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(images via tennisweek.com)
a raw + uncut approach to tennis
Labels: advertising, endorsements, Maria Sharapova, media, sports marketing, tennis
Is the tennis world being infiltrated by the mafia? Likely, according to John McEnroe. Tennis' most famous loud-mouth told The Daily Telegraph,
"The thing that worries me is that mafia types, like the Russian mafia, could be involved. That's potentially pretty dark and scary, [...] I think that's the side that people aren't really looking at with these match-fixing stories. Someone may have threatened the players, and they are put in a situation. I'm guessing that could happen. That would make more sense to me than top players throwing a match for money."
"Throwing a match for money would be stupid, as you would be risking losing what you've worked for your whole life. It seems crazy that players would take that risk for money. It would make more sense that they've been threatened in some way and that's why they're doing it."
Oh, the ol' mafia excuse again. Why is McEnroe allowed to propogate this type of stereotyping publicly without consequence? It's unfortunate and unnecessary.
Is it completely inconceiveable for a player to match-fix from pure greed? Not to us.
(image via gameguru.com)
Labels: cheating, John McEnroe, media, tennis
Labels: Jelena Jankovic, media, philanthropy, tennis, UNICEF
Labels: charity, dress, fashion, Maria Sharapova, Nike, philanthropy, sponsorship, sports marketing, style, tennis
Did you figure out who the mystery player's were from last Friday's GUTP quiz? If you guessed Andy Roddick and Daniela Hantuchova then kudos to you!
Here are today's secret tennis stars. Take your best guess...
"I'm the youngest woman's No. 1 in history, yet I can't catch a break. I've been accused of hitting the nose candy, but I say my urine samples got all screwed up. Now my career is tainted - no pun intended, of course. Who am I?"
"I'm mad...mad I say! I need to get myself to Anger Management 101 or a head shrinker at the very least. The media keeps bashing me because my personality constantly overshadows my immense talent . Who am I?"
(images via Getty)
One of the best things, we think, about sports is seeing grown men get all touchy-feely with each other when something great happens - a Super Bowl win, World Series title, an NBA Championship. But as an individual sport, tennis usually misses out on these 'manly moments'...unless it's Davis Cup. The US team's fantastic win over defending champions Russia this past weekend gave the men a great opportunity to celebrate in the best way possible: with a little man-on-man action.
"[Iglesias] has previously refused to confirm the couple is engaged, but the sportswoman was photographed in London wearing a diamond on her left hand on Tuesday (04Dec07) in London. Earlier in the evening, the pair had enjoyed a romantic but unique meal in the capital - the chef at Japanese eaterie Sapporo Teppanyaki lobbed food at the pair so they could catch it in their mouths."The couple have been dating since 2002, after Anna starred as the latin singer's girlfriend in the video for hit 'Escape'.
Labels: Anna Kournikova, celebrity, Enrique Iglesias, gossip, tennis
"Tennis' 'It' girl struggled with injuries in 2007, winning only one tournament and banking $1.7 million on the court. That's down from five tourney wins and $3.8 million in prize money the previous year. Not to worry, Sharapova's endorsement portfolio is one of the strongest in sports. This year she added Pepsi as a sponsor to an already impressive roster that includes Nike, Canon, Colgate-Palmolive and Motorola."Phew - after her said struggles this year, it's good to know Maria won't need to break the piggy bank any time soon...or ever.
Labels: advertising, branding, celebrity, Roger Federer, sports marketing, tennis, video
So we've arrived at our second TENNIS 2007 Award. Last week, we awarded Serena Williams the first award for Best Dramatic Performance which took place during her 4th round Wimbledon show. The second award is for the biggest choke in a match this year - we're calling it The Shank Award. This most deserving player gave us a few matches to choose from this year but this match beats out the rest.
"She's a youngster and she's got huge potential and for sure we'll see a lot more of her."
Down the Line! has been confronted with another 'hairy situation' on the men's tour. Clearly shielding the unsuspecting public from the underbelly of his baseball cap, Andy Murray posted these pics of his pop-up hairdo on his blog with the top photo labeled 'Option 1' and the one below is 'Option 2'. Can we P-P-P-PLEASE have an 'Option 3'?
(images via andymurray.com)
Labels: Andy Murray, hair, player blogs, player sites, tennis
“I certainly would not ever be able to do a full schedule again, because of the foot, [...] but I’m thinking about the Slams and about some of the bettertournaments that lead into them."And when will the former No. 1 make the final decision?
“I won’t decide for sure until the beginning of the year, and the Australian is certainly not possible, [...] But Miami - maybe.”At the age of 34, however, she will not be able to make an impact on the tour. In today's game, movement is just as important as fitness and power, and that was never Monica's strength even in her prime. She is one of tennis' greatest champions and most likely wants to end her career on her own terms, and rightfully so.
Maria "Shriek"apova was spotted on a different kind of court this past weekend. The former World No. 1 watched on as the Boston Celtics dribbled past the Miami Heat winning 95-85. The Russian millionairess got giddy when she grabbed a t-shirt thrown by a Miami Heat dancer. Free is free!
(images via AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)
Labels: basketball, Maria Sharapova, off season, tennis
COURTSIDE
A legend and his heir apparent square off
They say Serena has a new man...and some old hose
Sveta can't dance
Gallery of the Unknown Tennis Player
Fed is a GQ kinda guy
Boris makes return to singles play, texts his ex some sweet-nothings
Rafael defends his revelation
TENNIS 2007 Award: Best Dramatic Performance
Did Tommy cry wolf?
A Goodwill Ambassador makes a pubic plea
Uncle Toni gives his two cents
Rumors follow the Frenchman
Seles, Davenport, King and March of Dimes
A country's No. 1 thais the knot
Doctor's orders
Andy builds his dream team
Juju takes on Madge
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