VIDEO VAULT: Sweetness

Give it up, Sugarpova.

VIDEO VAULT: Three words - NOLE, OIL, LEGS

Ok, I need to be quick here since work is kicking my cojones. The headline should tell you all you need to know but in case it doesn't let me further explain: IT'S NOVAK DJOKOVIC AND HE'S WEARING A GLADIATOR COSTUME WHILE HAVING OIL RUBBED ON HIS LEGS.

Uh, screw work. I need some private time now. Laters.

[Via: ATPWorldTour.com]

(UPDATED) VIDEO VAULT: Steamy Spanish sex vs. sleek Swiss style - who wins?

Rafael Nadal and his infamous ass-ets pose in their Emporio Armani undies and jeans in this teaser for their upcoming commercial campaign while Roger Federer and his lovely locks pose for the renowned lens of Mario Testino during a photoshoot for sponsor Credit Suisse. 



It's not really fair to compare the two ballers and their videos. I mean, one makes you want to chomp down on some meaty chorizo while the other makes you want to open a Swiss bank account.

Case closed - at least for me.

UPDATE: Full-length Rafa here (thanks Brandy!)

[Via: Racked & GoToTennis]

PHOTO OP: Getting a face full

"Heh, heh. Make it all wet."

You know, I get that same look when I rub something long, firm and smooth (not to mention shiny) all over my face. But enough about me...

Novak Djokovic, girlfriend Jelena Ristic and brother Marco (who's looking all kinds of grown up - in a good way) took to the water to play around with a few dolphins at the Atlantis Dolphin Encounter in the Atlantis Hotel, Dubai. The brothers Djoko are slated to play doubs at this week's tourney.

One more shot of Nolena and their flippered friend after the jump (click the head, y'all.)

P.S. Check out DtL on Facebook and Twitter!

(UPDATED) MEDIA MASHUP: Nadal takes his turn on the New York media merry-go-round

Rafael Nadal did what Juan Martin del Potro did last year and what Roger Federer did the five times he won at Flushing Meadows: He hopped onto the New York media merry-go-round to meet with journalists, TV personalities and fans a day after capturing his first US Open championship and completing the Career Slam.

He made the requisite stop at Times Square with his new bestie and was joined by throngs of photogs, well-wishers and most of Team Nadal:

Afterward the 9-time Grand Slammer made his way to the Today Show to discuss the historic win and what more he'd like to accomplish:

Next up? Live with Regis & Kelly! Who knew Reg had a man-crush on Rafa? Join the club.

He also made a stop at Niketown in Midtown to take questions from John McEnroe and meet and greet more fans. (via @GVTennisNews)

Now, usually the winner makes a trip to the top of the Empire State Building for a photo op and also visits with Charlie Rose for some tennis talk. I'll update this post if and when the appearances occur.

UPDATE: First Fed, now Rafa. Blake Lively sure gets around.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: On top of the rock

"Let's make this rock shot quick. Heels, people. Heels."

Standing taller than a skyscraper Kim Clijsters, dressed in Dries Van Noten, took a stroll over to Central Park (well, more like took a comfy ride in a blackened out SUV stalked by media) to grab a photo op with her new US Open ladies' trophy. She blasted Vera Zvonareva 6-2, 6-1 in Saturday's final to win her third title in Flushing Meadows and third career major.

The Belgian lady baller also made pit stops at The Early Show, Live with Regis & Kelly and CNN according to the WTA.

[Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Ellen Degeneres came to drink

Ellen Degeneres and her Honey Deuce cocktail joined Venus Williams during a booking signing for "Come to Win" at the US Open today.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: The stars line up for Arthur Ashe Kids' Day

After a week full of exciting pre-US Open events it finally came to a close for me yesterday with the annual Arthur Ashe Kids' Day presented by Hess. Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Roddick, Kim Clijsters, Melanie Oudin and the Bryan Brothers took part in the festivities which also included headline act the Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, David Archuleta and a few more.

It was a picturesque day that began with an opportunity to meet and ask questions of the show's participants, except for the singles ballers, during a media session. They came through a photo op line and then sat down at different seated stations for more pictures and questions from the press. I made my way over to gold medal-winning skier and Roger Federer fan Lindsey Vonn, someone who knows what it's like to compete at the highest level of a sport and win. I asked Lindsey, who said she felt really confident Fed "was going to get another [US Open] title", about the mindset of an athlete going into a major tournament.

