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Nadal + Murray beaten at Queen's Club, Top 6 seeds now out

Rafael Nadal is out.

Andy Murray is out.

The Top 6 seeds at Queen's Club are now out. Ugh.

Rafa fell to compatriot Feliciano Lopez 7-6 (5), 6-4 while Muzz completed his match that postponed for darkness yesterday (under controversy) and lost 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (2) to Mardy Fish. The American played his quaterfinal match afterward defeating Michael Llodra 6-4, 6-4.

So it's Fish versus Feli and Sam Querrey, who beat Xavier Malisse 6-3, 7-5, versus Rainer Schuettler, who ousted Dudi Sela 7-5, 6-4, in the semifinals.

Not the final four anyone would've predicted. At all.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Rafa

I felt something after he handled it.

- Rafael Nadal discussing the injury scare to his Rafarse at Queen's Club today

'Something'? The word is 'fulfilled' Rafa.

Trust.

[Photo(s): AFP/Getty Images]

Big boys take a beating at Queen's Club

"Look Ma! I can fly!"

Many of the top ballers have been struggling this week as the tour's moved from the long clay-court season to the short-as-all-hell grass tour. Just ask Andy Roddick, Novak Djokovic and Marin Cilic.

Fourth seed A-Rod made his earliest exit from Queen's Club since his first round exit in 2001 when he was shocked 6-4, 7-6 (8) by Israel's Dudi Sela in the third round today. To his credit Dude played exceptionally well mixing up his backhand and blocking back the American's booming serve to neutralize his advantage. But A-Rod seemed like he left his aggressive stance in his Babolat bag, playing too much from the back court and not imposing his bigger game on Dude.

Afterward, he told the press he won't take a WC into Eastbourne next week:

I'm not gonna go into a panic mode and start doing that stuff. I'll try to get some practice in. I'll probably get more time on the track or in the gym. Maybe I'll figure out if there's some shows or a concert to kind of get away and take my mind off the fact that I'm not playing here.

Since winning the Sony Ericsson Open back in March A-Rod has played five matches and won three (2 - Roland Garros, 1- QC.) Let's hope he gets some really, I mean REALLY good practice sessions in with all the points he needs to defend as last year's Wimby finalist. An early round loss could mean a big drop in the rankings for the World No. 7.


Second seed Novak Djokovic was booted by Xavier Malisse 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 and complained that the playing conditions were dangerous:

The whole match you can feel the rain and the court was extremely slippery. A couple of times I could have injured myself, to stretch the muscle or something like that.

Let's hope his loss has more to do with the conditions than with his game, particularly any lingering effects from his quarterfinal loss to Jurgen Melzer at Roland Garros. I thought he might take that loss hard which, if true, would put a second week appearance at Wimby in serious jeopardy.


And fifth seed Marin Cilic went down 7-6 (2), 6-2 to Michael Llodra who is consulting with Amelie Mauresmo this grass season. Nice win for this newly formed team. I'd say Momo has given him some good advice based on this result. Good on ya Frenchies.

Plus, did you hear about the drama between Andy Murray + Mardy Fish during their match? Check it here, if you're into that kinda thing.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Bringing the brightness

"Let me shine the light."

Rafael Nadal made the smoothest of transitions from his fave clay to the grass today at Queen's Club. The Roland Garros champ defeated Brazilian Marcos Daniel 6-2, 6-2 in his opening round match to extend his winning streak to 23 matches. It was also Rafa's first match on grass since since winning the Wimbledon crown in July 2008. He'll face Denis Istomin of Kazakhstan in the next round.

I love the perspective of this photo where the 7-time Grand Slammer seems to tower over the crowd, and the contrast of the dark background against the brightness of his outfit and accessories.

And speaking of accessories, what's up with that ginormous Nike bag and what's inside? Curious minds want to know.

[Photo(s): Clive Brunskill/Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: Rez finds more interesting uses for foil

Here's a sneak peek at what Aravane Rezai has chosen (no, she wasn't forced) to wear at this year's Wimbledon.

