(UPDATED) HE SAID/SHE SAID: Wimbledon Day Three

(Hey guys, I'll update with Isnut quotes whenever their match ends, be it today, tomorrow or in Week 2 as well as the others who postponed their pressers to watch this insanity.)

Q. Llodra is working with Mauresmo. What do you make of that?

ANDY RODDICK: That's fine. It seems to be working. Listen, a lot of times if someone can communicate and get through to you, then that's the person you need to be with. If they communicate in the right ways, and you get along with them, you can handle being on the road with them, then it's a good fit.

A couple of people have talked to me. I think they think it's a lot weirder than I do. I think so far it's been great. To Michael's credit, down two sets to one, he started getting maybe a little frustrated, came back. The first point of the fourth set, he was vocal, C'mon, right away. He kind of kept it together out there real well.

So far I would consider it the right move.

Q. Is playing on grass the most fun just because it's soft?

KIM CLIJSTERS: It is. It is. But then I also like those intense rallies where you push off, you know. It's more physical, but I like that. But yet again, yeah, it's a completely different game. There's so much more thinking involved. I like that part about it, as well. I think, you know, you have to really adjust yourself.

I can't move the same on this surface than I can on hard court. I think it takes time to get used to that. But that's the part that I probably like the most, is finding your best on a different surface.

Q. What are the changes you have to make for moving on the grass?

KIM CLIJSTERS: You can't just push off. I mean, you can't just, you know, split and run forward. You have to be a little more careful. You can slide a little bit more faster. Especially when it's hot, the grass, it's not as green anymore, it starts to die off a little bit. Those parts are definitely a lot more slippy than other parts. That's where you have to be a little bit more careful.

Obviously being lower is something that your body has to adjust to. But, uhm, it's good. I think it's a fun surface. Too bad it doesn't, you know, last the season. The grass court season is not that long.

Q. The history has been written while you play, because it's 46-46 in the fifth set. 8 hours and 15 minutes. What are your thoughts about that?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I mean, what can you say about that? I mean, I am very surprised. Everybody's watching it in the locker rooms, everywhere. That's the longest match by far any tournament, any Grand Slam. Of course, two big servers.

But I'm amazed that they can both hold their serves this comfortably for the whole day. I mean, it's unbelievable. You have to give them credit, both of them.
Whoever wins today, I think both of them are winners. Obviously, the loser will be disappointed. Yeah, I don't know, maybe they should agree on playing tiebreak if it's 50 All. That's maybe one of the solutions (laughter).

Q. When you were out of the game, was it very frustrating? Did you think about the fact that you were so close but never won the title?

JUSTINE HENIN: I was not frustrated when I was away. Maybe a little more now. Still I get more opportunities.

It's true, you know, when I go back and I think about what happened especially, I wouldn't say 2007, but I would talk about 2006 in the final against Mauresmo, I had the control of the match, I was up a set. You know, when you look back like this, you say, You should keep the intensity. The motivation has to be so high at the time because you're just a set away to win the only Grand Slam you never won.

But when you on the court, when you in the situation, you give everything. It's true that when you can take the distance a few years later, you say, Maybe I should have give more. But when you on the court, you know, at that moment, that's not that easy.

I had a few opportunities in 2007 also. But even if you feel so close, you still so far. Because, you know, until the last point is not over, you never know really what to expect. Emotionally I was a bit too short all the time.

I can play well on grass. I think I proved it enough in the past, beating Serena here in 2007, had pretty good results. But it was, you know, always the last thing to do.

Well, it's good, yeah. I still have a challenge in my career right now.

Q. Do you think the frustrations from all the points you mentioned from '06, will that always be with you until you win the championship?

JUSTINE HENIN: Well, I wouldn't talk about the frustration. It's been one of the most difficult moments of my career, that is for sure. But when I look back, you know, just thinking about that little girl that wanted to win a Grand Slam, and we talk about the only Grand Slam I never won.

