+ 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)

VIDEO VAULT: Rafa + Fed practice their rivalry at Melbourne Park

Some of you (yes YOU) have been curious to see images or video of Rafael Nadal + Roger Federer getting their practice on together at Melbourne Park. Well, look no further!

Now, it's a super short video, the quality is a bit grainy, and the shots linger a little too long on each of them individually (we know what they look like, really.)

But beggers can't be choosers I suppose.

CHECK IT:

Quote of the Day: Dinara on Dinara

I don't like the way I'm playing. Just totally bad.

- Dinara Safina after her 6-3, 6-4 win over Frenchie Alize Cornet in Sydney

Hmph. The scoreline doesn't look so terrible but, then, you never really can tell from that. I'll take your word for it D: you didn't win it, Corney blew it.

But don't be so hard on yourself and def don't let the pressure start to get to you. You have the game and you know what it takes to get to a major final.

Try not to get in your own way, though. Just sayin'.

(image via Getty)

(UPDATED) More on Blake the budding fashionista, to develop signature performance + lifestyle collection for Fila

A huge "Thanks!" to the team over at Fila for sending me the following press release involving the addition of budding fashionista James Blake to the brand's stable and his collaboration on a signature collection:

Fila announced today that it has entered into a collaboration arrangement with ATP World Tour star James Blake to develop a collection of men’s apparel and footwear. The collection will incorporate the heritage of the Fila brand with a contemporary twist inspired by Blake’s signature style. He will collaborate with Fila’s design team to create a co-branded collection. The yet to be named collection will target today’s active male and will be the basis for the development of a long-term licensing business for Blake.

The collection will include tennis, golf, fitness and lifestyle apparel, performance and lifestyle footwear and accessories for men. Fila and James Blake will also explore other product categories as opportunities arise in the market. The collection will debut with a limited collection of tennis and fitness apparel that will be unveiled just before the 2009 US Open in New York. The collection will officially launch for the Spring Summer 2010 season.

James will wear Fila branded or co-branded tennis apparel and footwear exclusively on court and he will be featured in Fila’s worldwide marketing efforts. He is the first top ten American male in over ten years to sign with Fila. James will debut in Fila’s Collezione Apparel Collection and the Fila Alfa shoe at the Australian Open in Melbourne.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with an athlete of James Blake’s caliber,” said Gene Yoon, Chairman of Fila. “Fila has been associated with champions in tennis and other sports for over 35 years. We are certain that through our collaboration with James, we will create a range of products that combines the rich style of our historic brand and James’ active and sophisticated lifestyle.”

“I have always had an affinity for the Fila brand,” said James Blake. “Ever since Borg graced the courts of Wimbledon in Fila, I have always been attracted to the Italian style, grace and sophistication of the Fila brand. My collaboration with Fila is much more than an endorsement arrangement. It will serve as the foundation of a business venture that I that will continue to build for years to come.”

Fila has a long and distinguished history in the world of tennis. The company has endorsement agreements with several ATP Tour and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour athletes, is a major sponsor of the Sony Ericsson Open, Tennis Tournament at Indian Wells, and the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships and is the footwear licensee with The Championships at Wimbledon.

Congrats James! I wasn't sure about the move to Fila from Nike but if they're offering you an opportunity for a post-tennis business venture, the development of a signature line, and the ability to be creative, I say it's a very smart one.

UPDATED: Okay here's one for the funny file. Thanks to DtL reader (with the sharpest eyes) Allison for tipping me off to some obviously photoshopped images of James Blake on his website. It seems someone in the J-Block was wielding a busted magic eraser and removed the Nike swooshes from some of his clothing in the pics but forgot a few pesky ones here and there. Nice job.

Was it a bitter divorce? You decide.

See below:



(image via tennisweek.com)

PHOTO OP: Shocked Richard upsets Sneaky Simon, puts hand to mouth

Richard Gasquet looked absolutely stunned during his second round match against compatriot Gilles Simon today in Sydney. The Frenchie headcase upset Sneaky Simon 6-4, 6-4 and will meet meet another Frenchie, Jeremy Chardy, for a spot in the final four.

I wonder why Richard's so shocked. Could it be the current World No.24 can't believe he actually beat another top-tenner or that Sneaky Simon actually hit 10 double faults in the match?

I'm feeling a combo platter here.

(image via GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)

PHOTO OP: RoKa together during Melbourne Park practice session, share secret words

Roger Federer, who's been biting with quotes these days, was spotted with long-time girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec on the Melbourne Park practice courts before heading to Kooyong recently. The 13-time Grand Slammer moved easily past Carlos Moya 6-2, 6-3 at the Aussie Open warmup today.

