(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]

PHOTO OP: The crowd is as stunned as you are

"My head size is based on true measurements."

This is an actual person in an actual parade in Lucerne, Switzerland dressed as Roger Federer after a WWE match carting around a trophy and somethings resembling his daughters.

This is wrong on so many levels. Where's Mirka? Why do the mangoes look all Benjamin Button? Why is he about to beat the mangoes? What the hell is going on here?

Okay, I've scared myself. I'll stop now.


[Photo(s): Reuters]

We're like soul sisters, me and that Sveta

WHAT?!?!

She said, eh, tweeted it not me. I may have thought it lots though. Fine, it's my mantra.

It's also a slow tennis news week. Sue me.

[Screen Grab: Twitter]

MEDIA MASHUP: Paying homage to Amelie

The organizers of the Open GEF SUEZ paid tribute to Amelie Mauresmo during an emotional ceremony on Center Court of the Pierre de Coubertin Stadium. The former No. 1 officially announced her retirement on December 3, 2009.

Frenchies Julie Coin, Alizé Cornet, Nathalie Dechy stood along side Patty Schnyder, Francesca Schiavone, Tathiana Garbin, Alisa Kleybanova and Flavia Penetta while watching a video highlighting her many achievements. Elena Dementieva offered some special words for the 2-time Grand Slammer saying, "I feel sad today. Amélie, you're one of the very best, and you're leaving. Younger players will always remember 'the Mauresmo years.' And I'm not even sure that anyone can replace you here." You can hear the full speech in French here.

Franca, though, had the best line of the evening when she told Amelie, "You wrote part of tennis' history. You were my idol. So please, don't come back!" Nice.

I have to say it was great to see a certain someone who's been injured for what seems like FOREVAH make a special appearance during the ceremony:


LOVE the boots Tati - you still got it. But one of the most teary-eyed moments came when Amelie's mom, Françoise, walked onto the court carrying a bouquet of flowers for her now-retired daughter. *grabs kleenex*



A beautiful tribute to someone whose game and personality is sorely missed on the WTA tour. Here's some video from the ceremony. Enjoy!

CHECK IT:



[Photo(s): Reuters, Getty]

QUOTE OF THE DAY: SAMPRAS

Anything is possible, but it's not probable. The French is a big one and he's going to have to defend that against all these Nadals and Verdascos. Things need to fall into place — a great draw and great weather — but it's a tough hurdle. Wimbledon will be tough too, but Roger's a freak of nature.

- Pete Sampras on Roger Federer's chances of completing the Calendar Slam this season

Out of all those "Nadals and Verdascos" the only real worry for the Swiss on clay is the real Rafa. Fed has been the second best clay courter for a few years before making good so it's plausible he'll defend his Roland Garros title if Rafa comes in rusty or, worse, bruised up.

I think the biggest obstacle, in terms of majors, to a Calendar Slam this year could be the U.S. Open. It's a more even playing field and gives a number of ballers a chance to get inside matches with the 16-time Grand Slammer. It's still a tough prospect even on his bad days and their good ones but as Juan Martin del Potro showed last season it's possible. You just better be ready to seal the deal, and probably over five sets. But it's possible.

[Photo(s): Getty]

SEPARATED AT BIRTH: Robin vs. Nick

I'm sitting here watching the snow fall heavily in New York - 16" maybe - and spotted this photo of Robin Haase competing in Rotterdam. I swear he has a passing resemblance to the baby of the Jonas Brothers, Nick. Or maybe that's what Nick will look like when he finally passes puberty (srsly, what's taking so long?)

[Photo(s): Reuters, exposay.com]

Wait - didn't TennisWeek.com shut down already?

"I could crush you both with a single decker. And you'd like it."

Eye-spy two smiley people on this page who don't seem to mind having their journalistic endeavors smothered by "Brooklyn's Double Deckers", the top headline on the TENNIS.com site highlighting its continued desire to move from serious media outlet to, eh, another blog. Good luck to ya.

Anyway, I bet there's one person who can't believe she got passed over for a swimsuit model on the main page of a tennis site. Sheesh, Brooklyn really IS powerful. She so deserved that cover.

[PHOTO[S]: TENNIS.com]