I think the way is just unbelievable. Everything I did in my career is just unbelievable. And I have other challenges now. Wimbledon is one of them.

I don't know really what I can expect or what will happen. So I wouldn't talk about frustration. I think it's something I was dreaming about, but not enough maybe. So we'll see in the future.

Q. Were you preferred to have been in the other half of the draw so you get to play for the Queen tomorrow?

VENUS WILLIAMS: You can't choose those kind of things. Of course, I always want the honor of coming back to play Tuesday at 1. Something I'll be fighting for this year.

Q. Do you have a better curtsy than Serena?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Her curtsy is unreal. If she ever demonstrates it for you, it's going to blow your socks off.

Q. She'd win a curtsy off with you?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Absolutely.

Q. What do you make of Serena not playing on centre tomorrow?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Is she not?

Q. Is she going to be disappointed?

VENUS WILLIAMS: I don't know. I guess you'll find out tomorrow when you ask her.

Q. If she's been practicing her curtsy, presumably she would have been hoping to play on centre, maybe expecting it?

VENUS WILLIAMS: I don't know, yeah.

Q. Have you talked about it at all?

VENUS WILLIAMS: No, not at all.

UPDATE:

Q. Are you aware that the longest tennis match is going on right now?

ROGER FEDERER: I am aware, yes. I'd be a fool if I wouldn't know.

Q. Having that in mind, do you think it does make some sense to have a fifth set tiebreak like the US Open?

ROGER FEDERER: I think it's perfect the way it is. It's unfortunate these guys are going to be a little bit tired tomorrow and the next day and the next week and the next month. I've been following this as closely as I could. I walked on court at about 11 All in the fifth. They're still going. This is absolutely amazing, yeah.

I mean, in a way, I wish I was them, in some ways I wish I wasn't them. So this is a very special match. I hope somehow this is going to end. I don't know. They'll be fresh again tomorrow, I guess. If they have to come back, it's unbelievable. I don't know what to say.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

SIGHTING: Brooklyn gets playful in the baller box

As I broke away from the EPICALLY INSANE first round Isnut match, which is currently at 40-all in the decider, I spotted this image of Brooklyn Decker looking all kinds of pretty playing with her fly-away hair and working my fave aviator look.

The Sports Illustrated cover girl watched as her hubby, Andy Roddick, came back from a set down to defeat Michael Llodra 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 7-6 (2) in the second round. He'll face Philipp Kohlschreiber for a spot in the Round of 16.

[Photo(s): Reuters]

(UPDATED) VIDEO VAULT: James Blake serves Pam Shriver a mid-match smackdown

Like James Blake needed more things to be pissed off about.

The American, who's returning from a 10-week layoff due to a knee injury and whose ranking now sits at No. 109, layed into resident soccer mom Pam Shriver after overhearing her commentary for ESPN during a critical point in his opening round match which he eventually lost. It happens around the 4:30 mark of the video.

The exchange goes a little something like this...

JB: "Amazing you used to play tennis. I can still hear you."

PS: "James just yelled at me . . . I'm way above the court, but evidently he can hear me. He's got rabbit ears."

JB: "You have to be an ass about it, too? . . . And act like I'm at fault."

PS: "And there he is, talking again. It's amazing. I had no idea."

But Pammy it seems you had an idea after he yelled at you the first time. And, the commentary you were providing wasn't exactly the kind you'd want to hear while you're going down to someone ranked even lower than you. Like No. 151 lower.

However, according to Busted Racquet she later admitted she was speaking loudly but stopped short of an apology.

Nice one, Pammy. You've now officially entered Michael Barkan territory. I wish you well.

UPDATE: More of Pammy's explanation via Doug Robson's piece for USA Today...

Reached later, Shriver explained that she had sought out shade in a new commentary position on Court 5 and didn't realize Blake could hear her. She called the incident "regrettable."

"As a commentator, you never want your voice to be heard," said Shriver, who doesn't believe that Blake could hear what she was saying but could detect her voice.

