PHOTO OP: Tommy's going to lick it up

"Wait, something's lickable. Oh it's me."

Tommy Robredo is currently in a battle with compatriot Guillermo Garcia-Lopez and he's up two sets to one in the US Open second round match.

However, I just saw this photo and just about fainted - it's the way Tommy looks like he's just about to tongue the hell out of something he's grasping in his left hand. Oh the Sergio Tacchini polo is getting me all hot + bothered, too.

I've got issues. Sue me.

(Photo: AP)

PHOTO OP: Enjoying some Spanish chorizo on Miami Beach

The Spanish chorizos (minus the biggest chorizo of 'em all) took part in a sexy photoshoot in Miami last month for Elle Spain.

Fernando Verdasco, Feliciano Lopez, Tommy Robredo, David Ferrer, and Nicolas Almagro hit the beach and got all shirtless for our viewing pleasure.

Check out more images from the shoot below and more here.

A big thanks again to Lana over at Great Tennis Photos and DtL reader Narik!








(Photos by Bernardo Doral via abc.es, elle.es)

VANtage Point: Buh-bye Dubai, hello Acapulco!

What a week that was in Dubai, huh? I can’t remember the last time a tournament was caught up in so much controversy. But the organizers brought it upon themselves and hopefully have learned better from it. We are in the 21st century after all! Now it’s the guys’ turn over there, at least those who are showing up. (Hats off to you, A-Rod!) But like Rafa + Roger, VANtage Point is bailing on the tournament and looking elsewhere.

A Look Back: Venus Williams was back at in Dubai, picking up her 40th career crown by taking out surprise finalist Virginie Razzano. I have to tell you, I really didn’t see V's win coming! One of these days I’ll learn to always pick at least one of the Williams sisters when both of them are in the draw.

This Week’s Spotlight: I’m actually giving you twice the Point this week, all for the low-low price of "FREE", by taking a look at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel, a co-ed event in sunny Acapulco (let’s just call it my recession special!). This is the last stop on the early-season Latin American clay-court swing, and both the men's and women's draws have some pretty decent names amongst them. David Nalbandian + Gael Monfils are the top two seeds on the men’s side, while the women’s field has none other than Venus Williams leading the way.

Players to Watch: For the men’s side, I’m going with the hottest player on the planet right now, Tommy Robredo, who is coming in with a 10-match winning streak. He could meet up with Juan Monaco in the second round, who he just squeaked out a win against in the finals in Buenos Aires. And, I’m announcing it here on the Point first: Watch out for Tommy at this year's French Open!

As for the women, I think you have to watch Venus. Like me, are you asking yourself "What is she doing here, flying from Dubai to Mexico, going from hard court to clay?" There's a lot going on here but I do hope she plays well, more so for the fans’ sake. Watch her while you can, though, because if she does play, I think she'll fall to Lucie Safarova in the quarters.

The Final Fours: Nicolas Almagro over David Nalbandian and Tommy over Thomaz Belluci. For the women, I’m going with Gisela Dulko beating Lucie Safarova and Flavia Pennetta over Tathiana Garbin.

And the Winners Are: Tommy, who keeps it rollin’ with his third title in a row, and Flavia, who owns this tournament.

Van Sias writes the blog Tennis Talk, Anyone?

(images via Getty)

WEEKEND WINNERS: Jo-Willy, A-Rod, Todo, Venus, Vika, M. José

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - Marseille

The Frenchies made good at Marseille this week, with 3 of the 4 semifinalists coming from the host country and and two making it through to the final. Jo-Willy captured his fourth career title and second this year (Johannesburg) defeating Michael Llodra in a tight two set battle 7-5, 7-6(3) and raising his record to an ATP World Tour best 19-3. He also leads the Tour in the ace category with 235.

Along with a few other readers, I'm excited to see Jo-Willy showing real consistency in his big game and displaying real confidence in the key moments of his matches. His serve is becoming a big weapon and helped him keep his foes down and out this week. However, along with those same readers, I'm still cautiously optimistic with regards to his injury issues. The Frenchie's been injury free during his last two title runs so let's hope he finds the right balance in his schedule, doesn't overplay, and rests when required. I mean, who else would do the crazy thumb dance?

