WIMBLEDON: Kvitova and Bouchard for the ladies' title, Li and Rodriguez split, and Fognini in the flesh (NSFW)

It’s Petra Kvitova versus Eugenie Bouchard for all the strawberries, cream, Pimm’s, and what the hell else? Both of today’s ladies’ semifinals mirrored each other in the way the sets played out. The first of each match were tense affairs with Petra and Genie eeking out the match lead in tiebreaks. The second sets seemed more like formalities when each of them broke early and led the rest of the way. Petra beat Lucie Safarova 7-6(6), 6-1 and Genie ousted Simona Halep 7-6(5), 6-2. But, that’s where the similarities end.

Where Lucie was simply outclassed in the second, Simona was dealing with the lingering effects of an ankle injury she picked up in the beginning of the first set. Credit the Romanian for keeping it close initially (she led 4-2 in the tiebreak) but her movement, a core part of her game, was hampered, as was her serve. What sets Genie apart is her ability to shut everything else out and focus on the work ahead – no matter an injured opponent, a fan who fainted in the stands during the tiebreak, a questionable call from the chair on her first match point, or a dapper TV star in her baller box. She’s all about the biz.

Petra has been to this dance before, and she’ll be looking to prove that the first time wasn’t a fluke. She and Lucie are friends and that added more pressure in their match; but in the end, her quality and belief got her through. To me, when Petra is healthy and in a positive mindset, her game is deadly on the slick stuff. DEAD-LY. At the start of the tourney, I didn’t have my eye on the Czech because her results this year have been pretty sketch (hello first-round loss in Oz to Luksika Kumkhum). But coming to Wimbledon where she’s had her greatest success, and beating 5-time champ Venus Williams in an absolute classic, clearly gave her the boost she needed.

The final will come down to serve and return - who can hold onto their serve, and who can get a high percentage of quality returns in play - and apply first-strike tennis to control the points. I give the edge to Genie.

It was reported today that Li Na and coach Carlos Rodriguez have ended their full-time partnership. He’s under contract with a tennis academy in China, and they have asked him to return. According to her agent, Max Eisenbud, they were essentially “borrowing” him from the academy. While Li is in China, they will work together but no longer on a full-time basis. She was reportedly unaware of the decision and very upset by the news, which was told her after her third-round loss at Wimbledon.

Attached my photo for @CosmopolitanUK to raise awareness of male cancer #ATP pic.twitter.com/QriaE3wgrB
— Fabio Fognini (@fabiofogna) July 3, 2014

Let's see...Venus, Tomas, now Fabio. Sure, why not. Let’s all get BUTT NEKKID! For a good cause, of course. Duh. You'll probably get your pic banned from Instagram, too. But don't worry; Tomas has your back so to speak.

Most importantly, is that one of the Seven Dwarfs on Fabio's hip? Doubt it's Bashful.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

Gotta love those growing pains

As you may or may not have noticed, I didn't post about Caroline Wozniacki's opening round loss in Toronto to Roberta Vinci nor did I write about her opening round defeat to American teen Christina McHale in Cincinnati yesterday. Why? Because it's just not that shocking.

I mean, how fucked is it to say it's not a surprise to see a reigning World No. 1 go down to someone ranked 76th? And it has nothing to do with the "depth" in women's tennis. She hasn't been playing like a top lady baller since March when she won at Indian Wells. Yeah, she also won a few weeks later on the clay in Charleston, but if you compare the draws she fought through in each one you'll see which one was more impressive (don't even get me started on Copenhagen). Each tourney Wozzi played after Indian Wells she looked a little less confident and little more unsure, leading us to what we witnessed the last two weeks.

It's also not a surprise to see her finally can Papa Woz as her coach (which, apparently, happened after losing early at Wimbledon). We've seen this story played out before - the child star grows up, becomes more independent, demands more control of their career, dumps parent as coach. And Wozzi should if she feels like it's not working anymore and she'd like a new voice. After all, it's her career. But how many top ballers in the history of tennis have made a coaching switch-a-roo while sitting in the Penthouse? I'm not sure but I don't think it's happened too many times. That's not to say it won't work, but if the last two weeks are any indication she may need to fall down so she can get back up. On her own.

