(UPDATED) QUOTE OF THE DAY: Justine Henin

[The ball was] more out than on the line…it touched the line. I admit it now.

- Justine Henin on the 2004 Aussie Open final she won against Kim Clijsters, when a TV replay showed Kimmie's swing volley on break point at 3-4 in the decider was actually good though it was called long (pre-instant replay, obvs.)

Along with her recent explanation of "Handgate" at the 2003 French Open against Serena Williams it seems the now-retired-for-good Justine wants to finally have a clear conscious about all those controversial moments in her career.

But why now? Why drudge it all up? No one is asking for an explanation or an apology for that matter. In fact, it may just be throwing rock salt in the wounds of those involved all over again. It seems pointless besides giving her peace of mind.

As you and most other ballers love to say, the past is the past. Move on Justine.

[Photo(s): AP/PTI]

UPDATE: "The past is the past" my ass. Thanks palbi.

VIDEO VAULT: Djokovic, Agassi, Henin and Nadal

Click here to watch video

Novak Djokovic became the third baller, after Rafael Nadal + Roger Federer, to enroll in the ATP Art School after qualifying for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. He got his chance to roll around in paint (literally) and create his self-portrait to be auctioned off for charity. Nole's so lucky I wasn't on set and that the paint wasn't edible.

Click here to watch video

Here we go again. Following in the footsteps of Roger Federer + Andy Murray, Andre Agassi throws his hat in the trick shot ring with this promo spot for HEAD. I guess AA could hit the net post from the baseline. But from the stands? *scratches HEAD*

Click here to watch video

I know I'm a little late on this one but I had to post about it. Justine Henin has been known (at least around these here parts) to channel her inner Madonna so it should come as no surprise to see her live the dream and put on her own version of the Blonde Ambition Tour on Belgian TV show Cap 48. Either that or she's stuck in 1990 wearing the same get up. Believe me, it happens (see your local shopping mall.) Thanks Josh!

Click here to watch video

Rafael Nadal is featured in a new Spanish promo spot for insurance sponsor Mapfre. The World No. 1 is asked to answer questions about his personal interests and not about his life as a baller. It's filled with fun facts and funner faces - see pic. (via NadalNews)

MEDIA MASHUP: Henin, Murray, Ivanovic and Tsonga help adidas celebrate the Barricade

 

adidas held an event last night at their store in Soho, NYC to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Barricade. Justine Henin, Andy Murray, Ana Ivanovic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga were on hand to discuss their fave stories about the popular shoe and to help cut the Barricake:

I can't vouch for how it tasted (we weren't offered a slice so I stuck to the vodka at the bar - a little too much) but they sure did a good job of recreating the shoe. It was a pretty fun, intimate event and the ballers seemed to be in a relaxed mood taking some interviews and posing for pictures with the guests. I also got to spend time with The Karens of Global Village Tennis News and Tennis Identity and the boys of Tennis Served Fresh, Erwin + Nick. Make sure to check out TI's q & a with the Serb and TSF's q & a with Justine.

Oh and I can't forget about the highlight of my night. Thanks NaturAna! *smiles*

Here's video of the q & a session with the ballers and some footage of them cutting the Barricake. AND, there are more images from the night below!

[Photo(s): DtL]

PHOTO OP: Clijsters beats Serena at "Best of World" event, sets new attendance record

The "Best of Belgium" exhibition event, renamed the "Best of World" after Justine Henin was replaced by Serena Williams in the match due to an elbow injury, set a new world record for attendance at a tennis match with 35,681 spectators surpassing the previous record of 30,472 set by the "Battle of the Sexes" match in 1973 featuring Billie Jean King + Bobby Riggs.

Kimmie defeated an injured ReRe (foot) 6-3, 6-2 with 18-time Grand Slammer Martina Navratilova serving as chair umpire and Roland Garros champ Francesca Schiavone making a surprise appearance.

"I was here often as a little girl to come and watch football," said Kimmie referring to her late father, Leo, who played soccer in the stadium. "That I can actually play here is very special and emotional. I said to myself a few times: 'Remember this moment well.'"

The event, held at King Baudouin Stadium, raised money for charity and marked Belgium's 6-month presidency of the European Union. It concluded with a concert and fireworks.

Check out more images from the record-setting moment below!







[Photo(s): Sport.Be]

Justine Henin out two months with partial ligament fracture, will miss U.S. Open

Justine Henin has suffered a "partial ligament fracture" to her right elbow and will need two months to recover forcing her out of next month's U.S. Open and the "Best of Belgium" exhibition match with Kim Clijsters on July 8.