Shriver, a Hall of Famer who won 21 singles titles and 112 in doubles, said she understood an athlete's irritation when struggling.

"I've been there before. I get that part," she said. She added that neither she nor Blake owe the other an apology. "We were just doing our jobs," said Shriver, who said Blake could simply have instructed her to lower her voice. "I call it like I see it," she said. "I've irritated people before."

HE SAID/SHE SAID: Wimbledon Day Two

Q. Going back to the Queen, quite a lot made of a suggestion you might not bow to her on Thursday. Can you tell us about how you're feeling meeting her, if you will bow, and what you might say if you meet her?

ANDY MURRAY: I don't know what I'll say exactly. I'll probably be a little bit nervous, understandably. I guess I don't want to mess up at all.

But, yeah, the plan was to bow to the Queen, as everybody would. It's just you wanted to get the right etiquette for what we were doing on the court. A few years back it definitely changed. Both players, when you went on Centre Court bowed, and they went out together. When they left the court, they left together, bowed again. Obviously, it's changed.

What I was trying to say, which I think was unfairly reported, was I wanted to make sure what the etiquette was before we went out on the court.

Q. Is your curtsy where you want it?

SERENA WILLIAMS: No. I said I was working on it. It's a little dramatic. I'm trying to tone it down.

Q. Just a little less forced?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I want it to be more natural. Right now it feels really forced. Seems like I've never done a curtsy before, which may be true. But I'm looking forward to nailing it (laughter).

[Pssst! If you haven't seen her curtsy yet you must. ReRe's right - it's out of control. At least the wind up. She might take flight.]

Q. Whatever happened to your personal assistant?

SAM QUERREY: It was an intern. (Laughing.) It was more something for fun. He wanted to do it because he wants to be a sports agent.

But he's getting ready to start law school at Vandebilt (sic) Law next month.

Q. He moved up.

SAM QUERREY: Yeah. Had at the write him a letter of recommendation.

Q. Did you really? Did it help, or you have no idea?

SAM QUERREY: I have no idea. I'd like to think so. Actually had him write it.

Q. Maria?

MARIA SHARAPOVA: Hi, Nick [Bollettieri]

Q. Why aren't you in the Florida sun right now?

MARIA SHARAPOVA: Because of you.

Q. A couple things coaches can't teach. You refuse to lose and you don't complain.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: Sometimes.

Q. I also would like to compliment your coach about the great job he does with you.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: Thank you.

Q. It's just fantastic. The tour needs you. I'm delighted for how you're playing again.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: Thanks, Nick. Can I put you in this bag and carry you to every press conference?

Q. What other options were you given before you took the ten weeks off [for the knee injury?] Did they go in and scope it?

JAMES BLAKE: No, it was basically keep playing in pain and get to the point where it requires surgery or ‑‑ you know, I've never taken an antiinflammatory or painkiller in my life. They have asked me to do that; I didn't do that.

Maybe I am hurting myself by not doing that. I don't know. It's just something I've kind of always stuck to. Otherwise, it's just rest. That's what they said. Need to rest and shut it down.

The other option I had was get that PRP treatment, which I did. That's where they take your blood, spin it to get the ‑‑ the reason it's PRP is platelet‑rich‑plasma, the stuff that's known for healing injuries and joints and everything.

So they take that, spin it down, and then inject that into the inflamed area. You know, whether or not that helped, I don't know. Figured couldn't hurt. Supposed to get you back on the court quicker. I don't know if it did.

I mean, I was back in ten weeks. My trainer and other people say that that kind of tendonitis could last a lot longer and could keep going. But I was back and felt good, and basically now, right next to it, another ‑‑ the tendon has been damaged right next to it.

Q. I wanted to ask you a question about the tour. You've had a great early career, reaching No. 2, great run in New York. You're not going to be a teenager much longer. There really hasn't been a big breakthrough by a teenager on the WTA Tour since Maria here. Why do you think that is?

