THE LOW DOWN: Serena responds to Gimelstob controversy, "it's just totally uncalled for" says ReRe

Serena Williams has some words for Washington Kastles teammate Justin Gimelstob and the sexist and disgusting tirade he gave during an on-air radio appearance on The Junkies where he called Anna Kournikova a "douchebag", Tatiana Golovin "a sexpot", Nicole Vaidisova "a well-developed young lady," and Alize Cornet "a little sexpot":

I think that those comments probably aren't necessary. And being pro women's rights, you know, I just think we've come farther than to be referred to you know, I don't cuss. Unless you see me on the court, but traditionally I don't use that language.

But Anna is a great girl. For anyone to say that about her is kind of you know, what can I say? It's not professional. You know, it's just totally uncalled for. I mean, unless you really know these people, you talk to these people, you never know what people go through. It's not good to say those things about people.

Ugh - I have no tolerance for those types of remarks. Like I said, I find the whole thing repulsive.

(image via Getty)

Murray's Maggie writing for The Times - did I mention she's a dog?

I thought The Times was a respectable UK paper, holding themselves to the highest standards of journalism, right?

So consider me perplexed when I stumbled up this article called "View from the Dog Box", a week in the life of Andy Murray's new dog Maggie at Wimbledon. No, you read correctly - ANDY'S DOG.

Anyway, I'll let Maggie do the, eh, talking:

Monday

I was having a nice dream when Master Andy came into the kitchen, singing as usual. “Wake up, Maggie, I think I've got something to say to you,” he crooned. I gave him a hard stare. He sings a lot - always Rod Stewart numbers. That's how I got this name.

Roger Federer came round to show off his gold-trimmed cardigan. “You wear it well,” Andy sang, pouring himself an Irn-Bru. “A little old-fashioned but that's all right.”

Tuesday

Andy's first match and he thought it would be a good idea to sneak me into the men's changing-room in his kitbag. “But what about the smell?” Mother Judy asked. “Och, she'll soon get used to that,” Andy said.

I watched the Master prepare himself for his opening game. “If you want my body, and you think I'm sexy, come on sugar let me know,” he sang and I woofed along in harmony. That's how I got found out by security. “Out,” a burly man in uniform said. “There's only one barker allowed in here and that's Sue.”

Wednesday

A day off, so Master Andy and I went for a walk on Wimbledon Common. Had a lovely chase after a rabbit. A rather odd rabbit it was, wearing a hat and a scarf. It was carrying a bag of rubbish on its back as well, with the word Orinoco stencilled on it. Anyway, it tasted delicious. Much nicer than the deep-fried Pedigree Chum I usually get.

Thursday

Watched Andy's second match in the pets' lounge. All the leading players take animals around on tour with them. The Williams sisters have a pair of chameleons that change colour to match their location, Rafael Nadal has a gibbon called Nigel and Roger Federer has a pet cow, Milka (not to be confused with his girlfriend, Mirka), that he was given by his home town in Switzerland after winning his first Wimbledon. He takes it everywhere with him, but it does look ridiculous in a cardy.

Friday

I've almost forgiven the Master for telling the media about my toilet problem. I'd like to see him maintain bladder control when watching Maria Sharapova try to hold serve. Andy sat down with Mother Judy to work out a strategy for his third-round match with a German. “I need to be properly Haas-trained,” the Master said. You and me both, Andy.

Translated by Patrick Kidd

I didn't add that last line in either. Shocking, I know.

(image via Getty)

Upset bug hits Ivanovic, goes down hard to Zheng

I guess my question from yesterday was answered in a big way today. Ana Ivanovic was bundled out of Wimbledon, going down hard to China's Jie Zheng 6-1, 6-4 in a quick 72 minutes - that's gotta hurt.

Apparently, the accomplishments over the last month finally caught up with the world no. 1:

It was a very emotional last couple of weeks for me and it took a bit of a toll. I didn’t have great preparation.

A leaning experience for sure. But a couple of observations:

Full credit to Ana's style senses since she decided to bury the horrid "ladyfinger" adidas dress. Now we'll never have to see it again - boo hoo.

