PHOTO OP: Peek-a-boo Mathieu, I see you

Frenchie tennis baller Paul-Henri Mathieu gave the Sony Ericsson Open crowd a show today - check out that panty line. Très zexy...

(image via Doug Benc/Getty Images)

A new hairy situation: Michael Berrer goes all Morrissey at Sony Ericsson Open

Berrer hair: I hate to say it y'all but it looks like we have another hairy situation on the ATP Tour.

The one-time Dr. McDreamy look-alike Michael Berrer was spotted at the Sony Ericsson Open working a Morrissey-style pompadour circa 1984 during his match against Igor Andreev. I'm certain it was N.O.P. (not on purpose, duh) but one can never be too sure with these matters.

Will the madness never end?

(image via Al Bello/Getty Images)

Quote of the Day: Safin on his career

I have plenty of cash to do what I want to do, so what I want to do is play tennis.

- Marat Safin after his fifth straight first-round loss this year at the Sony Ericsson Open

Thanks Marat for letting us know you're just another uber-talented, but spoiled, professional athlete who'll just coast into oblivion. Cheers!

(image via AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Tennis dreams become (virtual) reality with Top Spin 3

Game on: Though I'm not a huge gamer by any means, I've had some fun battling on Wii Tennis. But the upcoming Top Spin 3 is pretty impressive by any standard.

The new game, which will be released on May 20, features the likenesses of Roger Federer, James Blake, Maria "Shriek"apova, Andy Roddick and more. And when I say likeness, it's an understatement. I was amazed at how life-like the players look, from their stroke production and mannerisms to their fashions and sweat!

Top Spin 3 creators 2K Sports hosted a media event at the Sony Ericsson Open and featured James, Maria, Svetlana Kuznetsova, and Gael Monfils battling each other's virtual-selves.

Check it out:

FASHION FIX: Davenport wins Comeback Award, glows in graphic print dress

Motherhood has clearly been great for Lindsay Davenport. Not only did the 3-time Grand Slam champ win the WTA Comeback Player of the Year Award for her stunning return to the tour in 2007 after giving birth to son Jagger, but Lindsay continues to glow.

I love this dress for her - the former No. 1 is usually much more understated and subdued with her on-court tennis fashion but this graphic-print tank dress is fun + vibrant.

Anyone know who designed this dress?

(image via Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

THE LOW DOWN: Is A-Rod heading down the aisle with Brooklyn Decker?

The marrying kind: Is Andy Roddick following good friend Mardy Fish's lead and getting hitched? A tipster wrote to us on Thursday saying,

Andy Roddick and Brooklyn Decker are engaged as of yesterday as well.

The couple of have only been dating since last season's US Open but have been spotted numerous times walking the streets of NYC together where the swimsuit model lives. The relationship was also rumored to be the catalyst in the breakup of A-Rod and Jimmy Connors.

If anyone can confirm this news, let me know!

(image via socialitelife.com)

The ballers hit up the Sony Ericsson Open player party

The tennis ballers from both tours dropped their tennis racquets and hit the Sony Ericsson Open player party last night held at Opium in Miami Beach. James Blake, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Venus + Serena Williams, and Jelena Jankovic showed up for the festivities.

Also on hand were a spikey-haired Novak Djokovic (flirting with The Apprentice's Katrina Campins), Andy Roddick, and Maria "Shriek"apova.


(images via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Nole launches official clothing + accessories collection with adidas

After getting pissed about the supposed illegal sales of Novak Djokovic clothing, the Serb has finally launched his official clothing + accessories line in partnership with sponsor adidas. The products will all be sold via his website.


The products range features t-shirts representing the Serbian colors, key chains, a floating toy, a giant tennis ball, and even a yo-yo! They all feature shadow images of the Aussie Open champ in different poses.

The prices are all in Euros so we Americans will have to pay a little extra to get our hands on this product.


(image via novak-djokovic.com)

+ WEDNESDAY NETCORDS: Fed, Monica, Venus + Serena respond...Andy dreams and more

- The Sisters speak: Venus + Serena were asked at a press conference for the Sony Ericsson Open about father Richard's controversial remarks on racism in tennis. Older sister V said, "I'm definitely not here to discuss that. I'll talk about Eleven (her clothing company), tennis, my recent graduation. . ." while ReRe responded, "The best person to answer that is my dad. I'm just here to play tennis and stay focused on that."

- A triplet: Roger Federer won three ATP Awards including player of the year, sportsmanship, and fan favorite.

- A pair of fives: Though we haven't even touched a grain of clay on the tour, Wimbledon is getting more some press than Roland Garros these days. The All-England Club just announced a pair of 5-year agreements: with Fila as official footwear licensee and with the BBC for broadcast coverage rights.

