(UPDATED) THE LOW DOWN: Agassi's meth admission

In his forthcoming autobiography "Open" Andre Agassi admits to using crystal meth in 1997.

The first mention of this revelation was in a tweet by Sports Illustrated writer Richard Deitsch earlier today and was later confirmed by The New York Daily News who spoke to a publicist at Knopf, publisher of the book. Incidentally, the tweet by Deitsch has since been removed but was published here. Gotta love the internets.

Many people have found it to be surprising, even shocking, to hear this news. I wonder if it's the type of drug, crystal meth, that has people confounded. Maybe we'd all feel a little more indifferent if it was marijuana, or even cocaine, Andre admitted to using. We're used to those drugs in tennis.

Athletes are normal, albeit gifted, people living extraordinary lives which just means they have greater access to things we could or would do if given the opportunity. We don't like to like to imagine our heroes are prone to the same struggles and pitfalls we're all confronted with in our own lives. But they are.

I'd be more surprised if I peeked in and found only good, clean living over the span of an athlete's lifetime. This news? Not so much.

"Open" will be released on November 9.

UPDATE: Andre admits to lying to ATP officials after testing positive for crystal meth saying he ingested it by drinking from an associate's "spiked soda." The ATP reviewed the case and threw it out. He also admits he's always secretly hated playing tennis but lived in fear of his violent father.

UPDATE #2: Andre was asked about fan reaction to his drug use - "I was worried for a moment, but not for long. ... I wore my heart on my sleeve and my emotions were always written on my face. I was actually excited about telling the world the whole story." (via People.com)

UPDATE #3: WADA wants an explanation.

(Photo: Knopf)

THE LOW DOWN: IMG reportedly shutters Tennis Week magazine after 35 years

So long Tennis Week magazine.

Last year IMG, the mega sports marketing agency who bought the mag, were reportedly considering its viability after publisher Randy Master left and returned to the Tennis Channel.

Now comes word today the mag has indeed folded after 35 years:

Tennis Week Magazine has folded after 35 years of publication, TennisReporters.net has learned. Founded in 1974 by Eugene L. Scott, a former US Davis Cup player who was once ranked within the world top 15, the magazine was acquired by IMG in December of 2006, seven months after Scott’s death. It has been through a series of publishers since then and apparently, was unable to generate much cash, a big no-no when it comes to IMG’s philosophy of profit or perish. There is now word yet on whether its web site will continue to publish.

A sad day for Tennis Week mag but certainly not unexpected in these harsh economic times. Media + publishing have been one of the hardest hit since advertisers have tightened their belts tremendously. With readers turning to websites and blogs in greater numbers, many high-profile influential pubs are trying to understand how to utilize their online presence more effectively. Plus, I don't know a single person who actually read Tennis Week or even knew where to get it.

As I said last year after hearing the rumors, IMG would be smart to stick to the web which, in my opinion, is where it's happening for our sport. TennisWeek.com has a unique brand identity and seems to have a good mix of content including tennis news, sidebar "off-court" stories, editorial, and video.

(image via Tennis Week)

Seles' upcoming autobiography too clean, needs a little dirtying up

Sarah Thurmond offers a review of Hall of Fame inductee Monica Seles' soon-to-be released (April 21) autobiography Getting a Grip: On My Body, My Mind, My Self for TENNIS.com which she describes as "part memoir, part personal-growth journal".

Sarah had a few issues with Moni's writings, the biggest being the lack of details or "behind-the-scenes dirt":

About leaving the Bollettieri’s in 1990, she writes that there was “a miscommunication, misunderstanding, and a lot of hurt feelings.” She leaves out the specifics. She handles the horror in Hamburg, where a deranged Steffi Graf fan stabbed her in the back during a changeover in a match, in the same manner. Seles writes that Steffi visited her at the hospital and acted “as if nothing happened.” She’s angry that the tournament continued without her, but holds back from telling us how she really feels about Graf.

Oooh how disappointing. I think we'd all love to know what exactly transpired in the hospital room that day and what their relationship is like now. Oh Moni, do tell!

