+ FRIDAY NETCORDS: Roger, Justine, Amelie, Steffi vs. Andy...Alicia defends Mark, Maria is most spankable and more

- No AP love: So the tennis dynamic duo of Roger Federer & Justine Henin have won virtually every tennis accolade imaginable, including ITF and TENNIS magazine honors, this year. But today both World No. 1's are playing second fiddle in the AP's Athlete of the Year honors. Fed lost out to New England Patriot's pretty boy Tom Brady while Justine saw golfer Lorena Ochoa grab the most votes. Fed, who yet again lost the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year honor to another footballer, is most likely the greatest player the sport of tennis will ever see, while Justine had the best, and most dominant, year of her career. Bullshit - that's all we have to say.

- Tennis gives back: Another player known for her dominance, Steffi Graf, and her Children for Tomorrow foundation are building a medical centre in the German city of Hamburg to counsel children who have been traumatized by war or losing their homes. In other philanthropic news, The Andy Roddick Foundation is working on building an $8.2 million tennis complex called Andy Roddick Foundation International Tennis Center in Austin, TX. The center will serve as a training ground for the Andy Roddick Youth Tennis Program, which gives at-risk youth the opportunity to learn the game and compete.

- A brand new day: After a career-making 2006 led to a disappointing 2007, former World No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo is determined to make a brilliant start to her 2008 in Oz. The 2-time Grand Slam champ told the Herald Sun, "Even as a veteran of 11 years in pro tennis, I still have a great passion for the game and I must say that there is less pressure being ranked lower,[...] I am doing everything I can to make that (winning the Australian Open) happen. Australia has always meant something special to me."

-Naughty or nice: Maria "Shriek"apova was voted Most Spankable Sportswoman, beating out Tatiana Golovin, Martina Hingis, and the Williams sisters. The Lifetime Achievement Award for Most Spankable went to Chris Evert. Really? Well, we suppose she deserves a few spanks after her latest romantic drama.

- Playing defense: Aussie Alicia Molik has come to the defense of her compatriot Mark Philippoussis. The 'Scud', who tore cartiledge in his right knee during qualies for the Australian Open and is now considering retirement, has been the subject of severe criticism in his home country. "I think it's a shame that all the public feel like they need to get so involved and so critical and criticise so much, because I just don't think it's fair. Let him be, let every sportsperson in Australia be — and yeah, there's a lot to deal with obviously for him, on the court, to not to have to worry about what's said and what's written. Let him go about his business. He's still playing tennis," said Alicia.

- ESPN.com's Bonnie D. Ford puts her hat in the ring with the best and worst of 2007.

- WTF moment: It's good to know even rich and famous tennis players can take a step down and join the common people. Stepping out of your comfort zone - we applaud you!

- What was 2007 like for Sania Mirza? How is she preparing for 2008 and her first event, the Hopman Cup?? We'll let the Indian sensation tell you herself.

- On the Baseline has 10 questions for Marion Bartoli and up-and-coming player Tamira Paszek, while FOXSports.com has 10 questions for the ladie's 2008 season - sense a trend?

- Changing of the guard: Congrats go out to Mary Jo Fernandez for her new role as FED CUP captain, replacing Zina Garrison who will step down at the end of 2008. “I am thrilled to be part of the U.S. Fed Cup team once again, [...] Fed Cup was one of the most important and memorable times of my career. I am excited to be working with Zina in 2008, and then taking on the Captain’s role in 2009,” said Mary Jo.

(image via AP Photo)