BALLER MUG MASHUP: Muzz vs. Rafa

Andy Murray suffered another disappointing, and worrying, early round loss falling 6-2, 6-1 to Philipp Kohlschreiber in Monte-Carlo. It was his second consecutive opening round straight set defeat after going down 6-4, 6-4 to Mardy Fish at the same stage in Miami last month. Let's keep that head shrinker on speed dial, shall we?

I'd venture to guess that at the moment the Brit baller wouldn't mind melding his tennis IQ and skill set (and hair?) with a supreme dirt baller. I mean, we just started on the slippery stuff and there's a WAYS to go.

So here's a little Rafa for your ass Muzz. Don't ever say I never gave you anything.

[Photo(s): Reuters]

Sania Mirza gets hitched in Hyderabad hotel ceremony

Congratulations to Sania Mirza who married cricketer Shoaib Malik at a hotel in Hyderabad days after his divorce from another Indian woman, Ayesha Siddique, was brokered by Muslim elders.

Okay that's some last minute drama. But at the very least she can keep her monogrammed towels. And sheet set.

[Photo(s): Reuters]

PHOTO OP: Monte-Carlo baller party - who wore it best?

First off, my apologies particularly to Down the Line's long time readers for the abrupt break in posting recently. I've needed to focus my energies on some personal matters and I'm hoping *everything crossed* that I've turned a real corner. I can't promise I'll be able to post as often as I have in the past but I'll do my best to cover the really important happenings i.e. half-naked, sweaty ballers. You know, the stuff you expect from me.

That being said, I'm always open to having contributors come on board and take a swing at blogging. It'll help keep DtL going, it's quite painless and the glory is unmatched. Right. So if you like to write and you are obsessed with tennis and the boys and girls who play it, write me at downthelinetennis@gmail.com.

Now onto the "news"...

The boys have gathered in Monaco to officially kick off the 2010 clay season at the first Masters 1000, Monte-Carlo. So who looked their best at the baller party last night?

1. Tomas Berdych - I've always thought this pretty boy Czech came impeccably dressed for his on-court battles. He works styles that are simple in design but fit him well. Plus, he isn't afraid of wearing strong colors. I'm espesh loving this rugged look for the party: a motorcross/bomber style jacket and a great pair of jeans. Now stick his arse on a Ducati and we're all good.

2. Novak Djokovic with Jelena Ristic - Yes, I used the image of Nole with his girl because they looked good here. I can't hate on the pretty. Anyway, though I'd always take Nole sans clothing the World No. 2, who just split with co-coach Todd Martin, always looks drool-worthy in dark colors and tailored pieces. I'd much prefer a shorter jacket on him (why hide the ass-ets?) but that's just being picky.

3. Rafael Nadal - First the positives: Rafa's clothes actually fit him! We can finally see the defending champ's world-class body - the one we've all come to know and Rafantasize about. Now the negatives: The color combo is a bit boring. And why wear house slippers to this event? Is it a slumber party? I mean, if it is, sign me up. *grabs lingerie and bon bons*

4. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - Banker or baller? You decide.

5. Andy Murray - This is embarrassing. It's like Casper wearing a sheet. Get thee to a stylist.

6. Fernando Verdasco + Feliciano Lopez - The only reason they're listed below Muzz the Friendly Ghost is because I can't see their full outfits. But from what I can see, the boys looked like they called each other the night before to find out what they should wear:

FV: "Feli, it's Nando."
FL: "What up bro?"
FV: "What are you wearing to the baller party?"
FL: "Not sure. Maybe a suit and a button-down shirt. Easy breezy. You Nando?"
FV: "Whatta stud. Maybe the same thing. I don't know. I've been in my underwear of late so clothing seems silly these days. My bod is paying the bills."
FL: "Keep it clean, Nando. Keep it clean."
FV: "Claro. Shirt and suit it is!"

[Photo(s): Getty, TennisTV.com]

(UPDATED) Abs, asses, kisses oh my - must be "Gypsy"

Our Rafantasies have finally come true! Well, almost. We don't get to actually live them out but Shakira does for all the world to see. Ah, fuck me sideways.

