Letter to DtL readers: HAPPY NEW YEAR Y'ALL!

I'm going to be signing off for today so I can get ready to, well, party my arse off in celebration of the New Year.

I wanted to take this time to thank everyone out there for continuing to read and support Down the Line! and for all the insightful, hilarious, and sometimes scathing commentary about this game we all love. You guys keep me entertained, no joke.

I'm so looking forward to the start of the 2009 season and I know you are too. Until then have a safe and prosperous New Year!!!

RiCH

(image via vintageculture.net)

SIGHTING: Ana gets beachy with golfer Adam Scott, Nando + Shrieka be damned

Is Anando on the fritz? Prob not - but Ana Ivanovic was spotted frolicking with sexy Aussie golfer Adam Scott on Noosa Heads Beach in Queensland.

I wonder what Shrieka thinks of all this? I guess her hopes of a "night match" with Adam will be crushed.

See more (tiny) pics here. And thanks to DtL readers Maja + Brandy for the tip!

(image via Rex)

VIDEO VAULT: Rafa spotted at Palma de Mallorca airport, takes fun photos with fans

Here's one for the Rafanatics to close out 2008: Your boy Rafael Nadal was spotted today at the Palma de Mallorca airport taking off for the inaugural Capitala World Championship in Abu Dhabi. The World No.1 took time out to take photos with some lucky fans and do a short interview.

Along with Rafa, the 3-day exo will feature a smattering of top baller boys including Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Nikolay Davydenko, Andy Roddick, and James Blake.

I wonder what celebrations these ballers will be having for the New Year in Abu Dhabi? I can't wait to see those images!

As always, feel free to leave the translation in the comments section, if you can...

CHECK IT:

Quote of the Day: Jo-Willy on year-end No.1 for '09

I hope me but I don't know. I think there is a lot of good players and it's going to be a war.

- Frenchie baller Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on who will end 2009 as the top baller boy

Sorry Jo-Willy but I don't think it's going to be you - at least not in '09. True, there's going to be a war but it'll most likely be the current top quartet who'll fight it out.

We still need to see if your body can actually withstand a full season mostly healthy and then we can talk World No.1.

But here's to wishful thinking!

(image via blogs.abc.net.au)

PHOTO OP: And the baller bod belongs to...

NICOLAS KIEFER!

Congrats if you guessed correctly. And here are a few more images of the German baller getting his shirtless practice on in Perth ahead of the Hopman Cup where he's paired with Sabine Lisicki.

Check out more images of Nicolas and his sweaty bod here.

(images via Socialite Life)

PHOTO OP: Guess the baller bod - who owns this hotness?

Thanks to DtL reader Maja for sending me a prelude to what we'll hopefully be seeing in Australia very, VERY soon.

This sexy, shirtless brigade member was spotted getting in some practice for next month's Hopman Cup in Perth.

Can you guess this baller bod?

+ TUESDAY NETCORDS: Ana goes green...Andy + Jamie get managed...Jon vs. Dmitry

* Ana Ivanovic recently shot a new ad for sponsor Rolex, who she signed with earlier this year. You guys know I've been wanting to see the Serb in a green jewel tone and after seeing this ad, I think adidas should design a few more duds for her in this color. LOVE.

* Brit ballers Andy Murray and brother Jamie will be going all Hollywood after they pair signed a lucrative deal with 19 Entertainment and Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to help manage their on and off-court activities beginning March 1, 2009. 19 is owned by American Idol creator Simon Fuller and the deal is reportedly worth 100 million pounds ($144.1 million). So now, what does Andy get win he actually wins something substantial?

* I have my list of story lines to watch for in 2009 and so does SI's Jon Wertheim

* We all know someone who's ready for 2008 to end and 2009 to begin: Nicole Vaidisova. The Czech baller is blaming a wrist injury and time off for rehab on her dismal '08 season saying, "It was just a year for me of transition, a lot changes, and it took a toll. I'm just ready for next year." I say "The Worm" is also to blame for sidetracking and distracting Nicole. What says you?