Also, is anyone else smelling an all-Williams final now?

(image via Getty)

Quote of the Day: Alla on Maria

It’s very pleasant to beat…you know, Maria. Why? Why? Well, I don’t like her outfit. Can I put it that way?

- Alla Kudryavtseva on the importance of beating Maria "Shriek"apova today

Catty much? The proverbial gloves are off I suppose - can't wait for part deux.

Thanks for the tip CD!

(image via Getty)

PHOTO OP: Tipsarevic brought to his knees after A-Rod defeat

Oh how the mighty have fallen by the roadside at this year's Wimbledon - tennis roadkill, if you will.

First Nole gets booted yesterday, then Maria gets crushed earlier today and now you can add Andy Roddick to the growing list. The American baller was utterly outplayed by a more aggressive Janko Tipsarevic, losing 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 (4) and continuing his misery at The All England Club.

On the flip side the fashion-loving Serb, whose tattoos gained more press than his game last year, finally took a big scalp after almost defeating Roger Federer in 5 sets at this year's Aussie Open. He'll face Dmitry Tursunov in the next round.

But who'll be the next giant to fall? Do tell!

(image via Getty)

SIGHTING: John Mayer takes in Wimbledon - but where's Jennifer?

Grammy-winning artist John Mayer was spotted taking in the newly sleeved James Blake's second round match versus Rainner Schuettler. John's in town for the Glastonbury Festival where he'll be performing. And according to ESPN's Chris Fowler, the two are old high school buddies - strange but true!

But one question John: where's rumored girlfriend-for-now Jennifer Aniston?

(image via getty)

Sharapova suffers second round loss, serving woes continue

The Aussie Open champs are down and out at this year's Wimbledon.

A day after men's champion Novak Djokovic was dumped out of The Championships by a resurgent Marat Safin, women's title holder Maria "Shriek"apova was completely dismantled by compatriot Alla Kudryavtseva 6-2, 6-4 in 84 minutes. The serving issues that confounded the Russian at the French Open seem to have followed here here: she finished the match with 8 double-faults, 11 total in her two matches this week.

Next time, Nole + Maria, you may want to actually practice when you're on the practice courts together.

(image via Getty)

PHOTO OP: Frugal fans show their face at Wimbledon - and they don't care who knows it!

C'mon tennis fans. I know stuff at Grand Slams can be pretty overpriced, particularly the food + clothing. But seriously, you couldn't bring a hat from home? Shameless!

(images via AP)

THE LOW DOWN: Nole worked Nike at Wimbledon and adidas gave their blessing

Thanks to DtL! reader Lori for tipping me off to this exciting development between Novak Djokovic and his clothing sponsor adidas. As many of you know, I've been hyper-critical of the global sports brand for its lackadaisical sponsorship/PR for top ballers and poor design vision especially the eye-sore affectionately known as Ana's "ladyfinger" dress. But the drama continues...

Apparently, Nole had been working Nike Cages (below) with the logos whited out during his short stay at The All England Club. The Serb complained to the company after he continually slipped in his Barricades during the Queen's Club final, but adidas couldn't make grass-court shoes in time so they agreed to allow him to wear the Nike sneakers for Wimbledon. WTF?!


Darren Rovell of CNBC.com picked up on the developing story and questioned the decision by both parties. adidas responded to his inquiries saying,

Adidas is committed to providing the best possible sportswear products to inspire and enable all athletes to achieve their Impossible. However, in the tradition of our founder Adi Dassler, we do not oblige athletes to wear a product in competition they do not feel are 100 percent suitable to their style of play. Therefore we have reviewed the request of Novak Djokovic to use another brand of shoes at Wimbledon and have agreed he can wear a product he feels is more suited to his current grass court needs.

Nole also released a statement about the controversy saying,

Over the past 5 years adidas’ commitment to my career has been unbeatable. Adidas Tennis has actively sought my feedback on new products and technologies and I am excited to work on a new products for the 2009 season. In the meantime, I am grateful for adidas’ unrelenting support as I aim to achieve my Impossible at Wimbledon this week.

