FASHION FIX: The short(s) of it all

We've really been loving the flirty skirt moment happening on the women's WTA Tour this summer. The trend continues at this week's Acura Classic with Maria Kirilenko in Stella McCartney for adidas and Tataina Golovin in Lacoste. For all the athleticism and power these players possess, this style adds some much needed elegance to the sport.

But we've also noticed a disturbing trend looking to take the spotlight from the skirts: shorty-shorts. Recent perpetrators include usually fashion-conscious players like Venus "V" Williams (who we know owns a flirty skirt) and slender Slovak Daniela Hantuchova. We're all for minimalism and comfort, but this looks too boyish (and it seems we're not the only ones thinking this way.)

Our memories remind us that Russian Elena Dementieva was the first player we spotted wearing fashion shorts back in the day.

BEST LOOK: Flirty skirts or shorty-shorts? Tell us!

+ THURSDAY NETCORDS: James talks, Vince raps, Serena eats...Acura bids adieu, player dopes and more

(image courtesy of alex whittaker)

- Fact or Fiction: Tennis blog Racqonteur is claiming to be following a story about a power player on the WTA Tour known for using performance-enhancing drugs. This player had a good end of year in 2006, and slow start to 2007, and is looking to hit the 'roids again to defend her ranking points...

- Taking a break: American James Blake, whose book "Breaking Back" is No. 22 on The New York Times Best Seller list, took a rest from the US Open Series and visited Good Morning America as part of his promotional tour. Tennis Week is hosting a link to the interview.

- Serena Party Watch: No, not another party this time, phew. Just video of ReRe leaving Mr. Chow's in LA, followed by paparazzi and fans, before hitting Common's album release party this week. Not that we needed proof.

- Get a grip: Why the Washington Post gives any ink or paper to Vince Spadea's "rap" and ramblings is beyond us.

- We've been watching tennis articles this week wax nostalgic about the ending of the Acura Classic. Add Tennis Diary to the mix with this thought to ponder: does Acura's fate symbolize the future of American tennis tournaments?

MARTINA HINGIS: A champion living in limbo

Martina Hingis is facing a very different tennis life than what she started with in 1997. That year, Martina won 3 out of the 4 Grand Slams with her ethereal all-court game (losing the French Open final to Croatia's Iva Majoli), dominated the women's tour where Steffi Graf and Monica Seles left off, and became the youngest No. 1 in history. Like a grinning assassin, Martina seemingly took pleasure in the efficiency at which she picked off each opponent.

But at the end of 2002, after being hit off the court by bigger, stronger athletes and suffering several injuries, Martina left the tour for the next 3 years. She had a successful return last year, finishing in the Top 10 and making the quarterfinals of the Australian and French Opens. However, the 5-time Grand Slam has been challenged this year by new injuries and old issues - namely her lack of power and strength.

Tennisreporters.net's Matt Cronin talked with the "Swiss Miss" who had this to say about the state of her body and mind:

"If your body doesn't let do things you should be [doing], it gets hard on the mind and motivation because you know what you should be doing and you are not and it doesn't give you a huge chance at success. It can vary. Sometimes I have very fast thoughts. When I feel better I say I can continue for another five years, but then when I am not, I say, 'Do I really have to do this to myself?' If everything is great and I'm playing well and winning, I feel go on forever. And, if I'm not, I say why all the hassle and the travel? It's very close. Sometimes in a few weeks I can be a totally different person. You talk to me at Wimbledon and I'm one way, and then now I'm another person who is saying the fire is back."

Is it her body, her mind, or both? Some think Martina should emulate the current World No. 1 Justine Henin, who is similar to Martina in stature but superior in physical conditioning. Or maybe the winning ways of her fiance, Czech Radek Stepanek, will rub off on her.

She can only hope.

Fun fact: Martina Hingis was the first female athlete to grace the cover of the U.S. edition of GQ magazine.

(image courtesy of bueroalbers)

+ WEDNESDAY NETCORDS: Justine & Jelena, Venus & Serena...Bjorn's undies, tennis blogs and more

(image courtesy of dean armstrong)

- Tennis Diary is keeping track of the continuing saga around the Masters Series musical chairs.