*fingers + toes crossed*

(image via open-tennis.com)

PHOTO OP: Nando bares it for Spanish Men's Health, faux hawk secret revealed

Fernando Verdasco is featured on the cover and inside shots in the latest edition of Spanish Men's Health.

I'm not sure what the actual story is about but I imagine it has something to do with the Aussie Open semifinalist's nutrition, game, fitness, blah blah blah. I mean, it is Men's Health now.

But really, who needs silly words when you have a body to look at like Nando's. Plus, we get to see how he keeps that hair from never EVER moving. Seriously, isn't it about time to retire the mountains of gel AND the up-do, faux hawk mess? Me thinks so.

Anyway, prepare to drool...




(image via ATP Men's Tennis Blog)

Rafa named one of GQ magazine's Men of the Year for 2008

The accolades and tributes are beginning to roll in for top baller Rafael Nadal and his incredible season.

The Majorcan Matador has been named one of GQ magazine's Men of the Year for 2008 in their December issue joining multiple Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, Texas Rangers center-fielder Josh Hamilton, and the Boston Celtics as sports figures/teams who made the prestigious list.

Via GQ:

You could see it on his face: the moment Rafael Nadal knew that after 160 weeks as the second-best tennis player in the world, he was about to become number one. It came four hours into the Wimbledon final, when it seemed that the 22-year old was again going to crumble at the All England Club, as he had two years in a row. But then it happened: After an extended rally, Nadal hit a forehand so violent and scorching and, well, plain superhuman that Roger Federer froze in despair. And though the Spaniard would never admit it himself ("Roger is always Roger, and he had his chances, too," says Nadal. "With him, I always need to be there with all I've got"), as Nadal pumped his first in the air, he had the look of a man who knew that after years of falling short, he was finally about to break through. Sure enough, Federer went down in the very next set.

Congrats Rafa - keep 'em coming!

(images via GQ)

THE LOW DOWN: Will IMG shut down Tennis Week magazine?

Is Tennis Week magazine down in the dumps?

According to Tennisreporters.net, publisher Randy Master has left the pub to return to Tennis Channel and IMG, who bought Tennis Week two years ago, is considering its viability.

Full disclosure: I've only seen one hard copy of Tennis Week and it was pretty awful. The articles weren't interesting or in-depth, the images were either out-dated or stock photography, and the paper quality was low. In these tough economic times, media of all kinds are struggling for ad dollars and subscribers which is causing many to shutter their print editions. Frankly, I'm surprised Tennis Week mag is still around.

I think they'd be better off shutting down the print edition only and focusing completely on the web where they can be more current with news and give a broader perspective on the sport.

Besides, what would we do without Carrie Milbank's perky tennis roundups? Perish the thought.

(via tennis-x.com)

TENNIS mag's October issue scarily thin - what's with the crazy diet?

So did you get the latest issue of TENNIS magazine yet? No worries - here are some highlights from the pub's October edition:

• "The Curious Case of Nikolay Davydenko" by Peter Bodo which takes a look at the man who sat squarely in the middle of the match-fixing scandal


• "How to be a Good Tennis Parent", a special guide for all those stage parents who want to live vicariously through their (maybe) talented mini-ballers


• "The Golden Year", a look back at Steffi Graf's historic Golden Slam run in 1988

Honestly, I almost missed the issue in my mail today because it's 80-pages thin (down from 136 in their September US Open preview), a featherweight amongst the rest of the full-figured lifestyle mags I've been receiving.

With magazines and newspapers struggling to keep subscribers and the internet taking chunks of their ad revenue, could this be signs of trouble for TENNIS magazine?

(image via TENNIS)

Serena's memoir to hit in 2009, Lifetime made-for-TV movie next

It's official: Grand Central Publishing has won the right to publish Serena Williams' memoir in 2009 after negotiations reportedly reached a top bid of $1.3 million.