* Take a ride with the WTA as they tour Patty Schnyder's memory lane

* TENNIS' gear guru Jon Levey takes Bjorn Borg's signature racquet, the Donnay Borg Pro, for a hit and says, "Hitting with pace, however, is another story. When I tried to unload, I sprayed balls all over the place. I played like Dmitry Tursunov in a bad mood." Yes, we all like Dmitry when he's in a good mood, right Jon?

(images via anaivanovic.com, tennis.com)

PHOTO OP: Anastasia LOVES her lady friend too - is it a Russian thing?

There's either something in the water over there or the Russians just love to get freaky for the cameras.

So I just showed you Dmitry Tursunov man-handling a lady friend's lady part, right? Now here are some images of former Roland Garros champ and drunken MILF Anastasia Myskina swapping spit with retired Russian figure skater Anna Semenovich.

Maybe they're all born to do porn...oh, and play some tennis too? I give up.



(images via WTA Tennis Blog)

(NSFW) PHOTO OP: Dmitry's lady friend might be a porn star (or just loves her boobs a lot)

Thanks to DtL reader JD for sending over these fun and very revealing images of Dmitry Tursunov getting somewhat acquainted with a lady friend and her, eh, lady parts in the backseat of a car.

Boy those Russian ballers sure love to party. But does it always have to be with a wannabe pornstar?

PS - Dmitry does look kinda cute here, though. I might've shown him my boobs too...if I had some.

THE LOW DOWN: Shrieka reveals surgery on shoulder, questionable for Aussie Open defense

Will Maria Sharapova miss out on defending her Aussie Open title? Maybe so.

The Russian glamazon has revealed via her Weekly Doodles that after 10 weeks of rehab in Arizona the pain in her balky shoulder remained and she underwent "minor arthroscopic surgery" in October to fix the issue. She has subsequently pulled out of the Hong Kong exo and could possibly miss the Aussie Open:

Hello Everyone!

I am finally back on the court hitting tennis balls again! It is such a relief to be out there enjoying every second of it.

Let me tell you how I got to this point. As you know from my last doodle, I went to see the top shoulder specialist in NY and he sent me to work with a shoulder rehab specialist in Phoenix, Arizona. I was in Phoenix working on my shoulder for 10 weeks. We were working hard on my strength and building up all the muscles around my shoulder. Since I can only do that for 2 hours a day, I also worked really hard on working on other parts of my body. Unfortunately after my 10 weeks of shoulder rehab, I started hitting and serving again and I still felt the same exact pain that I have had in my shoulder since March. I went back to NY to see Dr.Altcheck on October 14 and we went to plan B. On the morning of October 15 Dr. Altcheck performed a minor arthroscopic surgery that lasted 22 minutes on my right shoulder.

The procedure was successful and very simple. I left the hospital a few hours after the procedure and flew to my home in Florida for 3 days and then I flew back to Phoenix to start working on my shoulder. The 10 weeks of shoulder strength before the procedure really helped the shoulder heal quicker. Dr. Altcheck thought my recovery would be very fast and he was right. I had full range of motion after 14 days, after 6 weeks I was throwing a foot ball and after 8 weeks I was back on the court where I belong. I know this entire process has made me stronger and more hungry. I miss competing so much. I am trying to do everything possible to be ready for Australia, but I have promised my doctors, coach and family that I will not rush back. Since I only started practicing 16 days ago, I have only been able to practice so many hours at a time which is why I don't feel like I am ready to compete at a high level right now and this is why I need to pull out of the exhibtion in Hong Kong. But the great news is that we have taken care of the problem that has been bothering me so much over the last couple of years, and now is the time to get into what I call 'match shape'. I know my shoulder will be 100 percent by Australia, I just need to see if I have enough tennis training to be ready for that level. I want to thank all my great fans for their support, it meant so much to me during these tough weeks. I hope everyone has a great holiday.

Maria

That sucks. I'm really looking forward to Shrieka's return for a variety of reasons, but it's better to be safe than sorry I guess.

