Serena Williams can party but can't write, blames dental surgery

Serena "ReRe" Williams is finally able to write and practice again after her painful dental surgery, even though she was feeling good enough to crash some parties recently. The former No. 1 was the top seed at the Open Gaz de France tourney but withdrew because of the procedure. ReRe blogged about it so we'll let her tell you herself:

"Well as u may have heard I had to have emergency gum surgery. I was super ill for a looooong time. The only good thing is I ended up losing a bit of weight. I am just now getting better. I am just beginning to train and get back in the flow of things. It really sucks that I have to miss a few tourneys, but I have never felt too bad in my life.

"I would wake up (actually I could not even sleep the pain was so bad) and just cry because I was in so much pain. Being an athlete I have learned to build up my pain tolerance. And also in the past I have had a knee surgery so I know how some pain feels, but I have never experienced anything like this. It was crazy!! I have never cried for pain. I felt hopeless. My Mom came to the rescue. She was with me every second I needed her. What a great woman.

"I am finally feeling better and able to write blogs again. I hope to be in action soon on the tennis courts again. I can't really tell when I will be back but I am just training and playing it by ear. Stay tuned!!!"

The dental work forced her to pull out of the tennis tourney, but it didn't stop ReRe from blowing up the Serena Party Watch by hitting the clubs with boyfriend Common or making appearances at two Grammy parties last weekend.

Apparently, the more things change, the more the stay the same with ReRe.

(image via serenawilliams.com)

Monica Seles officially retires, "...I will miss competing in the game of tennis," says Seles

Monica Seles officially announced her retirement from tennis today. One of the greatest, and toughest, competitors the sport has ever seen, and one of my personal faves, Monica released the following statement through Tony Godsick, her IMG agent:

"Tennis has been and will always be a huge part of my life. I have for some time considered a return to professional play, but I have now decided not to pursue that, [...] I will continue to play exhibitions, participate in charity events, promote the sport, but will no longer plan my schedule around the tour. I look forward to pursuing other opportunities with the same passion and energy that fueled my dedication to tennis and to devote more time to two of my passions — children and animals. I especially want to thank all my wonderful, loyal fans for all of their support for me over the years. They have inspired me throughout my career in the good times and comforted me in the bad times. I have always been so proud to have such a special group of precious fans to call my very own and felt they were the best an athlete could ever hope to have. I will miss them all as much as I will miss competing in the game of tennis."

Though she hasn't competed on the WTA Tour since a first round loss at the 2003 French Open, Monica was considering a comeback this year. But it wasn't meant to be. The 9-time Grand Slam champion will begin a new career in television as a news contributor for CBS' The Early Show.

Quote of the Day: Justine Henin on Sharapova

“I hadn’t lost in months and that became a weight too. We knew defeat would come one day. (Sharapova) had the knife between her teeth."

- Justine Henin on losing to Maria "Shriek"apova at last month's Aussie Open

Clearly, Papa Yuri's infamous throat-cutting moment wasn't lost on the World No. 1.

(image via AFP/Belga/Virginie Lefour)

THE LOW DOWN: Davis Cup to award ranking points in 2009

Will the ITF begin awarding ranking points for Davis Cup? Yes, beginning in 2009 according to an interview with ITF Vice President Juan Margets on Spanish sports site Marca.com. Though the amount of points have not been determined, Margets remarked that a baller who plays all the World Group ties and reaches the final could potentially earn the equivalent point value of a Master Series champion. If an agreement is finalized, an announcment would be made during this year's Miami Masters.

Finally! A common sense move finally put into action by tennis' governing body. Now, onto Fed Cup...

(image via daviscup.com)

THE LOW DOWN: Andy Murray hits back at brother, "[The comments were] a little bit disappointing," says Andy

Family feud: Andy Murray isn't happy with the public spanking he got from big brother Jamie. The British No. 1, who just reached the quarterfinals in Marseille, defended his decision to skip his country's Davis Cup tie in Argentina to rest his tender knee.

After his first round win in Marseille this week, the 20-year old told the press,

"[The comments were] a little bit disappointing” [...] "He obviously felt pretty strongly about it and he’s entitled to his opinion. Again, if he knew what it was like playing three five-set matches in a row on clay, then maybe he would understand my position a bit better."

The World No. 11 also revealed the Scottish siblings have yet to discuss the controversy saying,

"I’ve not spoken to him yet. I’ll see him soon. I guess we’ll have to have a chat about it and just sort out our feelings on Davis Cup and the sort of position that I am in, but it’s probably not going to be the most fun conversation to have with your brother. [...] If people want to say that I am not committed to playing for my country and don’t put 110 per cent in, then I think that’s pretty unfair.”