[Photo(s) credit: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images]

Murray still trying to find the right mix

Andy Murray knows his game is in need of a major tune up with the most obvious sign being his decision to drop Alex Corretja and begin the search for a full-time coach (he'll be teaming up with the adidas Baller Development Program in the meantime - good move.) He gave the media a lengthy interview at Queen's Club where he announced his return to the Aegon Championships this summer and discussed a number of topics including his thoughts on why this change was needed, what he's looking for in a new head coach and the reasons behind his abysmal post-Oz performances particularly at Indian Wells + Miami. He also confronts the talk by those out there who think he "doesn't listen".

As I mentioned, it's chalk full of yummy nuggets. However, I'm only going to pull out some of the quotes I found interesting. I encourage you to check out his answers here which comes with a bit a video interview with Muzz at the end. You'll be happy you did (or not.)

On his post-Oz Open mindset:

"After Australia, the night I lost in the final, I had a really long conversation with my mum and with Jez [Green, physical trainer] about what I felt I needed to work on.

"Last year, there was no chance I was going to speak to anyone, whereas this year I felt like I was playing well, I was really disappointed with the final, but I knew the little things I wanted to improve on."

I could definitely see the disappointment during the Oz Open final but it came through as massive frustration and petulance. But again, why would he let it get to that point DURING the final? Based on Novak Djokovic's performance this year so far, Muzz probably knew he was up against it from the first ball and it just snowballed into what we all witnessed. So....carry on...

On preparing for Indiami:

"Then it wasn't until maybe four or five weeks [after the Oz Open final] that I actually spent any time on court working on any of these things and, all of a sudden, it becomes a bit of a rush. You have like a week or 10 days to get ready for Indian Wells.

"It seemed like I was trying to do so many things - work on coming to the net, play a bit closer to the baseline, use the forehand down the line a bit more, step in on my backhand a bit more. All of these things I was thinking, going into the match, and you really need to go into a match with a clear mindset but it didn't really feel that way.

"It probably showed in my body language and my mental state. In Miami, I was getting more angry. In Indian Wells, I was just kind of lost. I wasn't really doing a whole lot on court."

Uh, yeah. Ten days ain't gonna cut it for our March Madness. Total brain cramp. But he's been on the tour for a while now and has won in Miami so he knows what it takes to perform at these Masters 1000s. Pass...DENIED.

On what he's looking for in his next head coach:

"I'm looking for someone who can come to the big events with me, who isn't restricted in terms of the weeks they can do. If they can't come to the French Open, for example, then for me that's quite a big negative. I'd like them to be around at the big events.

"It's important to have someone you have respect for and someone that doesn't take any crap. If you're getting away with mediocre sessions, it doesn't have to be screaming at you but it can be taking you to one side and explaining to you things aren't good.

"But if it takes screaming to get the best out of a player, you have to accept that."

I'm not a tennis pro nor am I a coach of any kind so I can't really speak to that point. However, I HATE being screamed at for any reason so it wouldn't work for me. I'd have to plug a bitch.

More from the interview after the jump (I told you the shit was LONG) - click the head y'all.

TIMELINE: Murray making changes in coaching line up

Andy Murray's coaching sitch is in a bit of flux again. He's completely slumptastic at the moment and needs a restart. I think we can all agree on that one. But, the news of a potential coaching switch-a-roo is happening fast so here's a quick timeline to catch you up...

March 25: Falls to 118th ranked Alex Bogomolov in Miami losing his third straight match post-OZ and going 0-9 in sets dating back to the final loss to Novak Djokovic.

March 28: Rumors begin to circulate online about Ivan Lendl's interest in the top coaching post; the 8-time Grand Slammer informally reaches out to the Muzz camp The Guardian confirms.

March 29: Brother Jamie says to The Times of London via BBC reporting: "If he goes (down that) route, you have to give your trust to that person. You have to let your guard down a bit and listen...Andy could do with some advice from the right person...He is good enough to get to that next level, but he needs that something extra that's missing. It's a mental thing, he has all the ability in the world." Ouch, but most likely the truth. He would know, no?