- Saying goodbye again: Memoir-writing Monica Seles had a short stay on Dancing with the Stars. The left-handed (and footed) tennis legend and her partner Jonathan Roberts were booted from the show this week.


- Dream come true? Andy Murray says he actually dreamt he won a Grand Slam. The 20-year old said, "I actually dreamed for the first time in my life about winning a Grand Slam, actually winning match point at a Grand Slam, about two days ago. I kind of woke up and now I feel like I'm ready to go on and play on and get deep into the slams now. So, God, I want to win it."

- TENNIS mag's editor-in-chief James Martin gives his "A-Z" for Indian Wells + Miami. What caught my eye? R of Rafa: the Spaniard will be blogging exclusively for the mag's site starting tomorrow!

(image via Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

FASHION FIX: Preview of Serena's spring Nike fashion, but French Open still a mystery

Spring fling: So I've run through the fashion possibilities for the top Nike tennis ballers including Maria "Shriek"apova, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal. But when talking fashion, you can't forget about one of the originals: Serena "ReRe" Williams.

Here's a rundown:

Sony Ericsson: The defending Miami champion participated in a first-ever tennis water "match" with Rafa on the roof of the Gansevoort Hotel on Monday. ReRe was working the Dri-Fit Volley Short Sleeve Tee in the new lilac ice color - the hue Federer is supposed to wear at Roland Garros - and the Paris Skirt in white with black waistband.

The Nike lookbook also lists the Serena Sport Plus Full-Zip Women's Tennis Top + Capri. These pieces come in the dark obsidian (pictured), white, chalk, black, and lilac ice. According to Nike the gear is made of polyester + spandex and "features convenient zip closure and front seam ball pockets, set off by a voluminous high collar and shimmery satin trim cuffs and pockets."

This outfit looks more like something the former No. 1 might warm up in for her matches.

French Open: I'm not sure what ReRe be wearing for Roland Garros since information on her fashions has been surprisingly few and far between. Could she end up in the Paris Tank + Skirt rumored to be Maria's gear? It would show off her body, which we all know she loves to do - and why wouldn't she?

If anyone has info out there and would like to share, I'm listening!

(images via women's tennis blog + nike.com)

FASHION FIX: Preview of Rafa's Nike fashion campaign for spring

Spring preview continued: So I've discussed what may be Maria "Shriek"apova's French Open Nike dress and Roger Federer's gear through Roland Garros. Now let's turn our attention now to what Nike has for Rafael Nadal's spring tennis fashion.

Sony Ericsson + European clay-court tournaments: The image above is what the World No. 2 will be wearing in Miami and the European clay-court tourneys. He continues with his trademark look - the Dri-Fit Sublimated Sleeveless in vivid blue/black/white and the Dri-Fit Capri Pant in white with black side stripe for day and black with vivid blue side stripe for night. His bandana is the Sublimated Bandana in vivid blue and white.

French Open: The defending Roland Garros champion will be going for a fourth straight title and looks to be on the hunt in this outfit.


Rafa continues with the Dri-Fit Sublimated Sleeveless but in green spark + olive khaki and the Dri-Fit Capri in olive khaki with green spark side stripe.


The Spaniard will debut a new colorway in the Air Max Breathe Cage II: classic green/white/black metallic.
And of course no Rafa outfit would be complete without the wrist and headbands for our swashbuckling Spaniard:



(images via tt.tenniswarehouse.com + Doug Benc/Getty Images for Sony Ericsson)

THE LOW DOWN: Nole spotted at LA Lakers game - is there more to his "friendship" with Maria?

Proof is in the puddin': Remember how I wrote about how much time Novak Djokovic and Maria "Shriek"apova had been spending together before and during last week's Pacific Life Open?

Well, I was alerted to the above shot (thanks Elaine!) of the couple playing footsies during a break at Indian Wells and just stumbled upon this Nole interview - and guess where it takes place? At the LA Lakers game this past Sunday after he captured his first Indian Wells title, and where Maria was spotted hanging out with Camilla Belle.

Do you think they knew each other would be catching the same basketball game? Crazy!

Now I REALLY need to know what his girlfriend Jelena thinks of their "friendship."

Check out the interview:



(image via tt.tenniswarehouse.com)

SIGHTING: Sveta pulls a Maria in sport and fashion - go figure!

The Russians like their balls and vests apparently.

After spotting a bangy Maria "Shriek"apova at last weekend's LA Lakers game, Indian Wells finalist Svetlana Kuznetsova was seen taking some down time before the start of the Sony Ericsson Open this week watching the Miami Heat battle the Milwaukee Bucks.

The draws were announced for the tourney and the World No. 4 has a bye in the first round but ended up in the rough half of the draw featuring Justine Henin and Venus + Serena Williams. Ouch.

Click here to see the full women's draw and here for the men's draw.