I think she should still make the trip to Melbourne, though, if the shoulder is healed. The other lady ballers could be rusty + cold and Shrieka could make some noise (though that goes without saying of course.) You never know.

Stay tuned!

(image via Getty)

So, like, what'll you be watching out for in tennis' 2009 season? I have some ideas!

I hope everyone had a great holiday last week - I sure did. Not only did I get a chance to prepare for the big day but I also gave myself time to reflect on the past year of tennis, blogging, and everything in between.

And now I'm ready for the 2009 season begin - I mean really ready. There are so many story lines waiting to be told including:

THE BALLER BOYS

* Can top baller Rafael Nadal continue the momentum from his sparkling and historic 2008 season and remain in the top spot?

* Will Andy Murray's off-season training intensive in Miami help the Brit baller breakthrough to his first Grand Slam title?

* Will Roger Federer finally break Pete Sampras' record of 14 major titles?

* Can Novak Djokovic build off his Masters Cup win and add to his lone Grand Slam title?

* Will we see Nikolay Davydenko, David Nalbandian, James Blake (and to some extent Andy Roddick) be replaced in the top echelon by the likes of Juan Martin del Potro, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and Ernests Gulbis?

THE LADY BALLERS

* Will Jelena Jankovic's stay in the WTA Penthouse be short-lived or will she earn her first major and hang out a little longer?

* Can Ana Ivanovic get her game back on track after a disappointing second half to 2008?

* Will Maria Sharapova's shoulder stay healed and can she regain her top form?

* Was Dinara Safina's 2008 breakthrough season an anomaly or a sign of greater success?

* Where will Svetlana Kuznetsova's game be after moving back home to mother Russia?

* Will the Sisters Sledge, Venus + Serena, continue to be add to their major title collections at this latter part of their careers?

SIDELINES

* Will tennis' couple of the moment, Anando, continue their lovefest or will it fizzle in '09?

* Can adidas overtake Nike as the sports brand with the best tennis fashions, designs, and sponsorships?

* Rafa's new Nike style - love it or leave it?

* Will it seem really strange to be playing major grass-court tennis indoors at Wimbledon when Centre Court's new roof debuts?

* Will Fed finally pop the question to the ever-patient Mirka or will he continue his love affair with himself?

* What will Shrieka's new 'do be for the season?

* Will anyone give a damn about Davis Cup + Fed Cup again or will they continue their perceived irrelevance?

* Will JJ put a cap on the glitter jar or bust it out again for '09?

* Are the major scheduling issues on both Tour calendars finally resolved or will we be subject to more bitching and complaining from the ballers?

* Can ReRe get any loopier and will we all watch her slowly dissolve into insanity?


So many questions I need answered! Oh well, the season is just about to start and the painful wait will be over.

Which story lines will you be watching closely in 2009?

DO TELL!

(image via jonkeegan.com)

MEDIA MASHUP: The ATP World Tour revamps site for 2009 - love it or leave it?

The newly-named ATP World Tour, which recently debuted the next evolution in their "FEEL IT" global marketing campaign, has also revamped their website to match the the campaign's other worldly, celestial theme. The Tour also released the following video promoting their new campaign:



So the gods of tennis are hitting into the heavens? Interesting, if not reaching a bit. I'll definitely be watching to see how the ATP World Tour continues to infuse this theme and messaging throughout the 2009 season - remember, consistency is the key here.

What do you guys think of the new website - love it or leave it??

DO TELL!

(image via atpworldtour.com)

VIDEO VAULT: Rafa shows off new Nike kicks, sits for documentary special

Here are a couple of videos of the world's top baller, Rafael Nadal, that circulated last week that you may or may not have seen.

The first one shows the Mallorcan Matador fit-testing some of the new Nike kicks for the 2009 season.

In the video he's wearing the Men's Bold Stripe Polo Shirt from the sport brand's Holiday Collection and wear-testing the new Air Max Courtballistecs from the 2009 Spring Collection which he'll be wearing at the Aussie Open next month.

CHECK IT:



It's great to see Rafa actually wearing some of this new gear and it looks really good so far. I can't wait to see the rest of the collection on him. Still...must...buy.