Though he adamantly stands by his decision, Andy felt the need to reassure British Davis Cup captain John Lloyd that he'll absolutely be available for the next tie. We'll see.

(image via Getty)

Rafael Nadal launches Foundation, "I am doing very well and I owe society," says Rafa

Rafa makes good: As I wrote about last week Rafael Nadal, joined by the entire Nadal clan, launched the Rafa Nadal Foundation today at the Manacor Tennis Club in Mallorca, Spain. The Foundation will focus on social work and development aid and "seek to promote 'sport as an integration tool for those groups in most need," focusing particularly on childhood and youth.'" Ana Maria Parera, Rafa's mom, will chair the organization and father Sebastian will be vice-chairman. Coach and uncle Toni Nadal and his agent, former tennis player Carlos Costa, will also be involved.

The World No. 2 was interviewed about the Foundation and he had this to say:

On why Rafa decided to start a Foundation:
"This can be the beginning of my future, when I retire and have more time,[...] I am doing very well and I owe society, [...] A month-and-a-half ago I was in Chennai, in India. The truth is we live great here....I can contribute something with my image..."

On being inspired by the Red Cross benefit match with Real Madrid's Iker Casillas:
"We raised an amount of money that we would never have imagined. I have to thank Iker, my project partner, who went all out for it, [...] That is why the time has come to set up my own foundation and determine the destination of the money."

On the advice Roger Federer gave Rafa on being involved in philanthropy:
"I have talked a lot about this with Roger, and he tells me that when you are there it is something that fills you with satisfaction. And I think the time has come, it is a beautiful time for my life and for my career."

Big shout out to Down the Line reader Maxwell for the info!

(image via clarin.com)

Seles joins The Early Show and discusses stabbing, "I had a lot of inside emotional traumas going on," says Seles

The survivor: Monica Seles may not be slapping her trademark angled winners on a tennis court these days, but the 9-time Grand Slam champ isn't sitting sedentary - she's a new contributor on CBS' The Early Show.

The fit-looking former No. 1 was interviewed today about the incredible first half of her career when she won 8 Grand Slams before the age of 20, the infamous stabbing by a deranged Steffi Graf fan, her second life on-court, and how the assault left her with deep, emotional scars and an unhealthy coping method - eating.

She told Harry Smith, "I had a lot of inside emotional traumas going on," "You could see that reflected in the body that I had."

UPDATE: In case you missed it, here's the video of Monica's interview on The Early Show.

(image via cbsnews.com)

SIGHTING: A-Rod brings a little Brooklyn to Manhattan

Love is in the air: Thanks to our reader Suzanne for tipping us off to Andy Roddick and girlfriend Brooklyn Decker taking in some sights in New York yesterday. A-Rod is looking super-casual but blazing hot in his black skull cap, charcoal hooded wool coat, jeans, and trainers.

The pair began dating during last year's US Open when they were spotted eating at trendy eaterie Nobu; and last December the tennis baller (working a similar look) and swimsuit model were seen hand-in-hand strolling the streets of Gotham. A-Rod has been romantically linked to singer/actress Mandy Moore and fellow baller Maria "Shriek"apova as well.

Could the couple be here for a little Valentine's Day celebration in the big city?

(images via pagesix.com)

FASHION FIX: Reformed Hantuchova hits runway for Madrid Fashion Week

Fashion-lovin' Daniela Hantuchova must have had another change of heart about the media's attention on her beauty and looks. The slender Slovak partnered with model Martina Klein this weekend to present the TCN Collection at the Florida Park Club as part of Madrid Fashion Week.


After many years of focus on her looks, a reformed Dani told The Independent last year, "I think, [...] that there is way too much emphasis on the way we look in sport in general. With the guys nobody bothers, except to say that Ronaldo has got a little bit heavy or something. But with the women, there is too much. Everyone has a different shape. People should focus only on the game."

Now she's shopping Versace and working fashion weeks. I guess a girl has a right to change her mind...again...and again...and again.

(via womenstennisblog.com, images via womenstennisblog.com, WireImage)

SIGHTING: Shirtless Tsonga & Gasquet hit the clubs, get down with some go-go girls

The French do it better: We love the many ways the Frenchies celebrate their good fortunes. Aussie Open finalist Jo-Willy Tsonga and Richard Gasquet were spotted taking their shirts off and getting their party on with some go-go dancers at a club after their Davis Cup victory over Romania this past weekend.


Jo-Willy seems very much in his element, but Richard isn't as convincing - could he be trying to squash those pesky gay rumors once and for all? We'll give him an "A" for effort but, believe you me, it takes much more than some T & A to stop that gay train...


(images via ohlalaparis.com)