It looks like RoKa are having some words. Could it be Mirka's scolding the regal Swiss for his recent media moments? Or is she desperately fiending for her seemingly missing Crackberry??

What's going on here people?

DO TELL!

(image via tennisweek.com)

PHOTO OP: Rafa in reverse, covers up as Aussie heat rises - what gives?

Rafael Nadal was spotted on the practice courts of Melbourne Park again today.

The world's top baller is hoping to get his game in gear after injury shortened his 2008 season and he fell early in Doha:

I was out of competition for 2-1/2 months but have trained hard and hope to find my best level as fast as possible. I feel if I find my best tennis I always have a chance to win important tournaments and hopefully that will start in Australia.

As they always say, practice and match play are two completely different animals. Maybe Rafa should've opted for a match or two in Kooyong.

But more importantly: why is Rafa putting on more clothing than less when it's about 1000 degrees in Melbourne right now?

Even though others were spotted shiny + shirtless, the Spaniard was spotted yesterday working his trademark sleeveless look and now the sleeves are back. I mean, don't get me wrong. I'm loving the crimson color of that tee but I'm thinking I'd love the bronze color of his skin more.

What gives Rafa?! *scratches head*



(images via Getty)

Bethanie reportedly married, will deprive our eyes of more fun fashion in Melbourne

Has our fave fashion f-up gone and gotten herself married? It seems (maybe) so.

Stephanie Myles for her "On Court with Stephanie Myles" column at The Gazette is reporting that Bethanie Mattek has gotten hitched and will be missing next week's Aussie Open:

There will be no fashion show at the Australian Open this year.

Bethanie Mattek, sadly, is a no-show.

She's gone off and gotten married, and is taking a break and skipping the Australian swing.

Who's the lucky guy?

He's a civilian named Justin Sands, the head of the Arizona office of a Pennsylvania-based company called the Specht Insurance Group.

An insurance guy? Meh.

Anyways, it's too bad Bethanie won't be making Melbourne (if this story proves true) because her game seemed to be getting better while her fashion foibles seemed to be getting less, eh, eye-catching. Yeah.

In any case, congrats to you B.

(image via Getty)

(UPDATED) Quote of the Day: Fed on Murray

Who said that? The bookies? Good for him. It doesn't help him a whole lot. I've been in that position before as well and didn't make it.

- Roger Federer in Kooyong after hearing a few Brit bookies have chosen Andy Murray as the overall fave to take the Aussie Open crown

Boy, Fed is def on a role with these quotes right now.

Color me shocked too. I love Andy's chances to do well, even make the final, after his stunning start to the year. But THE fave over the likes of Rafa, Fed, + defending champ Nole? No way, no how.

But really you can't blame the Brits for being a little extra excited right now, can you?

UPDATE: Andy's response to Fed's bewilderment...

It doesn't make any difference whether people expect you to win or not. It doesn't change my mentality.

You get used to being expected to win matches when you play at Wimbledon. The pressure that comes with that gets you used to these situations.

The older you get, the more matches you play, you realise what the bookies are saying doesn't make any difference once you get on court, whether they are saying good things or bad things. You just get on with your job.

And on playing Fed now:

The more you play against him the less fearful you are, you're not scared to win the match. If you're young and you play against the top guys, once you get close to winning you get nervous. Now when I play him I don't get nervous and if I play my best tennis I can beat him.

OOHHH - this is gonna be GOOD!!!

*chills run up and down spine*

(image via Getty)

Ana the natural beauty, hits high mark with latest adidas campaign

A pared-down Ana Ivanovic is starring in a new marketing campaign for sponsor adidas called "Me, Myself".

The spot takes a supposed behind-the-scenes look at the Roland Garros champ's training session (I wish I looked that sweatless during my workouts) and explains an athlete's need for rest + reflection with the tagline "Ana, 30. Thirty minutes of 'me' time - it's what I need before I can meet my next challenge. Impossible is nothing."

According to adidas the campaign is "a distinctive and inspirational new women’s marketing initiative... The ‘Me, Myself’ campaign celebrates individuality, confidence and motivation.”

The 21-year old is joined in the new campaign by basketball star Candace Parker, Tae Kwondo athlete Iridia Salaazar and volleyball player Miwa Asao.

I SO prefer seeing Ana's natural, relaxed beauty being marketed over the Serb's vain attempts at glamour; it feels organic and she seems more at ease and comfortable.

Honestly, her image is not that versatile yet - maybe in time - but not yet.

Check out the alternate version here.

PS - Now that she's starring in this new campaign, does it mean Ana will be sticking it out with adidas and not jumping ship any time soon?

(image via anaivanovic.com)