Delpo goes down, double bagels and Kuznetsova all dressed up

"Yup. A real head scratcher."

Ahhhhh. The first week of play is over at the 2013 Australian Open. I dare say most everything has been going to plan, with the exception of sixth-seeeded Juan Martin del Potro’s 5-set loss to Frenchie Jeremy Chardy in the third round yesterday. If you follow me on Twitter (self-promo alert: @RawUncutTennis), you will have witnessed my conniption during the tennis match. You see, Delpo and I have a very special relationship. ‘Special’ as in I totally wrangled him into taking a picture with me after Taste of Tennis one year along with Karen from Tennis Panorama. Whatever. When he loses, I feel it, okay?

Sam Stosur imploded during her epic choke against Jie Zheng in the second round – certainly not “BREAKING NEWS!” for her in Oz. Disappointing? Yes. Shocking? Hell nah nah. Other than that, the faves have been making pretty quick work of their foes. Maria Sharapova not only performed a single axel, triple sow cow, double double bagel in her first two rounds, but also a pseudo-controversial post-match celebration after crushing Venus Williams. (Shrieka and/or her corporate sponsor doppelganger also officially joined Twitter.)

"Thumbs up for me in a dress?"

Like the Russian giant, Serena Williams has been barely losing games. She’s been rolling over her opponents and almost took her right ankle with her. But ReRe redeemed herself by pummeling two 128 mph serves – that’s gotta make a girl feel good. During her match against an injured Jamie Hampton (who can hit a serious ball) Victoria Azarenka seemed…cranky. Maybe she needs a RedFoo diet. Svetlana Kuznetsova is wearing a dress. That alone is news. But the 2-time Grand Slammer is having a good streak and winning matches. Shhhh! Don’t tell her.

WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH PETRA KVITOVA? We didn’t get any closer to answering this question in Oz. Sadly.

"Gimme that MOMA, Worm."

Novak Djokovic is looking pretty flawless in game and Uniqlo fashion. Roger Federer and Andy Murray haven’t lost a set either, but they've all had some tight sets. Still, in this form, it’s hard to see any of them getting upset before the semifinals. Jerzy Janowicz gave an Oscar-winning performance. Can you believe the fucking unbelievably bad luck Brian Baker has had with injuries? It was heartbreaking to see him being wheeled off the court after tearing his meniscus during his second round match against Sam Querrey. Another four months out for BB. On the opposite side of the tennis spectrum, Rafael Nadal announced he’s officially returning a bit earlier at the Chilean Open on February 4. Rafanatics rejoice!

So, onto the second week. Bring it.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images, AP]

PHOTO OP: Kuznetsova's hairy situation

Maria Sharapova showed a photo of herself with short locks over on Facebook and the tennis world went cray. Then we found out it was a wig.

Svetlana Kuznetsova showed up at the FED CUP presser in Moscow today wearing this hairy situation on her head. Then we found out it's REAL.

So...Alexandr. Give Sveta her hair back.

[Photo(s) credit: AP]

PHOTO OP: Caught in mid air

This photo of a glammy Svetlana Kuznetsova (you can pull yourself up off the floor...it's really her) was shot by Chris Kolk here in New York according to @froggysveta who tweeted it. Yeah, it's pretty cool.

There's another one of Sveta after the jump. I don't like nearly as much which is kinda why it's there. Click the header y'all.

FASHION FIX: Is Kuznetsova getting the good vibes?

Have you seen this Fila outfit before? Yes, no, maybe so? It's the outfit Kim Clijsters was supposed to wear to defend her US Open title. As we all know she was forced to pull out due to ANOTHER injury, this time to her abdominal area. Svetlana Kuznetsova was given the go ahead to wear it by the Italian sportswear brand.

I'm thinking it has some of Kimmie's lucky US Open vibes. Why? Because Sveta's actually playing well in Flushing Meadows. So far. I was hesitant to mention it because we all know the rollercoaster ride she puts us on when she hits the court these days. She can be playing well and then, out of nowhere, start spraying groundies everywhere but where they need to go. I suppose at some level we love the drama but it would be great to see someone of her talent (HELLO, she won two Slams somehow) play up to her ability. Plus, we still have JJ.

We should start a prayer circle for Sveta and hope she keeps this going. Then, maybe she won't have to wear Kimmie's hand-me-downs again, nice as they are. So there's that.

Pierluigi V-neck Top, $58

Pierluigi Skort, $60

Available at: Fila.com

[Photo(s) credit: Fila]

FASHION FIX: Kuznetsova keeps it classic in Fila

Could it be Svetlana Kuznetsova has turned a corner in 2011? The former Roland Garros champ has struggled all season long but seems to have found her game in the City of Light. She defeated and in-form Daniela Hantuchova 6-7 (8), 6-3, 6-2 and will face off against Marion Bartoli for a spot in the final four.