Editor Karen Kosztolnyik released the following statement about ReRe:

Serena Williams is one of the world's most remarkable athletes. We've watched her rise to No. 1 despite physical and emotional setbacks, and her hard work and determination have inspired legions of fans young and old. Serena will give her memoir a strong motivational slant.

Word to Ms. Kosztolnyik: make sure to have a ghost writer involved in the process. Why you might ask? Please view Exhibits A, B, and C for your reference. Godspeed.

Word to ReRe: I can't wait for your Lifetime made-for-TV movie. But, who would play you ReRe? Wait - you could!

(image via Getty)

(UPDATED) "Beefcake" Rafa officially moves into ATP penthouse, featured in New York magazine's Fall Fashion issue

After his golden triumph in Beijing this weekend, Rafael Nadal officially moved into the penthouse of the ATP Tour today rising to world no. 1 after a record 160 weeks in the second position.

I think it'll take a moment to get used to the order but no other baller is as deserving of the top position as the Majorcan Matador.


And, in honor of the US Open and his rise to the top, New York magazine is featuring a sexed-up Rafa in "The Beefcake in the Backcourt" for this week's Fall Fashion 2008 issue.


The mag discusses the above right image saying,

Take your time. It’s okay. That photo of Rafael Nadal on the back cover of this magazine is undeniably … what’s a polite way to put it? Arresting. The mussed locks curled just so above the shoulders. The biceps curved like a particularly ripe aubergine. The shadows playing across the deeply grooved abs. All demand extended scrutiny.

When you’re done, ask yourself this: Would Roger Federer ever pose for a photo like that?

Most definitely not and I don't know if I'd want him to! New York also delves into Rafa's boundary-pushing on-court fashions saying,

And now here’s Nadal. His has been called a “pirate” look, but the interesting thing about Nadal’s style is that it’s so feminine—a thinner, less physical player could not pull off those clothes. Maybe that’s why he’s been greeted with the kind of moral outrage—“Abominable!” “Infernal!”—usually reserved for the latest female player to show too much skin. Debate over the pants in particular, and Nadal’s habit of reaching back to loosen them between points, has trespassed on the familiar terrain of comfort versus sex appeal. Are they too tight? Is it one of his many elaborate on-court rituals (Nadal’s own explanation)? Or are his butt muscles just too big?

I'd say all the above - and aren't we all lucky for it.

Check out more on tennis' influence on fashion over the years.

Thanks to Preppy Princess for the NY mag tip!






(image via ATP, NY mag image courtesy of Nigel Parry)

FASHION FIX: Fila + Wallpaper collaborate on tennis-inspired polos

Fila and design magazine Wallpaper have collaborated on the incredible designs for two tennis-inspired polo shirts.


The first polo, called "Grand Slam", was inspired by Bjorn Borg's iconic tennis gear from the 1970's and "sports gold pinstripes and a solid block of glyphs, which, on closer inspection, reveal themselves to be the scores of each of Borg’s championship matches."

The reverse side features Bjorn's runner-up results which he may not care to see but I wouldn't mind wearing.


The second polo was inspired by Luke Wilson's character Richie (see below), a former elite baller, from the film "The Royal Tenenbaums". The design elements include a blue and white striped design and a graphic pair of sunglasses printed on the chest pocket.

LOVE.

(images via highsnobiety.com)

Nole makes TIME magazine's "100 Olympic Athletes to Watch"

TIME magazine just released their list of the "100 Olympic Athletes to Watch" and Novak Djokovic was the only tennis baller to join the elite group.

Here's what the newsmagazine had this to say about the Serb:

The world No. 3 ranked male tennis player, behind Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, Djokovic started the year by winning the Australian Open, and is known as much for ability to mimic his fellow pros as he is for his down-the-line backhand. He became the European champion by the time he was 14, and rose to world fame in 2007 as a runner-up at the U.S Open, reaching Wimbledon semis, and winning four out of five Master Series finals, beating Federer and Nadal along the way. The Olympics, he says, are the most important challenge of all. "That's how I see the Games, although many players wouldn't agree. There are four Masters Series every year, but the Olympics come only once in four years", he said.