I thought her last outfit was horrific but she actually has outdone herself with this latest disaster. Clearly Rez likes big + bold as evidenced by her power game and colorful off-court commentary but these pieces, from what I can see, just look cheap. Not cheap chic a la H & M. Just cheap a la Ke$ha.

The warm up jacket wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't embellished to death but don't get me started on that skirt. I mean, she really loves foil as a fabric, huh? (see last outfit)

Listen up lady ballers: Keep it simple. For your sake and ours. I beg of you.

[Photo(s): WTA FB page]

FASHION FIX: Ivanovic reveals adidas Wimbledon dress + leggings

Ana Ivanovic's website released an image of the adidas dress the former top lady baller will be wearing during her campaign at Wimbledon.

The Women's adilibria Dress in white (about $55) features a fitted, high-waisted bodice, wide straps and a square neck. She has the option to wear the Women's adilibria Leggings (about $29) if the weather gets cool, though I hope she NEVAH needs to throw these on.

"Considering the strict rules they have regarding all-white at Wimbledon, it's difficult to create a new look each year, but adidas have again done a great job of designing something that is both comfortable and stylish," said Ana. "I think it's a very feminine look and I'm going to enjoy wearing it in London."

Oh NaturAna. The dress is fine but I'm really starting to think your hand is permanently fist-pumped. Get thee to a doctor, stat.

[Photo(s): AnaIvanovic.com]

SIGHTING: Fran gets fancy at Palazzo Chigi

Francesca Schiavone was joined by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi at the Palazzo Chigi in Rome to celebrate her stunning win at Roland Garros.

She really deserves all the attention and accolades she's getting for her efforts in Paris. She really went out and won that tourney. Plus, she cleans up nicely.


[Photo(s): Reuters]

SIGHTING: Kim Sears watching Muzz at Queen's Club - so what gives?

Tennis WAG Kim Sears was spotted in the baller box watching defending champ Andy Murray struggle past Spaniard Ivan Navarro 7-6(8), 6-3 in his opening match at Queen's Club.

The pair were in a serious 4-year relationship until last November when they called it quits amidst rumors the Brit baller was spending way too many hours working his Playstation joystick. That's a boy for you. However, the gossip mill started churning again this past April when Kim was spotted visiting the Surrey home they shared and word began to fly they were spending more time together as well.


Well, based on Kim's appearance at Muzz's match today (her face, not those awesome Ray Ban aviators we both share) and her I'm-so-happy-to-be-here-supporting-you expression I'd say it's 'Game On' for them. And that's good news for Muzz whose game hasn't been the same since they split - for real.

[Photo(s): Christopher Lee/Getty Images]

(UPDATED) SIGHTING: Momo + scrunchee, Part Deux

A still very fit-looking Amelie Mauresmo + scrunchee were spotted playing a little football at Queen's Club yesterday. The 2-time Grand Slammer and her fave accessory were in the stands at Roland Garros recently watching Svetlana Kuznetsova go down to Maria Kirilenko.

Some ballers just can't stay away. I wonder what she's doing there, though. Anyone know?

UPDATE: Thanks to reader Sam H-Q for the awesome insidery info yesterday in the DtL Peanut Gallery on Momo's appearance at Queen's Club that was confirmed in today's L'equipe (Googlely translated):

As we learn in L'Equipe on Wednesday, Amelie Mauresmo has agreed to come and assist her experience Michaël Llodra for Wimbledon. The former World No. 1, titled in London in 2006, was delighted to make this unique service to those who still led by Rémi Barbarin.

"You could say I am a value-added. On fonctionne au feeling. It works by feel. (...) I attend his training, if I notice something I said. Sometimes I wait it occurs. Nothing is written, "said the former champion. Llodra him, appreciates the helping hand. "She joined me on the Challenger Bordeaux and I told him I was a contractor helping hand. Amelie can bring me a lot about how we approach the big competitions. Even if it is moving more in a friendly than purely professional. During her career she has been much discussion and thought to blow up certain obstacles. She put me on a different look. I like this approach."

Yay! More Momo!

[Photo(s): John Gichigi/Getty Images]