VIDEO VAULT: Thank you, Wilson

Most tennis commercials for pretty much anything make me want to turn the channel. Actually, they work pretty well as white noise for bedtime (counting sheep just doesn't cut it anymore - boo). They bore me to whatever is worse than tears.

But after catching these commercials by Wilson for their Juice & Steam racquets--in particular this one starring first-time major quarterfinalist Kei Nishikori--during some of Tennis Channel's Australian Open coverage, I felt a strange sensation building inside my belly. No, not gas. It was a giggle. A loud and true giggle.

I cracked up at a tennis commercial. Miracles really do happen kids.

[Via: Wilson]

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Paul Annacone

A lot of [top players] are creatures of habit. Roger isn’t so much. He knows what makes him successful, but he’s open to debate, to conversations about things that maybe he didn’t used to do. He’s very expansive in his thinking, so it won’t go undiscussed, for sure.

- Coach Paul Annacone on the question of a bigger frame for Roger Federer

So this quote by Coach Annacone is pretty significant. Clearly, Fed's open to the idea of a bigger frame. I wonder if they've already discussed it and he's just being vague or they're waiting for a certain point in the calendar to approach the idea. Either way, this change would be huge, to say the least. 

But, will it really help his game in the end or, more specifically, give him the ability to beat the top two ballers in the world, Rafael Nadal + Novak Djokovic? Because in most cases, he'll need to beat at least one of them to win a Slam. And we all know that's the only reason why he'd do it.

[Photo(s): Alex Livesey/Getty Images]

Looks like Venus is cheating on Wilson in Dubai (tsk, tsk)

Thanks to reader Phillip who spotted Venus Williams in Dubai wielding a painted-over Prince racquet to look like Wilson during her match against Sabine Lisicki.

Could she be considering a switch?

(Edit: The screen grab was taken from this video. You decide.)

[Screen capture: SEWTA]

Nole gets cheeky with "Speed Lessons", helps HEAD launch Speed Pro stick

Novak Djokovic and sponsor HEAD have launched a new, interactive website called Speed Lessons to help promote the new Speed Pro racquet launching this spring.

The site will roll out six cheeky, live action sketches over a few weeks time showcasing different lessons on various techniques and the sexy Serb will provide a voice-over during parts of each lesson.

In addition, visitors to the site can take the "Speed Test", a multiple choice quiz where readers can enter to win 1 0f 10 Speed racquets signed by Nole himself.

This is a great example by the racquet maker of creating innovative marketing that smartly infuses a baller's personality with their messaging. Babolat may want to take some notes - just sayin'.

Check out Lesson #1 - "The Service" below featuring a Pamela Anderson cartoon look-alike. I figured she liked balls and a good stick but who knew she liked tennis? Ca-razy.

(UPDATED) THE LOW DOWN: Nole still messing with his HEAD, falls to Ernests in Queensland

It wasn't an auspicious start to the season for Novak Djokovic, to say the least.

The top seed was upset in his Brisbane International opening round by super-talented Ernests Gulbis 4-6, 4-6, his first career loss to the Latvian lad (with the lovely locks.)


Nole, who switched from Wilson to a HEAD racquet recently, mentioned the change and its effect on his preparation in his post-match presser:

The racquet is a pretty big change. I like everything (in my preparation) to be 100 per cent perfect, sometimes it is not possible. There are still some things (with the racquet) I am not used to and unfortunately I get this result.

When asked if he would stick with the new racquet, the World No.3 responded, “I am under contract so I have to play with the racquet.”


However, Nole confirmed a wildcard into Sydney next week to gain more preparation for the defense of his Aussie Open title and seemed unfazed by the early loss:

I am not panicking. I am not seriously in big doubt. The Australian Open is my highest goal for this part of the year and I really want to play well there. It’s not the end of the world. It’s the first match, so I’m not going to be pessimistic. I have a lot of time now to prepare for the Aussie Open.

No doubt about that one, Nole. I still find it strange that he, or any other baller, would make such a significant change in equipment at such a crucial time. He's about to defend his first, and only, Grand Slam title in a few weeks and decides to switch racquets? Not a very smart move.

Let's hope it wasn't just for the money because if it was, Team Nole may have some regrets.