CAROLINE WOZNIACKI: Well, I think I'm an exception to that. And I think that reaching No. 2, it's not easy. Not everyone can do that.

I think the tour has just become very tough. A lot of players are playing well. Just look at the clay court results that have been, you know, Martina Sanchez winning Rome, Rezai winning Madrid, Schiavone winning French Open.

I mean, there's a lot of good players out there. It's not easy to be in the top of the rankings. I'm happy about my own progression, the way I've been playing.

Tennis is an individual sport. So I think about myself. I really think that age doesn't matter. I think you can be 30 and be on the top of the ranking, and you can be 17. It really doesn't matter. It's just about going out there, doing your best, and you can see how far you can go, how far your own limits are.

Q. I read when you came to the U.S. you couldn't speak a single word of English; is that true?

KEI NISHIKORI: Yeah.

Q. How did you behave? How do ask what's for dinner or piece of soap?

KEI NISHIKORI: Actually, I couldn't speak English, but there was two more guys with me, Japanese guy. My friends went to academy, and my coach was Japanese, so...

Yeah, it was tough for me. Couldn't speak any and couldn't make friends for couple months. It was really tough.

But, you know, Americans are like really open, so that was...

Q. And then an old friend of Bollettieri, did he behave gently at least, or was very stiff? Sometimes he's very stiff.

KEI NISHIKORI: The academy, because of all the international people coming, it's not just American, so it was ‑‑ I had some laugh moment.

But all the friends I have, it's very, very good. Yeah.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: Nadal knocks off Nishikori, debuts Vamos Nike styles

Rafael Nadal played his first match at Wimbledon since the classic 2008 final when he defeated Roger Federer for his first, and only, Championship. The 7-time Grand Slammer defeated wildcard Kei Nishikori 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 with some solid, aggressive stats including 45 winners/16 UEs, 69% first serve, 8 aces and 15 of 24 net approaches.

In his post-match presser Rafa was asked about his return to Centre Court after missing last year with injury:

Q. How did it feel to be back on Centre Court?

RAFAEL NADAL: Hello (laughter).

Sure, it's always special to play on this court. Very happy to come back to this tournament and play in probably the most beautiful and emblematic court in the world.

Q. Did it feel different after missing last year?

RAFAEL NADAL: No, no. Just happy to come back. Always the feeling is amazing. Was amazing all the time come back here after the victory in 2008 always, sure, is a little bit more special.

He'll face Robin Haase, who beat James Blake, in the next round.


Throughout the fortnight Rafa will be showcasing the Nike Vamos Lawn Crew Tennis Shirt ($65) in white + light wild mango paired with the Vamos Woven Short ($60) in the same colorway.


The Majorcan Matador will be kicking up the grass and taking names in the new Air Court Ballistec 2.3 trainers ($120) in white, black, solar red and metallic silver.


So, there's not much to say about this Nike kit - it's fine and he wears it well, duh - but I have no words for this Rafoto below. Well, there's one: HAWT.


[Photo(s): Getty Images, TennisWarehouse.com, Nike.com]

FASHION FIX: Serena + Sharapova win openers, debut latest Nike designs

Serena Williams made her Centre Court debut today and sent a clear signal today that she is ready to defend her Wimbledon crown.

The 3-time champ was in ominous form defeating a quieter but not subdued Michelle Larcher de Brito 6-0, 6-4. Her stats tell the tale including 47 winners/15 UEs, 15 aces, 64% first serve, 9 of 12 net approaches and - most impressively - 27 of 27 points won on her first serve. Yikes.

ReRe will face Anna Chakvetadze for a spot in the third round.

So here's a look at what ReRe's wearing - on her body and her nails - as she goes for a fourth Wimby title.


