MEDIA MASHUP: Rafa + Iker host charity event, bring friends to help fight malaria

Rafael Nadal + Iker Casillas held their second annual "Friends of Iker vs. Friends of Rafa" charity event to fight malaria last night at Madrid's Palacio de los Deportes.

The team's competed in three events including a kart race, one-set tennis match, and a soccer match. Rafa's team featured Carlos Moyá, Jorge Lorenzo, Raúl González, Almudena Cid, Carlos Sastre, Marcos Senna, Novak Djokovic, Sergio García, Carlos Sainz, Sete Gibernau and Samuel Eto'o.

Iker's team members included David Ferrer, Carmen Jordá, Feliciano López, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Santi Cazorla, Sergio Ramos, Alberto Contador, Dani Sordo, Alvaro Bautista, Kanouté and Fernando Alonso.


Although the teams pulled a draw in the tennis match, Team Iker grabbed wins in the kart race and soccer match and won overall.

Check out more images from the event!

Rafa competing in an obstacle course?

The Mallorcan Matador kicks go-kart arse, takes names

A cleaned-up Novak Djokovic hits the press line looking uber-sexy

Carlos Moya: your hairline's falling and it can't get up...

David Ferrer hit the press line too. Does anyone else think he looks better out of his tennis gear than in?

The man of the moment

Here are some video highlights from the big night...translations always welcomed in the comment section!

CHECK IT:

(images via Getty)

The Andy Roddick Foundation auctioning off VIP Guest Passes for Sony Ericsson Open

From Team A-Rod: How would you like to be a guest of Andy Roddick in Miami next season?

The Andy Roddick Foundation, who just announced their partnership with the New York City Food Bank to help raise money for the organization, is auctioning off VIP Guest Passes for a day at the Sony Ericsson Open.

Four VIP passes are up for grabs "which allows access to the player's lounge. If Andy is playing, you will be a guest in his player box. If not, guests will accompany Andy to an on-court practice court!"

Bidding online opened today and runs through December 6. Click here for more information and to make a bid.

Good luck!

(image via Getty)

PHOTO OP: Serena returns to Africa, hosts clinic for children with AIDS

Serena Williams, whose season ended due to injury at the WTA Championships last week, has already made her way back to Africa on a couple of charitable missions.

The 9-time Grand Slammer is slated to visit Kenya to inaugurate the Serena Williams Secondary School in partnership with Build African Schools initiative and Hewlett Packard on Friday, November 14.

She also made her way to South Africa for the computer giant to host a tennis clinic for children with AIDS.

Via her blog:

I'm back in Africa. For the first time I'm visiting Johannesburg - South Africa. I'm here as a Global Ambassador for Hewlett Packard (HP). As a Global Ambassador I am traveling to different countries to promote HP's products, as well as participating in local charities to help people. Earlier in March, I went to India to promote the new HP computers- the super compact designs! It was awesome fun!

Today I'm working as an HP Ambassador in Johannesburg and we are working with the Starfishgreatheart Charity. (Yes it is one word) This charity helps give aid, care, and housing to kids with AIDS. These kids are mostly born with AIDS and they don't have the care that they need or can live with. The kids I met today were orphans. It was so sad to see them in this situation. They had so much hope and love in their eyes, yet a ting of sadness behind their pupils bringing me to tears.

Today we had a clinic with the kids! It was so fun. By the end of the day all the kids were laughing, smiling, and having the time of their lives!!! I was so happy for them! I saw a girl that was sooo pretty. I kept thinking she is too pretty and her personality is too big to have AIDS. It was sad to see. You realize that AIDS has no discrimination and no barriers. It pained me to see such wonderful kids with sadness in their hearts, but hope and love in their eyes.

HP donated funding to the Starfishgreatheart Charity. They are such a great company to be involved with working with such wonderful charities. I hope to see these kids again, and I hope today that we affected their lives by bringing life into their eyes and into their souls. I'm going to be in Africa for a little over a week. On Thursday we are going to Kenya to do the same thing. Let us all appreciate each day we have, and love each day.

(images via serenawilliams.com)

Maria Sharapova + Lebron James join up to fight poverty

Tennis gives back: Basketball fan Maria "Shriek"apova has teamed up with superstar Lebron James for an ad campaign to fight global poverty.

The 20-year old, who is the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Goodwill Ambassador, stars in the campaign that will focus on the idea of "Teaming Up Against Poverty" to reach the program's goals. The initiative will feature 50 celebrities including soccer greats Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane along with Maria and Lebron and has been shot by world-reknowned photographer Patrick Demarchelier (below).


Let's hope this ad goes over better than Lebron's recent Vogue cover with Gisele Bundchen.

