+ MONDAY NETCORDS: US Open Series, A-Rod, Maria the Indian icon...Britney Spears wants to play, and more

- US Open Series notes: USA Today asks, "Who's watching and what are the players saying about the Series?

- Andy Roddick is cute, but goofy - a sexy combo in our books.

- 3 out of 4: The Tennis Channel has nabbed Wimbledon, to go along with their Australian and French Open coverage, beginning next year.

- India "HEARTS" Maria: Not only do they dream of dressing the Russian fashionista, but Maria "Shriek"apova's story is required reading for Indian children now.

- Popular tennis journalist Joel Drucker gives his Top 10 most important people in tennis history

- Tennis fans worst nightmare: Britney says, "Isn't my tennis outfit cute, y'all?"

From pools to Peugeot: Ana Ivanovic's quest for global domination

Ana Ivanovic is in the "zone" and we don't mean just on the tennis court. After her inspired run to the final of the French Open and her march to the semifinals of Wimbledon, the Serbian beauty, and World No. 5, is in serious global demand.

As a prelude to the US Open Series, USA Today detailed Ana's triumphs this year, her well-documented "pool practices", and her chances at this year's Series (she was the '06 champ) and US Open. (Fun fact: her website received more hits last month than a certain Russian glamourpuss.)

And, according to her website, Ana today signed "what is believed to be the biggest ever endorsement deal for an athlete in Serbia." She will be the face of Peugeot through a 3-year deal with Verano Motors which distributes Peugeot in Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia (pictured top-right in her new Peugeot 207, compliments of Verano Motors.)

Let Ana-Mania begin!

(edit: in case you missed it, click here for the CNN World Sports segment featuring Ana)

(image courtesy of AP Photos)

FUN IN THE SUN: Rafael Nadal takes a vacation

Rafael "Rafa" Nadal finally catches a break. After coming oh so close to defeating World No. 1 Roger Federer in a classic final at Wimbledon, Rafa takes a much needed vacation in his hometown of Mallorca, Spain.

Rafa looks relaxed playing soccer on the beach with friends (no doubt keeping his trademark footwork sharp), fishing, and keeping that body tight. With the US Open Series starting soon, he'll need the rest.

His summer tennis schedule features stops in the ATP Masters Series Canada in Montreal (5th August), ATP Masters Series Cincinnati (13th August), and then the US Open (27th August).

U.S. Open Series - Road Trip!

No rest for the wicked. With Wimbledon winding down this weekend, the tennis gods have begun their media push for the US Open Series and the final Slam of the year, the US Open. The US Open Series runs for six weeks from July 16 – August 25, 2007 and culminates with the US Open from August 27 -September 9. Buidling on the "Road Trip" theme of the previous years, these clips showcase the players on the bus talking, and laughing up, the Series.

Check out these 2 clips currently promoting the U.S. Open series featuring all your fave tennis players including Roger "Fed Ex" Federer, Maria Shriekapova, Serena "ReRe" Willaims, Rafael "Rafa" Nadal, Justine Henin, Andy "A-Rod" Roddick, Venus "V" Williams, and many more!