DtL: Obviously being a gold medal-winning athlete you understand what it’s like at these elite events. Can you take us through what the experience is going into an event like the US Open? What’s the preparation?

LV: I would imagine that it’s somewhat like an Olympics or a World Championships for us. I think you want to prepare mentally and physically, you want to use leading tournaments going into Grand Slams, you know, to build the confidence and feel like you’re mentally ready and at the peak of your game. 

You know for me World Championships and Olympics is always tough because there’s so much more media, there’s just so much going on. There’s constantly things that are taking away your time where it should be spent on training or doing physiotherapy, stuff like that. I think at a big event you just have to balance everything.

DtL: How do you find that balance? What’s the key?

LV: (smiling) My husband is always there to make sure everything is going smoothly and makes sure my interview, if it’s running long, let’s them know I’ve got to go train. And I think that’s what Roger has as well. He’s got a good support system around him, Mirka and his managers and everyone. I think as long as you have people who are supporting you and helping you do, helping you be the best at your sport I think that really helps.

I also got a chance to throw out a quick question to the BryBros, who had to prepare for their musical performance that included a guest rap - which was LEGENDARY - by Nole , and asked if they had any more interesting collabs in store for fans perhaps with another aspiring rapper: Ivo Karlovic. "Uh, probably not - too tall." Lulz (full disclosure: I have no idea whether it was Mike or Bob who answered. Forgive me, I beg of you.) Other baller spottings in the media area included Marcos Baghdatis, Patty Schnyder, Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Laura Robson while Francesca Schiavone & Co. looked lost in the parking lot right outside the gate. Poor Schiavo. Schiavo not happy.

After the media session ended we were escorted to the Arthur Ashe Stadium press section and joined the record 23,000 + to watch the big show. It was a great way to end the week of events. The vibe was happy and the kids were beyond excited. Now, who's ready for some Grand Slam tennis, huh?

More pictures from AAKD below. Again, please credit Michael Alan if you borrow any of the images. I'll upload the full album to the Down the Line! FB page.

[Photo(s): Michael Alan, Lindsey Vonn: DtL]

PHOTO OP: So what does tennis taste like?

Last night I took my first nose dive into being a member of the press on a red carpet line (though this one was green) for one of the biggest pre-US Open events of every year: Taste of Tennis sponsored by BNP Paribas! Some of the biggest ballers in the world teamed up with a number of the world's top chefs for great food, a few cooking lessons and lots of partying all to benefit the New York Junior Tennis League.

It was strange being on the other side of the rope after having spent many working hours as a publicist producing and managing events like TOT. That being said I was prepared for some moments of calm followed by an intense crush of celebrity arrivals, flashing bulbs and yells of, "Victoria, to your right!" and "Andy, just a few questions please!" Oh, that might have been me and it didn't work. A-Rod wasn't in the mood for talking - just cooking with chef, TV host and Billy Joel ex Katie Lee.

The first arrivals on the carpet were the chefs including Lee, Fernando Navas of SushiSamba, John Villa of Tao and Bart Vandaele of Belga Cafe. The ballers were next up and the first to arrive was Victoria Azarenka followed by Christina McHale, Sorana Cirstea, Sabine Lisicki, Amer Delic,Vera Zvonareva, Gilles Simon with Thierry Tulasne, Andy Roddick and Kim Clijsters who was bravely working harem pants. Tennis Channel commentator and ex-baller Justin Gimelstob was also on hand and came through the line.

The pictures aren't the best quality - apologies! - because I literally had my hands full, but I achieved my big objective which was to record some interviews with the ballers. Vika, Sora, Lissie, Bepa, Kimmie and Gimel were gracious enough to stop by and answer some questions about tennis and food so look out for that video (edit: click here to see the interviews) shot and and now being edited by my friend Sam Zalutsky (www.SaZamProductions.com).

Oh yes, Grammy-winning musician and supremely handsome John Legend was also in the house for the evening. *sigh*

Once the green carpet arrivals were complete we headed up to the main event on the second floor. For some reason I had been told press was not allowed into the party but all that was required was a showing of our media credentials and we were in. The venue was packed with what must have been 150-200 people. The food was extraordinary as you can imagine and the music and drinks (not to mention the cute boy factor) were off the charts. Sam and I stopped by every food station to sample the world-class offerings save for some of the desserts.

While at the party I spotted Brad Gilbert, Sven Groeneveld, Lissie, sexy Sergey Demekhine (coach to Bepa and an ex-model) and Fernando Verdasco, who waved me off for his dinner plate when I asked for a picture *super sad face*. The only other sighting of the night was Mardy Fish carrying a bag and racquet as he headed out of the W Hotel.

