FASHION FIX: Nike goes 'new blue' for spring, leaves winter in the dust

Don't be blue: With another winter slowly creeping towards oblivion (I hope), the coming spring season's best hues are finally making their mark. The ladies were hit with yellow fever in Dubai, and now the blues are hitting hard around the globe.

Following Rafael Nadal's lead this season, Nike tennis ballers Roger Federer in Dubai, Serena Williams in Bangalore, and John Isner in Las Vegas were spotted working 'new blue' for the sportswear giant.

I'm loving the light, airy feel of the new blue + white moment from Nike. It's still clean + classic but with a smart, modern feel.

(images via AP + Getty)

THE LOW DOWN: A-Rod leans left, steps out of political closet

Sporting political muscle: Though most athletes tend to either shy away from political speak to focus "on their games", some do actually embrace the moment. The most recent example was, of course, the out-spoken Novak Djokovic and his video support for Serbian unity.

Now, Andy Roddick has cracked open his political closet door - well, almost. In his latest blog entry the former US Open champ, who reached the second round at the Dubai Tennis Championships this week, teases us with left-leaning talk by saying,

The Democratic election has been a lot of fun to follow…. regardless of who one votes for it has been a blast to read about and follow… I am hoping the actual presidential election will be just as much fun!

Frankly, I'm loving the political speak...and the gratuitous belly shot!

(image via HASSAN AMMAR/AFP/Getty Images)

SIGHTING: Nole drops tennis racquet for skis, hits the slopes at Ski Dubai

Novak Djokovic was spotted hitting the slopes at Ski Dubai, the world's largest snow park to match the soon-to-be world's tallest building Burj Dubai, before his first match against Marin Cilic at the Dubai Tennis Championships this week. The Aussie Open champ won his match against the rising Croat 6-4, 6-3 without facing a break point and will face the French magician Fabrice Santoro in the next round.

Nole's no stranger to the ski slopes of course - his father Grdjan was a champion skiier back in Serbia. "I took up skiing before I learnt to play tennis at the age of four,” said Nole. “Skiing is a great sport, it’s a lot of fun and it’s my biggest passion."

(images via dubaitennischampionships.com)

THE LOW DOWN: Hingis to make another return to tennis play (well...sort of)

Hard habit to break: It seems she just can't stay away. Former top-ranked tennis baller Martina Hingis, who famously re-retired after testing positive for cocaine and receiving a 2-year ban, is returning to the courts. The Swiss Miss has accepted an invitation to play at the Liverpool International in June, though she could only enter the non-competitive Legends section of the draw. Martina told the press,

I have heard a lot about Liverpool over the years and all the fine work they have done up there to develop tennis in a region that is mostly famous for football. l am very much looking forward to playing the event and to seeing what’s on offer in the European Capital of Culture.

The 27-year old will be joined in the Legends group by fellow retirees Goran Ivanisevic and Pat Cash.

(image via vyhledavace.net)

SIGHTING: Pat Rafter works Bonds' runway for Melbourne Fashion Week

Like a fine wine: Tennis Hall of Famer Pat Rafter was spotted looking casual-cool on the runway during Bonds' Pop UP Show at the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival. The Aussie star is an ambassador for the underwear label (though he sometimes doesn't wear any) and took part in the show for Melbourne Fashion Week.

Some things just get better with age...

(image via Getty)

THE LOW DOWN: Will Federer skip the Olympics? "I still have not made up my mind...," says Roger

In the hot seat: Is the pressure of possibly being the greatest tennis player of all time finally getting to the usually unflappable Roger Federer?

The Swiss Stylist, who has expressed his desire to participate in the Olympics and win the gold medal, sung a different tune this week when he revealed that the decision to travel to Beijing for the Summer Games has not been finalized yet.

Federer, who was defeated by Britain’s Andy Murray in the first round of the Dubai Tennis Championships today (his first opening-round loss since 2004), was disillusioned by his experience at the 2004 Athens Games and told the press in Dubai,

It was quite difficult in Athens. Taking the bus and not being in control of my own schedule, and many people recognising me in the village. It was not as enjoyable as Sydney, which I loved. I still have not made up my mind (whether to play in Beijing).

The 12-time Grand Slam champion is two Slams away from matching Pete Sampras’ record of 14 major titles. However, he lost the Australian Open title to Novak Djokovic (sour grapes?), the French Open - played on Fed’s least favorite clay surface - has been owned by Rafael Nadal for the last three years, and now the opening-round loss to Murray in Dubai.

With the Olympics falling in between Wimbledon and the US Open, is Fed leaving the door open for him to focus on the last two majors of the year?

(image via AP)

Quote of the Day: Fed on Aussie Open loss to Nole

“It must have taken me a maximum of two hours to get over the loss."

- A prickly Roger Federer on his Aussie Open loss to eventual champ and growing nemesis Novak Djokovic

Hmmm - could this be another sour grapes moment on the tennis tour?

(image via TIMOTHY A. CLARY/GETTY IMAGES)

FASHION FIX: Rafa visits Burj Dubai, works graphic Nike design

Building confidence: Rafael Nadal is looking to get his tennis game in gear this week after disappointing losses at the Aussie Open and in Rotterdam. The Spaniard is the No. 2 seed at this week's Dubai Tennis Championships, which will also feature World No. 1 Roger Federer and Aussie Open champ Novak Djokovic.


Rafa was spotted doing a photo op at the construction site for the Burj Dubai, which will become the world's tallest building when completed. He's also working a new + interesting black and white Nike-designed graphic pocket-tee.

Does anyone out there have more info on his shirt?

(images via AP Photo/Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships, HO + e-architect.co.uk)

FASHION FIX: The ladies trade out tennis gear for saris at Bangalore Open

So sari: The ladies of the WTA Tour are setting their sites on an Indian summer as they gather for this week's Bangalore Open...all except homegirl Sania Mirza, who controversially pulled out of the tournament due to the treatment she's been receiving from her country. The players worked the runway donning traditional saris for the occasion.


Serb Jelena Jankovic, a Sania supporter, is top seed in the tourney, which also includes a rare non-Grand Slam appearance by both Venus and a "recovered" Serena Williams.

(images via STRDEL/AFP/Getty Images)

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

COURTSIDE

One hairy situation solved, another one to go
Mini-Maria
The state of A-Rod's game
Yellow fever hits Dubai
The falconer and his muse
My non-dom is bettah than yours
Maria gives good quote
Pennetta does periwinkle
Same dress, different color
Alona does Anna
Bringing home baby
Separated at Birth: Dani vs. American Idol


+ NETCORDS

MONDAY: Serena, the Grafassi's, see Maria ride it...Matt vs. A-Rod, Wii goes Oscar and more