This well-crafted PR piece seems pretty empty to me.

And to rub salt in the wound, Andy Murray, who usually wears Brit label Fred Perry paired with adidas trainers, confirmed that he switched to Nike as seen below during his first round match:


Great for Nike but where does this leave adidas in tennis? Clearly Nole hasn't switched over to Nike completely but it could be just a matter of time. If the brand can't move quickly to accommodate the product needs of their premiere athletes at the highest-profile tournaments, who would blame them for jumping ship? And, why would the sports label spend all this money to sponsor an athlete and then instead of providing them the proper products in a timely manner, concede to allowing them to wear a competing brand??

Clearly, adidas was caught with their Court Shorts down and not prepared with appropriate product or to deal with this type of issue. What was I saying about lack of vision?

Impossible seems like something for adidas right now.

(images via Getty, tenniswarehouse.com)

Quote(s) of the Day: Safin

After his huge win today Marat Safin, known for giving some of the best sound bites in tennis, offered up a few doozies as only he could. Let's hope the hysterical Russian hangs around a little longer at Wimbledon - we need more quotes and wouldn't mind watching you just a little bit more!

In honor of his win, I give you three of the best:

There is a flight at 8.30 leaving every evening, so I was almost there.

- on his expectations after seeing himself drawn against Novak Djokovic

The strawberries are too expensive. It's true. They don't have enough for dessert. It's true. Only the coach is allowed to come in the locker room is also true.

- on his reasons for disliking Wimbledon

...he didn't impress me with his game today. I could read his serve. I could return. I could stay with him from the baseline.

- on Nole's game during their second round clash today

(image via Getty)

SIGHTINGS: Fed + friends take a break, A-Rod + Brooklyn get romantical

Roger Federer was spotted taking a relaxed stroll with girlfriend Mirka, tennis fanatic Gavin Rossdale and a very preggers Gwen Stefani, his wife, during a break from Wimbledon play. After seeing Fed + Mirka take in Euro 2008 with Tony + Eva, I'd say the world no. 1 is a full-on celebrity stalker, huh? And what's with his stone-washed outfit??


Andy Roddick and fiancee Brooklyn Decker were also seen getting a breather from Wimbledon, walking hand-in-hand around town. Boy - Andy is looking good these days. Enough said.

(images via gototennis.com and people.com)

FASHION FIX: Ana the escape artist, defeats Dechy in new adidas gear

Ana Ivanovic is the WTA Tour's escape artist extraordinaire and the world no. 1 can now add today's match to her growing resume including this year's Aussie Open semis (down 0-6, 0-2 vs. Hantuchova and last year's Wimbledon quarterfinals (saved 3 match points vs. Vaidisova.)

The Serb was down a set then saved two match points in the second, one on a netcord, to defeat Frenchie veteran Natalie Dechy 6-7 (2), 7-6 (3), 10-8, the best women's match so far. Ana also ditched the horrible adidas "ladyfinger" dress that she opened the tournament wearing, opting for a simple white sleeveless top and white skirt with venting on the side. It's not an original since Sania Mirza was also wearing it, but a much better style indeed.

I wonder how many more costume changes the 20-year old has in store for us?

(image via Getty)

PHOTO OP: Safin does Nole good, shares tender post-match moment

Could Marat Safin be reliving 2005 all over again? The men's field is hoping not.

In his most dominating display of tennis since his '05 Aussie Open run, including the classic match against Roger Federer in the semifinals, the giant-killing Russian overpowered the third seed Novak Djokovic winning 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2 and will take on Andreas Seppi in the third round.

At least the two ballers got to share a tender moment after the match, giving their fans a lasting treat. I guess I wouldn't mind losing to Marat either if that's what I could look forward to afterwards, right Nole? *sigh*

UPDATE: Here's a video featuring post-match interviews with Marat + Nole:



(image via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Blake beats Rochus, no longer silly for sleeveless

James Blake has never had great success at Wimbledon - can you believe he's never been past the third round here? Well, he got his 2008 campaign off to a good start defeating diminuitive Belgian Christophe Rochus 3-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 to move into the second round where he'll face former Aussie Open finalist Rainer Schuettler.