The injury occurred during the opening set of her fourth round match against Kimmie at Wimbledon this week. She received medical treatment for the elbow but continued to play on. She eventually lost 2-6, 6-2, 6-3.

"This injury will keep me away from the courts for roughly two months, with the consequence that I have to withdraw from my US round of tournaments, including the US Open," said the 7-time Grand Slammer. "In four weeks, I'll take complementary medical examinations that will give me certainty about the end of this season."

Kimmie just confirmed Serena Williams as the replacement for Justine at the "Best of Belgium" exhibition over Twitter.

Let's hope she recovers well!

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

HE SAID/SHE SAID: Wimbledon Day Five

Q. You're the greatest mind we have in our sport, the greatest comic. We're in the print media. Before you did your imitation of John Isner, what qualities would you think before you went into a monologue?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: You know, the interesting thing is we do a player's show in Monte‑Carlo every year. So Isner‑Mahut is definitely going to be there, is definitely going to take a very funny sketch for next year's show.

Q. Is it going to be Michael Jackson doing John Isner?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Actually, we were talking about getting that show into public more because if, of course, nobody minds, the players who are taking a part on that show, which I think is going to be very interesting for the people to see players in some other activities off the court. I have been doing it for last five years.

Let me tell you, I've been enjoying every single moment of it. I just like having fun.

The locker room sketches are always the one that is the funniest. It's where the players show their real characters, if you know what I mean.

Q. You played Justine 24 times. Is it still something special, emotional to play her?

KIM CLIJSTERS: I mean, obviously, you know, like you said, 24 times, it's obviously not the same as in the beginning. But, yeah, it's still a little bit different I think than playing ‑‑ but then I don't know. I mean, when I have to play Serena, you're also a little bit more tense. You know, it's just playing those big players, you know, those top players, that's what makes it more special.

I think if I had to play Venus or Serena or Maria, that would also be very special. So, yeah, you just put a little bit more focus into all your preparation and everything.

Q. Is your relationship different than before your comebacks of you both or is it the same?

KIM CLIJSTERS: Yeah, I think so. I think it is. It's not that in a way that it's completely black‑and‑white difference. But I think we've definitely grown up. I think we've, you know, had great times together playing Fed Cup and just, you know, messaging each other on phones, teasing each other, fun, you know, relax. I think that's how I would have liked it to have always been.

Q. You've been to a lot of special events. Anything at all surprising about your experience with the Queen? What did you enjoy the most about it?

ROGER FEDERER: Just enjoyed sitting right next to her at lunch really and getting a chance to know what kind of a person she is, because you hear a lot obviously about people of her status.

It was nice. She was very friendly, very relaxed. You could tell she's done this a million times, you know. She made everybody feel very special at the table, one of those things you'll never forget, and be able to tell to your kids or someone down the line.

Q. Did she have any sensibility at all towards our sport in terms of references or knowledge?

ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, she knew about my tough first round. She knew she was going to watch Andy obviously at 1 p.m. She knew about the Isner‑Mahut match. She also was very excited to be back at Wimbledon finally, that her schedule allowed it, because usually she said she was in Scotland during this time. We were all very thrilled she finally made it.

Q. What did she mention about your first round and about Isner?

ROGER FEDERER: She said I should hit more backhand down the line (laughter).

No, she didn't go into details.

Q. How would you describe your style of play and Kim's, the similarities and differences?

JUSTINE HENIN: Well, I mean, our careers, we grew up at the same time. We arrived at the top at the same time. We almost retired at the same time. We almost came back at the same time. So we very close.

But in terms of game, of course, we play different kind of tennis. Kim is very powerful, but she's moving very well, and she has big weapons in his game. A real fighter also. The attitude is unbelievable.

And I just try to use these different kind of things. I have to move forward. I have to be very aggressive if I want to have a chance. I know what I'll have to do. But it's going to be a question of ‑‑ it's not that easy to do it on the court. So to do it on the court...

I would say in our first career, we never played our best tennis against each other. This year it's been two times 7‑6 in the third, so very close and I hope it's going to be another good one.

Q. How has your relationship evolved?

JUSTINE HENIN: Our relationship is very good. We can feel we grew up a lot, both of us. I mean, Kim, of course, having a baby, and the distance I took also for two years.

We had a fantastic time in the Fed Cup tie together. Probably discover each other not differently than in the past, but we more adults now, and we have a lot of respect. So, of course on the court, I mean, we both want to win, but the relationship is very good.

