+ NETCORDS: News from around the grounds

- Here come the French Open fashions! Check this adizine by adidas (you CLEVAH) showcasing the duds their ballers will be wearing to Roland Garros this year. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (who just dumped his coach), Ana Ivanovic, Andy Murray, Andrea Petkovic, Flavia Pennetta and Fernando Gonzalez are featured in the digital piece wearing their new kits and answering questions in an embedded video on the page. My fave? Gonzo's super cute multi-striped polo.

- Speaking of Gonzo the Chilean tweeted about his return to full-time action after undergoing hip surgery at the end of last year: "Today i finish my 6 months post-op rehab. I was discharged and ready to go back to game."

- Rolex has released their latest ads featuring NaturAna.

- Kim Clijsters will be out for the next 4 - 6 weeks to rehab her right wrist and shoulder which have been overstressed according to recent tests. She will be forced to miss the FED CUP semifinals and Madrid. The 4-time Grand Slammer made the announcement via her website:

I think this is a great pity. The Fed Cup is something I was really looking forward to. But I felt that something was out of the ordinary: There were too many minor ailments, one after the other, which did not seem to disappear. Something like that gets into your head.

I don't want to force anything, because I want to prevent it from becoming chronic by any means. I really want to be there at this year's. Now there is no other option than to rest and I certainly can't use a tennis racket for the first few weeks. We will continue with lots of physiotherapy and exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles."

- Maria Sharapova shot this video during her visit to the Cole Haan boutique at The Village of Merrick Park in Coral Gables, FL where the Russian launched her Spring 2011 Collection. Like her outfit? Well, Vogue.com liked it enough to place her on their Best Dressed list at No. 7.

- Bruce Jenkins won't be placing Shrieka on anything but MUTE. In his latest column the SI.com scribe doesn't hold back, blasting Shrieka, Vika and the sound storm they created during the Sony Ericsson Open women's final:

Both players seem to think it's all perfectly fine, that they're at the vanguard of a trend we should all deeply respect. Wow, are they wrong. Viewers are bailing out like passengers on the Titanic. And when it comes to the people in the stands, here's a message to both of you caterwaulers: They are laughing at you. Got it? And they find it so strange when you warm up in silence.

Is this grunting tirade old and tired? Yes. Are people ever going to stop getting annoyed by it? No. Will the lady ballers ever stop? Probably not, unless they start measuring that shit and creating acceptable levels. Or duct taping. That could work. Honestly, I don't see where this discussion ever ends.

- Fernando Verdasco will not be defending his title in Barcelona. And he's not happy about it.

- Mirka Federer, with a bootylicious Roger in tow, celebrated her 33rd birthday at Italian Prime restaurant in Miami last Saturday. Fed fanatic Anna Wintour and Mary Jo Fernandez were on hand. So was a Victoria's Secret gift bag. Just saying. On Sunday, Tommy Haas rang in his 33rd birthday but he was whisked off to the Bahamas by his wife Sara. Lucky for us they took pics and posted them on his FB page. Sadly, no shirtless shots. Drats.

- Nadia Petrova is not taking any of the blame credit for her recent Ellesse fashion moments. In fact, she mentioned she has no voice in the decision of what she wears, is leaving the sports apparel brand after this year and even says they send her whatever sells well in Japan. Really, Nads?? I wouldn't blame the Japanese for this one - THEY'VE BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH ALREADY. Tennis blog A Change of Ends spoke to the Russian during the WTA's All-Access Hour in Charleston and bravely brought back the money quotes. Cheers!

[Photo(s): adidas, Pacific Coast News, Vogue.com]

GBA Tennis launches first-ever video tennis instructional for iPhone + iPod touch

Neil Parker, who pens the excellent tennis instructional blog GBA Tennis - The Game Based Approach, has created the first beginner video tennis lesson for the iPhone/iPod touch called iTennisPro.

Using the teaching method called 'progressive tennis' the program instructs ballers of all ages on the basics of the game including groundies, volleys, serve, scoring, and even on-court etiquette (and we all know THAT'S needed!)