The second video was taken from a 4-hour Christmas special on Rafa which featured a 1 1/2 hour interview followed by 2 1/2 documentary about his life all in Catalan. Here's the first of five videos from the special:



Click here to see the rest of the videos.

PS - Seriously, am I the only one out there who can't wait for the 2009 season to begin?

VIDEO VAULT: Some ballers can sing and some can't, but all wish you a happy holiday season!

Hey y'all,

So I'll be taking all of next week off to prepare and celebrate the holidays (oh, and actually begin shopping for gifts - I'm totes late!) Regular DtL posting will resume on Monday, December 29th.

I'll leave you with the ATP + WTA's annual holiday video card showcasing our fave ballers hamming it up for our viewing pleasure (some more than others, right Nole?). And thanks to DtL reader B2012 for the link.

Have a safe and happy holiday everyone!!!

RiCH

(UPDATED) + THURSDAY NETCORDS: Birmingham's the place to be...Lindsay preggers again and out of Melbourne...Becker's Bag tops for traveling

* Birmingham, Alabama has been chosen as the location for next season's Davis Cup first round tie between the US and a Roger Federer-led Swiss team. Anyone want to go in on a charter bus? Just askin'. In other DC news, Albert Costa was named head coach for the defending champion Spanish team. "I accomplished a lot of my dreams as a player, winning at Roland Garros and now I’ve managed another one, becoming captain of our Davis Cup team. We’re very ambitious. We want to keep working really hard and we want to win the Davis Cup again," said the former Roland Garros champ.

* The UK's The Times has chosen the biggest winners and losers of 2008. Their biggest winner? Rafael Nadal of course. Their biggest loser? Homeboy Alex Bogdanovic. Geez - the Brits have no prob eating their own, huh? Speaking of reminiscing, Joel Drucker continues his look back for ESPN.com with his biggest delights and biggest disappointments of the year and Tennisreporters.net gives the results of their readers' poll.

* Lindsay Davenport is preggers with her second child and has pulled out of the Aussie Open. "Of course this unexpected but exciting surprise now means I will be putting tennis on hold for the foreseeable future," she said in a statement. Will she finally hang up her racquets now???

* A big congrats to World No.1's Rafael Nadal + Jelena Jankovic who were chosen as International Tennis Federation (ITF) world champions for 2008.

* On the Baseline sits down with Slovakia's Women's Player of the Year Dominika Cibulkova

* Justine Henin will partner with compatriot and track sprinter Kim Gevaert as goodwill ambassadors for Belgium and the Netherlands bids to host the 2018 World Cup

* The Aussie Open ain't no walk in the park says TENNIS' Abigail Lorge so you better have prepared in the off-season and be prepared to hit the courts running. Lazy ballers beware...

* Can't find a tennis bag big enough to fit all your gear or just tired of carrying all that crap and ruining your one good shoulder? Check out the Becker Series Pro Bag with Wheels ($80) with features including a separate accessories pocket, a shoe pocket, and three-digit combination lock for keeping those sticks safe and sound!

* UPDATE: RAFANATICS alert! DtL reader Meri has sent over links to four YouTube videos of the "Friends of Iker vs. Friends of Rafa" charity event almost in its entirety. CHECK IT - Pts. 1, 2, 3, and 4. Thanks Meri!

(image via tenniswarehouse.com)

SIGHTING: Ana flying solo in Australia, actually training and probably sweating

Could it be Ana Ivanovic has actually been spotted training and working out? Do my eyes deceive me??

Color me shocked, but relieved, to see the Roland Garros champ in Australia getting in some real training with trainer Scott Byrnes in Noosa National Park, acclimating to the heat Down Under, and looking fit and sexy I might add.

No Anando, no posing, and def no cheese. Now this is what I'm talking about!




(images via Women's Tennis Photos)

PHOTO OP: Battle of the shorty-shorts, Rafa vs. Nole

Fine - so I didn't get to see the complete "Friends of Iker vs. Friends of Rafa" Part Deux charity event live OR on video. I'm slowly getting over it.