It's so good to see James, who like a number of ballers has been silly for sleeveless, return back to his classic ways and bust out the Nike London Tennis Polo Shirt in white.

Could this be the most welcomed men's trend this year or what?

(image via Getty)

Nalbandian on the fast track road to tennis nowhere

David Nalbandian. The Argentine is one of the best ball strikers on the ATP Tour and can beat anyone but that's only when he's actually fit enough to get behind the ball. Wasn't it just the end of last season when David defeated Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal twice and Novak Djokovic to win the Paris Indoors and Madrid?

And based on the "athletic prowess" he showed in his pathetic 4-6, 2-6, 4-6 first round loss to Canadian Frank Dancevic, he'll need to hit the weight room or psych couch stat.

But the former Wimbledon finalist gave nothing in his post-match presser but nastiness and indifference. Check it:

Q. What were your expectations coming in?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: Much better than this, for sure.

Q. Physically you're fine? There was no problem with that? Did you feel your preparation was good?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: Well, not a hundred percent, but...

Q. In what way?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: Injuries.

Q. What's the injury?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: I can't tell you.

Q. Why?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: I have to?

Q. Just interested. No.

DAVID NALBANDIAN: All right.

Q. Do you prefer not to talk about your injuries? Are you worried that it will sound like you're making excuses, or...

DAVID NALBANDIAN: There's no reason to talk for.

Q. Did the injury hamper you on court?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: I already asked you that one.

Q. You seemed quite flat emotionally. Did you feel like that, or was it a physical thing?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: Maybe both, yeah.

Q. Were you flat mentally because of the physical problem?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: It's hard to tell which is first and which is second.

Q. You're known for going deep into Grand Slams. You haven't gone deep into a Grand Slam for quite a while now.

DAVID NALBANDIAN: Yeah, that's one of my goals, and I couldn't made it.

Q. So what will you do next?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: The hard court season in U.S.

Q. Do you expect to be fit again relatively quickly?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: I don't know. We will try.

Q. No Olympic Games?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: Si.

Q. How would you actually summarize this disappointment? How disappointed are you today?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: I already asked that one.

Q. In the sense of overall.

DAVID NALBANDIAN: (No response.)

Ugly loss, ugly attitude David.

(image via AP)

FASHION FIX: Rafa to battle Gulbis, keeps game + style short for Wimbledon

Rafael Nadal, whose relationship is all the rage this fortnight, began his quest for a first Wimbledon title today. The French Open champ battled a game Andreas Beck and pulled out a tight 3-setter winning 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (0). He now takes on the big-hitting Latvian Ernests Gulbis in a mouth-watering second rounder which could be a very tricky test for Rafa.

It seems like the Spaniard is definitely feeling his grass game these days - learning to shorten his swings and shorten the points. Apparently his style has followed as the Mallorcan Matador debuted cropped, and very pretty, locks and the Nike Longer Length Tennis Short which are, ironically, shorter than his trademark Capri Pants.

Whatever the reason, Rafa looks more confident and more comfortable in his own skin these days.

(image via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Sharapova + Nike debut tuxedo-inspired innovation at Wimbledon

Maria "Shriek"apova debuted her Nike tuxedo-inspired outfit today for her march towards a second Wimbledon title. The 2004 champion is currently battling Frenchie veteran Stephanie Foretz in the first round.

The outfit looks both elegant and comfortable - very fitting for her Wimbledon campaign. It also has some sexy touches with the sheerness of the top and the dressier shorty-shorts with an extended tab, which I definitely prefer. A blazer-style warm up jacket with a tie front brings the entire outfit together with confidence.

I really believe this type of design innovation is exciting and needed in tennis, not at every tournament, but for top ballers at the Grand Slams and even the year-end Championships.

Overall, a great moment for Nike + Maria.

