Who are your final four ladies of Roland Garros? Let's find out!

So it's set. The Roland Garros final four of the ladies' draw were decided today: In the top half we have Francesca Schiavone battling homegirl Marion Bartoli while the bottom half features a Nike showdown between Maria Sharapova and Li Na. Wanna get to know them better? Anyone? Bueller? Fuck it. Just read on.

NAME: Francesca Schiavone
AGE: 30
BIRTHPLACE: Milan, Italy
RESIDENCE: Milan, Italy
SEEDED: 5th
This lady baller is the defending champion and likes to go by the nickname “Schiavo”. She enjoys gesturing wildly during her matches (did I mention Schiavo’s Italian?), referring to herself in the third person and making out with the clay when she wins. Last year, she became the first baller from her country to win a major. BRAVA!

NAME: Marion Bartoli
AGE: 26
BIRTHPLACE: Le Puy en Velay, France
RESIDENCE: Geneva, Switzerland
SEEDED: 11th
This Frenchie has an IQ of 175 to match her unorthodox tennis game. She plays double-handed on both sides, enjoys shadow swinging between points and playing yarn games with her cat named Calinette. Oh, she'd also like a sponsor, so if anyone has any interest please tell her dad. She kinda plays well you know.

NAME: Maria Sharapova
AGE: 24
BIRTHPLACE: Nyagan, Russia
RESIDENCE: Bradenton, FL and some place in Manhattan Beach, CA
SEEDED: 7th
This Russian blondezilla, affectionately nicknamed “Shrieka” on this blog, is a 3-time Grand Slammer who recently got engaged to fellow giant Sasha Vujacic, a basketballer for the New Jersey Nets. She likes to design her on-court fashions, learn about architecture and spend nights counting her ever-growing bank account. Dislikes? Volleying. She’s due to release her latest creation, SUGARPOVA - a tennis-themed candy, in the very near future.

NAME: Li Na
AGE: 29
BIRTHPLACE: Wuhan, China
RESIDENCE: Wuhan, China
SEEDED: 6th
This semifinalist from China is all about making history. She became the first baller from her country to reach a Grand Slam final (Oz Open ’11) and first to make it past the fourth round in Paris. She enjoys shopping, using credit cards and generally kicking ass in all interviews.

Good luck ladies!

[Photo(s): AFP, Getty, AP]

Novak Djokovic upsets Federer, performs trademark celebratory shirtless dance

Baring it all: Our favorite member of the shirtless brigade, Novak Djokovic, caused a huge upset at the Australian Open ousting defending champion Roger Federer in straight sets 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) and making his second consecutive Grand Slam final. As we predicted, Nole kept his nerve and took his opportunities hitting more aces (13-10) and more winners (50-38) than the World No. 1. He'll take on surprise Frenchie finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for the title on Sunday.


After his stunning upset, the Serbian World No. 3 told the press,

"Well, yes, that was one of the positive facts, I think, in tonight's match, I was able to deal with the pressure in the best possible way, [...] And if you do that against the best player in the world, you know, you should get the positive outcome, which resulted of course with the win tonight. [...] I'm very happy that in crucial moments my serve was serving me, and it was probably my best element in the game tonight in the important moments. So it is a positive thing for the future."

Yes, the future is beginning to look a lot brighter for you Nole...

(images via WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images)

Men's 1st Marquee Matchup: Australian Open Semifinals

Finally: Here's our first Men's Marquee Matchup of the Australian Open and it could be a great one. This semifinal pits World No. 1 Roger Federer, going for his 13th Grand Slam, against Novak Djokovic in a rematch of their US Open final battle from last season. The winner will take on a perfect-playing Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for the title on Sunday.

Fed took on a familiar foe in James Blake and closed the match with a familiar ending - a win for the Swiss over the American 7-5, 7-6 (5), 6-4. Nole battled World No. 5 David Ferrer and, with the exception of a slight shaky ending, easily defeated the Spaniard 6-0, 6-3, 6-4. The last time these two tennis ballers met was in last year's US Open final where Fed saved 7 of 9 break points en route to a 7-6(4), 7-6(2), 6-4 victory and 12th Grand Slam.