Other lessons include...

The Grips


How to rally using groundstokes with:

- The Impact Point


- Preparation


- The hitting zone using the wrist

How to volley with:

- A catching feeling


How to start the point using a serve with:

- Preparation


- The impact point


- A throwing feeling


How to keep score

As we all know beginner tennis lessons can become monotonous and frustrating at times. These video lessons demonstrate some fun, unique ways of learning the basics of the game and could give you a way of mixing things up as you develop your game. Plus, Neil's delivery and explanations are clear and easy to understand.

To learn more visit the iTennisPro site by clicking here.

[Photo(s): iTennisPro.net]

+ TUESDAY NETCORDS: Total staredown

"I am Blondzilla. I come in peace."

- Thoughts go out to Sam Querrey who needed emergency surgery on his right forearm after falling through a glass table. The US Open Series champ was sitting on the table and, according to his agent John Tobias, was leaning forward to tie his shoe when the glass shattered cutting his arm. He'll be out 4-6 weeks essentially ending his season. "im gonna fight the good fight :)... back home to santa monica in the morning" Sammie said via Twitter today. [TENNIS' Ticker]

- A hobbled Boris Becker and his pregnant wife of 5 months, Lilly, took in Oktoberfest in Munich. The tennis legend is recovering from a recent hip surgery.

- Maria Sharapova, who has returned to her old serving ways in Tokyo, will be touring South America for a series of exos (read: CASH COWS) from November 29th - December 4th. The matches will feature the 3-time Grand Slammer facing off against Argentine Gisela Dulko, her conqueror at Wimbledon. Talk about a girlie glamfest. I can just imagine all the wardrobe changes. *green with envy*

- Could the boy's game use a little more roughing around the edges? Steve Tignor thinks so.

- HCFoo is covering the Malaysian Open for her tennis blog and grabbed an interview with Fernando Verdasco. She was quick to apologize to the Spaniard for accidentally calling him "Feli" the nickname of his compatriot Feliciano Lopez. Good to see Nando take it so well...or did he?



(Photo: Getty)

+ WEDNESDAY NETCORDS: Maybe bold but absolutely beautiful

Simone Bolelli, Monte Carlo

* TENNIS' head honcho James Martin wonders whether The Mighty Fed's quest to stay mighty has become THE story in tennis. Discusssss. [ESPN]

* Martina Navratilova's ex, Toni Layton, is threatening to reveal "skeletons" from the 9-time Wimbledon champ's closet if she doesn't pony up a proper settlement for their breakup. According to Toni's counsel, Martina only offered $200,000 for eight years together and constant support for her career. This could get F-UGLY. [New York Post]

* Is she next in line for oh-so-coveted position as CEO of the struggling WTA Tour? If true, please accept my condolences. [ESPN]

* Prince is offering $20 off any and all of the new EXO3 performance racquets nationwide to thank you, yes YOU, for helping grow the sport in the U.S. [Prince]

* Julius "Dr. J" Erving was spotted in Charleston watching daughter and former Wimby semi-finalist Alexandra Stevenson go down to Akul Amanmuradova of Uzbekistan 6-2, 6-4. It was the first time ever the NBA legend watched Alex in action and afterwards she said, "We were never in a bad place, I just didn't know him. So it's good now. I mean, obviously, it's still odd because you're getting to know somebody. But it's nice that I know him, and he's supporting me out here, coming to watch me play." [FOX Sports]

(image via getty)

INSTANT REPLAY: A look back at the week's top tennis plays

Andy Murray, Prince Albert II, Rafael Nadal

Miami memories
VANtage Point: Houston
"And the Best Actress Oscar doesn't go to..."
Team Gasquet shaken up
JJ + Lefty on the rise
Dani says Hello!
Murray tops O2 Arena
La Monf shows up Shrieka
Rafa does khaki good
Dinara move in date, ReRe's move out date set
Shrieka goes Hollywood drag, pimps her TAG
Rafa + Murray get to dirtballin'
Fed does the Monte Carlo shuffle
Marat gives JC a bad idea
Baby Bastard no more

(image via getty)

+ TUESDAY NETCORDS: Vince has nothing on Nalby's mustached belly bump - or does he?