She's working the Nike Women's Fall Control Lawn Dress ($80) in white + voltage cherry which she was asked about in her post-match presser:

Q. Can you talk us through your outfit today.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Well, we dubbed it Strawberries and Cream. Strawberries, is that the correct enunciation of it? I don't have a good British accent. The red is strawberries and the white is cream. It's not like a pure white; it's more of a cream. Also the red kind of symbolizes a lot of things I do in Africa, along with a lot of the work, like the red laces. Everybody that buys a pair can pretty much save a life in Africa.

I really kind of wanted to tie that all together with this championship. Since it means so much to me, I thought it could work well. The tournament means so much to me as well as the things I do in Africa. I thought it could also work well together.

Q. Your nails look good today.

SERENA WILLIAMS: They have strawberries on them, too. If I would have thought about it, I would have put a strawberry instead of a heart. They're hearts. I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner. I could have had a strawberry.

I bet she did the nails herself since she's now a licensed nail technician. I mean, why get someone else to do it?

Anyway, I love this entire outfit including the warm up jacket - great fit, color combo, reference to the strawberries + cream - and of course the red knickers which are reminiscent of a certain lady baller's who's been out and, I fear, may not return. It seems even a bit sophisticated and definitely appropriate for the defending ladies champion.

Dear Venus: Please take note. If this design idea was in your hands you might have decided to wear an actual bowl of strawberries + cream on your head. It's all about interpretation, and this is how you do it.


Maria Sharapova's game wasn't looking too shabby today either. The 2004 champ crushed compatriot Anastasia Pivovarova 6-1, 6-0 in her opening round match hitting 15 winners/12 UEs and 13 of 18 net approaches. Her serve, though, will determine whether she makes any impression this fortnight. Even though her first serve percentage was only 51 she managed to keep her double fault tally at 2 for the match. That's a pretty good start.

She'll next face Ioana Raluca Olaru, who defeated Alize Cornet, in the next round.


Shrieka is wearing the Nike Lawn Rose Dress ($120) which features layers of jersey inspired by rose petals around the skirt while a layer wraps front to back on the bust.

Alright guys, this is absolutely her best dress of the entire season so far. The Russian's still doing her fave layered look but the interpretation and execution is spot on. I think having the dress code restriction may have been the best thing for her design aspirations here. Kudos to that!

[Photo(s): Getty Images, TennisWarehouse.com]

(UPDATED) He Said/She Said: Wimbledon Day One

Q. How did you find the speed of the court?

ROGER FEDERER: Well, the thing here, there's no bad bounces. You can just stick at the baseline, half volley, not panic when a guy moves in. You can always flick it at the end. Obviously they're not the fastest courts anymore. Depends obviously how you play, as well.

If you've got a massive serve and you can just outright overpower a guy, then obviously it's fast. But a guy who is that agile at the baseline like Falla makes it very difficult to play against, because he can neutralize you, plays a flat ball, doesn't miss much. You've got to take chances. Today the chances I took were not working.

Q. You'll see a more muted response here to what you were wearing here than in Paris?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Here it's all about white. There is no illusion this time. My dress was inspired by Tina Turner. So, you know, still had the lace motif. I think it's just a fun, elegant dress.

Q. How inspired by her?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Tina Turner? I love her. I love Tina Turner. Obviously, she's just an amazing, amazing artist, just a survivor. She reinvented herself. Plus she looks great. I've loved her forever. So the dress is really inspired by her.

Q. You had to wait over four hours to get on Court 1 today. What did you do in that time?

ANDY RODDICK: Play some Monopoly. Dominated some Scrabble. I watched some tennis. Watched some football. That was pretty much it.

Q. Trying to win here was your major motivating force I think for coming back. Does that put a lot of pressure on you?

JUSTINE HENIN: No, I don't ‑‑ I mean, it's been one of the reasons why I decided to come back. When I saw Roger winning the French Open, I started to say, Well, I miss Wimbledon. That will be fantastic. I don't know if it will happen one day.

That remains a dream for me. In another way, I'm very realistic as it's a year of transition, and I had some opportunities in the past, you know, that I could never take.

But still a few more to come. But I don't put a lot of pressure on myself at the moment as I know it's been very good things in this season, but some ups and downs.