I did, however, get my grubby hands on these images of Rafael Nadal + Novak Djokovic playing the soccer portion of the event working what else? The coveted shorty-shorts. Very nice.

I'm thinking they both have lovely legs but who wore them better:

Rafa or Nole?

DO TELL!

(image via Getty)

VIDEO VAULT: ReRe regains hamstring health for charitable reasons, Oscar in the mail

Serena Williams is a real trooper.

The US Open champ, who's dealing with a pesky hamstring "injury" that forced her out of the Hopman Cup, already showed us some of her questionable warm up techniques before hitting the court for Rock n' Racquets last weekend.

It's good thing, though, that she loosened up those muscles because she really could've hurt herself more doing this almost-synchronized dance routine.

Boy, ReRe can do a mean impression of being healthy, huh? Give that girl an Oscar!

CHECK IT:

ATP launches latest "FEEL IT" ad campaign, debuts images and logos for 2009

The ATP, which will be rebranded the ATP World Tour next year, has just unveiled its "FEEL IT" campaign for 2009 starring some of the world's top ballers in the world including World No.1 Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Andy Roddick and James Blake. The original "FEEL IT" concept for the campaign debuted this past season and helped jump start the ATP's rebranding efforts.


The campaign will "focus on bringing to life the unique global aspect of the ATP World Tour. The evolution of the campaign will position ATP World Tour stars like Rafael Nadal as titans of the sport; playing tennis that is ‘out of this world’. The new execution will bring to life many of the amazing locations of the ATP World Tour and will focus on communicating the ultimate goal of the season, to become the 2009 ATP World Tour Champion."

Rafa had this to say about appearing in the ads:

I like the new ATP advertising campaign. They have done a great job with this since it is cool and spectacular and although I consider myself someone very down to Earth it is funny to see us up there playing with the stars. I hope this campaign helps bring more attention, new people and fans to the tennis tournaments. I understand this is the goal and I am sure we will make it happen.

The full marketing campaign will be comprised of TV spots, billboards, online banners, virals, merchandise, fan giveaways and PR stunts.

The ATP also debuted the new logos for the newly named Barclays ATP World Tour Finals (formerly the Masters Cup), the ATP World Tour Masters 1000, the ATP World Tour 500, and the ATP World Tour 250.

It all looks and sounds fine but I'm hoping the ATP allows these new elements to marinate for a while before making any more changes. Consistency is key.

What are your thoughts on this latest version of the campaign and the ATP's rebranding efforts for itself and the tourneys?

DO TELL!

(image via atptennis.com)

MEDIA MASHUP: Rafa + Iker host charity event, bring friends to help fight malaria

Rafael Nadal + Iker Casillas held their second annual "Friends of Iker vs. Friends of Rafa" charity event to fight malaria last night at Madrid's Palacio de los Deportes.

The team's competed in three events including a kart race, one-set tennis match, and a soccer match. Rafa's team featured Carlos Moyá, Jorge Lorenzo, Raúl González, Almudena Cid, Carlos Sastre, Marcos Senna, Novak Djokovic, Sergio García, Carlos Sainz, Sete Gibernau and Samuel Eto'o.

Iker's team members included David Ferrer, Carmen Jordá, Feliciano López, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Santi Cazorla, Sergio Ramos, Alberto Contador, Dani Sordo, Alvaro Bautista, Kanouté and Fernando Alonso.


Although the teams pulled a draw in the tennis match, Team Iker grabbed wins in the kart race and soccer match and won overall.

Check out more images from the event!

Rafa competing in an obstacle course?

The Mallorcan Matador kicks go-kart arse, takes names

A cleaned-up Novak Djokovic hits the press line looking uber-sexy

Carlos Moya: your hairline's falling and it can't get up...

David Ferrer hit the press line too. Does anyone else think he looks better out of his tennis gear than in?

The man of the moment

Here are some video highlights from the big night...translations always welcomed in the comment section!