* Bobby Reynolds gives us the low down on the un-glamorous life of a lower-ranked baller including having to fly around the world in coach. Egads - coach?! Talk about slumming. Good thing I chose blogging. [NY Times]

* Kamakshi Tandon takes a gander at the ladies' Miami draw and she thinks the usual suspects will reign [ESPN]

* Tennis is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. among traditional sports. *faints* [USTA]

* Which rising lady baller said the following: If people spend some time with me they call me crazy, but in a good way. I paint my nails every three days. I have my nail polish with me – about 20 bottles of nail polish. I like shopping also. [Tennishead]

(image via getty)

+ THURSDAY NETCORDS: If I force a smile I know I'll be much happier right now

* More stories on Comeback Clijsters are popping up. NEWSFLASH KIMMIE: We all know you're returning to the game. Just announce it already. Geesh. [Sporting Life]

* Rumors continue to surround the pairing of Fernando Verdasco + Caroline Wozniacki. I suppose next to the definition of "man-whore" in the dictionary is Nando and his hairy situation(s). Don't you get it by now ladies? PS - Thanks Kirsten! [Crazy World of Tennis]

* Tom Perrotta gives his mid-term grades for Indian Wells and *shocker* FSN/MSG+ get an "F" for their U.S. broadcast. Ahhh - it's good to know they took the heaping criticism from last year and improved upon it. AIG bonuses for all! [TENNIS]

* Which lady baller said the following: "My favorite tennis player is Serena Williams. I like her because she plays a very aggressive game. (Ever talk to or meet her?) No, no [smiles]. I mean, I saw her in locker room but she's like big star"? [tennis week]

(image via ap)

Practice makes perfect: Taking a peek around the grounds at Indian Wells

(Hey y'all - I'm thrilled to add FreakyFrites of GOTOTENNIS to the DtL contributor list this year. I love her perspective on the game and her site's pretty great too - a must read especially for all you Fedophiles out there. FF visited Indian Wells this weekend and came back with some on-the-ground views of the action for our reading pleasure.

Also if you're ever interested in writing something for DtL drop me a line at DownTheLineTennis@Gmail.com. I'm always looking for new voices + views on the sport we all love. So without futher ado here's FreakyFrites!)


The highlight of my visit to Indian Wells (a.k.a. the BNP Paribas Open) this weekend was hanging out at the practice courts. Where else could a mere mortal like myself stand within arm’s length of Rafael Nadal while he soaked through his Nike t-shirt? And when Rafa, Roger or another one of my fave Top 5 players wasn’t hitting, I had fun cruising the rows of unobstructed practice courts in pursuit of quirky hitting partner combos, e.g., Simon/Isner, Safin/Tipsarevic and Haas/Stepanek.


Of course, the real thrill was catching Federer and Nadal’s practice sessions, which generated almost as much buzz as their matches. The two had vastly different routines – Rafa pounded balls for an hour or two while Roger barely got around to unzipping his RF warm up jacket - but both players attracted hoards of fans. We’re talking six-person deep crowds lining the court, kids climbing on top of trashcans for a better view and hundreds of faces peering down from the upper reaches of the main stadium.

The amateur sociologist in me enjoyed observing the true Rafanatics and Fedophiles in their natural habitats. Fed fans brought banners (“Federer is Better-er than Chocolate”) and Rafanatics brought their libidos (lots of décolletage and lip licking.) Both groups shun irony.


And then there was the grassy practice field, my favorite spot for witnessing chance encounters between the players. A typical scene: Nalbandian and Del Potro horse around with an Australian rules football while Daniela Hantuchova does jumping jacks in the background. Gasquet saunters between the Argentines, and a game of monkey-in-the-middle ensues. Then Gisela Dulko jogs by in her short shorts, distracting David. I also caught Rafa exchanging (air) kisses with a mystery WTA blonde and Tsonga switching places with his trainer to get a better view of Maria Kirilenko’s stretching routine. It was like watching the Real World: Tennis Tour!