The pressure of a Grand Slam is always different. Physically, mentally and emotionally it takes much more from you.

So if I can make it one day, that would be, I mean, an amazing achievement, you know, thinking about this little girl that was dreaming of winning a Grand Slam. It's the only one I never won in the past, so that would be fantastic.

I hope it become a goal one day and true. But it's still very early to think about this.

Q. After the match, Roger Federer said he should have lost that match. Do you agree with that?

ALEJANDRO FALLA: Of course. I knew I had a big chance serving for the match. He told me that I play amazing after the match. So it's true. I knew I was playing very well since the beginning. I just wanted to go out to the court and play my best.

I played him three times in one month, in the last three tournaments. So I was kind of used to play against him. But, well, I am happy because I play a great match. I got to keep working because I have to improve still a few things. But I'm happy because I play very well today.

Q. Months after the US Open, how do you look at that period of your life?

KIM CLIJSTERS: I mean, I don't look back at it that much. Obviously, I kind of live in the moment. But it's a beautiful memory, obviously. You know, I was very happy that I was able to share it with my family.

But it was at the time also confusing, just because of the changes, you know, throughout that whole year that had happened. But it's a beautiful memory. Yeah, we cherish it very deeply.

THE MODERATOR: Can we change language now?

KIM CLIJSTERS: Chinese (laughter)?

Q. Is this the trickiest Grand Slam for you? Because you say you have to adapt fast to grass and get your act together as quick as possible.

JELENA JANKOVIC: Yeah, you know, it's a totally different game. You know, the points are very short. Uhm, there's not really much time for anything, you know. You got to get your first ‑‑ you know, whoever gets the first strike most likely wins the point. And especially serving well and returning well are the most important things.

You know, adjusting, finding your timing and your movement, I think it's completely different, of course, to, you know, clay courts or hard courts. But I'm trying my best, you know, to get used to it.

Q. Would it be to you the most elusive of all the Grand Slams for you to win, the most difficult to win?

JELENA JANKOVIC: Probably this one (laughter). Especially for me, I didn't have much time to practice on grass. You know, I didn't play any warmup tournament before this. So today was my first match. It's never easy. You know, it's a completely different game.

Q. Sport and tennis is a game of highs and lows. I guess you've gone from being incredibly high in Paris last month to being very disappointed today. What went wrong out there for you?

FRANCESCA SCHIAVONE: Was tough match. Was different surface, different feeling.

But she played very good and I didn't take my chance maybe in the second set. It's much more easy when you don't serve so good and when you don't catch your chance, particularly on the grass.

Q. How has the last month since Paris been for you? How have you celebrated? What have you done to get focused again?

FRANCESCA SCHIAVONE: I work like every day I did in my life. Of course, you can enjoy. But at the end you have to come back to work.

***I may update this post with a Nole and/or Rochi quote about their 5-setter. That's if they give as good as the gave today.

UPDATE:

Q. Do you feel like you got out of jail tonight?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Meaning on...

Q. As in you were lucky to escape with a win tonight?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I don't think I was too lucky. Actually, I had a kind of big match and big challenge with myself. As soon as I was starting to play aggressive and well, I

was winning in the match. Fourth and fifth set, especially in the fifth set, I showed the real game, the game that I should play.

You know, it was great match, of course. Rochus is a very tricky player, especially on grass. He has a very low balance and he rarely gives you free points. You have to work for all the points.So I dropped the level of serve, and I started to give him too much opportunities and he used it. So that's why I did have a big struggle against him. But I was very happy that in the end I managed to find the real game.

Q. Whenever you went off for the break to bring the roof across, what did your team say to you to get you geared up for the remainder of the match?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, you know, it is all part of the sport, and you have to deal with it. I think the break kind of helped me a little bit, because I didn't feel great at that moment on the court. So to have a little half an hour of the break and just relax and focus and reset my game and my mind was helpful.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Bite your tongue

"I'm keeping this trap shut."

