PHOTO OP: Ferrero and his facial fur advance in Auckland, bottle blonde no more

Juan Carlo Ferrero was spotted working some new facial fur during his match in Auckland today. The former Roland Garros champ advanced to the second round when his opponent, Kei Nishikori, retired from their match with a right forearm injury while trailing 3-5 in the first set.

I've always thought JC was a cutie but in a pretty boy kinda way. This facial fur, though, gives him a rougher edge which I def like on him more and his hair looks closer to its natural color (remember this? Eww.) I may have to check to see if the curtains match the drapes just to be EXTRA sure.

In the meantime, what do you think of The Mosquito's latest look?

DO TELL!

(images via Getty)

(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: Aravane in all-black, defeats Edina in cooky cocktail number

Aravane Rezai's feeling fancy. The Frenchie lady baller made the semifinals in Auckland for the second consecutive year, defeating unseeded Edina Gallovits 6-3, 6-2. She'll meet top seed Elena Dementieva for a spot in the final.

It seems Aravane got a bit overdressed for the occasion, which she's known to do, donning a cocktail-style dress (it's got wings!) for the match. Could it be she's dealing with a New Year's Eve hangover? Plus the all-black colorway can't feel so great in the Aussie summer heat.

I wonder who designed this number. Any guesses?

DO TELL!

(images via Getty)

THE LOW DOWN: Shahar subject to possible protest threats in Auckland, extra security on hand

The controversy surrounding the Israeli's invasion of Gaza is being felt in the tennis world as well.

Israeli baller Shahar Peer, who has extra security with her this week, was asked via correspondence by a New Zealand protest group, Peace and Justice Auckland, to withdraw from this week's ASB Classic as a comprehensive sports boycott of Israel. When no reply was received, the group said it would protest outside the venue on Thursday when Shahar was scheduled to play her quarterfinal match.

The 21-year old, whose brother is a military-reservist and was called up, responded by saying,

I have nothing to do with this. I'm Shahar Peer. I came here to play tennis. I know I'm from Israel and I'm proud of my country and that playing tennis is what I'm going to do tomorrow.

Two days ago, I was crying a bit, actually more than a bit, so it was a hard time for me. I hope as soon as possible it will end and we will all be happy, because no one wants to be in a war.

Sports + politics is such a tricky combination. Some athletes confront these situations head-on while others choose to avoid political issues altogether. Ultimately, it's a personal decision whether to engage the discussions or not.

But in any case, it must be a tough situation for Shahar and I think she made the right decision to play on. She's in Auckland to play tennis, not to be political.

Let's hope she stays safe over there.

(image via AP)