I really like the Fila kit she's been working on the red clay this year. She's been wearing the Whiteline Sleeveless Polo ($50) in black and white paired with the Essenza Ball Short ($28) in white.

The top, part of Fila's heritage collection, is a true throwback style which makes it stand out from everything else out there but with the large windowpane design stays modern. And while I'm not a big fan of shorty-shorts during matches, particularly during majors, they really work with the sleeveless polo style. But, if I had my way (like being the tours' stylist - please??) I would reserve them for the boys. I mean, they ain't called the Ball Short for nothing (though don't tell Sveta that).

[Photo(s): Fila, AFP PHOTO / JACQUES DEMARTHON]

FASHION FIX: It's a tee off!

Even though I'd prefer to have my ballers shirtless during their practice sessions, there is one reason to have them clothed: THE PRACTICE TEE.

Shots of Ana Ivanovic, Gilles Simon, Rafael Nadal, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Novak Djokovic, Maria Sharapova and Stanislas Wawrinka in their baller best at Roland Garros after the jump - click the head.

Gone, but not forgotten

Hi Rafa. I'm back.

Kalil + I had such a great time in Florida celebrating my parent's 40th anniversary. It was an emotional trip for obvious reasons which always seems to put me in a pensive, introspective mood. I was able to spend time with family and friends I hadn't seen in a long time; it was fun to catch up on their lives and see how they've changed since the last time we spoke. If ever you feel like time is moving at the speed of light, it would be in those moments. Forever young we are not.

The weather couldn't have been better - sunny, 80's, moderate humidity - so we managed to sneak in some hitting with HEAD and Dunlop followed by quick dips in the pool. Now, it wouldn't be a true family gathering (or life) without some drama but all in all it was a beautiful time. A big thanks to those of you who left kind messages for my parents and me in the comments section and on Twitter and Facebook - they read them as well and were moved by your words.

If I'm being completely honest, though, it's always hard to plop my brown arse onto a chair, open up the computer and write something after being away for a bit. You could compare it somewhat to tennis in that you form a 'writing rhythm' when you are posting regularly, but once you stop, it takes a moment to get it back. So I took yesterday to catch up on the happenings and find my motivation. And I think I did.

What was the biggest piece of news to happen while I was away? Aside from all the Brett Favre cock talk (don't be fooled - some penises are not pretty, NSFW) here are the choices:

A) Rafael Nadal wins his seventh title of the year and 43rd of his career in Tokyo over Milli Vanilli (thanks natch)

B) Caroline Wozniacki boots Serena Williams from the WTA Penthouse and takes residence becoming the 20th top lady baller in WTA history at 20-years old

C) Novak Djokovic defends his title in Beijing besting David Ferrer grabbing his second title of the season

D) Wozzi downs Vera Zvonareva in Beijing for her sixth title of the year

E) The Wounded Tennis Association continues its work with Venus Williams, Dinara Safina, Maria Sharapova and Svetlana Kuznetsova ending their seasons and ReRe all but pulling the plug on hers

I guess I'd have to go with choice...uh...'B.' The way Wozzi earned the achievement - by leaping past an inactive and still-injured ReRe - may have been like tripping someone on crutches (no offense V)  on your way to the head of the class but the Dane's season-long consistency earned her the keys and that's all that matters. I keep going back to something TENNIS' Steve Tignor wrote when it seemed likely Woz would usurp the top spot:

Yes, she would be the real No. 1, and she would deserve it. She would not be the best player in the world; that’s still Serena, who won two majors this year. Being No. 1 is a different achievement. It might not sound glamorous, but it’s an honor nonetheless: Wozniacki would be recognized as the best in the world at her job.

Bulls-eye. But, fair or not, the sharks will be swarming and looking for her to legitimize the ranking by winning a major, or as Tigger so eloquently put it, by "mak[ing] something artificial into something real."

Now that's some tough love. Damn, it's good to be back.


[Photo(s): Getty Images]

No handshake, no love lost between Kuznetsova + Rodionova

Something tells me Anastasia Rodionova won't be getting an invite to the next girls night at Svetlana Kuznetsova's crib.

The 2-time Grand Slammer defended herself over Twitter after refusing to shake hands with Rodio at the net. The Aussie defeated Sveta 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 in the Wimbledon second round.

