Shrieka tops Vika in LA - grunts, fist pumps, headbands and all

In the Headband Hall of Fame's most high-profile lady baller battle thus far, Maria Sharapova grabbed the biggest win in her comeback to date knocking off World No. 9 and third seed Victoria Azarenka 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-2 in LA's second round.

Apparently, the Russian relished the challenge Vika presented:

I loved it. You expect that against her. She's a great retriever and makes you hits tons of balls. I had to come in with a good game plan and a smart one. I think I did good job adjusting out to the circumstances. I am pleased.

I knew I was going to have to dig deep and try to find ways. I'm pretty happy with the way I was able to hang in with her and really step up when had to. That was the difference between us.

And what of the unexpected third shrieker in the match: the crying baby in the crowd? "Did I hear the baby? My mother in Russia heard the baby," the 3-time Grand Slammer replied.

Sarcastic much? Anyway, great win for Shrieka. This victory should do well for her confidence going forward since Vika is a strong ball striker on the rise and fights to the end. As for the Belarussian, the loss shouldn't hurt her too much since she's playing her first tourney since Wimbledon. She'll have plenty of time to get her game in gear for Flushing Meadow.

And what of this fist pumping, headband-wearing craze? Well it seems the ladies aren't alone in their love this week:


(images via getty)

(UPDATED) FASHION FIX: Rafa gets white + purple for Wimbledon defense - but will he show?

After a disappointing fourth round loss in Paris, Rafael Nadal will be highly focused on defending his turf at The All England Club next week.

The Mallorcan Matador will be working the Nike Double Bold Men's Tennis Polo Shirt ($48) in white which features a 2-button placket and a shadow dot print design. This top will be paired with the white Dri-FIT Woven Men's Tennis Short ($38) with its window pane design and slightly longer length.


The Air Max Courtballistec 1.3 makes its return but this time it's made specifically for the grass with nubbies on the sole and featured in white + purple (a royal color for the current king of grass - how fitting.)


Rafa will also sport the Wimby colors of purple + green on the headband and wristbands during his defense.



The polo and shorts were taken from the Nike UK site so I'm hoping the actual pieces he wears will have the purple Nike swooshes and NOT the black.

But the big question is: will Rafa be fit enough to defend his Wimby crown after his recent knee issues? Well, according to The All England Club's Twitter, he's already there:


UPDATE: Proof is in the puddin' peeps. Check it.

(images via nike, TW)

FASHION FIX: The juniors take stage with style and flair

The US Open juniors tournament got underway this weekend, with some of tennis' future champions getting their game on. Stephen Donald of Australia, the boys' No. 13 seed, caught our fashion eye with his checkerboard headband, a throwback to fellow Aussie and past champion Pat Cash, and the great grey and red combo. We love his outfit, and we hope his game is full of the same flair. Unfortunately, Stephen was knocked out today by unseeded American Jeff Dadamo - great for the US, but bad for fashion...