Kimmie to hold press conference in Bree, will discuss 2009 schedule

Kim Clijsters is reportedly holding a press conference in her hometown of Bree on March 26 to give further details on her 2009 schedule.

Her management team has also been in contact with U.S. Open organizers while Kimmie's training has continued with her former practice partner Wim Fissette and physical coach Sam Verslegers.

It's just a matter of time people...tick tock tick tock.

(image via getty)

VIDEO VAULT: Rafa's match point moments

I'll be going out of town this weekend attending to my non-tennis life (yeah, it actually exists.) Regular posting will return next Tuesday.

In the meantime, here's a video sent to me by Johanne that highlights the five match points Rafael Nadal saved during his fourth round defeat of David Nalbandian at Indian Wells. Check it out if you missed it.

Enjoy the rest of the tourney!!!

(via vamosrafa.es)

SEPARATED AT BIRTH: Kimmie vs. Spencer

Me thinks Kim Clijsters is a dead ringer for the most recent contestant to be voted off Survivor: Tocantins-The Brazilian Highlands, 19-year old Spencer Duhm.

Separated at birth or a spot on drag queen impression by Spence? DO TELL!

PS - thanks Aaron!

(images via TENNIS, CBS.com)

+ THURSDAY NETCORDS: If I force a smile I know I'll be much happier right now

* More stories on Comeback Clijsters are popping up. NEWSFLASH KIMMIE: We all know you're returning to the game. Just announce it already. Geesh. [Sporting Life]

* Rumors continue to surround the pairing of Fernando Verdasco + Caroline Wozniacki. I suppose next to the definition of "man-whore" in the dictionary is Nando and his hairy situation(s). Don't you get it by now ladies? PS - Thanks Kirsten! [Crazy World of Tennis]

* Tom Perrotta gives his mid-term grades for Indian Wells and *shocker* FSN/MSG+ get an "F" for their U.S. broadcast. Ahhh - it's good to know they took the heaping criticism from last year and improved upon it. AIG bonuses for all! [TENNIS]

* Which lady baller said the following: "My favorite tennis player is Serena Williams. I like her because she plays a very aggressive game. (Ever talk to or meet her?) No, no [smiles]. I mean, I saw her in locker room but she's like big star"? [tennis week]

(image via ap)

Nole defeats Stan at Indian Wells, clears the air in post-match presser (well, maybe)

After defeating Stanislas Wawrinka 7-6 (7), 7-6 (6) in the fourth round at Indian Wells, Novak Djokovic provided some interesting insights and commentary on a few hot topics during his post-match presser.

The defending champ discussed another quarterfinal meet up with Andy Roddick, their first since his controversial retirement from their match in Oz, his racquet switch, and the upcoming Serbia Open where he's partial owner.

Q. Let me bring you forward now with Roddick to Australia, where the match before you played him you finally appeared to hit a very good level. You play a good first set, excellent tiebreak, and then physically things got away from you. Just think about that time period and how disappointing it was, not being able to finish there.

ND: Well, it was very disappointing. Unfortunately, there were some side factors that affected my loss there, and I was a little bit disappointed with the scheduling there, as well. But, you know, I couldn't do anything about it.

I think there was no reason for me to play a day match when I had finished at, you know, 2:30 a.m. two nights before playing against Baghdatis. So I expected a night match so I can get more time to recover, but it didn't happen. So unfortunately I had to finish the Australian Open this year the way I finished it with the retirement. And, of course, there was a lot of speculations after that, which was very unfortunate for me. But, look, this is sport, and you just have to deal with it.

Q. You've talked a little bit about your racquets this week again. Sorry if this has been asked already, but why did you change them when you were doing so well in the first place? What was the reservation?

ND: Well, you know, there were a couple of reasons. Probably one of the reasons was, you know, the business change probably, the financing specter.

On the other hand, I already played with a Head racquet, so there were some things already in Wilson racquet that I played last year that I wanted to change. I've played well, but I think there were some more things that I could add up. Head stepped in and really made a good work and made a promise that they going to try to make as best a racquet as possible. We worked on that for really four or five, six months. Changing a racquet in tennis is probably the most difficult and most dangerous decision, especially in this time for me. But I have played, as I said, with Head already for a couple of years in my career.