Q. Is it true that you drink a lot of coconut water? Do you feel that was one of your secret weapons the last couple days?

JOHN ISNER: Yeah, I actually do. I've been drinking that for a while now, a company called ‑‑ it's called Vita Coco. It helps rehydrate me really well. Years past I'd have issues with cramping. But ever since I've started drinking that the night before, the day of my match, I've nipped that problem in the bud.

[Pssst! Coconut water is awesome. That is all.]

Q. You probably heard this from some of your compatriots, but two years ago there were six Russian women in the top 10; now there's only one, Elena. Is it because of age or injuries? Why do you think that's happening?

VERA ZVONAREVA: You know, you cannot be on top of your game and play the best tennis the whole career. It happened that all of us were playing very good tennis at the same time and get into the top 10. It's not easy. It's very, very hard.

Now it seems like quite a few players got injured, like you can see with Dinara was struggling a lot, I was struggling, and other players as well. You know, injuries, they always put you back a little bit, and it's tough to recover.

I think one of the best players who can do it very well is Serena, because she's not able to play for a long time due to injuries and then come back and still play very strong.

But, um, otherwise, injuries always tough to recover from. It seems like we all got even Elena, you know, she couldn't come here and play here. She had to withdraw in a semifinal of a Grand Slam.

So I think it's just a coincidence of everything together: everyone being in the great form and then everyone suddenly getting injured at the same time. It's a little bit downhill, maybe.

But I'm sure all of us, we're good players, and I'm sure we will get back to that level.

Q. Who do you think would win a WAG‑off between the tennis WAGS and the soccer wags?

ANDY RODDICK: That just sounds dirty. You just said 'WAG‑off.' I'm not going to answer that.

[Photo(s): Getty Images, Zvonareva: Reuters]

(UPDATED) HE SAID/SHE SAID: Wimbledon Day Three

(Hey guys, I'll update with Isnut quotes whenever their match ends, be it today, tomorrow or in Week 2 as well as the others who postponed their pressers to watch this insanity.)

Q. Llodra is working with Mauresmo. What do you make of that?

ANDY RODDICK: That's fine. It seems to be working. Listen, a lot of times if someone can communicate and get through to you, then that's the person you need to be with. If they communicate in the right ways, and you get along with them, you can handle being on the road with them, then it's a good fit.

A couple of people have talked to me. I think they think it's a lot weirder than I do. I think so far it's been great. To Michael's credit, down two sets to one, he started getting maybe a little frustrated, came back. The first point of the fourth set, he was vocal, C'mon, right away. He kind of kept it together out there real well.

So far I would consider it the right move.

Q. Is playing on grass the most fun just because it's soft?

KIM CLIJSTERS: It is. It is. But then I also like those intense rallies where you push off, you know. It's more physical, but I like that. But yet again, yeah, it's a completely different game. There's so much more thinking involved. I like that part about it, as well. I think, you know, you have to really adjust yourself.

I can't move the same on this surface than I can on hard court. I think it takes time to get used to that. But that's the part that I probably like the most, is finding your best on a different surface.

Q. What are the changes you have to make for moving on the grass?

KIM CLIJSTERS: You can't just push off. I mean, you can't just, you know, split and run forward. You have to be a little more careful. You can slide a little bit more faster. Especially when it's hot, the grass, it's not as green anymore, it starts to die off a little bit. Those parts are definitely a lot more slippy than other parts. That's where you have to be a little bit more careful.

Obviously being lower is something that your body has to adjust to. But, uhm, it's good. I think it's a fun surface. Too bad it doesn't, you know, last the season. The grass court season is not that long.

Q. The history has been written while you play, because it's 46-46 in the fifth set. 8 hours and 15 minutes. What are your thoughts about that?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I mean, what can you say about that? I mean, I am very surprised. Everybody's watching it in the locker rooms, everywhere. That's the longest match by far any tournament, any Grand Slam. Of course, two big servers.

But I'm amazed that they can both hold their serves this comfortably for the whole day. I mean, it's unbelievable. You have to give them credit, both of them.
Whoever wins today, I think both of them are winners. Obviously, the loser will be disappointed. Yeah, I don't know, maybe they should agree on playing tiebreak if it's 50 All. That's maybe one of the solutions (laughter).

Q. When you were out of the game, was it very frustrating? Did you think about the fact that you were so close but never won the title?

