(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Nadal's happy place

Someone looks excited to be back.

 UPDATE: Looks like Rafa tickled someone else's happy place today (check the DtL Peanut Gallery for a brief explanation if you need it. Thanks Nexty!)

[Photo(s): AP]

SIGHTING: A double dose of Serena Williams on Oscar night - which one was better?

Serena Williams is never one to miss a Hollywood party, especially in celebration of the Oscars. The 13-time Grand Slammer was spotted watching The King's Speech win Best Picture at the 19th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party last night in this gorge fringe tiered strapless A-line dress. I love that she kept the accessories to a minimum and let this beautiful dress speak for itself.

Afterward, ReRe decided to go old-Hollywood for the 201l Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter and changed out of that black beauty into another strapless gown, this time in pink with a sweetheart neckline and gold accessories. But what's up with the black nail polish (I wonder if it's from Glam Slam, her collab with OPI?) I'm not loving the combo at all. Perhaps I'm asking a little too much of ReRe to have pulled up her pantyhose on a full wardrobe change while also slapping on a complementary nail color (more like someone slapping it on her.) Perhaps.

I guess if I had to choose between the two versions of ReRe, though, I would pick the first one - it all worked very well together while the silhouette showed off her figure nicely. As for the stick straight locks with the blunt bangs? SO OVER.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

Juan Martin del Potro wears winning well

Juan Martin del Potro won his first title since snatching his maiden major at the 2009 US Open when he defeated Janko Tipsarevic 6-4, 6-4 at Delray Beach. He officially re-entered the Top 100 this morning, putting those lanky legs to good work and lunging 77 spots to land at No. 89.

Welcome back, ya big lug.

[Photo(s): AP]

PHOTO OP: The win of shame

"What the HELL did I do?"

Novak Djokovic had a look of utter disbelief about something after his comprehensive 6-3, 6-3 defeat of Roger Federer in the Dubai final today. But what could it have been about?

a) Capturing his third consecutive title in Dubai

b) Defeating Fed for the second straight time, raising his H2H record against the Swiss to 8-13

c) Remaining undefeated in 12 matches this season

d) Remembering all that dirty dolphin action

e) All the above, espesh 'd'

I'm thinking 'd' for dirty dolphin.

That poor, but very lucky, thing never stood a chance. Damn you, Nole. Damn you.

*raises fists to the sky*

[Photo(s): Reuters]

(UPDATED) QUOTE OF THE DAY: Justine Henin

[The ball was] more out than on the line…it touched the line. I admit it now.

- Justine Henin on the 2004 Aussie Open final she won against Kim Clijsters, when a TV replay showed Kimmie's swing volley on break point at 3-4 in the decider was actually good though it was called long (pre-instant replay, obvs.)

Along with her recent explanation of "Handgate" at the 2003 French Open against Serena Williams it seems the now-retired-for-good Justine wants to finally have a clear conscious about all those controversial moments in her career.

But why now? Why drudge it all up? No one is asking for an explanation or an apology for that matter. In fact, it may just be throwing rock salt in the wounds of those involved all over again. It seems pointless besides giving her peace of mind.

As you and most other ballers love to say, the past is the past. Move on Justine.

[Photo(s): AP/PTI]

UPDATE: "The past is the past" my ass. Thanks palbi.

Buh-bye, Mario

Former top tenner calls it a career. 

[Screen Grab: ATPWorldTour.com]

PHOTO OP: Getting a face full

"Heh, heh. Make it all wet."

You know, I get that same look when I rub something long, firm and smooth (not to mention shiny) all over my face. But enough about me...

Novak Djokovic, girlfriend Jelena Ristic and brother Marco (who's looking all kinds of grown up - in a good way) took to the water to play around with a few dolphins at the Atlantis Dolphin Encounter in the Atlantis Hotel, Dubai. The brothers Djoko are slated to play doubs at this week's tourney.

One more shot of Nolena and their flippered friend after the jump (click the head, y'all.)

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VIDEO VAULT: Roddick stretches for Memphis championship

Andy Roddick captured his 30th career title when he put a stop to the exciting run of Milos Raonic, who was going for his second consecutive tourney win, defeating the Canadian 7-6(7), 6-7(11), 7-5 in Memphis. Check out A-Rod's incredible lunge-and-roll winner to convert match point. That should feel good in the morning.


[Via: Sportnet.ca]

PHOTO OP: Letting it almost hang out

Uh, my balls wouldn't be caught dead anywhere near that. Dubai or no Dubai.

Click the head to see who offered up the photogs a little more than tennis today.

P.S. - Sorry to be gone so long. Will you EVAH forgive me? *bats eyelashes*

And that's a wrap!

Let me 'splain.

As anyone can see I haven't exactly been keeping up-to-date on the final stretch of the ATP World Tour. However, I did see how Roger Federer wrapped up an impressive fall season that saw him lose only two matches since the U.S. Open and win his fifth season-ending championship at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals defeating top baller Rafael Nadal 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. At this point in his long career Fed doesn't usually need confidence-boosting wins but this one against this baller would be the exception. He'll take it.

Like I said, though, I know I haven't been keeping a focused eye in between the lines but rather on my real life happenings. And I still am. So this will be my last post of the year.

I'd like to thank all of the readers out there for continuing to support Down the Line! and for coming back even when I need to take these required breaks. It's a pleasure to write for you guys and I hope you know how much I enjoy it.

Have an awesome holiday season and a Happy New Year! See you in 2011!!

[Photo(s): Getty Images]