Then, part-time coach Alex Corretja gets the boot as Mama Murray tweets: "No more Andy n Alex C :( gr8 guy, gr8 player, gr8 coach, gr8 fun. Will miss him." Sal y pimienta HAWTNESS is gone. *sad face*

And finally The Times' tennis scribe Neil Harman has a strange night and tweets: "Had a very vivid dream last night that Boris Becker became AM's coach - I did dream it, didn't I?" Yes, Neil, you dreamed a dream.

I guess it's your move, Muzz. If anything is confirmed I'll make sure to update this post so stay tuned!

[Photo(s): Matthew Stockman/Getty Images]

(UPDATED) Andy Murray and coach Maclagan part ways - so who really wanted out?

Only days after Roger Federer announced the addition of a potential coach in Paul Annacone, Andy Murray announced the departure of head coach Miles Maclagan via his website today. Take a read above (click to enlarge.)

How nice. By their statements it seems the two met up, discussed the situation, came to a mutual understanding, made the decision then kissed, hugged and slapped boy buns. Uh, wait that's my personal version.

Anyway, according to an article by The Telegraph there have been rumblings for weeks and it wasn't so mutual though still amicable. The paper gathered recon from sources inside the Muzz camp (which I'm hoping is either Jez Green, Matt Little or Andy Ireland and not Kim Sears) that place the decision to split firmly with Miles. Apparently, he wasn't happy with the growing influence of former tour baller Alex Corretja, who was initially brought on as a part-time advisor to help develop the Muzz clay-court game - GREAT JOB btw - in March 2008. And so, Miles wanted out.

The Spaniard will continue to work with the Brit baller through the U.S. Open but isn't considered a likely candidate for the full-time coaching gig due to a "broadcasting commitment." That special someone is rumored to be none other than Darren Cahill who's contracted with adidas, Muzz's sponsor, and helps run their baller development program. He also offers brilliant on-air match analysis for ESPN.

I have to say I'm sad to see Miles go. No, not because he was the greatest coach that ever lived but because the coaching hawtness factor on the ATP World Tour just took a massive nosedive. At least I'll always have this. Thanks Miles, and stay wet forevah. Now, I must drink.

UPDATE: It looks like Alex is out, too, according to an updated version of The Guardian article I linked above (just click on the same link. You'll see.) Thanks to Erik over at the awesome blog Adjusting the Net, which you should surely take a peek at, for the tip off!

[Photo(s): AndyMurray.com]

Ivanovic hires Heinz Gunthardt as new coach

Ana Ivanovic is hoping she's found the solution to her career free fall and his name is Heinz Gunthardt.

The Serb, who sits at No. 23 in this week's WTA rankings, made the announcement via her website today. The new appointment to Team NaturAna continues the coaching merry-go-round which included her time with the adidas Baller Development Program and Sven Groenefeld, a short, unsuccessful stint with Craig Kardon and a return back to the arms of adidas.

Heinz is a highly regarded coach who has worked with past Grand Slam champions, most notably with Steffi Graf and briefly with Jennifer Capriati.

Could this coaching switch do the trick for NaturAna? It remains to be seen but it can't hurt to try something new at this point especially with someone who's had great success coaching big forehands on the tour. If he gets her to toss the ball somewhere, anywhere other than the doubles alley then he's made his money.

[Photo(s): Getty]

(UPDATED) THE LOW DOWN: A coaching switch for Nole in the works?

Rumor has it Novak Djokovic will have a new coach soon - former ATP baller Todd Martin.

According to the ESPN boys, the former Aussie Open + US Open finalist was spotted with Nole and his entourage on Wednesday in Montreal when speculation began to surface of a coaching switch. The Serb has been coached by Marián Vajda.

I guess this decision, if it becomes official, has been coming especially since Nole's game has clearly plateaued and he's moving in the wrong direction on the rankings ladder.

Stay tuned!