Rodio, who has a reputation for on-court theatrics and was defaulted from a match at Cincinnati in 2007 for unsportsmanlike conduct, apparently questioned a ton of line calls and took a strangely timed medical break for her hip during the match. She was surprised but not bothered by Sveta's non-action:

I don't know what happened, I guess Svetlana was disappointed. It doesn't really bother me. I go out there and try my best, every single match that I play.

I'm happy that I won the match and I'm looking forward to my next round. I played really well and I served really well. I felt really good on the court. It can't even compare to my first round.

And what about suggestions the injury was not as severe as she claimed?

I strained a muscle a bit on my hip at the beginning of the second set. I'm fine. I have a bit of history there and I wanted to make sure it was nothing serious.

It's one of the biggest slaps in the face to refuse to shake your opponent's hand after a match so Sveta must've been seething with anger over Rodio's behavior. I mean if Sveta, who has a great reputation on the WTA tour and with fans as being uber-friendly, refuses to shake your hand you know it's pretty bad.

Kirilenko upsets defending champ Kuznetsova in Roland Garros third round

(Just a quick note: It's Memorial Day weekend here in the U.S. so posting may be sporadic over the next few days; regular posting will resume on Monday. I'll make sure to have an extra beer for each and every one of you to make up for it. You're welcome.)


Maria Kirilenko continued her Grand Slam giant-killing ways ousting defending champion Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 in the third round of Roland Garros today. The 30th seed began the season by knocking out Maria Sharapova in the first round of the Australian Open back in January.

Although on paper it goes down as an upset, Sveta's form has been less than stellar winning a total of one match in the lead up to Paris (d. Srebotnik, Stuttgart.) Actually, I thought she might go out in her first round match against Sorana Cirstea, a quarterfinalist last year, but managed an easy win. This was also her second consecutive loss to Kiri having just lost to her in Rome in the opening round.

With this loss the 2-time Grand Slammer will fall out of the Top 10 for the first time in four years. Ouch.


As for Kiri she next faces Francesca Schiavone, the crafty Italian veteran who's been playing well and who Van Sias bravely picked to get far in his VANtage Point bracket breakdown (ok, I thought it was a long shot too - what the hell do I know?) It's a winnable match for her though the victor will face either Flavia Pennetta or Caroline Wozniacki, a tough prospect either way.

But confidence is a funny thing and a big win in a Grand Slam over the defending champion could be just what Kiri needs.

[Photo(s): Reuters]

HE SAID/SHE SAID: Roland Garros Days 1 + 2

DAY 1

Q. Have you seen Amélie Mauresmo?

Svetlana Kuznetsova: Yes. I texted her this morning going to the club. I say, Hey, you told me you gonna be here a few days. I didn't see you. So she said, I don't want to disturb you. I said, Come on, you're my friend. You cannot disturb. You're former player, no? So she said, Oh, yeah, one day I come to your match. Sure. You have a ticket.

So she would supported me and she supported me before the match. So we had a chat in the locker room. So I appreciate her coming a lot. She's very good friend of mine and I'm happy to see her again. I miss her.

Q. What were the feelings being out there back a year after making your first Grand Slam final in that court?

Robin Soderling: It's nice, you know. Now I don't think about it too much. That was all last year. I have to start over again. Focus on every match. But of course it's always nice to come back to a place where you did well last year. Gives you good feelings.

Q. What would you have to do to prove there was a really big deal if you just smashed a racquet and that's not a big deal, what would be a really big deal?

Ernests Gulbis: What would be a really big deal? Hmm. I don't know. I have to think. That's a good question, actually. Thank you. (laughter.)

I don't know what would be a big deal. Minimum three racquets smashed, throw them to the stands, hit somebody with a ball. I don't know. I have to think about it. I'll get back on you, yeah. I'll think about it.

DAY 2

Q. Tell us about your Twittering, your tweeting and what you enjoy doing about that. And secondly, I asked your sister the same thing about your outfits. How many outfits do you bring to every tournament?

Serena Williams: Well, I tweet a lot. I have just really I don't know. I think it's cool. Sometimes I just tweet what's on my mind and sometimes maybe a little too much. I have a lot of fun with it. I think it's a cool way of connecting with, you know, the die hard fans. For me, I follow Green Day on Twitter, and whenever they tweet I get incredibly excited. I'm like, Oh, my God. I'm so happy and I really like to know what's going on in their lives because I'm a die hard Green Day fanatic.

For those people that like me half as much as I like them, I like to keep them in the loop with my life. I always have seven outfits for singles and six for doubles.

Q. Is it fair to say that the last maybe year or year and a half has not been very much fun for you on the tennis court?

Ana Ivanovic: Not fun at all. You know, it was and also lots of tears and lots of hard times and lots of doubts and fears, everything, but, you know, it's something that you learn. And if you overcome it, it's you learn from it and it makes you better player and person after that.