Interesting that he beat out Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to make the list - what gives?

(image via Getty)

Tennis' lady ballers rule Forbes earnings list, Maria tops with $26 million

Maria "Shriek"apova's game may be struggling these days but the Russian still rules when it comes to making green.

Forbes magazine just released their annual list of the Top-Earning Female Athletes and the Russian fashionista, who also made the mag's Celebrity 100 and 20 Under 25 lists, ranked first making $26 million up from the $23 million she made last year.

Here's what Forbes had to say about the Aussie Open champ:

There's nothing like the combination of talent and good looks to woo corporations looking to spend endorsement dollars. Sharapova's Australian Open title this year was her third Grand Slam win, along with 16 other singles titles. She's recently added Sony to an endorsement portfolio that includes Pepsi, Colgate-Palmolive, Nike and Motorola.

Tennis was the dominant sport on the list with Serena Williams coming in a distant second with $14 million, Venus Williams third with $13 million, Justine Henin sits at fourth with $12.5 million and Ana Ivanovic at ninth with $6.5 million.

The lady ballers are making some serious bank - don't be fooled.

(image via Getty)

PHOTO OP: More of Ashley's spread - tastefully done, mind you

Hot off the press!

The peeps over at the WTA Tennis Blog have the remaining censored (read: boring but PG-13) images of the Ashley Harkleroad Playboy spread from their August issue.

I love when people do these porno spreads and say afterwards they're "tastefully" done. Since when does tastefully mean cheesy? Oh Ash...

(image via Playboy)

The Venus brand continues to build, will pen book for HarperCollins

Hot on the heels of the beautifully photographed coffee table book Venus Williams by Koto Bolofo, Publisher's Weekly has just announced that the 7-time Grand Slammer has signed a deal with HarperCollins to pen The Coach Matters: Life Lessons Beyond the Playing Field, "an inspirational book about how a memorable coach’s winning advice can translate into success beyond sports."

V will draw upon her own experiences with co-coaches and parents Richard Williams and Oracene Price and discuss how the lessons she learned from them have translated into success both on and off the tennis court. She will also interview leaders in the worlds of business, politics, sports, entertainment, etc. who also share similar experiences with coaches from high school, college and/or the professional ranks.

I have to say V impresses me more and more each day with how she handles herself in every situation and how she continues to evolve not only as a baller, but as a human being.

(image by Koto Bolofo for Venus Williams)

First look at Ashley Harkleroad's Playboy magazine moment

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THE LOW DOWN: Can Fed vs. Rafa bring US fans back?

Highly-respected Washington Post columnist and ESPN personality Michael Wilbon penned an insightful piece on the state of US tennis through the lens of the Wimbledon men's and ladies' finals and, more specifically, the need for rivalries such as Federer-Nadal and Venus-Serena to bring US fans back to tennis.

But, Wilbon isn't feeling very confident that even those rivalries can stop the slow bleeding of casual fans away from the game. He says the sport needs a "Tiger Woods-like figure on the men's side...or maybe brothers who have the impact and star appeal of Serena and Venus Williams."

And why isn't Fed vs. Rafa enough you might ask? Wilbon has his guesses:

"...we don't like to admit it but we're more than a bit xenophobic when it comes to our sports. We're still begrudgingly accepting international stars in the NBA, even though they've been established since the early 1990s and players such as Toni Kukoc, Manu Ginóbili and Tony Parker won enough to be beyond suspicion as "foreign players." Americans are the only people on the planet who don't embrace soccer, mostly because it ain't ours. And as much as we might be able to appreciate the greatness of Federer and Nadal, the bet here is we're not going to identify with them enough to become rabid followers of what they do."

Sad, but true. We Americans can be so self-absorbed.

Okay fine, but what about our own home-grown ballers like Andy Roddick or James Blake? Why aren't they drawing fans in droves the way John McEnroe or Jimmy Connors did back in the day?? "[They] simply don't win enough or do it charismatically enough to drive Americans to their TV sets or the tennis courts. They're both sweet enough guys; neither is inspiring," says Wilbon. Again, sad but true.