Rafa's at his man-meat best in this video holding shirtless court as Shak gyrates her gypsy hips for his viewing pleasure. Plus we get a tight shot of his tight ass (and hers too for all two of you straighties out there) with the pair locking lips during a very intimate kiss that ends the video. I'd hate to hear Xisca's reaction after she sees that one - unless she's into swapping. Spit I mean sillies.


So what more can you ask for? It's a pretty sexy coupling that could only get any hawter if they actually had done the deed on screen. Ok, I don't think I can type anymore. I need private time. So, enjoy by clicking here. I will be.

*grabs kleenex*





UPDATE: Here's the English version of the vid...

COMMUNITY CORNER: First ever Ft. Greene Tennis Association Fundraiser y'all!

I'm sure most of you don't know but I'm a founding member of the newly-formed Ft. Greene Tennis Association (FGTA) based in Brooklyn, NY and we're hosting our first ever fundraiser tomorrow!

The group is comprised of tennis enthusiasts - like yours truly - who play at the park and want to encourage health and wellness in the community through tennis-related activities. One of our first goals is to get the six courts at Ft. Greene Park renovated to make the playing experience more enjoyable and safer for all.

Here's an image showing the extreme wear-and-tear of our beloved courts:


Pretty nasty, eh? The city of New York has the repairs of these tennis courts on their long list of priorities next to, uh, noise and picking up your pooch's poop. Translation: it's not a priority. At all.

It's up to the tennis-playing community and those who love the game to get these courts repaired.

So, if you're in the area we'd love to see you there. It's taking place at The General Greene located at 229 DeKalb Ave. from 5:30pm - 8pm. There's a $15 donation at the door to support the efforts of the FGTA and raffle prizes will be given out every half hour (read: some tix to the BNP Paribas Billie Jean King Cup for instance.)

Click here to visit our website to learn more about our group. You can also sign the petition to help bring awareness to our efforts and offer support to the cause.

Also, if you're involved in any activities at a local level that help grow the game of tennis in your communities I'd love to hear all about it and share your experiences with other readers!!!

[Photo(s): FGTA]

Ivanovic hires Heinz Gunthardt as new coach

Ana Ivanovic is hoping she's found the solution to her career free fall and his name is Heinz Gunthardt.

The Serb, who sits at No. 23 in this week's WTA rankings, made the announcement via her website today. The new appointment to Team NaturAna continues the coaching merry-go-round which included her time with the adidas Baller Development Program and Sven Groenefeld, a short, unsuccessful stint with Craig Kardon and a return back to the arms of adidas.

Heinz is a highly regarded coach who has worked with past Grand Slam champions, most notably with Steffi Graf and briefly with Jennifer Capriati.

Could this coaching switch do the trick for NaturAna? It remains to be seen but it can't hurt to try something new at this point especially with someone who's had great success coaching big forehands on the tour. If he gets her to toss the ball somewhere, anywhere other than the doubles alley then he's made his money.

[Photo(s): Getty]

(UPDATED) VIDEO VAULT: Behind-the-scenes with Nadal and SOBeFiT

Here's some behind-the-scenes footage of Rafael Nadal's SOBeFit photoshoot. This is a nice tease but I think we're all waiting for the same thing: Gypsy. Am I right or am I right?!

Bring it Shak.

UPDATE: Here's a teaser clip of the Gypsy vid courtesy of Nadal News!

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]

(UPDATED) Rafa + Shakira get all giggly for "Gypsy" music video

On the heels of the New York Post mention about Rafael Nadal + Shakira sharing dinner in Barcelona that I tweeted about yesterday comes some raw footage from her new music video for "Gypsy" featuring the 6-time Grand Slammer. Apparently they shot the video last week.

We all know how much she loves watching the Matador play and now she gets to get all cuddly with him in this video. Nice moves Shak but make sure to keep those hands in check.

P.S. - Thanks to everyone who blew up my inbox!

UPDATE: Nadal News has the cover and link to a video from his SOBeFiT photoshoot.

[Photo(s): embellezia.com]

VIDEO VAULT: You know you wanna see their...

Thanks to Sara I can bring you guys a teaser clip for Calvin Klein's X Underwear ad spot showcasing Fernando Verdasco, Hidetoshi Nakata, Mechad Brooks and Kellan Lutz talking shit while in motion.

I know I keep saying it but I seriously can't wait for the 3-D bulges. I wonder if those will talk too?

*grabs drool cup*

[Via INKling116]