CHECK IT:

(images via Getty)

+ TUESDAY NETCORDS: Lochte grabs his stick for GQ...USTA's new $60 million indoor building opens...Memorable moments by Martina

* Gold medal-winning swimmer Ryan Lochte grabbed a hit on some red clay courts for GQ magazine's January '09 issue. Now - I don't think playing in jeans would necessarily work but playing shirtless goes without saying especially with Ryan's sick bod (especially those abs of steel.) Any takers?

* ESPN.com's Joel Drucker continues his week long look back at the best and worst of the 2008 season. Today the scribe lists his Top 10 matches of the year.

* Wimbledon will hold an exhibition event on May 17, 2009 to test the conditions under Centre Court's newly installed retractable roof. Most importantly, organizers want to test the atmospherics and humidity levels with 15,000 people sitting in the stands because the court surface needs to be "bone dry" when the roof is closed. Tim Henman and John McEnroe have been named as possible participants.

* Speaking of the Brits: the LTA has honored Andy Murray + Anne Keothavong as Male and Female Players of the Year, while Dan Evans + Laura Robson were named Male and Female Junior Players of the Year.

* The Tennis Chick has taken the ATP Top 10 and put it to poetry. Nice.

* The USTA officially opened its $60 million, 245,000 square foot indoor building at The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center today. The new facilities include "12 courts on two floors — there are nine blue U.S. Open hard courts on the first floor and workers are finishing the three blue hard courts on the second floor — a state-of-the-art fitness center, new locker rooms which will be used by juniors and wheel chair competitors during the Open, a second-floor terrace that overlooks the outdoor Open courts, classrooms and a hot and cold production commissary that connects to the concession booths that serve the food court during the Open." Yippee! I can't wait to hit on these new courts and use the new locker room. The old one was, well, old and moldy to put it lightly.

* So what is the primary reason behind Larry Stefanki's decision to coach Andy Roddick? According to an interview the 51-year old conducted with Doug Robson, it's "because [Stefanki] wants to work with an American as a stepping-stone to getting involved with the USTA junior development." The revered coach told Robson, "That’s why I did it more than anything. And also because Andy was so motivated." So if I was A-Rod would I be appreciative or insulted?

* TENNIS' Steve Tignor lovingly looks back at Martina Hingis and two of her most memorable matches - the 1997 Wimbledon final where she defeated Jana Novotna for her first (and last) Championship and this gem. I remember...*looks wistfully into the distance and smiles*



(image via GQ courtesy of Carter Smith, Tennis Week)

Nadia hospitalized with viral meningitis, withdraws from Auckland

Our thoughts go out to Nadia Petrova who has been hospitalized with viral meningitis, a serious medical condition causing inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

She has withdrawn from next month's ASB Classic in Auckland.

Here's to a speedy recover Nads!

(image via abc.net.au)

PHOTO OP: Justine reveals ladylike side, Kim reveals tattoo at Sports Gala

Remember when two lady ballers put the tiny country of Belgium on the tennis map and ruled the WTA Tour? Ahhh yes.

Seven-time Grand Slammer Justine Henin and former US Open champ Kim Clijsters reunited at the Sports Gala, Belgium's most prestigious sporting award ceremony, on Sunday.


A dolled-up Justine sat on astroturf (uncomfortable much?) while being honored with a lifetime career achievement award and received two videotaped congratulatory messages from tennis legends Pete Sampras + Stefan Edberg. Here's some of what she had to say:

I have no regrets. I can't regret a life which gave me so much. I learned so many things about myself. It's important to have the wisdom to stop at a time when it's the moment to move on. I have only good memories.

I have so much curiosity, and I want to be able to express myself differently from now on. Even here today. I have personal time now. Time for me. To breath and relax isn't easy for myself having lived such an extremely intense lifestyle. I try for serenity with a rich balance, but without competative pro tennis and adrenalin.

Kim attended the ceremony with husband Brian Lynch and was spotted with daughter Jada's name tattooed on her wrist. Boy, she's finally letting loose y'all!

See more images here and here.