Looks like Laura Robson, who lost to Jelena Jankovic today, really learned her lesson from the whole 'slut' thing.

[Photo(s): Reuters ]

FASHION FIX: Venus + JJ both win but one loses the style battle - who is it?

Venus Williams had a few stumbles in her opening round match at Wimbledon but still managed to defeat Rossana De Los Rios 6-3, 6-2. The 5-time champ had 5-0 leads in both sets but allowed her Paraguayan opponent to pull out a few games. Her stats, though, look relatively clean: 31 winners/15 UEs, 6 aces, 57% first serve, broke 5 of 8 times and made 5 of 9 net approaches. She'll face Eastbourne champ Ekaterina Makarova, who defeated Agnes Szavay 6-4, 7-6 (2), in the next round.

This latest EleVen outfit, inspired by Tina Turner apparently, is a real about face from her Moulin Rouge number from Roland Garros. Firstly, she's got on normal knickers - phew. Secondly, she pulled a mullet moment here taking two different dresses and sewing the business top of one to the party bottom of another. The end result looks really disconnected. Not the best design EVAH.

Jelena Jankovic made her way into the second round with a 6-3, 7-6 (5) win over local fave Laura Robson. It wasn't the cleanest performance by the Serb, who was broken twice, but her stats looked good: 31 winners/12 UEs, 71% first serve, 4 aces and 7 of 8 net approaches. I'm still curious to see how her game develops in each match especially since she opted out of warm up tourneys this time around. JJ's never made it past the fourth round at Wimby so it was somewhat of surprise not to see her get any match play in before the Slam started.

The fourth seed debuted her new ANTA number which, like V's, features a simple design on top with some fluffy frills on the skirt. But I think this execution is much smoother and it flows nicely - not as jarring at the Americans. At first glance I thought it was a bit boring but, honestly, how much can you really do under the AEC's dress code?

On a side note, it looks like JJ's been getting her accessory stylings from Roger Federer:


[Photo(s): Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: Federer survives Falla, debuts Victory Lawn styles by Nike

Phew.

And that's probably the tamest thing Roger Federer said to himself during his 5-7, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (1), 6-0 escape from his opening round match at Wimbledon against a blazing Alejandro Falla.

The 6-time champ fell behind early in the first set due to some great play by the Colombian and his game continued to falter from there. The World No. 60, who called the trainer a couple of times for an apparent groin injury, even served for the match in the fourth set but Fed managed to break back and dominate for the remainder.

Afterward Fed told the BBC:

I definitely got very lucky out there. I have lost many matches this year which I should have won, this is one I should have lost but I came through. But that is sometimes how grass court tennis works.

It came as a bit of a shock and it's not something I was that prepared for, but you have to draw from experience and physical strength. I live to fight another day.

Fed stats for the match: 101 winners/40 UEs, 21 aces, 59% first serve, 66% success at net. And he still almost lost. Go figure. He'll face Serbia's Ilija Bozoljac for a spot in the third round.


So what new Nike duds is the top seed wearing as he continues his quest to tie Pete Sampras' record of seven Wimby titles?

The Victory RF Lawn Polo in white + gold ($80) which features a 4-button hidden placket, pintucks in the front and pleats at the back yoke.

The polo is paired with the Victory Lawn Short in white + gold (about $52 - UK) which showcases subtle striping.

The Swiss is also working the Lunarlite Vapor Tour in white + gold ($120). In keeping with tradition his version showcases a '6' on back referencing his 6 titles at the All England Club.

And no Fed outfit at Wimby would be complete without his murse and warm up top, which this year was a simple zip front sweater in cream with the RF logo of course:


I'm actually really happy Nike decided to go low key with the sweater warm up. The outfits were getting a bit overdone, as if they were trying to top themselves every year. The entire outfit is clean and classic. Nice.

[Photo(s): Getty Images, Tennis Warehouse, Nike Tennis, AP]