I have really good people around me now, and I trust them a lot. They're very supportive, and they believe in me when I didn't believe in myself. So that's great to see.

Q. If you ended up trying to tailor your game, or if Americans did, would that not negatively effect how they play on the other hardcourts or anything?

John Isner: No, I disagree. Practicing on clay, even in the hardcourt season which I sometimes do is great. It makes your legs stronger. You're seeing more balls. The points aren't as quick.

I think practicing on clay is it's not a disadvantage at all. If anything, it's gonna help you on every other surface.

Q. Is your coaching situation the same, or has something changed?

Jelena Dokic: I'm alone.




Q. Is your problem of allergic completely resolved now, or you're afraid that it could come back?

Novak Djokovic: Well, look, you know, the thing is that this year has been a struggle for me because it was the first time that I had such a strong reaction, so the season or the Spring already started, and you couldn't do too much with it, so it's still a little bit active, but it's much less than it was in last two months.

So I'm happy that the tough period is behind me, and now I can focus on the court on what I do and try to do it best. For next year I will prepare myself better health wise.

Q. Now, for a while, people have said that Roland Garros could be relocated outside of Paris. What do you think about this at the end of your career to play in Versailles, Gonesse, or Marne La Vallée close to Euro Disney?

Roger Federer: Well, yes, that's a question that people keep on asking during the Grand Slam, that is, people can no longer buy the tickets. The people, the media, ask more. We want to have more, and it's not easy for the tournament, but we have to do our best, and do the best for the tournament.

So if we move elsewhere, does it make sense? I don't know. People will decide. There is a lot of money at stake, and there's a new site, and that means with the new site it means, how can I say? What about the soul of Roland Garros? This is what we might miss after.

So let's think twice before we act. Now, Melbourne, you know, is considering a major change for the years to come. Wimbledon I think will never change. They still have leeway with the golf course. At the US Open they did something new, as well. But I think it was 10 years ago. And it was the old stadium 10 years ago, if I'm not mistaken.

In any case, everybody's always upgraded with the new Lenglen court, with the new Chatrier court. It's changed here at Roland Garros. It's smaller here, the site is smaller. So the question is more important here than anywhere else.

Q. Do you feel like in the last few weeks that it was a good idea to play so many tournaments or do you think it would have been better to take a little time off?

Caroline Wozniacki: Well, you know, there are some rules on the WTA Tour, and we have to follow those rules. Maybe it would have been better if I could have taken a few weeks off, but those are the rules, and I did what I had to do.

Q. When you say those are the rules, it's mostly a question of fines and money. Can you talk about how you juggle that? Why not just pay the fine and take the week off?

Caroline Wozniacki: It's not just a fine. It's also commitment tournaments, zero pointers. Yeah, some other things that plays in mind, and if you read the rules, you'll know. I think we should talk about other things. About my match today, maybe.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

Fed + Sveta join forces for Roland Garros 2010 draw ceremony

Defending champs Roger Federer + Svetlana Kuznetsova (dressed down much?) were joined by French Tennis Federation (FFT) President Jean Gachassin at today's draw ceremony for Roland Garros which continues its annual Sunday start this weekend.

Here are some quick links to each of the draws:

Men's singles

Ladies' singles

I'll be posting my thoughts on both of these draws a little later so stay tuned!

P.S. - Can you stand it?!

[Photo(s): Reuters]

We're like soul sisters, me and that Sveta

WHAT?!?!

She said, eh, tweeted it not me. I may have thought it lots though. Fine, it's my mantra.

It's also a slow tennis news week. Sue me.

[Screen Grab: Twitter]

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Sveta *smile* spam

"OK, who cut it?"

Svetlana Kuznetsova was cuttin' it up big time during a presser in Belgrade for this weekend's FED CUP tie versus Serbia. Doesn't it kinda make you wish you were there? I'm cracking up just looking at her crack up.

Anyway, it's good to see Sveta so relaxed, and her laugh and smile are infectious even through these pics. Now if she could only be this relaxed on court...

"It was you."

"Y'all think it was me?"

"BUSTED - I cut it! BWAHAHAHA!!"

[Photo(s): Reuters]

UPDATE: After some JJ-style drama the Serb has decided to play this tie over the weekend. Thanks vw!

Delpo + Sveta come undone Down Under

Fourth seed Juan Martin del Potro hid his head in frustration during his 5-7, 6-4, 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 defeat at the hands of Marin Cilic in the Aussie Open fourth round.