Here's what the Swiss Stylist said about playing Nole:

"He obviously had seven set points in the first couple of sets [of the US Open final] and hurt him big time. But I think level was very good. So actually was the level at Montreal when we played against each other. And we usually have always very good matches when we play. I look forward to playing my best tennis about Novak Djokovic. I look forward to playing to win. That's what my mindset is, really."

Nole had this to say about battling Fed:

"So I felt that after the win against Roger in Montreal, I had big chances in the [US Open] final, though I didn't use my opportunities that has been given to me, and now I look at the things in a different way. You know, every time I play with Roger or with the best players in the world, I learn something new, I have another experience. And I try to ‑‑ I try to watch matches, you know, speak with the coach and see what I need to do so I can ‑‑ so I can play better, save some energy, you know, improve my game, and win against the best players in the world.

This match is all about execution - who will keep focus and hit their shots when it counts. We know how the World No. 1 will play, but will the 20-year old Serb stay calm in the tight moments? He missed countless opportunities in the US Open final but has shown composure when it mattered most here. We're feeling an upset brewing - so we'll pick Nole in 5 sets to reach his first Aussie Open final.

(images via ROMEO GACAD/AFP/Getty Images + Rick Stevens/AP)

PREVIEW: Australian Open Women's Semifinal Showdowns

The four ladies of the Australian Open semifinals have been decided and are set for the Women's Semifinal Showdown. Here's a preview:


Maria "Shriek"apova vs. Jelena Jankovic

Head-to-head: Maria 3, Jelena 1
Last meeting: Birmingham '07 (grass), Jelena 4-6 6-3 7-5

How they got here: Maria played the women's match of the tournament, so far, against World No. 1 Justine Henin. In her comprehensive 6-4, 6-0 defeat of the Belgian, Maria showed she's matured as a tennis baller by mixing up her game with sharp angles, drop shots, and volleys - everything we thought she'd need to do to grab the win. Jelena caused the biggest upset, knocking off a subdued and out-of-sorts Serena Williams and taking a 3-2 lead in their head-to-head. All credit to the Serb for keeping her focus and composure during her 6-3, 6-4 win over the 8-time Grand Slam champ.

The last time Maria and Jelena battled was at Birmingham, a Wimbledon warm-up tourney. The World No. 4 got the better of the Russian, sneaking out a 7-5 third set win over Maria on her favored surface.

Here's what Maria had to say about playing Jelena:

"This is a new encounter, a new match. This is a great opportunity for both of us. I'm very excited about the matchup. [...] Ever since the juniors we've always played really tough and we've always battled it out, and it's great to see her in the semis. It's great we're playing together."

Jelena has this to say about getting to the semifinals:

"When I think about [the first match, saving 3 match points], I get goosebumps, actually. It's really scary, scary thought. If you see the match point that I saved on that first day, you wouldn't believe I could actually win that point when it started, because I kept hitting the balls like a slice. It would go out and somehow landed on the line. Then the next shot I hit a slice and it floated and it landed on the line again. Then the next backhand went in the corner all the way on the line again. And I was like, I don't know who was playing or what's happening out there, but it was really unbelievable. And then being in a semifinal after those matches where I survived, it doesn't get better than that."

Outlook: Will Maria suffer a mental letdown after defeating Justine? Can Jelena's body hold up for another match, or has it finally reached the limit?? We think Maria will need to win the match in two sets - Jelena is a superior mover and could run the 6' 2" Russian around keeping her off balance. But, Maria has a third Grand Slam title in her reach and she won't let up - we'll take her in 2 sets.