- Ted Robinson gives his opinion on the US Open Series so far and so does Tennis-X.

- World No. 1 Justine Henin and World No. 3 Jelena Jankovic have secured their spots in the season-ending WTA Championships in Madrid.

- On the Baseline discusses the champion mettle of Venus and Serena

- Fill in the blank: ________ is the key to success at the elite tennis level

- Legendary Bjorn Borg not only influences sneaker design, he makes underwear too!

- PHOTO OP: Boys will be boys (via TennisPlanet)

ROUND ROBIN: Serena Party Watch, Ana takes on Spain, Tomas and his 'roos

Serena Party Watch: Okay, it's official. We can't keep up with Serena "ReRe" Williams' party-hopping ways - we get dizzy just thinking about it. This week, the 8-time Grand Slam champion was spotted at hip-hopper Common's Finding Forever album release event sponsored by Target. I have to give it to ReRe though, this is the best she's EVER looked. Wearing a taupe double pocket wrap-dress, strappy wedge heels, and a bouncy bob hairstyle, ReRe looks sexy and confident (though not very injured...hmmm.)

Ana conquers Spain: The Global Domination Tour continues for World No. 5 Ana Ivanovic. The Serbian beauty was recently interviewed by Spanish radio station Cadena Ser. Click here for the link to the interview. (via AnaIvanovic.com)

'Roos news: We caught a glimpse of Czech Tomas Zib battling (and losing) to cutie Andy Roddick at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic and couldn't help but notice the kangaroos he was sporting on his shirt and wristbands (plus the white + green combo-of-the-moment we're loving.) After a little research we found out the clothing company is L'Alpina, an Italian sportswear company. Apparently, they've been around since the 1980's and players such as Anders Jarryd and Goran Ivanisevic have sported their duds in the past. We like, but does anyone have more information on L'Alpina? Let us know! (photo via AP Photo)

FASHION FIX: Sania Mirza's stylish tennis moment

India's rising star Sania Mirza is having one hot summer. Not only did she reach the final of the Bank of the West Classic, losing to Russia's Anna Chakvetadze, but she matched her career high ranking of No. 31 this week. She's currently competing at the Acura Classic, a Tier 1 tournament.

We are loving the white tennis gear with green accents designed by clothing sponsor Lotto Sports Italia, and in particular the flirty skirt. This style gives her outfit just a touch of femininity. And, with Venus Williams rocking the classic navy pleated skirt at FED CUP and Maria "Shriek"apova sporting the tiered flow-y Swan Lake dress at Wimbledon, it looks like this silhouette is back.

Check out more of Lotto's tennis duds at Tennis Warehouse.

(images courtesy of AP Photo)

ROUND ROBIN: Enrique defends Anna, Maria still giving, Lindsay officially returns

Enrique defends: After talking up his long-time girlfriend, tennis star Anna Kournikova, to Sports Illustrated hottie Enrique Iglesias is playing defense. Amidst the swirling rumors that the Russian beauty is battling an eating disorder, Enrique says, "She's fine. I think because she stopped playing tennis, obviously her muscles are not as big as what they used to be, so immediately I think a lot of people maybe have said that she's lost a lot of weight." The latin superstar goes on to say, "But no, she's cool, she's healthy, she's good. She eats like crazy." Me thinks you doth protest too much, Enrique. (via news1130)

Maria gives more: After bowling for charity and auctioning off her French Open dress online for her Foundation, Maria "Shriek"apova continues to give. At the Acura Classic this week, her first tournament back since her fourth round loss to Venus Williams at Wimbledon, Maria met with the "Children of Chernobyl", a group of children effected by the explosion at Chernobyl 21 years ago. She has taken a role with the United Nations Development Program and has donated $100,000 for the creation of hospitals in Belarus, Ukraine and northern Russia. “On the court, I'm an athlete,” [Maria] said. “I love to win; I love to compete. My career has brought me fame and money, but those closest to my heart are people that are less fortunate. This is a way for me to give back to something I'm very close to.” (via signonsandiego)