When I needed a break from the excitement of all this practicing, I lounged on the main lawn with a beer or browsed the tennis gear for sale in the retail tents. I even watched an actual tennis match or two. But after being within sniffing distance of Rafa’s back sweat and Roger’s deluxe hair care products, everything else kind of faded in comparison.

FreakyFrites writes the blog GOTOTENNIS

(images via GOTOTENNNIS, photos courtesy of J. Nguyen)

INSTANT REPLAY: A look back at the week's top tennis plays

Novak Djokovic, Dubai


BYO Rafa + Toni get Mallorcan medals
Weekend Winners: Jo-Willy, A-Rod, Todo, Venus, Vika, M. José
VANtage Point: Dubai, Acapulco
ReRe goes Hollywood, visits Jim Rome + Ellen
Justine + ReRe have nothin' on Ana
Nole + Andy do their PR part
Vaida + Ana's coaching-go-round
Rafa smells so good
NaturAna's bringing sexy back
Hair today, gone tomorrow: Marat, Pablo, Carla
Andre, Steffi, Tim, and Kim under one roof
Fed not injured says Pierre
V + Andy give good quote
ReRe and Gatorade G2 join forces
The bouncing bird returns
Lleyton gets sued
We'll always have Paris, Marat
Monica talks with FOX Sports
Rafa spotted in Manacor
Murray must be pulling out his, eh, shirt?
Guess the boiling baller


+NETCORDS: Tuesday, Wednesday

(image via getty)

INSTANT REPLAY: A look back at the week's top tennis plays

(Caroline Wozniacki + Victoria Azarenka, Memphis)

Dubai denies Shahar, some show support
Ana exacts revenge on Alisa, serve still shaky though
Shrieka (and publicist?) back at Bollettieri's, revs up comeback
ATP discusses Dubai while Tennis Channel cancels coverage
Is there a head shrinker in the house?
Dinara dumped from Dubai
Monicu makes funny faces
Fed backs out of Dubai + Davis Cup
Telling the tale of the bouncing bird
JJ performs her own Serbian Slide, give good quote
Andy gets his visa, Shahar speaks out
Frisky fotos from Marseille
Billie Jean King talks Dubai + coming out
V tops ReRe, does Marie Claire + CNN, gives her two cents
Rafa in red, officially bucks Dubai
JJ, ReRe, and V shoot BJK Cup promo, Serb's right side still MIA
A-Rod backs Shahar, boycotts Dubai
Nole beaten by Jo-Willy again, gives lessons for HEAD

(image via AP)

INSTANT REPLAY: A look back at the week's top tennis plays

Rafa topples Rog in Oz, raises trophy in triumph
Post-match pool of tears
Rafa + Andy give good quote
VANtage Point: Welcome!
Aussie Open '09 wrap-ups: The Boys & The Ladies
Ana wears Rolex, talks Melbourne
Murray gets frosty
Will Rineberg join Team Ana?
Rafa backs Phelps
Should these post-match moments be stopped?
Rafanatics Gone Wild!
Keeping up with Kiri
Did the "LIVE CHAT" with Rafa crash the server?
Nando revealed
Rafa shoots TV ad
Shrieka shoulder issues continue, looks towards March return
Madona gets her (full) dress on
Justine + Kim gear up for exos
Queen of Oz visits Jay Leno

(image via ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP/Getty Images)

+ WEDNESDAY NETCORDS: German Open dropped...Baghie keeps smiling...Aussie Open predictions

* Big news out of Europe: the German Open, whose status was already downgraded in the WTA Tour's new Roadmap, has been dropped from the WTA's 2009 schedule altogether. The tournament owners, Qatari Tennis Federation, decided it didn't want to run an event in Berlin and since a new promoter was never found they sold the rights to the Tour. Okay - so one down. How many more before the cries of "overscheduling" stop?