All in all it was an awesome night. I can see why this event is one NOT to be missed!

 

Check out more of the images from the green carpet and beyond after the jump (click on the headline.)

PHOTO OP: Nike knocks it out in New York

I stopped by the Nike Primetime Knockout Event last night that featured Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, and Victoria Azarenka playing light-hearted doubles with actor Bradley Cooper, model Bar Refaeli and New York Giant Justin Tuck and debuting their US Open outfits on Pier 54 in New York City. Serena Williams, her boot (it was on) and umbrella made a special appearance as the hilarious on-court interviewers. They killed it last night even asking Rafa + Fed to show their abs to the crowd (they politely declined. *super sad face*) She seemed so much more relaxed - maybe it's because she's not competing. Yeah.

My friend, Michael Alan (www.michaelalanphotos.com), came with me and took a ton of great photos some of which are above and below. He really captured the fun and frivolity that was had by all. I'll upload the rest of the album to the DtL Facebook page as the come in. I did my part and grabbed a few shots of my own from on-court and during the media session and posted those on my TweetPhoto page. They're not as nice as Michael's so please, BE KIND.

And, the always awesome Karen over at GV Tennis News has the full recording from the media q & a that happened after the doubles exo. Pop on over there if you're so inclined.

If you want to borrow some of these images, please make sure to credit Michael Alan (though the very last one would be mine so credit me!)

P.S. - Check out my Twitter timeline for more detailed (and I use that term uber-loosely) coverage of the action last night. Good times.

[Photo(s): Michael Alan, DtL]

MEDIA MASHUP: Maria Sharapova and evian celebrate "Live young Month" in New York

Maria Sharapova joined evian at an event to support their "Live young Month" campaign at the Openhouse Gallery in New York City today. The 3-time Grand Slammer was decked out in Philip Lim shiny hotpants (legs, people, legs), a black Diane Von Furstenberg blazer, navy Cole Haan peeptoe sling backs and, of course, the tee with the Shrieka's head on a baby's body. Well, she didn't arrive in the tee but actually went and changed into it for the photo op. When duty calls....

Anyway, she started off by allowing us to take a bunch of photos followed by a welcome message to all. Then, she flaunted her ping pong and lefty skills (it's true!) with Extra's NY-based correspondent AJ Calloway who, incidentally, had his own version of the baby tee in African-American. No, the baby tees don't discriminate either. During their hitting session, she mocked his lobs and punished him with power. Really, she did.

If you peek in the background of this video you'll see her agent, Max Eisenbud, who was not only accompanying Shrieka but also her boy, LA Laker Sasha Vujacic (who can't be seen here but can be seen here), who's much cuter in person than I gave him credit for. Forgive me.



Here's Shrieka, after the shirt change, getting her pose seriously on. The girl can't get enough of the camera, really. Oh, you can see Calloway's baby tee in the background here. I wonder if they have a tee in Asian-American? I mean, they BETTAH.



After two more photo ops and a bit of a wait (thanks to @GVTennisNews, @RosenbergTennis and @ttanyone for helping kill the time there), we were led to an all-white back room where the roundtable was being held. We were asked to keep the questions focused her off-court life so they ranged from fashion, food, health and fitness, etc. You know, DEEP THOUGHTS.

I did ask her about the inspiration for the US Open day dress and if she could give us a hint on the night dress. She kinda answered my question but said the night dress will be revealed at tomorrow night's Nike Knockout Event. I'll be there and will be sure to take pictures of that number.

One bit of important news: she only needed a few days to recover from her foot injury and then went back to Florida to train for Flushing Meadows. Phew.





P.S. - I think I shot the best evian ad EVAH, though it could be less blurry. She could sell dirt and still make sick money. Lucky legs.


[Photo(s): DtL]

MEDIA MASHUP: Gonzo and his girl take Yarra River ride

Fernando Gonzalez, who will face Andy Roddick for a spot in the Aussie Open quarterfinals, brought girlfriend Daniela Castillo aboard the 'Rebecca' for a ride on the Yarra River.

Gonzo was smart to push a romantic boat trip with his pop singing girl and not a car ride. It might bring back bad memories and who knows what she might do. Don't believe me?

CHECK IT:



PS - Anyone else interested in watching Gonzo's thighs crack a few walnuts? *gawks*

[Photo(s): Reuters]