "I do not think I'm in the right frame of mind right now..." says Sania

Sania Mirza has reiterated her decision to skip the Bangalore Open after receiving constant criticism from her home country of India recently. The 21-year old tennis star did clarify that she isn't withdrawing from the tournament since she never actually entered the event.

In an email interview, the World No. 29 responded,

"First and foremost, it would be wrong to say that I have pulled out of the Bangalore Open because in the first place, I did not even enter the draw. [...] "This is the first time in my career, when I have not entered an international tournament being played in India for genuine personal reasons. I do not think I'm in the right frame of mind right now to do justice to myself or my abilities. If I was to play in this state, I believe I will be letting my fans down."

Sania also believes she's been held to a higher standard by the media and her country saying,

"I don't think that all sportspersons have faced the kind of situation that I have, particularly in the last two months. Why nobody made an issue when two [India's] greatest tennis players, Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes, chose to skip the ATP event in Chennai? [...] We also probably need to take a look at the lack of restraint with which certain sections of our media tend to highlight petty issues relating to me, which are bound to encourage mischievous elements because of the massive publicity that they generate."

This situation is unfortunate on so many levels, but this controversy reminds us that the balance of power and equality in the world, even for athletes, is still severely skewed.

(image via AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A, File)

THE LOW DOWN: Sania Mirza struggles to focus amidst criticism, "A lot of thoughts went through my head...one of the thoughts was (quitting)."

Pushing through: Sania Mirza avoided the perils of the 1st round by defeating Uzbekistan's Iroda Tulyaganova easily 6-4, 6-2; she'll play Switzerland's Timea Bacsinszky today for a spot in the Australian Open 3rd round. Though she's smiling here, the No. 31 seed has talked recently about her struggles to stay focused amidst the firestorm of criticism from her home country of India, where her commitment and loyalty to her country have been fiercely questioned.

The scrutiny hit a high point during last week's Hopman Cup when Sania was photographed with her bare feet in front of the Indian flag. Consequently, a social worker who viewed the image requested a judge in Bhopal issue a summons under the 'Prevention of Insult to the National Honor Act' arguing she disrespected the Indian flag by "sitting in a manner so that her feet pointed at the flag, which he felt was derogatory and had hurt him."

For her part, Sania said,

"I wouldn't do anything to disrespect my country, I love my country, [...] I wouldn't be playing Hopman Cup otherwise. But other than that, I am not allowed to comment because it is before the courts."

But the controversy has had an impact on the India sensation, even prompting thoughts of quitting tennis altogether. Sania told the press,

"It does play on your mind, you do start to think that at the end of the day, I am not a politician to outsmart people, [...] That's not what I am trying to do, which is to play tennis. I'm 21 and trying to be the best I can be. [...] A lot of thoughts went through my head in the past couple of weeks, and one of the thoughts was (quitting). But I wouldn't say that they were serious enough that I would quit right now."

She has been the object of criticism since arriving on the WTA Tour in 2005 when Sania, a Muslim, was called out by the orthodox clergy for baring too much skin with her tennis fashions.

(images via GREG WOOD & TONY ASHBY/AFP/Getty Images)

FASHION FIX: First look at Sania Mirza's new adidas tennis gear

Fashion first: Here's a first look at Sania Mirza in her new adidas gear playing at the Hopman Cup. The Indian sensation, who announced her new partnership with the global sports brand this week, took on Meghan Shaughnessy of the US who was filling in for a tardy Serena Williams and lost 6-3 4-6 6-3.

It looks like Sania is continuing her red + white fashion moment from last season's Japan Open, but our favorite is still the stylish green + white Lotto gear she wore during her successful US summer run.

(images via AFP/Tony Ashby)

Sania Mirza signs multi-year partnership with adidas

Sania Mirza is the latest tennis player to be signed to the adidas brand. The Indian sensation, who was formerly sponsored by Lotto, had a very successful 2007 US summer hardcourt run in which she reached a career high No. 27 after reaching the final of Stanford, a Tier II tournament. Sania had this to say about her new partnership with adidas:

"I am extremely happy to be part of such a distinguished family of players and brand ambassadors. I have been associated with the brand as a junior and I believe adidas` experience and expertise will be a key part of my on-court performance. I am really looking forward to wearing the stylish 3-Stripes for many years to come."

(via women's tennis blog, image via AP Photo)

+ THURSDAY NETCORDS: Jelena, Boris, A-Rod, Venus vs. Serena...Sania makes amends, Becks makes us cry and more

- End of the road? What are Venus & Serena Williams' chances at next month's Australian Open? Franklin L. Johnson for tennisweek.com says, "Is this the last major hurrah for the Williams sisters? These extraordinary athletes have been around so long many of us take them for granted. But, nothing lasts forever, including the legendary careers of Venus and Serena." But before calling it a day on their careers, let's take a trip back to the early Williams' days courtesy of Women's Tennis Blog.

- And she acts, too: Serbian Shank Award recipient Jelena Jankovic will co-star with "Hairspray" star Brittany Snow in a new, original Reebok Entertainment-produced TV show titled "Framed" that will debut Friday night on the IFC channel.

- Self-promoter: Bellezza at All About Becker found the former Wimbledon champ pimping his own clothing line. We suppose someone has to wear it.

- Get all the dirt and details on the ASB Classic and Heineken Open with R.C. French and tennis blog Yellowballin' (we're loving that name).