UPDATE: HEAD finally released an official announcement about Nole today. Could they BE any later???

(images via AP)

Prince officially launches EXO3 performance frames and website

Prince has officially launched the much-anticipated EXO3 line of performance frames here in the US, which they teased us with late last year.

The line's patented Energy Bridge and Energy Channel advanced technology provides the racquets with a larger sweet spot for more power, 25% increase in spin compared to traditional construction, dramatically reduced frame vibration by up to 50%, and increased control and stability on every shot. The EXO3 provides up to 26% more energy back into the ball.

Availability for the new sticks stateside includes:

• January 15, EXO3 Graphites and EXO3 Rebels
• February 15, EXO3 Silver and EXO3 Red

The racquet-maker also launched a new website for the line which includes product info, images, video, and a chat function which will allow you to speak with the team at Prince.

No word yet, however, on whether Jelena Jankovic will continue her partnership with them.

(images via Prince)

PHOTO OP: Nole gets more HEAD in Queensland

Novak Djokovic was spotted on the Brisbane International practice court today lugging around a HEAD racquet bag, more evidence that the sexy Serb has made the switch over to Head from Wilson.

However, I just checked HEAD's website and Nole's not yet listed as a sponsored baller. I guess we should expect a formal announcement as the season officially begins.

PS - Get thee to a hair cuttery Nole or you'll be dealing with a hairy situation soon...and then I'll have to write about it. Just sayin'.

(images via Getty)

VIDEO VAULT: Prince has something up their tennis sleeves for 2009

Attention all Prince lovers - and, no, I'm not talking about the stiletto boot-wearing, symbol-loving, guitar-playing purple one.

The tennis brand is gearing up for something big in 2009 and have released this viral video to tease us silly.

CHECK IT:

Ana looks to revive game, performs equipment switch-a-roo in Tokyo

Change seems to be the word surrounding Ana Ivanovic these days and it continues this week in Tokyo.

Apparently, the French Open champ is looking to tweak her once explosive game and has switched to the Yonex RQiS 1Tour XL, a model not yet on sale publicly and only used by Ana in the professional ranks. She revealed the reason for the switch in her diary saying,

Talking of rackets, I have a new one! Yonex have made a slightly lighter racket for me, which helps because I can get a little more head speed. It’s a new design too, which I really like.

And no girl would be caught dead with an old style bag to lug around her shiny new stick so the Serb will be toting around an new, exclusive racquet purse:

Ballers are usually very sensitive to even minute changes in racquets, stringing, balls, etc. so it'll be interesting to see if her results change either way.

We'll all be watching Ana.

(image via anaivanovic.com)

Diamonds are a girl's best friend - just ask Asia

Ladies, gentlemen, and those in between - please meet the stunning Asia Muhammad, a junior standout from Andre Agassi's Las Vegas Academy. Asia is making her pro debut at the US Open today. Congrats!

And what prize does a 17-year old get on the biggest day of her newborn professional tennis career? Why a pink Prince racquet adorned with her initial "A" made out of $1,750 worth of diamonds above her grip:

How fancy. But word to the wise: you're in the bright lights of New York - watch your back...and your racquet!

(image via Getty)

Battistone works The Natural duel-grip racquet in New Haven, mixes tennis + volleyball style

Doubles baller Brian Battistone was spotted working The Natural dual grip tennis racquet in New Haven yesterday. He and his partner, brother Dann, were beaten by the Italian team of Simone "the Beautiful" Bolelli and Andreas Seppi 6-3, 7-5.

And, not only does Brian serve with this awkward racquet he also utilizes a volleyball-style, leap-in-the-air, spiking serve:

Hmmm - I'm all for innovation and craftiness on the court but I don't see this as a winning combination. But props to Brian for taking chances - why not?

If you've ever used The Natural racquet in any level of play I'd love to hear about your experience. Do tell!

(images via Getty)

PHOTO OP: A-Rod's smashing success at the Rogers Cup today

Andy Roddick gives his Babolat stick some love during his 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 loss to Marin Cilic at the Rogers Cup.

Hey, do you think there's any room left on the US Olympics team for A-Rod? He could surely use the extra practice now.

(image via Getty)