JUSTINE HENIN: I was not frustrated when I was away. Maybe a little more now. Still I get more opportunities.

It's true, you know, when I go back and I think about what happened especially, I wouldn't say 2007, but I would talk about 2006 in the final against Mauresmo, I had the control of the match, I was up a set. You know, when you look back like this, you say, You should keep the intensity. The motivation has to be so high at the time because you're just a set away to win the only Grand Slam you never won.

But when you on the court, when you in the situation, you give everything. It's true that when you can take the distance a few years later, you say, Maybe I should have give more. But when you on the court, you know, at that moment, that's not that easy.

I had a few opportunities in 2007 also. But even if you feel so close, you still so far. Because, you know, until the last point is not over, you never know really what to expect. Emotionally I was a bit too short all the time.

I can play well on grass. I think I proved it enough in the past, beating Serena here in 2007, had pretty good results. But it was, you know, always the last thing to do.

Well, it's good, yeah. I still have a challenge in my career right now.

Q. Do you think the frustrations from all the points you mentioned from '06, will that always be with you until you win the championship?

JUSTINE HENIN: Well, I wouldn't talk about the frustration. It's been one of the most difficult moments of my career, that is for sure. But when I look back, you know, just thinking about that little girl that wanted to win a Grand Slam, and we talk about the only Grand Slam I never won.

I think the way is just unbelievable. Everything I did in my career is just unbelievable. And I have other challenges now. Wimbledon is one of them.

I don't know really what I can expect or what will happen. So I wouldn't talk about frustration. I think it's something I was dreaming about, but not enough maybe. So we'll see in the future.

Q. Were you preferred to have been in the other half of the draw so you get to play for the Queen tomorrow?

VENUS WILLIAMS: You can't choose those kind of things. Of course, I always want the honor of coming back to play Tuesday at 1. Something I'll be fighting for this year.

Q. Do you have a better curtsy than Serena?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Her curtsy is unreal. If she ever demonstrates it for you, it's going to blow your socks off.

Q. She'd win a curtsy off with you?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Absolutely.

Q. What do you make of Serena not playing on centre tomorrow?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Is she not?

Q. Is she going to be disappointed?

VENUS WILLIAMS: I don't know. I guess you'll find out tomorrow when you ask her.

Q. If she's been practicing her curtsy, presumably she would have been hoping to play on centre, maybe expecting it?

VENUS WILLIAMS: I don't know, yeah.

Q. Have you talked about it at all?

VENUS WILLIAMS: No, not at all.

UPDATE:

Q. Are you aware that the longest tennis match is going on right now?

ROGER FEDERER: I am aware, yes. I'd be a fool if I wouldn't know.

Q. Having that in mind, do you think it does make some sense to have a fifth set tiebreak like the US Open?

ROGER FEDERER: I think it's perfect the way it is. It's unfortunate these guys are going to be a little bit tired tomorrow and the next day and the next week and the next month. I've been following this as closely as I could. I walked on court at about 11 All in the fifth. They're still going. This is absolutely amazing, yeah.

I mean, in a way, I wish I was them, in some ways I wish I wasn't them. So this is a very special match. I hope somehow this is going to end. I don't know. They'll be fresh again tomorrow, I guess. If they have to come back, it's unbelievable. I don't know what to say.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

(UPDATED) He Said/She Said: Wimbledon Day One

Q. How did you find the speed of the court?

ROGER FEDERER: Well, the thing here, there's no bad bounces. You can just stick at the baseline, half volley, not panic when a guy moves in. You can always flick it at the end. Obviously they're not the fastest courts anymore. Depends obviously how you play, as well.

If you've got a massive serve and you can just outright overpower a guy, then obviously it's fast. But a guy who is that agile at the baseline like Falla makes it very difficult to play against, because he can neutralize you, plays a flat ball, doesn't miss much. You've got to take chances. Today the chances I took were not working.

Q. You'll see a more muted response here to what you were wearing here than in Paris?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Here it's all about white. There is no illusion this time. My dress was inspired by Tina Turner. So, you know, still had the lace motif. I think it's just a fun, elegant dress.

Q. How inspired by her?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Tina Turner? I love her. I love Tina Turner. Obviously, she's just an amazing, amazing artist, just a survivor. She reinvented herself. Plus she looks great. I've loved her forever. So the dress is really inspired by her.

Q. You had to wait over four hours to get on Court 1 today. What did you do in that time?

ANDY RODDICK: Play some Monopoly. Dominated some Scrabble. I watched some tennis. Watched some football. That was pretty much it.