* The Adovcate interview with Amelie Mauresmo conducted by Doug Robson is now up online and the Frenchie former No.1 opens up about her sexuality, the painful coming out process, and her tennis. However, she declines to discuss who she may be dating right now saying, "I’m not going to develop on this subject. Sorry.” Thanks for trying Doug!

* On a scale from 1 (don't be such a drama queen) to 10 (scared crapless), Jon Wertheim's concern for Maria Sharapova's career after all the news on her shoulder is a big ol' 7. (Not) good times.

* Marcos Baghdatis and his cute new 'do may be down but not out, according to the Cypriot. In fact, he expects a Top-10 return.

* Roger Federer has given his resounding support for the newly-appointed ATP CEO Adam Helfant, someone he interacted with at Nike. The Swiss said, "I even had something going on with him at Nike when I was negotiating my contract, so I saw what kind of a man he was. He is very honest, and I think that is a very good thing."

* ESPN.com's Kamashi Tandon previews the lady baller contenders for the Aussie Open and finds out even they are at a loss for a prediction (join my club) while FoxSports.com's Matt Cronin thinks his top pick for the boys might be a surprise (not). And, NBC's Harry Cicma joins Christopher Russo on Mad Dog Minute to give his predictions for the Aussie Open.

Check it out but be warned: Russo's creepy jazz hands are hypnotizing. Stare away from them...if you can.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

(image via Getty)

+ MONDAY NETCORDS: Michelle does Elle...Zina vs. USTA...Tommy sings his own tune

* Mo' money, mo' problems? Aussie Open '09 singles champs will earn $1.42 million each, increasing the overall purse by 12%. *kicks self for not being born with tennis talent + tennis body to match*

* Upcoming shrieker Michelle Larcher de Brito was featured recently in Portuguese Elle magazine.

* After some speculation, the ATP World Tour officially announced the appointment of ex-Nike exec Adam Helfant to the position of CEO for the men's pro tour. Note to Adam: Congrats and good luck (you'll need it). Note to ATP: please no bonuses or payouts until he actually does something, okay?

* Former FED CUP captain Zina Garrison is reportedly planning to sue the USTA for racial discrimination after settlement talks broke down following claims the former Wimbledon finalist was wrongly dismissed from her position with the organization. She is seeking millions in back pay and damages. This sounds U-gly. Stay tuned.

* Tommy Robredo fancies himself a contender at next week's Aussie Open. After defeating Jurgen Melzer 6-3, 6-4 in Sydney, the Spaniard said, "There is always great names so we will see who is in the best shape. Hopefully I can go far. That's why I'm here. Hopefully I can be the surprise (at the Australian Open) - it would be a nice present." Yeah right, and Rafa will turn Swiss, his ass-ets will shrink, and he'll actually become Roger Federer. No chance, Harvey.

* ESPN.com's Ravi Ubha takes a peek at the Aussie's best hopes for a homegrown champ at the season's first major. (Hint: it's not looking so good...yet)

* Which young lady baller answered "I really liked watching Jennifer Capriati and Martina Hingis. Those were the two players I really liked and spent time watching" when asked who her fave ballers were growing up? Find out here!

* Okay this one's for the Fedophiles (Freaky Frites, I'm talking to you.) Nike has released the Men's Dri-FIT Athlete T-Shirt ($30) in grey for Spring '09 featuring a graphic screen print of your boy and his 'RF' logo (pictured left.) Wear him well, Fedophiles.

* Will Van over at Tennis Talk, Anyone? have early season regrets in the post-season?