UPDATE: Thanks to reader vw for tipping me off what Nole had to say about the rumors of a coaching change. Via BLIC:

It’s been speculated a lot that I will be changing my coach, but I’m not considering the option at all. What’s true is that I will soon be reinforcing the coaching staff – currently composed of coach Marian Vajda and fitness coach Gebhard Phil-Gritsch – with an advisor-coach. I cannot disclose the name now, but the public will find out all about it within a few weeks.

Hmmm - seems he's beginning to follow Andy Murray's lead here. A new tour trend perhaps? I mean, if you can afford it and all.

(image via getty)

THE LOW DOWN: A new coach for JJ at Wimbledon?

Remember when Jelena Jankovic was asked about a possible coaching switch after her lost to Sorana Cirstea at Roland Garros?

Well, it seems she may have dumped Ricardo Sanchez. The boys on ESPN - Chris Fowler + Darren Cahill - mentioned she arrived to The All England Club with Chip Hooper, an apparently well-known coach from back in the day who teaches unorthodox methods including something called "karate tennis". WTF?!

It seems strange but somehow very fitting for JJ.

Anyone have any more info?

(image via getty)

BREAKING: Fed + Cahill will not be working together, "traveling" to blame says Godsick

The pairing of Roger Federer + Darren Cahill is over before it even began reports The New York Times:

Federer, the 13-time Grand Slam singles champion from Switzerland, and Cahill, one of the most successful coaches in tennis, have long been considered a likely match. Both are understated and analytical, and Federer has a strong connection with Cahill’s home country of Australia.

But according to Federer’s agent, Tony Godsick, Federer and Cahill will not be working together going forward, in large part because Cahill was not prepared to travel as extensively as Federer would have required. Cahill has two young children and is now based in Las Vegas, where he moved when he was coaching now-retired American star Andre Agassi. Cahill also has a second home in Adelaide, Australia.

“Darren’s a great guy, and personally I think it was a good fit, but it just didn’t go much further once it came down to the traveling,” Godsick said. “Darren thought about it once he got there. Roger is a guy who lives in Switzerland and trains in Dubai, and Darren has kind of set up a comfortable life in Vegas. And I think he realized that just being on the road 20-plus weeks would be too tough a go for him with his young family.”

Well that was a fun fantasy while it lasted (like 2 seconds). What is this The Bachelor? Maybe Fed just wasn't that into him. NEXT!!

Thanks neil in toronto for the tip off!

UPDATE: Okay the plot thickens. Apparently, Darren is the hit it and quit kind of guy - at least the way Fed tells it. Figures.

Via Tennisreporters.net:

He called me up after the Australian and asked me if I was still interested in working with him because we had contact in the last five years and after I decided not to play Davis Cup and Dubai [because of my bad back] he came to Dubai and worked a bit and we decided not to do it. It was test. He went back [home] and he told me it would be tough to do the travel with his kids and the weeks I required he couldn’t really do, so I never had to think and go too far and make a decision on my own. He took the decision for me.

I don’t have any technical flaws or problems working hard, maybe it’s about the little things, talking about the other players, some exercises in practice, it's having someone else around. But I’m very happy with the coach I have here, Severin Luthi [Switzerland's Davis Cup captain], he did all of last year, 35 weeks, so for me nothing really changes, I'll continue with the great team I have. We had a good time with Darren.

(image via gototennis)

THE LOW DOWN: Fed + Cahill working together in Dubai on "trial" basis says Godsick

According to GOTOTENNIS, Roger Federer has found his new coach, at least on a "trial" basis: Darren "Killer" Cahill. He, of course, famously worked with compatriot Lleyton Hewitt + Andre Agassi and has been in the broadcasting booth of late for ESPN's tennis Grand Slam coverage.

Fed's agent over at IMG, Tony Godsick, confirmed the pair have been working together in Dubai, rebuffed the rumor the Aussie was not his first choice, and even discusses the Swiss' recent back issues.

On Killer's new role:

The speculation is over in Dubai: Federer is working with Cahill. The Swiss, who is taking a timeout in order to spare his back, is testing his new coach in the desert.