Ana Ivanovic vs. Daniela Hantuchova

Head-to-head: Ana 2, Daniela 1
Last meeting: WTA Championships '07 (carpet), Ana 6-2 7-6(9)

How they got here: Ana made it 2 for 2, taking out a second Williams sister in as many days. Showing improved movement and fitness, the Serb battled Venus for a 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 win - her first over the American in 5 tries. Daniela, taking advantage of a ravaged draw that saw World No. 2 Svetlana Kuznetsova go down early, is making her first trip to a Grand Slam semifinal after a 6-2, 6-2 win over Polish teen Agnieszka Radwanska (who took out Kuzy in the 3rd round).

Ana and Dani last played each other at the season-ending WTA Championships last year in Madrid, where the Serb took a straight set win in round-robin play.

Here's what Ana said about taking on Dani:

"She had a great run. She had a lot of good wins. Obviously there is no easy matches in a Grand Slam. But she obviously has a lot of confidence coming into semifinal. I believe it's her first Grand Slam semifinal, so it's going to be a very tough match. As I already spoke before, we both have a good chance and I really hope it will be a good match. We had tough matches last time we played in Madrid and also before that in Luxembourg and once more also last year on grass. It's gonna be I think interesting match and I'm really looking forward for a challenge."

Dani had this to say about being a first time semifinalist:

"Well, it's going to be, again, a new experience for me, which I'm really excited about. Either way, whoever I play, it's going to be a tough match. But I've got nothing to lose. I'm in a great position. I'm feeling like I'm playing well. I'm just really looking forward to be out on the court again and give my best and see what happens."

Outlook: Ana should take this match convincingly - too much game. But, if she gets nervous Dani has enough experience to make things interesting. But, nevertheless, we're picking the Serb to reach her first Aussie Open final in 2 sets.

(images via Rob Griffith & Rick Stevens/AP)

PREVIEW: US Open Men's Semifinal Showdowns

The final four men at the US Open have been decided and are set for the Men's Semifinal Showdowns. Here's a preview:

Roger Federer vs. Nikolay Davydenko

Head-to-head: Federer 9, Davydenko 0
Last meeting: French Open '07 (clay), Federer 7-5 7-6(5) 7-6(7)

Destroying American hopes of a US Open upset with his usual flair, World No. 1 Fed handled the best No. 5 seed Andy Roddick could muster and delivered a 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4), 6-2 quarterfinal victory. Speedy Russian Niko made quick work of Germany's No. 10 seed Tommy Haas with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 win. The last time these two met was at this year's French Open where Niko pushed Fed hard for 3 sets before succumbing to the Swiss' superior game.

Here's what Fed had to say about Niko:

"[...] I think he's a fantastic player. Totally underrated still sometimes from the media. Even though I have a great record against him, I'm aware of his ability. It was a very close match we did at the French Open this year in the semis. Last year I played out of my head in the semis, I remember. Looking forward to a tough match. He's a great player."

Here's what Niko said about playing Fed:

"You know, I always try, always try to come to [the level I played Haas] against Federer or like against Nadal, you know. [...] That's was to come to this level, it like Djokovic now try to come, you know, to this level, like beating Federer in Montréal. That's was for me also very important."

Outlook: We actually think Niko will play Fed tough here as he did in Paris. He won't win, but he'll push the Swiss hard and maybe even squeak out a tie-break set.

Novak Djokovic vs. David Ferrer

Head-to-head: Djokovic 1, Ferrer 2

Last meeting: Monte Carlo Masters Series, Ferrer 7-5, 6-4

Nole reached his 3rd consecutive Grand Slam semifinal, and first at the US Open, by defeating Spain's sexy No. 17 seed Carlos Moya 6-4, 7-6 (7), 6-1. David, who earlier defeated compatriot Rafael Nadal, continued his New York success by reaching his first Grand Slam semifinal by taking out No. 20 seed Juan Ignacio Chela 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. David has a winning edge in his head-to-head with Nole and won their last meeting on clay in Monte Carlo, so expect the Spaniard to come in with confidence as he's done all tournament.