Andy Roddick - Memphis

The boycotting American, who took a wildcard into the tourney, avenged his loss to Radek Stepanek last week in San Jose straight-setting the Czech 7-5, 7-5 and earning his first title of the season and 27th of his career. He improved his record to 17-3 and prevented The Worm, who was the eventual winner at the SAP Open, from winning consecutive titles.

Tommy Robredo - Buenos Aires

Todo def owns the South American swing on the ATP World Tour so far capturing his second title in as many weeks (Costa do Sauipe) after edging out homeboy Juan Monaco 7-5, 2-6, 7-6(5) in the Argentinean capital. It was his ninth ATP title and the first time he won back-to-back titles in his career. However, if I were Todo I'd be very careful making out with that trophy. Just sayin'.

Venus Williams - Dubai

In all the hubbub and brouhaha that was the UAE/Israeli controversy this week, some pretty good tennis was actually being played by two lady ballers in particular: Venus Williams + Virginie Razzano. V reached her first final here by knocking sister Serena from her perch in the semifinals while the Frenchie ousted Russian top tenners Dinara Safina + Vera Zvonareva.

Virginie won her last meeting with V at the '07 Japan Open but there would be no final surprise here as the 7-time Grand Slammer easily dismissed her foe 6-4, 6-2 for her 40th career title. The 28-year old re-enters the Top 5 for the first time since 2003 and, with the exception of the major blip at the Aussie Open, has been playing perhaps the best ball out there. Will this form continue when she *gasp* hits the clay in Acapulco next week (no, I didn't stutter)? Who knows but let's just hope she finds something new to wear. Anything but THAT dress. Ugh.

Victoria Azarenka - Memphis

In a minor upset, Vika earned her second title of the season (Brisbane) when she subdued top seed Caroline Wozniacki 6-1, 6-3 in a 70 minute blowout. The Belarusian made it 2 for 2 as she teamed up with Wozzi to capture the doubles crown over Michaella Krajicek + Yuliana Fedak.

I don't know about you, but my sense is Vika is on the cusp of something big - a career run at Indian Wells, Miami, or even at one of the remaining Grand Slams this season. In my mind, the 19-year old seems ready to take that next step. She enjoys the big stage and relishes the fight. It wouldn't surprise me if it happens sooner than later.

María José Martínez Sánchez - Bogotá

M. José won her first career singles title upsetting third seeded Gisela Dulko 6-3, 6-2 in Colombian capital. She also joined Vika this weekend going 2-for-2 in winning the doubles crown with Nuria Llagostera Vives.

(images via AP, Luis Ramírez for Colpressphotos)

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)

THE LOW DOWN: Nole takes the heat, Tommy + A-Rod question Serb's injury struggles

Tommy Robredo and Andy Roddick had some choice, but differing, words for Novak Djokovic and the supposed injury woes and ailments he's been suffering at this year's US Open.

After his defeat to the struggling Serb, Tommy was describing a big point in his post-match presser and said, "Also Novak was doing the show, that he was ‑‑ that he couldn't run." The Spaniard was then asked about the Serb's injuries and calls to the trainer:

Q. You sound like you don't believe Djokovic's ailments . Is that true?

TOMMY ROBREDO: That's not that I don't believe. I have pain, as well. I was running like hell and my feet were burning but I say nothing, no? I think that if you're not fit enough, then don't play. But after every time he was asking for a trainer, he was running like hell and he was making the shot, but he does what he does a lot of times. So I think we should take care a lot more of these things, because one thing is that if you fell down like I did, I can have blood and it's normal that trainer gets in because there's blood or whatever. But for having pain, I had pain, as well, all over my body because I think I run a lot more than him, and I said nothing, no?

So did I trust him? No. No. I think he took his time because he did it because he was a little bit more tired and that's a part of the game. It help him a lot.

Ouch! However, Nole's quarterfinal opponent, A-Rod, had a slightly different spin on the same issue:

Q. When asked about [Nole's] injuries today, mentioning the right ankle as opposed to the left ankle, the other day ‑‑

ANDY RODDICK: Isn't it both of them? And a back and a hip?

Q. And when he said there are too many to count.

ANDY RODDICK: And a cramp.

Q. Do you get the sense right now that he is...

ANDY RODDICK: Bird flu.