Federer’s IMG Manager Tony Godsick confirmed: “Yes, the two have met in Dubai and played a few balls together.” More specifically: “It is a test for both. One can not yet say whether it will be something long term. They work together now and see how it works out. “

On the rumors:

The American manager is also denying the widespread opinion that Cahill was not Federer’s first choice: “The two have long had a great respect for each other. It was occasionally discussed. It’s a trial. Now that Roger’s had a break, anyway, because of his back, the timing was perfect for a test. So Roger’s with him and has reported that he’s arrived.“

This also means that Federer’s current companion Severin Lüthi no longer matters in the future? “No! As I said, with Darren it’s on a trial basis. And if it works, we will continue with Severin on the team. There is no question about it. “

On the recent back issues:

Federer underlined that his retirements from Dubai and the Davis Cup in Birmingham vs. the USA have nothing to do with the test-training with Cahill. “No one should question Roger’s honesty about his back. He made a selfish and unpopular decision, but it was the only possibility for his health and his back. He noticed that his back had a problem again and wanted to eliminate this before it could become a real handicap,” said Godsick.

Federer has trained hard for his back injury over the past 2 weeks with Pierre Paganini and is now totally in shape to play without any problems. He will come to California at the beginning of next week to play Indian Wells and Miami. It’s not certain, yet, if Cahill will be at his side, said Godsick. The possibility to work together came up in the last few weeks, and because of his will to always get better, Roger did not want to let this chance pass him by. “The test is important for both of them. Although they know and respect each other, it could be that their personalities do not match,” said Godsick.

I think it's a brilliant choice if the trial basis becomes permanent. Killer has a great tennis mind and sees the game in a very modern way. Hopefully, he'll offer Fed the much needed eyes into his opponents' games, most notably Rafael Nadal.

(image via news.com.au)

Matt Cronin gives insight on WTA coaching-go-round as told through Vaida + Ana

Matt Cronin for Tennisreporters.net has insight into some recent rides taken on the WTA's coaching-go-round by two lady ballers with very similar games:

Nicole Vaidisova is again being coached by her former coach and step dad again, Alex Kodat. She let go of David Felgate, who could do nothing with her outside of practice. But neither could Kodat prior to their emotional split. Her confidence is near nil. Coaching changes are both under and overstated in tennis. Take Ana Ivanovic’s recent hire of Craig Kardon, who coached Martina Navratilova and Jennifer Capriati, among others. If memory serves us correctly, when Capriati stopped working with Kardon, she went back to her dad, Stefano, and then to her brother, Stephen. She, Like Vaidisova, liked to her keep her family close. So did Mary Pierce, who also worked with Kardon. Pierce did dispense with her father Jim as a coach, but toward the end of her career, was primarily coached by her brother, David. And what of AI? Neither of her parents coach, but her mother runs a very tight ship and is extremely aware of the ins and outs of her daughter’s career. How long does Kardon last, and will he really have Ivanovic’s full attention?

Well, no surprise Vaida went back to her stepdad after her horrendous results recently. I mean, the only tourney appearances the girl makes these days is on the scrawny arm of The Worm. Kodat knows her game and personality very well and was the person who coached Vaida to two Grand Slam semifinals (Roland Garros '06, Aussie Open '07), two major quarterfinals (Roland Garros '07, Wimbledon '07), and a Top 10 spot. I don't think you can argue with those results, though I hope Kodat finally fixes the ferociously funky technique on her backhand side. Not pretty.


And what of Kardon's effect on Ana? Well, she had great results with Sven Groenefeld and he was only part-time. I imagine even if there isn't tons of closeness between these two (and she's been public about liking some distance with her coach), she could still get the best out of this relationship. Much of it depends on her attitude: if she can lighten up on herself and not expect perfection, Ana might just get out of her Serbian Slide with Craig's help.

Let's just hope she doesn't call on any old advice. *crosses fingers*

(images via Getty)

Ana settles on new coach, hires Craig Kardon

(Billie Jean King + Craig Kardon)

Ana Ivanovic has finally settled on a full-time coach.

The Roland Garros champ, who was rumored to be looking towards Dave Rineberg, has chosen American Craig Kardon. Kardon is a former pro who previously worked with Martina Navratilova (during her run to a record 9th Wimbledon title), Lindsay Davenport, Mary Pierce, Jennifer Capriati, Alexandra Stevenson, and Xavier Malisse. He also runs his own online coaching center.