The towering Croat gained sweet revenge for his defeat at the hands of Delpo in the quarterfinal stage of last year's U.S. Open. He'll face Andy Roddick for a spot in the final four.

It was a breathtaking display of power hitting from every part of the court with each baller throwing in some slices and making quick forays into the net for good measure. I'd say Marin's focus and calm in the big moments made the difference here.

Svetlana Kuznetsova, the third seed, was also upset in the fourth round by her giant-killing compatriot Nadia Petrova 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.

Even though the Roland Garros champ traditionally struggles in Oz, Nads has been playing big ball this tourney and - I can't believe I'm saying this - has been toughing out opponents mentally. Her game hasn't let down even when it's been challenged the most.

But this new found mental strength will face it's biggest challenge when she takes on Justine Henin for a spot in the semifinals. The winner of this contest will be the fave from this half of the draw to get to the final.

In any case Nads should keep doing whatever she's been doing in her training on and off-court because it's working.

[Photo(s): Reuters, AP]

HE SAID/SHE SAID: Oz Open Day Three

Q. Davydenko told us yesterday he never wants to be really famous like Federer or you. How do you feel about being so famous?

RAFAEL NADAL: Well, I think you are or you are not. You want or you don't want, that's not an answer, no? You are or you are not. That's it, no?

I feel okay, no? I like my life. I'm feel very lucky to be where I am. And, sure, I work in my hobby. So not everybody can say the same. So I feel very lucky person.


Q. Talking about little bit of confidence. Don't you have much now?

JUSTINE HENIN: Well, now, of course, it's great feeling. It's magical to win this kind of match in this kind of atmosphere. Yeah, I'm concerned about tomorrow, when I'm going to wake up, how I'm going to feel. I said the other day I wasn't feeling old. Well, I'll see tomorrow morning (smiling).


Q. I didn't see the end of your match, but did you have some sort of problem?

ANDY RODDICK: Yeah. I mean, there was just a disagreement about a rule I guess on a continuation of a call. To be fair, I watched ‑‑ I didn't come in here till I watched the video of it. I was more wrong than I thought I was out on court.

That being said, it was very close. To take away a match point at that juncture in a match, it's a big call.

Q. Is there any element of you enjoying the dialogue with the umpire? You seem to be a little chattier than other players.

ANDY RODDICK: That was a nice way of putting that question (smiling).

Q. It's very entertaining. People enjoy it.

ANDY RODDICK: I don't do it for entertainment. I do it because I strongly believe what I feel. That's not just on the court. I think if I believe in something strongly enough, I'm pretty outspoken about it. I don't think that has to do with me enjoying it. That probably goes back to, you know, childhood issues, which would be a longer conversation (smiling).


Q. Did you feel like you had a point to prove, given that the tournament organizers wouldn't give you a wild card, they made you play qualifiers?

YANINA WICKMAYER: No, not really. I don't think I have to prove to anyone anything.

But I think it's good for myself to prove myself I'm worth being in main draw and winning matches in main draw. That's the main thing. I'm really glad the way I handled the quallies, how strong I was on court. Yeah, I'm really happy the way I'm playing now. I'm really glad about my two matches already.

No, I don't feel any revenge to anyone.


Q. Are you looking forward to the clash in Fed Cup, which is next weekend, in Poland?

KIM CLIJSTERS: Are you Polish?

Q. Yes.

KIM CLIJSTERS: Yes, I am (laughter).

Q. That's why I was crying when you gave the prize money. That's how Polish people are.

KIM CLIJSTERS: Did you want me to give it to you?

Q. No. There's sensitive people in the world.

KIM CLIJSTERS: Yeah.


Q. How do you rate your form at the moment? You went out early in Auckland, but you looked pretty good out there today. How are you feeling about yourself.

NA LI: Yeah, after bungy jump feeling much better, yeah. (Laughter.) Yeah.


Q. I noticed you did a bit of juggling on the court during the match. Have you ever considered and alternative career in soccer?

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA: No, I don't do today my best today yet. I can do better (smiling.)

No, just distracts me and it's better for me. Leaves the tension away. Also I entertain people. It's also nice.

I'm just enjoying. You know, I'm just being myself, being creative, doing things I have to do, and enjoying it.


Q. How well do you think you're serving at the moment? Took you to deuce a couple of times.

ANDY MURRAY: Yeah, how terrible. (Smiling)

I mean, this is the highest level of the sport. That's gonna happen. But I played two matches and got broken twice, you know, once in each match. So reasonably happy with that.

Served better today than I did the first day. I'm sure I'll serve better in the next round than I did today.

[Photos: AP, Getty]