(image via tennisweek.com + undp.org)

SIGHTING: A-Rod models, autographs and plays Wii at Bloomingdale's in NYC

As I mentioned yesterday, Andy Roddick made his way back to New York City to make a personal appearance at the Lacoste store and Bloomingdale's in Midtown to help the iconic brand celebrate its 75th Anniversary. In honor of the celebration, 10 percent of Lacoste store and Bloomindale's sales yesterday were donated to The Andy Roddick Foundation.


A-Rod took some time for modeling, autographs and some Wii Tennis action with some lucky fans. But one question A-Rod: what's up with the hairy situation on your face?

And, if you haven't checked out the Lacoste site recently, take a peek. The brand now has a Lacoste Sport section featuring interviews + anecdotes with their tennis ballers including A-Rod in "On the Rod", Tatiana Golovin in "Tatiana's World", A-Rod + Tatiana in "Grass Memories", A-Rod + Richard Gasquet in "Clay Memories", and all three in "Hard Court". Good stuff.

(image via wireimage.com, msnbc.com, jezebel.com)

Rafael Nadal launches Foundation, "I am doing very well and I owe society," says Rafa

Rafa makes good: As I wrote about last week Rafael Nadal, joined by the entire Nadal clan, launched the Rafa Nadal Foundation today at the Manacor Tennis Club in Mallorca, Spain. The Foundation will focus on social work and development aid and "seek to promote 'sport as an integration tool for those groups in most need," focusing particularly on childhood and youth.'" Ana Maria Parera, Rafa's mom, will chair the organization and father Sebastian will be vice-chairman. Coach and uncle Toni Nadal and his agent, former tennis player Carlos Costa, will also be involved.

The World No. 2 was interviewed about the Foundation and he had this to say:

On why Rafa decided to start a Foundation:
"This can be the beginning of my future, when I retire and have more time,[...] I am doing very well and I owe society, [...] A month-and-a-half ago I was in Chennai, in India. The truth is we live great here....I can contribute something with my image..."

On being inspired by the Red Cross benefit match with Real Madrid's Iker Casillas:
"We raised an amount of money that we would never have imagined. I have to thank Iker, my project partner, who went all out for it, [...] That is why the time has come to set up my own foundation and determine the destination of the money."

On the advice Roger Federer gave Rafa on being involved in philanthropy:
"I have talked a lot about this with Roger, and he tells me that when you are there it is something that fills you with satisfaction. And I think the time has come, it is a beautiful time for my life and for my career."

Big shout out to Down the Line reader Maxwell for the info!

(image via clarin.com)

FASHION FIX: Maria Sharapova lucky again, auctions off signed Aussie Open dress

All Maria wannabes listen up: It seems someone left memories of the cursed Nike dress from last season in the dust. Maria "Shriek"apova's elegant Nike Aussie Open Flora dress, the lucky one she wore during her championship run last month, has been signed by the Russian fashionista herself and is now being auctioned off to benefit The Maria Sharapova Foundation. Here's the (very) detailed description via her website:

"Maria's dress uses a neutral pallet that is heavily influenced by a modern off-white color, which also calls out to the natural and organic look that was derived from the Australian countryside. Maria wanted something that was young and funky but had very definitive detailing. To accomplish this, Nike had to first look back to the function of the game and the environment. Maria's dress combines a lightweight polyester jersey with mesh. Symmetrically placed mesh inlays are in the center front and center back of her dress so that she has zone cooling. As for Maria's interest in fine detailing, the mesh gives the garment a 360-degree texture. The front panels are pleated and tucked and the hem of the dress is also meshed and pleated. This gives a contrast in fabrication, but provides depth, movement and texture."

The deadline for bids is February 25th at 3pm. To make a bid, click here.

(images via AP Photo/Rob Griffith)

Tennis gives back: Rafa Nadal Foundation to launch on February 13

Rafael Nadal is giving back in a big way. According to his website, the World No. 2 is launching the Rafa Nadal Foundation on February 13th in his hometown of Mallorca, Spain with more details to come. Here's the invitation + media alert for the event - we're loving the logo:

Is anyone out there planning to go? Let us know!

Serena, Mardy, and Tatiana join James Blake for Anthem LIVE!

Last week, Davis Cup champion James Blake hosted Anthem LIVE! in Norfolk, VA. a benefit tennis match that supports cancer research (James' father, Thomas, died of stomach cancer in 2004). The event was held at the Old Dominion University's Ted Constant Convocation Center and also featured Serena Williams, Mardy Fish, and Tatiana Golovin.

Here's how it went down via James' site:

"On Thursday it was Anthem LIVE! day in Norfolk. I got there in the late afternoon right as Serena and Tatiana Golovin were hitting a few balls. Then it was off to the player lounge where James dedicated a few of his books for fans like Onsaya, who happened to be in the audience! James also explained the intricacies of the IPhone to Tatiana. You can still get book dedications if you are interested, just email me. James went out first to square off for a set against Mardy Fish. James pulled it out 6-4."