Q. Trying to win here was your major motivating force I think for coming back. Does that put a lot of pressure on you?

JUSTINE HENIN: No, I don't ‑‑ I mean, it's been one of the reasons why I decided to come back. When I saw Roger winning the French Open, I started to say, Well, I miss Wimbledon. That will be fantastic. I don't know if it will happen one day.

That remains a dream for me. In another way, I'm very realistic as it's a year of transition, and I had some opportunities in the past, you know, that I could never take.

But still a few more to come. But I don't put a lot of pressure on myself at the moment as I know it's been very good things in this season, but some ups and downs.

The pressure of a Grand Slam is always different. Physically, mentally and emotionally it takes much more from you.

So if I can make it one day, that would be, I mean, an amazing achievement, you know, thinking about this little girl that was dreaming of winning a Grand Slam. It's the only one I never won in the past, so that would be fantastic.

I hope it become a goal one day and true. But it's still very early to think about this.

Q. After the match, Roger Federer said he should have lost that match. Do you agree with that?

ALEJANDRO FALLA: Of course. I knew I had a big chance serving for the match. He told me that I play amazing after the match. So it's true. I knew I was playing very well since the beginning. I just wanted to go out to the court and play my best.

I played him three times in one month, in the last three tournaments. So I was kind of used to play against him. But, well, I am happy because I play a great match. I got to keep working because I have to improve still a few things. But I'm happy because I play very well today.

Q. Months after the US Open, how do you look at that period of your life?

KIM CLIJSTERS: I mean, I don't look back at it that much. Obviously, I kind of live in the moment. But it's a beautiful memory, obviously. You know, I was very happy that I was able to share it with my family.

But it was at the time also confusing, just because of the changes, you know, throughout that whole year that had happened. But it's a beautiful memory. Yeah, we cherish it very deeply.

THE MODERATOR: Can we change language now?

KIM CLIJSTERS: Chinese (laughter)?

Q. Is this the trickiest Grand Slam for you? Because you say you have to adapt fast to grass and get your act together as quick as possible.

JELENA JANKOVIC: Yeah, you know, it's a totally different game. You know, the points are very short. Uhm, there's not really much time for anything, you know. You got to get your first ‑‑ you know, whoever gets the first strike most likely wins the point. And especially serving well and returning well are the most important things.

You know, adjusting, finding your timing and your movement, I think it's completely different, of course, to, you know, clay courts or hard courts. But I'm trying my best, you know, to get used to it.

Q. Would it be to you the most elusive of all the Grand Slams for you to win, the most difficult to win?

JELENA JANKOVIC: Probably this one (laughter). Especially for me, I didn't have much time to practice on grass. You know, I didn't play any warmup tournament before this. So today was my first match. It's never easy. You know, it's a completely different game.

Q. Sport and tennis is a game of highs and lows. I guess you've gone from being incredibly high in Paris last month to being very disappointed today. What went wrong out there for you?

FRANCESCA SCHIAVONE: Was tough match. Was different surface, different feeling.

But she played very good and I didn't take my chance maybe in the second set. It's much more easy when you don't serve so good and when you don't catch your chance, particularly on the grass.

Q. How has the last month since Paris been for you? How have you celebrated? What have you done to get focused again?

FRANCESCA SCHIAVONE: I work like every day I did in my life. Of course, you can enjoy. But at the end you have to come back to work.

***I may update this post with a Nole and/or Rochi quote about their 5-setter. That's if they give as good as the gave today.

UPDATE:

Q. Do you feel like you got out of jail tonight?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Meaning on...

Q. As in you were lucky to escape with a win tonight?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I don't think I was too lucky. Actually, I had a kind of big match and big challenge with myself. As soon as I was starting to play aggressive and well, I

was winning in the match. Fourth and fifth set, especially in the fifth set, I showed the real game, the game that I should play.

You know, it was great match, of course. Rochus is a very tricky player, especially on grass. He has a very low balance and he rarely gives you free points. You have to work for all the points.So I dropped the level of serve, and I started to give him too much opportunities and he used it. So that's why I did have a big struggle against him. But I was very happy that in the end I managed to find the real game.

Q. Whenever you went off for the break to bring the roof across, what did your team say to you to get you geared up for the remainder of the match?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, you know, it is all part of the sport, and you have to deal with it. I think the break kind of helped me a little bit, because I didn't feel great at that moment on the court. So to have a little half an hour of the break and just relax and focus and reset my game and my mind was helpful.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]