(images via Womens Tennis Photos)

(UPDATED) MEDIA MASHUP: Rafa presents charity gear with Iker, receives Marca Legend Award

Thanks to meri and an anonymous DtL reader for tipping me off to the latest Rafael Nadal news!

It's a been a busy couple of days already for the world's top baller. The Spanish steamroller joined his footballer friend Iker Casillas as they gave president of the 'Communidad de Madrid', Esperanza Aguirre, the t-shirts they'll be wearing during their "Friends of Iker vs. Friends of Rafa" charity event today. Very exciting!


The pair also announced their roster for the event: Iker will be bringing ballers David Ferrer and Juan Carlos Ferrero, cyclist Alberto Contador, F1 racer Fernando Alonso, as well as his clubmates, Sergio Ramos + Fabio Cannavaro.

Rafa will have sexy Serb Novak Djokovic, F1, Rally and MotoGP racers such as Pedro de la Rosa, Carlos Sainz and Sete Gibernau, and footballers Raul and Samuel Eto’o.

And Rafa was presented with ANOTHER well-deserved accolade to go along with the many others he's accepted recently. The 22-year old was awarded the Marca Legend Award for career excellence by Marca, the popular Spanish newspaper.

Congrats to you on behalf of RAFANATICS everywhere!

CHECK IT:



UPDATE: Here's video of Rafa + Iker presenting the t-shirts at the pre-event presser. Enjoy!

+ MONDAY NETCORDS: The cover wars - Shrieka vs. ReRe...The Hewitts add another...Another ass-et admirer revealed!

* Maria Sharapova will be appearing on the cover and inside story for Women's Health magazine's January/February 2009 issue. The Russian glamazon also got into the holiday spirit by decorating her Manhattan Beach home recently. But unlike last year, there were no sightings of Dolce around the digs or a new-fangled hairdo for 2009. Fine - as long as she stays away from the dreaded soccer-mom "up-do". Scary.

* Congratulations to Aussie hothead Lleyton Hewitt and wife, Bec, who welcomed new son Cruz Hewitt on December 11. The pair already have three-year old daughter Mia

* Speaking of Lleyton, he's currently training and recovering from the hip surgery he underwent in August with the hope of re-entering the ATP Top 10. The former World No.1 is spending at least 6 hours a day mixing in fitness and on-court work. "I actually enjoy it. If you’re fit you’re playing most weeks on tour. So this is a good opportunity for me not just to look at the Australian summer, but also the 2009 calendar. Hopefully, I can get my body in as good a shape as possible to see me right through next year," says Lleyton. Honestly, I don't see him making it back into the Top 10 - it's pretty crowded with ballers who are much stronger, fitter, and have superior games.

* TENNIS' Kamakshi Tandon looks back at the historical happenings of tennis in 1968. Included is the historic announcement by Wimbledon the year before to allow amateurs and professionals to enter the major tourney in '68. Fun fact: Roland Garros ended up being the first "open" Grand Slam due to the timing of the settlement allowing pros to play at the majors.

* Paralympian Chantal Petitclerc, who owns 21 career gold medals in wheelchair racing, is a big fan of tennis and an even bigger fan of Rafael Nadal and his famous ass-ets. Chantal told the National Post, "I think every girl is looking forward to next season to see what colour of Capri pants Nadal is wearing. Yes, he is, ah...yes." I concur. I mean, just check the DtL comment section Chantal. You...are...not...alone. (that's for you johanne!)

* The Bernard Tomic saga continues: Papa John publicly apologizes...

* Marta Domachowska has a website - didn't you know?

* ESPN.com's Joel Drucker picks his Best Baller of the Year

* Serena Williams is one of a number of celebrities featured on the cover of Vibe magazine's annual "Tabloid Issue" for January '09 featuring the Best and Worst of 2008. ReRe, along with rap star Nelly, are both shown above the category of "Hottest Bodies". I guess it must be all those intense warm up exercises she does.

* James Blake is giving up his autographed stick for charity to benefit the Thomas Blake, Sr. Memorial Cancer Research Fund. Want it? Bid here.

(images Women's Health via Drop Shots, Vibe)