Ana made the announcement via her website saying,

I’m happy to begin working with Craig. We’re going to see how it goes in the beginning and then I’ll make a decision about the longer-term future.

I feel like I made good progress during the Fed Cup tie and I’m not so far away from finding my old form. Craig has a lot of experience, he encourages attacking tennis and I am hopeful we will achieve some good results together.

Congrats to Kardon for the new gig and to Ana for making the decision to find a full-time coach with solid credentials. Let's hope he can get the Serb into top form before she has to defend her French Open title in about two months time.

(image via craigkardon.com)

Kiri dumps coach, talks Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

Like Ana Ivanovic, Maria Kirilenko has also made some changes in her personnel to help awaken her slumbering game.

The Russian, who fell in the first round to Sara Errani at the Aussie Open, has dumped her coach, Eric Van Harpen, for someone a little closer to home - her father Yuri Kirilenko:

It’s like in the life, sometimes you feel you need to change something. Especially in sport, when something doesn’t work. Eric helped me a lot, I learned a lot of new things thanks to him. We are still good friends with him and his daughter Laura.

Good news Kiri fans! It seems she's never had a clear idea of what her strengths and weaknesses are and, therefore, never had a solid game plan when taking the court. Hopefully, this new arrangement will spark new energy for the petite lady baller.


And, thanks to DtL reader Damien for tipping me off to Kiri's thoughts on her upcoming spread in this month's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue:

I have very good memories of the photo shooting for Sports Illustrated. I went to Dominican Republic with my mother. I was there for three days and I had a great time ! All days on the beach posing :-) I can tell I was busy all the days but it was so nice ! A great team worked with me. The great photographer Walter Iooss, I think it is a greatest photographer I ever work with. So, I can’t wait when the pictures come out ! There are coming 15th of February I guess.

Here we go again. I'll be curious to see if this lady baller can pull off the whole modeling/sex kitten moment.

*sigh*

(images via Getty)

THE LOW DOWN: Will Dave Rineberg become Ana's new coach?

Speaking of Ana Ivanovic, The Tennis Times is reporting DH Management, who represent the Serb, has been in talks with Dave Rineberg as a potential coach.

Ana most recently worked with Sven Groenefeld through adidas' baller development program but this set up prevented him from traveling with her full-time or coaching her if she competed against another adidas-sponsored baller. The 21-year old announced the split prior to the Aussie Open but the pair were spotted working together during some Melbourne practice sessions.

Rineberg previously coached Venus + Serena Williams and penned the book Venus & Serena, My Seven Years as Hitting Coach in 2005.

The Boca Raton-based coach was quoted as saying about the potential partnership,

I’d be honored and thrilled to coach Ms Ivanovic back to #1 on the WTA, I think there are only a few coaches who have coached a player to the #1 spot and for me well, I’ve coached the best girls in the world and I think Ms Ivanovic could out do them all.

Well Rineberg certainly has the right credentials so it could be a great move. But in any case, it's good to hear her management is moving quickly to get this coaching issue settled before Ana suffers any more bad losses.

(image via Getty)

SIGHTING: Sexy Borna Bikic smolders through JD's dream run

As excited as I am for Jelena Dokic to continue her dream run at the Aussie Open this week (and I really REALLY am), I'm equally excited about the fact that we'll all continue to get glimpses of her steaming hot coach Borna Bikic.

"Giiirl, it looks exactly how you'd imagine it would look - solid."

His toned arms and broad shoulders are seriously hinting at something scarily sexy underneath. *sweats + swoons*

Plus, he gets all emotional with his brother and JD's boyfriend, Tin, after her big win.

Is it possible to put in a request to the powers-that-be for a "Coach Cam"? I'm in (no pun intended, I swear.)

SIGHTING: Ana + Sven together again, hone game during Melbourne Park practice session

A natural Ana Ivanovic was spotted get her practice on under the watchful eye of Sven Groenefeld at Melbourne Park today.