- Indian sensation Sania Mirza was busted for shooting an ad in the premises of a mosque in her hometown Hyderabad and then later apologized saying, "I would like to apologise to all my brothers and sisters and respected elders who are anguished by my unwittingly entering a portion of the land belonging to Mecca Masjid." The assistant police commissioner accepted the apology saying, "The girl has sent an e-mail saying sorry and her mother also went to the mosque and has given a letter." The 'girl'? How dismissive of them.

- Wishful thinking: Sports Central released the Annual Tennis Holiday Wish List. Their biggest instance of wishful thinking? "4. A grand slam sweep for Maria Sharapova. She proved to be a true professional this year, and the world can use a few more of those. Maybe the holiday season will provide her with enough magic to win all four big ones in the same year, as well." We don't think so (see comments - we even told them so!)

- The end of the tennis year wouldn't be complete without Sports Illustrated's Jon Wertheim and his Baggie Awards.

- Some kinda threesome: It's all love, love, love for Chris Evert, Greg Norman, and some guy at NBC Sports.

- Speaking of love...Though his love life seems to be in order, Gasquet & Racquet fears for Andy Roddick's professional one and offers some analysis on the former US Open champ.

OFF TOPIC ALERT: David Beckham for Emporio Armani Underwear - holy crap.

(images via AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus, Towleroad.com)

INSTANT REPLAY: a look back at this week's top tennis plays

COURTSIDE

India's girl has style
Venus blogs and eats tongue
Separated at birth?
Australia gets the blues
Players party in Japan
Where in the world is Serena and how is she looking?
Stefan gets the boot
The year according to Lacoste

Anna works a bikini

+ NETCORDS

WEDNESDAY: Rafa, Andy, Pete vs. Roger...ATP gets dumped, Serbia's rise and more

The players get their party on at the Japan Open

Players party: A few of the notable men and women from the tennis tours took time out from the Japan Open this week to get their party on. Those in attendance included Ai Sugiyama, Venus Williams, Tomas Berdych, Richard Gasquet, David Ferrer, Sania Mirza, and Lleyton Hewitt.

Call us crazy but this doesn't look like much of a party. And, aren't they missing part of their kimono?

FASHION FIX: Sania Mirza goes white + red for Japan Open

India's superstar Sania Mirza is playing in the Japan Open this week and sits as the No. 2 seed. Clothing sponsor Lotto has hooked Sania up with a striking red number for the tournament (with our fave flirty skirt.) We've always admired her understated style, particulary this summer's white + green gear. Clearly she's having a white + red moment having worn the same color combo while previewing the winner's trophy at the Sunfeast Open.

Sania moved into the second round by defeating Japan's Ayumi Morita 6-0, 6-4.

Sania Mirza on hand to unveil trophy for Sunfeast Open

India's Sania Mirza was on hand to unveil the Oil on Canvas painting and trophy for the upcoming Sunfeast Open taking place in Kolkata from September 17th - 23rd. The rising tennis star was joined during the presentation by Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan.

Slender Slovak Daniela Hantuchova is the No. 1 seed for the tournament while Sania takes the third seed.

+ THURSDAY NETCORDS: Jelena vs. Maria, Patrick on Lleyton...Brett remembers Serena, Martina debates and more

(image courtesy of intensity)

- Trouble brewing: World No. 3 Jelena Jankovic has called out Maria "Shriek"apova saying, "She's still the No. 2 player in the world, and only winning one title is not something I think you should see from the No. 2 player in the world." (women's tennis blog)

- 2 time Grand Slam champion Patrick Rafter doesn't believe fellow Aussie Lleyton Hewitt will reach No. 1 again, but Indian tennis legend Vijay Amritraj believes his countrywoman, the red-hot Sania Mirza, has top 10 game in her.

- Serena Williams, who hasn't played since her quarterfinal loss to Justine Henin at Wimbledon, has entered the Pilot Pen tournament. Meanwhile, her former boyfriend, director Brett Ratner, remembers Serena telling him, "Brett, I want to be honest with you, OK? There’s nothing I hate more in life than playing tennis with you."

- Greg Garber asks: Is gamemanship just part of the sport?

- Legendary Martina Navratilova, holder of 18 Grand Slam singles titles, gives her thoughts on tonight's "gay debate" between Democratic contenders for the US presidency.

- Apparently shorty-shorts look good on someone: New York City men

- PHOTO OP: Happy 26th birthday, Roger!

FASHION FIX: Sania Mirza's stylish tennis moment

India's rising star Sania Mirza is having one hot summer. Not only did she reach the final of the Bank of the West Classic, losing to Russia's Anna Chakvetadze, but she matched her career high ranking of No. 31 this week. She's currently competing at the Acura Classic, a Tier 1 tournament.

We are loving the white tennis gear with green accents designed by clothing sponsor Lotto Sports Italia, and in particular the flirty skirt. This style gives her outfit just a touch of femininity. And, with Venus Williams rocking the classic navy pleated skirt at FED CUP and Maria "Shriek"apova sporting the tiered flow-y Swan Lake dress at Wimbledon, it looks like this silhouette is back.

Check out more of Lotto's tennis duds at Tennis Warehouse.

(images courtesy of AP Photo)

+ Netcords

- Starting in 2008 the season-ending WTAChampionships will be held in October, giving the players 2 extra weeks of vacation. Next locale: Qatar.

- Controversy is brewing again for the doubles pairing of Israel's Shahar Peer and India's Sania Mirza, a Muslim.

- On a personal note: my darkhorse, James Blake, went down to J.C. Ferrero in another disappointing showing at The All England Club. Oh well, Nikki Vaidisova, my darkhorse from the women's draw is alive and hitting.