"Then Serena and Tatiana played a set, with Serena winning by the same score. After a short performance by native Virginian Elliot Yamin, which mesmerized the players, James, Serena, Mardy and Tatiana all came out for a little mixed doubles fun. A good time for all, especially super fan Cristen Leaper, and plenty of money raised to help fight the battle against cancer. Afterwards, everyone convened in the restaurant/bar of the hotel, and Norfolk resident and perennial pro bowler Bruce Smith joined the group. It's fun hanging out with this crew!"

(images via dailypress.com)

Sharapova, Blake, and Schultz join Roddick for Charity Weekend

Andy Roddick held his 7th annual Charity Weekend in Boca Raton, FL this past weekend. Maria "Shriek"apova, James Blake, and Brenda Schultz joined the American for some slipping and sliding on the green clay. According to Andy's website:

"On Saturday evening at the dinner-dance and auction, Andy, Boyd Tinsley of the Dave Matthews Band, Maria Sharapova, and Brenda Schultz all came together to
help raise funds and have a good time with all 475 guests in attendance."

"A variety of silent auction items such as sports memorabilia, vacations, and dinner certificates were up for the taking during cocktail hour, followed by thelive auction during dinner with 13 lucky winners. One of those winners was Mrs. Roddick, and she was the lucky lady who won the first dance with Andy, which was purchased by Maria Sharapova for her. Then, a dance with Maria was auctioned off."

"With everyone’s dancing shoes on in the season of giving, they celebrated their success by burning up the dance floor. On Sunday, the foundation had the free Kids Zone in the morning and then Andy played in celebrity exhibition
matches with Maria, Davis Cup compatriot James Blake, Brenda, and Boyd."

(images via exposay.com)

Jelena Jankovic joins UNICEF as National Ambassador to Serbia

TENNIS 2007 Shank Award winner Jelena Jankovic attended a press conference in Belgrade today where she was officially appointed a UNICEF Ambassador to Serbia. The World No. 3 joins Roger Federer, who recently filmed a World AIDS Day spot for UNICEF, and fellow Serb Ana Ivanovic as ambassadors for the global organization.

(image via DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP/Getty Images)

FASHION FIX: Maria Sharapova auctions off US Open Nike evening dress, purges remaining bad energy

It's official: Maria "Shriek"apova has moved on from her US Open '07 nightmare. Back in October, the Russian fashionista purged herself of bad energy by auctioning off the white Nike day dress she wore while suffering two straight disappointing losses.

Now comes word via her site that the red Nike evening dress, autographed by Maria, is gonners too. The frock is being auctioned off to benefit the Maria Sharapova Foundation and will be available for bids through Wednesday, December 19th.

To take a chance at grabbing the dress, click here.

SIGHTING: Seles, Davenport, and King gather for March of Dimes award luncheon

Three of tennis' greatest champions attended the March of Dimes 24th Annual Sports Luncheon at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. Monica Seles was on hand to present The Corporate Leadership Award to Chairman and CEO of IMG Ted Forstmann.


Lindsay Davenport was the recipient of The Sportswoman of the Year Award (strange since she only officially returned to tennis action this fall, but okay) and grabbed a photo-op with the legendary Billie Jean King.


(images via WaldorfAstoria.com, wireimage)

Roger Federer films TV spot to commemorate World AIDS Day

Roger Federer has filmed a public service announcement to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS transmission from mothers to their children. The PSA supports the Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS campaign, launched by UNICEF and UNAIDS to draw attention to the impact of the disease on children and young people. The World No. 1 is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and joins David Beckham, Amitabh Bachchan, Susan Sarandon, Roger Moore, Shakira and basketball stars from the NBA and more than 40 international cricketers in recording a video message about HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.

In a statement, Federer said, "I’ve seen kids in South Africa [his birth town] who’ve been affected and it’s a very big problem, especially in the poorer countries, [...] It’s important to break down discrimination and stigma. Many people always think ‘I can’t talk to this person’, but I think it’s very important to speak openly about it. Ask your parents, teachers and coaches.”

“Sports have always been a great part of my life. It brings people together, so it’s easier to talk about a subject like HIV, [...] Sport inspires you to move on in life, and it’s important to speak together if you’re playing a team sport.”

“I think if people can help the process, trying to make HIV a thing of the past, I’m willing to help, too,” he said. “It’s a hard subject to talk about. People sometimes try to avoid it – that’s not the way to go.”

The video messages will be broadcast in English, German, and French on December 1 to commemorate World AIDS Day. To see the PSA featuring Federer, click here.