There was just a matter of time mentally when I can really adapt to a new racquet.

Q. Futuristic question. What's your vision for the tennis tournament that your family owns now in Serbia and its development? How do you see it?

ND: Well, first of all, I'm very happy and privileged to have the tournament in Serbia after so many years. I think we deserve it because we have so many players, and we had the great success in the last two years. So we have, for now, the 250, lowest category of ATP events. But, again, we have tournament in our hands, so hopefully we can show to the world that we can be great hosts, and then next couple of years, you know, improve it and get the better event.

Q. Do you think you'll get better scheduling for your matches there than in Australia? (laughter.)

ND: I'll make sure I'll be present for scheduling.

Ah-ha! I knew there'd be some advantages (or conflicts of interest?) to owning a tourney you're competing in - like configuring the scheduling of your matches. Seriously, if Nole doesn't win the inaugural Serbia Open he should ask for his investment funds back.

And, with regards to the racquet change, it was pretty obvious it was a money-making move and I'm glad he finally put it out there. He seems to be slowly rounding into form so maybe he won't have regrets. We'll see.

(image via getty)

THE LOW DOWN: Mashona arrested for suspicion of felony vandalism

Mashona Washington, who lost in doubles at Indian Wells on Wednesday with partner Bethanie-Mattek Sands, was arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism said the Riverside Sheriff's Department.

The former top-50 lady baller was arrested on Monday at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort for charges specific to damages estimated at $5,000 or more. She posted bail of $5,000 later in the day and is scheduled to be arraigned on May 14.

WTF?! I wonder what went down in that hotel room...stay tuned.

(image via mydesert.com)

PHOTO OP: Rafa wipes the slate clean, earns first win over Nalby

Rafael Nadal finally got the better of nemesis David Nalbandian at Indian Wells last night.

The world's top baller came back from a set and a break down to defeat Nalby 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-0 in the tourney's fourth round. Rafa saved five total match points in the second set - four on his own serve at 4-5 and one on the Argentine's. It was his first win over Nalby in three tries and the Mallorcan Matador will now face Juan Martin del Potro for a spot in the final four.

I guess Rafa was determined to end this streak with Nalby and he certainly put a stamp on the match by serving the Argentine a bagel. Oooh yummy!

(image via getty)

Vika shocks Dinara, makes semifinals at Indian Wells

Could Indian Wells be Victoria Azarenaka's big coming out party (and no, not in THAT way silly)?

The big-hitting Belarusian upset top seed and World No.2 Dinara Safina 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-3 in the quarterfinals at Indian Wells. Vika was broken while serving for the first set and lost out in the tie-breaker but dominated the rest of the way. It was her first win over the Russian and will now meet Vera Zvonareva, a Russian whom she's never beaten either, for a spot in the big final.

I've been touting Vika this season and predicting something big for her, especially on the hardcourts. Her forehand is still slappy and can be hit a little late while her serve can still be much improved. But I'm pretty impressed with the 19-year old's determination + intensity to win every point - it's a rarity on the WTA Tour these days - and she can sure hit the fuzz off the ball.

This could be her time.

(image via getty)

PHOTO OP: Gwen + Baby Zuma share playtime with Mirka

Gwen Stefani + Baby Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale were spotted playing (and probably sharing baby-raising tips) with mommy-to-be Mirka Vavrinec in the baller box watching Roger Federer dismiss Fernando Gonzalez 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 in the fourth round at Indian Wells. The 13-time Grand Slammer will next face the streaking Fernando Verdasco in a battle of forehands for a spot in the final four.

Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale. Really? And some of you thought Baby Mango was ridiculous. Think again.

(image via getty)

QUOTE OF THE DAY: NaturAna

Sometimes I wish I could get away from everything and go somewhere where nobody knows me. But I know I can't just disappear.

- Ana Ivanovic talking with Steve Tignor at Indian Wells

Uh, I think you got into the wrong profession, NaturAna. Good luck with that one though.

(image via womenstennisphotos)