(images via Elle, Getty, Midwest Sports)

INSTANT REPLAY: A look back at the week's top tennis plays

(Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Queensland)

Is Dinara disappearing?
Nole spotted getting more HEAD but falls early anyway
Ana + Sven reportedly part ways
Prince launches EXO3 performance line
V goes MIA in Hong Kong - did she oversleep?
Rafa, Fed, + Murray do some ATP PR
Shirted Ross makes return
Fed, Ernests, Ana + Amelie give good quote
Rafa keeps it brief
Nalby's second life
ReRe turns to dogs for support
Now it's official official
Marlie takes in some b-ball in LA
Guessing + revealing the baby baller
Something smells stinky to Ana
Aravane gets cooky
Nando needs a new 'do
A early season Serbian Slide?
Gawdy La Monf shocks Rafa
Checking out Chaky in Fila
Will he be the next ATP CEO?
Amelie still looking back
Hopman Cup win for Dom + Doma
Fed facing the inevitable
Rafa + Marc grab Doha doubles title
A Czech and his checks
More 'Murray Magic' for Melbourne, I say
Vika is, like, soooo happy


+NETCORDS: Monday, Wednesday

(image via Getty)

+ WEDNESDAY NETCORDS: Kolya out of Aussie Open...Amelie speaks out...Serena prefers odd over even

* Bad news for Nikolay Davydenko who was forced to withdraw from Chennai and the upcoming Aussie Open with a recurring injury to his left heel. The issue began in Moscow last season and flared up again last week. According to Kolya, "Whenever I take a few days off it starts getting better. But as soon as I’ve played a match the pain comes back. I got pain killers but it still was very painful. I cannot imagine playing a match with this injury in Australia if I feel this bad after playing two sets here in Chennai." Happy healing Kolya!

* Sign o' the times: Novak Djokovic officially signs with HEAD, Jelena Jankovic signs with IMG, Harrison brothers sign with Nike

* Former Aussie Open champ Amelie Mauresmo, who rarely discusses being a lesbian, unknowingly sat down with tennis scribe Douglas Robson for LGBT magazine The Advocate's latest issue. Her response to finding out the interview was for a gay pub? "Yeah, whatever." Be out and proud Amelie!

* Pat Cash, ambassador for the newly-named Barclay's Masters Cup in London this year, promises a more "glamorous" and "fun" event than what we saw in Shanghai. Promises, promises...

* Which baller answered "Meal from Congo — it's like chicken with peanut butter" when asked what their favorite meal is? Find out here.

* Andy Roddick is challenging fans, again, to submit their most original 50-question interview to the American baller. The winning interview questions with answers will be posted on his website. In other A-Rod news, Sandra Hewitt for ESPN.com wonders if the addition of Larry Stefanki will be the cure for his tennis ills

* This could be an odd year for Serena Williams, in a good way of course

* You guys know I'm loving Nike's new Air Max CourtBallistecs soon-to-be-worn by Rafael Nadal. But if the bright colors turn you off (really?) then check out the white/silver ($120) and black versions ($70, pictured) and you can still hit the courts in style.


(images via Getty, The Advocate, Tennis Warehouse)

(NSFW) MEDIA MASHUP: Nalby's off-season training involved singing + dancing, boobs + butts

Firstly, a huge "THANKS" to Argentinean tennis site Fue buena for voting Down the Line! 2008's Blog of the Year. So cool!

They also sent over this hysterical video of David Nalbandian, his physical trainer Diego Rodriguez, and some naked bodies in a singing + dancing contest at the main carnival in Gualeguaychu, Entre Rios.


Apparently Nalby became friends with the owners of Papelitos, one of the dance groups competing at the carnival, and this video shows him singing and partying all the while wearing a very questionable outfit.

So much for Nalby's off-season training intensive, huh Murray?

CHECK IT:



(image via fuebuena.com.ar)

+ MONDAY NETCORDS: JJ gets smoochy...A-Rod promises more blogging...Vince vlogging for our comedy relief

* It seems things are still going well for Jelena Jankovic and her strapping boytoy Mladjan Janovic whom she met at the Beijing Olympics last year. The pair celebrated New Year's Eve together in Serbia and even swapped spit for the cameras. Awww - young love. Things also went well for JJ last season but she isn't feeling any pressure coming in as the top lady baller this year saying, "I don't really have to prove anything to anybody. I play tennis because I love to play. I want to achieve my goals..."