(image via AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)

SIGHTING: A-Rod models, autographs and plays Wii at Bloomingdale's in NYC

As I mentioned yesterday, Andy Roddick made his way back to New York City to make a personal appearance at the Lacoste store and Bloomingdale's in Midtown to help the iconic brand celebrate its 75th Anniversary. In honor of the celebration, 10 percent of Lacoste store and Bloomindale's sales yesterday were donated to The Andy Roddick Foundation.


A-Rod took some time for modeling, autographs and some Wii Tennis action with some lucky fans. But one question A-Rod: what's up with the hairy situation on your face?

And, if you haven't checked out the Lacoste site recently, take a peek. The brand now has a Lacoste Sport section featuring interviews + anecdotes with their tennis ballers including A-Rod in "On the Rod", Tatiana Golovin in "Tatiana's World", A-Rod + Tatiana in "Grass Memories", A-Rod + Richard Gasquet in "Clay Memories", and all three in "Hard Court". Good stuff.

(image via wireimage.com, msnbc.com, jezebel.com)

PHOTO OP: Nole manhandles his trophy

Hey Nole - is that the Indian Wells trophy in your hands, or are you just happy to see me?

(image via AFP/GETTY IMAGES/File/Harry How)

SIGHTING: Serena hits up the Party Watch, steps out with Common

Caught in the act, again: Serena "ReRe" Williams was spotted leaving Villa Lounge in Beverly Hills with current boyfriend Common, and they're still looking as uncomfortable being seen together as they did the last time.

Do you think it's because the rapper is just "boyfriend insurance" for the tennis baller and she doesn't want to upset her other admirers?

(image via bossip.com)

FASHION FIX: Preview of Federer's Nike fashion campaign for spring

With all this talk about Maria "Shriek"apova's French Open fashion, I got excited to preview some of our fave tennis ballers' fashions for the spring tennis season. Of course, these outfits are subject to change - you never know with these fashion heads.

Let's start with Roger Federer and what his Nike duds will most likely be for Miami, the European clay-court tournaments, and of course Roland Garros.

Sony Ericsson Open: The Swiss Stylist will be working the Sphere React Cool Polo in white + dark obsidian and the Dri-Fit Control Short in black with dark obsidian contrast band.


European clay-court tournaments: Fed will be wearing the Sphere React Cool Polo in blue chill + white and the Dri-Fit Control Short in black with blue chill contrast band (not pictured.)


French Open: There are two options for the World No. 1 at Roland Garros. He'll continue to work the Sphere React Cool Polo but may wear both the dark obsidian + white (very top image) or the one I'm most excited about: lilac ice + white! Fed could definitely pull of the soft hue with style.

He'll most likely wear the Dri-Fit Control Short in black + blue chill with white contrast band and white with dark obsidian contrast band.


I've showcased the new styles of Vapors for Fed's spring campaign below:

Lastly, here are previews of the wrist and headband styles for Fed:



(images via tt.tennis-warehouse.com)

SIGHTING: A weary Sharapova takes in Lakers game

Thanks to DtL reader Jimmy for alerting us to a blunt-banged Maria "Shriek"apova, whose possible French Open fashions have hit the blogosphere, at the LA Lakers game this weekend with her actress-friend Camilla Belle in tow.

After losing the all-Russian semifinal at Indian Wells this weekend, the Russian announced her withdrawal from the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami citing a shoulder injury.

Could it be the near 50,000 air miles she's logged so far this year have gotten to her?

PHOTO OP: A-Rod goes retro with Lacoste, meets fans (+ girlfriend) in NYC

Andy Roddick, looking clean-cut + dapper here in vintage tennis whites, will be in NYC today to host a meet-and-greet with his loyal fans at the Lacoste store in Midtown.

The recent Dubai titlist must also be visiting his model girlfriend, Brooklyn Decker, who lives here and who may have been the catalyst for A-Rod's breakup with coach Jimmy Connors. Can you say Yoko Ono?

(image via andyroddick.com)

FASHION FIX: What will Maria Sharapova wear at the French Open?

Fiending fashionistas: Though we haven't even started the clay court season yet, the excitement for Maria "Shriek"apova's French Open fashion has already begun. Tennis Served Fresh posted about Nike's Paris Tennis Tank + Skirt as the likely combo.

Although I like the outfit, Maria usually leans towards dresses for the Grand Slams, so I did some research a found from the Nike Spring catalog and their site the Paris Dress in dark obsidian + chalk. This beautiful dress made from their Dri-Fit fabrication has a paneled + pleated skirt, 3-striped banding, v-neck, and a lady-like ribbon.

But, Nike pulled a switch-a-roo in Australia so I wouldn't put it them past to dress our favorite tennis fashionista in something completely different!

(images via nike.com)