She's back: It's official - Lindsay Davenport is back on the WTA Tour. The 3-time Grand Slam and new mom will play singles at the Wismilak International in Bali this September. Check out Tennis Week's recent look back at other working tennis moms. (via Yahoo! Sports)

+ MONDAY NETCORDS: Roger, Anna K., Justine vs. Steffi...Guga designs, ITF and more

- Check out the website for Roger Federer's biography "The Roger Federer Story: The Quest for Perfection". The site includes reviews, player quotes about Roger, an amazing timeline of his many historical moments, and a very blond Fed.

- We're dying: Current World No. 1 Justine Henin will play a mouth-watering exhibition match on clay against her childhood idol, the legendary Steffi Graf, on October 27 as part of a children’s festival hosted by Children for Tomorrow, a charity founded and chaired by Graf. These two great players own a combined 10 French Opens. How much are tickets to Mannheim, Germany these days?

- The ITF is keeping busy these days. The tennis organization has launched iCoach, an instructional tennis site that features advice, tips, and articles about our favorite sport. Best part: 1,000 sequence photographs of the best players in the world hitting every stroke imaginable in both matches and practice sessions. In addition, the ITF has launched the "Tennis...Stay and Play" campaign which follows an innovative approach to the game: the game is scaled down for starter players with a smaller court, lighter balls and different sized racquets appropriated for the size or age of players.

- New low: Tennis stage parents publicizing their 5 year old as a future tennis champion. Get a grip.

- Guga, the designer? 3-time French Open champion Guga Kuerten is apparently multi-talented. He has his own clothing line and it's super cute - for real. Check it out at Tennis Served Fresh.

- Want to be a professional tennis player? Read this first.

- Adelaide, Australia is replacing the Australian Men's Hardcourt Championships, which is moving to Brisbane, with The World Tennis Challenge Adelaide in 2009. The tournament will involve four countries playing each other, over three nights.

- Remember Alexandra Stevenson? Exactly.

- Do you know what car Anna Kournikova drives around Miami in? Do you care?? Well we do - and it's a Cadillac Escalade EXT, courtesy of Celebrity Rides. Geez, there really is a blog for everything.

(image courtesy of danwashburn)

FASHION FIX: More vintage Nike tee's

After spotting Rafael "Rafa" Nadal in a vintage Nike t-shirt at the Mercedes Cup in Germany, we've been hooked.

Here's a sampling of a few more of those retro tee's available at Urban Outfitters - get 'em while they're hot! (via highsnobiety)

ROUND ROBIN: Serena still partying, Gwen Stefani visits the Hewitts, Maria signs dress for charity

Plenty o' parties: Serena "ReRe" Williams continued her party-hopping ways this past week. After pulling out of this week's Acura Classic because of the thumb injury sustained at Wimbledon (her fourth withdrawal in a row), she joined her boyfriend, actor Jackie Long, to watch singer Fergie live from the Pearl at the Palms' VIP Sky Lounge in Las Vegas. Serena was also joined at the party by singer Macy Gray. Looks like Macy is admiring ReRe's new hairstyle they way we have been lately... (via Bossip)

Hewitt's House: The Hewitts - Lleyton, Bec, and their daughter Mia - entertained special guests at their Sydney home this weekend. Gwen Stefani, currently on tour in Australia, her rocker husband (and tennis fanatic) Gavin Rossdale, and son Kingston visited the Hewitts for a playdate with their kids. Gavin no doubt played a few sets with the fiery Aussie. Can this family be MORE blond? (via The Daily Telegraph)

Maria gives: Maria "Shriek"apova loves to give. After bowling for charity, Maria has decided to donate one of the turquoise/black Nike dresses that she she wore at Roland Garros in Paris for her online auction. The dress has been personally signed by Maria and all proceeds from the auction support Maria's Foundation. The auction will end on Friday 10th August at 3.00ET. To make a bid, click here. (via MariaSharapova.com)