Q. Lot of things. Beijing hangover.

ANDY RODDICK: Yeah.

Q. He's got pretty long list of illness.

ANDY RODDICK: Anthrax. SARS. Common cough and cold.

Q. Got a lot of things going on with him.

ANDY RODDICK: Sure.

Q. Do you think he's bluffing?

ANDY RODDICK: No, I mean, I'm sure ‑‑

Q. The way you're saying it, almost means you feel like...

ANDY RODDICK: No, if it's there, it's there. There's just a lot. You know, he's either quick to call a trainer or he's the most courageous guy of all time. I think it's up for you guys to decide.

Hysterical. C'mon guys, you can't take it so seriously or let it affect your game.

We all know Nole has a history of on-court antics and ailments. But he's not the first baller to stretch the rules, and he certainly won't be the last.

I'd take A-Rod's humorous response over Tommy's cranky call any day.

What's your take on this issue? Do tell!

(image via Getty)

WEEKEND WINNERS: Fabrice, Tommy, Juan Martin, Victor, Sara, Alize

Fabrice Santoro - Newport

The Frenchie baller worked his magic at the Hall of Fame Championships, "santorizing" Indian wild card Prakash Amritraj 6-3, 7-5 and becoming only the third man to defend his crown in Newport. This title was the sixth for Fabrice, who will be retiring at the end of the season.

Tommy Robredo - Bastad

The Spaniard earned his first title of the season at the Catella Swedish Open when he easily dismissed Czech headcase Tomas Berdych 6-4, 6-1.

Juan Martin del Potro - Stuttgart, Victor Hanescu - Gstaad

Juan Martin and Victor both grabbed the first titles of their career this weekend. The Argentine defeated a resurgent Richard Gasquet 6-4, 7-5 to win the Mercedes Cup and a new white Mercedes-Benz SLK 350. See what good hair can do for your confidence?

Victor became the first Romanian since Ilie Nastase in 1973 to win in Gstaad dismissing Russian Igor Andreev 6-3, 6-4.

Sara Errani - Palermo, Alize Cornet - Budapest

Both lady ballers also secured maiden career titles this weekend. Click here to read more about Sara's unfortunate trophy-biting win. Up-and-coming Frenchie Alize took out unseeded Andreja Klepac 7-6(5) 6-3 and finally won a tournament final after two previous tries this season. To top it off, both women also won the doubles titles at their respective tourneys. Nice week ladies!



(images via Getty, ATP, AP)

FASHION FIX: The men of Spain dress it up for ISport magazine

Some of Spain's biggest ballers (excluding the biggest ball of them all - Rafa) took part in a photo shoot for ISport magazine, looking sharply dressed for any off-court occasion.

Check out Juan Carlos Ferrero, Tommy Robredo, Fernando Verdasco, Nicolas Almagro, + Guillermo-Garcia Lopez getting all gussied up for fashion.



(images via atptennis.com)

Fernando Gonzalez wins China Open, shows off "sexiest legs in tennis"

Fernando Gonzalez won his first title in almost 2 years by defeating Spain's Tommy Robredo for the China Open title this weekend. We've always been admirer's of the handsome Chilean and these photos reaffirm our thinking. Wow - Fernando has some incredibly sexy legs. We won't divulge the visuals running through our mind right now...ouch.

(images via AP Photo)

FASHION FIX: Spain's sexiest players get dressed, turn up the heat for Spanish Marie Claire

Fernando Verdasco

Some of Spain's hottest tennis players are appearing in Spanish Marie Claire under the title Sex Point: Tenistas Espanoles. Stepping out of their tennis gear and into some fashion duds, these players strike a sexy pose.

Carlos Moya & Guillermo Garcia-Lopez

Tommy Robredo & David Ferrer

(via ATP)

+ Netcords

- Vera Zvonareva has withdrawn from Wimbledon with a wrist injury, making the Russian the 9th player to drop out of the 3rd Grand Slam of the year

- Serbian beauty and French Open finalist Ana Ivanovic is giving a sneak peek into her tennis fashions for Wimbledon and the U.S. Open on her website.

- Spanish star Tommy Robredo bares all to help raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancer.

- The "Sisters Sledge",Venus & Serena Williams, have been given a late wild-card to play doubles at Wimbledon.