Here's Nole's take on playing David in the semifinals:

"Well, he's a great competitor. Obviously he's performing his best tennis this year. He had an impressive year, especially here in US Open he's been playing some great tennis. He beat Nadal, so he plays every point, you know, he's running and he doesn't give you a lot of unforced errors, so you've got to earn every point if you want to be in control of the match.So that's what I'm going to try to do. I'm going to try to be aggressive and patient at the same time."

Here's what David said about Nole's game:

"Djokovic is unbelievable player. Very young player and he plays really very well. For me, he can move to No. 1 of the world five or six years. Depends of Rafa or Roger, no? But it's another generation.He serve well, he has a very good backhand, forehand. He do all. A really good player."

Outlook: Nole may be ranked higher the David, but this will be a tough match. Nole will have to serve a high percentage of first serves since the Spaniard is returning extremely well - so well that a certain Swiss called him "the best returner in the game." Nole will need to be aggressive and control the points or else the Spaniard could run him ragged and steal the match. A slight edge to Nole on this one.

Tell us who your picks are for the Men's Semifinal Showdowns!

(Images courtesy of AP Photos)

PREVIEW: US Open Women's Semifinal Showdowns

The final four ladies at the US Open have been decided and are set for the Women's Semifinal Showdowns. Here's a preview:

Justine Henin vs. Venus Williams

Head-to-head: Williams 7, Henin 1
Last meeting: Australian Open '03 (hard), Williams 6-3, 6-3

World No. 1 Justine continued her Grand Slam dominance over 2-time US Open champion Serena "ReRe" Williams, beating her in a third straight Slam quarterfinal 7-6 (3), 6-1 and feeding ReRe sour grapes afterwards. No. 12 seed Venus battled Serb Jelena Jankovic (in the best women's match so far) for over 2 hours, overcoming a first set lost and a break in the second before prevailing 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (4). Justine and Venus haven't played in over 4 years, so their head-to-head is deceiving. Justine is a much approved player and knows how to play, and win, the big matches now.

Here's what Justine said about playing Venus:

"[...] I didn't watch Venus that much in the last few months, so it will be another good test for me for sure. And I will have to, you know, just be myself, play my tennis, play my game. So, yeah, I didn't play Venus for a long time so that will be interesting."

Here's Venus on playing Justine:

"I think it will be a very similar match [to Jankovic.] I'm playing a player, Justine, a player very similar to Jelena. A little more power. A little more power off the serve, which quite honestly I think I like it when the serve comes with some pace. It's nice. So I think it will be pretty similar. I guess I'll be ready for it."

Outlook: Venus has the strength to overpower Justine, but Justine has the speed and variety to disrupt her rhythm and get Venus to make errors. Tracy Austin for MSNBC.com gives a very slight edge to Justine in this semifinal and, after her win over Serena, so do we.

Svetlana Kuznetsova vs. Anna Chakvetadze

Head-to-head: Sveta, 2-0
Last meeting: Warsaw '06 (clay), Sveta 6-1, 6-1

A former champion at the US Open, World No. 4 Sveta knows how to win in New York. She completely outclassed rising Hungarian star Agnes Szavay in the quarterfinals 6-1, 6-4. Her opponent in the semis, fellow Russian and No. 6 seed Anna Chakvetadze, dominated Israeli Shahar Peer, the No. 18 seed, by a similar scoreline, 6-4, 6-1.

Here's what Sveta said about her semifinal against Anna:

"I play Anna now and I am very happy there is definitely going to be one Russian in the final."

Anna had this to say about playing Sveta:

"She's a favourite in this match, so I have nothing to lose and no pressure, [...]For me it's much easier to play with no pressure, so I will try to do my best."

Outlook: This one is a real toss- up, with the knowledge that the winner from the Williams/Henin semifinal is mostly likely our '07 champ. But we'll go with "Chaky" just for the fun of calling her "Chaky"...oh, and her smooth groundstroking.

Tell me who your picks are for tomorrow's Women's Semifinal Showdowns!

(images courtesy of AP Photos)