The Roland Garros champ had announced the pair would not be continuing their partnership on a regular basis but then confirmed recently that Sven would be helping her at the Aussie Open.

It's good to see the 21-year old in Melbourne working with the man who helped her get the keys to the WTA Penthouse and her first major. But in the long-term, I do hope she finds a full-time traveling coach who can advise her along the way. She's still very much developing her game so an extra set of experienced eyes couldn't hurt.

More images from today's practice session below.





(image via PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

THE LOW DOWN: Ana + Sven part ways - will she be leaving adidas soon?

Reports have surfaced today that Ana Ivanovic has parted ways with Sven Groenefeld, the coach who helped the Serb earn her maiden Grand Slam at Roland Garros and the keys to the WTA Penthouse. She'll most likely be without a coach when she arrives in Melbourne for the Aussie Open in a fortnight.

This is an interesting development in light of rumors last September that Ana would be leaving adidas when her contract expired this year. I'm guessing the sports brand couldn't pony up the 10-year, $10 million per year option Team Ana was searching for, and with Sven part of adidas' baller development program this makes the decision to leave more likely now.

But today's news begs a bigger question: where will she land if she does leave adidas? A return to Nike seems the likely place since they'll have the funds and proper marketing for a baller of Ana's stature. Plus, she'll be free to hire a full-time, traveling coach now which could really help her game.

She's not the only Serb making significant changes at the start of '09, however. I've already posted about Novak Djokovic's switch from Wilson to HEAD in Queensland and there are also rumors Jelena Jankovic has left Reebok (Lacoste has been mentioned as the new sponsor) and possibly Prince for Wilson though no formal announcements have been made.

Stay tuned!

(via womenstennisblog.com, image via daylife.com)

A-Rod snags Larry Stefanki as new head coach

Thanks to an anonymous DtL reader of tipping me off to more Andy Roddick news!

The American baller has just announced Larry Stefanki will be his new coach.

A-Rod, who ended his coaching relationship with brother John this summer, had mentioned after withdrawing from the Masters Cup that there was "a short list" of potential coaches and he would decide in the coming weeks.

Stefanki last worked with Fernando Gonzalez who he helped reach the Aussie Open final last year and also coached Marcelo Rios and Yevgeny Kafelnikov to world No.1.

I'm taking the wait and see approach to this news. Obviously, a new voice and perspective could be very beneficial at this point in A-Rod's career and Stefanki is loaded with great experience. But I've always said the American's issues begin and end in his head so we'll see how this relationship plays out.

(image via Getty)

Tati, Dani, + Paul-Henri all want the same thing - who will win out?

Tatiana Golovin, Daniela Hantuchova, and Paul-Henri Mathieu are all vying for the same thing and only one of them can have it.

The three ballers are all interested in having Loic Couteau, who parted with Amelie Mauresmo last week after more than six years and two majors, as coach.

Loic told French sports paper L'Equipe he's temporarily working with Tati who resumed training this week after dealing with injuries most of this season. He also mentioned Dani contacted him recently about a possible coaching opportunity.

After his loss to Dmitry Tursunov in Metz, Paul-Henri told the press,

An experience with Loic Courteau could be interesting. It has to be seen whether we want similar things. Stay tuned.

No worries Paul-Henri...we will be. But in the meantime, my choice would be Tati: younger (20 y.o. versus Dani 25 and Paul-Henri 26), more long-term prospect, and probably not so set in her ways or game. And like Amelie, Loic could also help her keep these niggling injuries at bay and give her the consistency she's sorely lacking.

(images via Getty)

Gasquet looks to revive career, dumps coach Deblicker

You'd have to be deaf, dumb, and blind not to see this one coming: Richard Gasquet, who I've been none-too-kind towards for his failings this season, has decided to split with his coach since 2004, Eric Deblicker. The Frenchman will now be coached Guillaume Peyre from Team Lagardere, his management company.

The world no. 9 had this to say about his former coach:

Eric remains my friend and the one who helped me into the top 10.

Well this is a great first step in reviving his career and fulfilling his great potential - but I'm not holding my breath just yet.

(image via Getty)