(images via UNICEF.com)

SIGHTING: Boris Becker attends MTV Europe Awards, visits with Nelson Mandela

Tennis champion Boris Becker and his current girlfriend Sharlely Kersenberg are never ones to shy away from the spotlight - whether showing PDA on a beach or giving it up for charity. The duo attended the MTV Europe Music Video Awards in Munich, Germany where tennis star was a presenter.

Earlier in the week the former World No. 1 posed with South Africa's former president Nelson Mandela and some of the local musical talent who will be performing at the 46664 AIDS benefit concert on December 1st. The performance line up also includes Peter Gabriel, Annie Lennox, Corinne Briley Rae, Razorlight, Ludacris, and the Goo Goo Dolls.

Tennis gives back: Justine, Goran, and Ana join Steffi and Andre for benefit tennis match

World No. 1 Justine Henin and former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic joined the Grafassi's - tennis power couple Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi - in a mixed doubles match for the BASF Festival for Children on October 27, 2007. The charity match raises money for the foundation "Children for Tomorrow" founded by Graf.

Serb Ana Ivanovic also participated in the event, playing a singles match against Andre. "It's hard to describe how I felt. I was so excited," said Ana via her website. "He was a big idol for me when I was a kid. I was obviously very nervous before the match, but I was surprised how quickly I was able to relax, and I feel I played well."

(images via AP Photo)

FASHION FIX: Maria Sharapova purges bad energy, auctions off Nike US Open day dress

Ask and you shall receive: Wow, this never happens. We previously posted about Maria "Shriek"apova's unfortunate deja vu moment - wear the Nike US Open day dress and get unceremoniously booted by an 18-year-old upstart, this time at the Tier 1 Kremlin Cup.

Well, it looks like the Russian has taken our advice: according to her website, the dress has been autographed by Maria and is being auctioned off to benefit her Foundation. The auction will end on Wednesday, October 31st, at 3pm eastern time.

To bid on the dress, click here. Caution: buyer beware.

The Women's Sports Foundation hosts 28th Annual Salute to Women in Sports

Last night The Women's Sports Foundation hosted the 28th Annual Salute to Women in Sports in New York City. Founded by philanthropist, activist, and tennis legend Billie Jean King the awards celebrate the achievement of female athletes across all sports. Another tennis legend, Monica Seles, made a special appearance at the ceremony to present the 2007 Sportswomen of the Year Award to softball player Monica Abbott and golfer Lorena Ochoa.

Ice skating champion Michelle Kwan accepted the Billie Jean King Contribution Award for her contributions and commitment to the development of women's sports, and the Rutgers Women's Basketball Team received the Wilma Rudolph Courage Award for exhibiting extraordinary courage, surmountsing adversity, and meaningfully contributing to sports and inspiring others.

Michelle Kwan & Monica Abbott

Other luminaries were on hand to lend their support: singer Sheryl Crow, actress Holly Hunter, and boxer Leila Ali.

ROUND ROBIN: A-Rod & Serena tag team, Nole wants to relax, Andy talks match-fixing

Charity tennis tag team: Andy Roddick and Serena Williams are teaming up and playing doubles for the first time to benefit the Andy Roddick Foundation. The two Grand Slam champs are partnering for Rock-n-Rackets, an annual tennis exhibition that combines tennis and music. Other players participating include Sam Querry and Ashley Harkleroad. "From the start, I wanted to create an event that featured my passion for both tennis and music in markets that typically do not have the opportunity to see the sport at the highest level," said A-Rod. "It is especially exciting for me to finally be able to bring the event to Omaha since it has so much meaning for me and my family personally." For her part, ReRe said, "Andy and I are close friends so I look forward to playing with him and giving the fans an evening of great entertainment." (via talkabouttennis)

Winding down: World No. 3 Novak Djokovic has had an amazing year by anyone's standards and now he feels ready to relax - but not when he's on the tennis court. "For me it's not about getting the points, the money or whatever. It's about winning," said the sexy Serb. "I qualified for Shanghai, and looking at this year's results I don't need to try logically anymore. But it's not about that. Whenever I get to the court I try to win. It's that hunger for success, so I can really assure everybody that I'm going to try 100 percent at every tournament." (via citizen)

Murray makes noise: Brit Andy Murray is the latest player to bring match-fixing allegations to the table. According to Andy, "It is pretty disappointing for all the players, but everyone knows that it goes on," [...] "It's difficult to prove. They can try their best until the last games in each set and then make some mistakes, hit a couple of double faults and that's it." And, what does the Brit give as the reason for illegal activity? "A career lasts probably only 10 or 12 years and you have to make all your money while you're still playing." (via BBC)

(images via AP Photo, Getty)