Unfortunately, he isn't seeing any light at the end of the tennis tunnel saying,

Maybe if the Federer-Nadal rivalry continues on, say, through the U.S. Open in September and beyond, more people will come to the tent to watch. But even then it's probably a leap of faith to bet on it.

I prefer to lean more towards the belief that everything is cyclical and some day tennis will gain the respect and fan base that it deserves in the US. I don't think it could ever be at the extraordinary levels seen during the 70's and 80's, though, because it's a global game now with new countries taking a piece of the pie every day and other sports demanding attention.

Maybe that's sad, but I believe it's true.

(image via Getty)

Venus + Serena get gussied up for Glamour magazine

Venus + Serena Williams are meeting up again but this time it's not for a place in tennis history.

The Sisters Sledge, looking strong + confident wielding racquets in designer gowns, are appearing together in the pages of Glamour magazine for their "The 11 Greatest Bodies on Earth" feature which spotlights 11 of the top female athletes heading to Beijing for the Summer Olympics.

About V, the magazine says:

Venus Williams made history when she won her fourth Wimbledon last July: She became the first woman in the 123-year-old event to earn the same prize money as the guys. (The year before, the pay gap was nearly $60,000). Williams, who had been seeded twenty-third in the tournament, was thrilled. "It wasn't about the money," she says. "It was just about being treated as equals." Heading into Beijing, she's playing as strong as ever--last year she set a new record with a 128.8 mph serve. "I'm glad I never had to play Venus," tennis legend Martina Navratilova once said. "She's just too long, too fast."

The mag had this to say about ReRe:

She's won eight Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold, but Serena Williams believes she hasn't "accomplished all that much" in tennis. "I feel like I'm just getting started," she says. After an injury forced her to pull out of the 2004 Olympics, she publicly vowed not to miss Beijing. But by 2006 her ranking had plummeted due to injuries. Still, Williams never gave up. Now she's ranked fifth and headed to Beijing. "What defines a person's character is not how you are when you're on top. It's how you are when you're on the bottom and working your way back," she says. Besides, she adds, "I love proving people wrong."

Love, love, love it...

(images courtesy of Glamour magazine via TennisWTA)

Sports Illustrated sucks it up, finally features tennis on its cover

So it seems Sports Illustrated has decided tennis is finally cool - at least for this week.

The pub, which never had the balls to choose Roger Federer as its Sportsman of the Year, is finally featuring the world no. 1 on its cover with Rafael Nadal and declaring their epic Wimbledon meetup as "the Greatest Match Ever." Thanks for clearing that up SI.

Oh - and as if trying to get all the tennis news in at one time, they're also featuring Anna Kournikova on the cover as part of their "Where Are They Now?" story (as if she still counts as tennis news.)

I guess we'll have to eat these crumbs they're feeding us because we all know how long it'll be before we see another baller on the mag's cover. How about never?

(image by simon bruty for sports illustrated)

Venus featured on cover of Shape magazine's August issue

Thanks to DtL! reader Marcell for tipping me off to newly recrowned Wimbledon champ Venus Williams on the cover of Shape magazine's August issue.

The 7-time Grand Slammer tells the pub that Serena remains her biggest inspiration:

Without her, I couldn't have achieved anything. She's helped me believe in myself.

The mag also gives us a sneak peek at an inside shot of the 28-year old working a bikini - lookin' good V!


(image via shape magazine)

A-Rod gives Outside magazine and inside peek, works out hairy situation

Andy Roddick, who's being supported by a fashion-y Brooklyn Decker as he defends his Queen's Club title this week, is featured on the cover of Outside magazine working his recent hairy situation out. It's amazing what hair stylists can do, right?


The mag also shot some behind-the-scenes video of the American baller and, in his usual dead-pan way, he "talks about what he would be doing if he wasn't on the pro tour and his honeymoon plans with fiancé, Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker."

(via Towleroad, images via Outside + Marc Hom)