* Condolences go out to Kim Clijsters whose father, Lei, died on Sunday after losing a year-long battle with long cancer. He was 52.

* What kind of car does Nicole Vaidisova drive? What's it like inside Elena Dementieva's Russian home?? Can Caroline Wozniacki serve while blindfolded??? Find out the answers here...

* Venus Williams may be MIA in Hong Kong for the revamped JB Group Classic but the 5-time Wimbledon champ sat down with ESPN.com recently and gave her views on Centre Court's new retractable roof.

* Andy Roddick, who was spotted signing a camera condom (thanks TP!) after his first round win in Doha, promised to keep fans updated more frequently this year. According to his blog, "Ok so here is how I am gonna do it this year…. 24 blogs promised this year… sign, sealed, delivered…. am willing to take suggestions for what I have to do if I don’t meet the quota…. this one counts for the new year." We'll be watching A-Rod, no worries.

* Take Jon Wertheim's tennis pop quiz and find out how he answered his own questions - it's ingenious!

* Patricia Davis over at Tennis Diary wondered who will end 2009 as the top lady baller - an "ich" or an "ova" - but fears her "ova" might be "ova". Get it, got it, good.

* Have you checked out Vince Spadea's vlogs for the ATP World Tour? It features the usual Vince stuff (horrible headwear, more horrible rapping) and a fun fact: he traveled to the Brisbane tourney only to find out he's not even entered. It's pure comedy relief. CHECK IT:


(images via Women Tennis Photos, Getty)

INSTANT REPLAY: A look back at the week's top tennis plays

(Roger Federer + Rafael Nadal, Doha Bay)

Rafa reveals new Nike kicks
ATP World Tour revamps site, for better or worse
What to watch out for in 2009
Shrieka has surgery, Aussie Open defense questionable
A baller and some boobs
More Russian freakiness
Guessing the baller bod and the reveal
Jo-Willy + Fed give good quote
Rafa takes some fun photos, bites his hand
Anadam?
Happy New Year!
Brisbane ballers celebrate
Serbia Open sneak peek
New Nike duds for Mallorcan Matador and Shakira likes lots
"And Miss Queensland 2009 is..."
Nole practices, gets some Head
Murray's the man
Marat gets messed up


+NETCORDS: Tuesday

(image via Julian Finney for Getty)

+ TUESDAY NETCORDS: Ana goes green...Andy + Jamie get managed...Jon vs. Dmitry

* Ana Ivanovic recently shot a new ad for sponsor Rolex, who she signed with earlier this year. You guys know I've been wanting to see the Serb in a green jewel tone and after seeing this ad, I think adidas should design a few more duds for her in this color. LOVE.

* Brit ballers Andy Murray and brother Jamie will be going all Hollywood after they pair signed a lucrative deal with 19 Entertainment and Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to help manage their on and off-court activities beginning March 1, 2009. 19 is owned by American Idol creator Simon Fuller and the deal is reportedly worth 100 million pounds ($144.1 million). So now, what does Andy get win he actually wins something substantial?

* I have my list of story lines to watch for in 2009 and so does SI's Jon Wertheim

* We all know someone who's ready for 2008 to end and 2009 to begin: Nicole Vaidisova. The Czech baller is blaming a wrist injury and time off for rehab on her dismal '08 season saying, "It was just a year for me of transition, a lot changes, and it took a toll. I'm just ready for next year." I say "The Worm" is also to blame for sidetracking and distracting Nicole. What says you?

* Take a ride with the WTA as they tour Patty Schnyder's memory lane

* TENNIS' gear guru Jon Levey takes Bjorn Borg's signature racquet, the Donnay Borg Pro, for a hit and says, "Hitting with pace, however, is another story. When I tried to unload, I sprayed balls all over the place. I played like Dmitry Tursunov in a bad mood." Yes, we all like Dmitry when he's in a good mood, right Jon?

(images via anaivanovic.com, tennis.com)