(images via Getty)

FASHION FIX: The trench coat makes a comeback just in time for Wimbledon's weather

So y'think there's a big trench coat trend happening in London these days?

Most likely inspired by the notorious summer rains of the English capital, some ballers and their S.O.'s have been spotted working the classic style.

(From left to right) Serena Williams debuted her new Nike trench-style warm up jacket yesterday in her first round match at Wimbledon to great interest from the press. At Queen's Club, Andy Roddick's fiancee Brooklyn Decker and buddy Mardy Fish's fiancee Stacey Gardner were both spotted working the trend while supporting their boys. And today, Ukranian Julia Vakulenko walked out for her match first rounder against Flavia Pennetta sporting the same style.

I love a beautifully tailored trench coat mixed with a basic t-shirt and jeans and a pair of Jack Purcell white sneakers or Vans. It can really add a sleek, dressed up element to a casual outfit.

(images via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Brit baller Baltacha gets FCUK'ed

WARNING: So I'm "zooming" in again people and it happens to be on Elena Baltacha's left boob. Read on at your own peril...

The Brit baller, who defeated Angelique Kerber 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in her opening round at Wimbledon today, was spotted working a simple white A-line dress by Brit fashion house French Connection. You remember them - the fashion company that became famous more for their gimmicky "FCUK" marketing campaign than for their bland fashions.

Anyway, I didn't know the retailer was moving into the sports arena, but I suppose if bebe can attempt to makeover fashion disaster Bethanie Mattek then anything is possible.

(image via Getty)

Rafa + Xisca relationship outed, "It was a well-kept secret..." says Uncle Toni

You know you're grabbing more global fame when the media is hawking on your supposedly "secret" girlfriend Rafael Nadal.

Thanks to DtL! readers Lisa + LR for tipping me off to the new stories out on Maria Francisca "Xisca" Perello, his beautiful girlfriend of three years. She comes from the same town and attends university in Manacor.

Uncle Toni Nadal outed the couple to The Daily Mail this week saying,

It was a well-kept secret but actually his girlfriend is waiting for him in Majorca.

According to friend Pedro Hernadez the couple prefers a low-key existence in their home town:

Raf and Xisca are both very shy and ordinary people who like to live simply. They are not at all interested in a celebrity lifestyle. They get together when the tournaments are over. That’s how Raf winds down.

I think most hardcore tennis fans knew the Spaniard had a girlfriend but now we're getting to know more about her. In any case, they seem like a good match to me...

Another hairy situation solved: del Potro gives hair a good name

Juan Martin del Potro made a smooth start to his Wimbledon campaign. The 19-year old Argentine pummeled Czech Pavel Snobel 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 and will take on rising Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka in the next round.

I love that Juan Martin has finally tamed his hairy situation and he even did it in stages. The image on the far right is from last season's US summer hardcourt swing when I first noticed the severity of his issue. The center is from last month's Roland Garros where the Argentine was finally gaining control, though he was still wearing something close to a mullet. The far left image is from today's match where Juan Martin finally hits the right balance. Ahhh!

You see? Slowly, but surely, it's possible to make the change. Ask Andy Murray too.

(images via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Nole defeats Berrer, turns turquoise + white for Wimbledon

After all my bitching and complaining, adidas finally gave Novak Djokovic some new tennis duds for his march towards a first Wimbledon title - yippee! The Serb was wearing the new gear when he battled to a 7-5, 2-6, 6-3, 6-0 win over Germany's Michael Berrer in the first round today.

So the outfit is in the required white but features pops of turquoise piping on the shirt's side seams and on the right sleeve - a new style for sure but nothing special. The shorts are, well, shorts in white.

Let's just hope, at the very least, no other ballers bust out the same colorway.

(image via Getty)

Separated at Birth: Serena vs. Jennifer Hudson

Serena Williams debuted a new Nike trench-style warmup jacket and blown-out hair for her first-round match (which she won) at Wimbledon today.

I'm thinking ReRe just saw Sex and the City co-starring Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson because she's certainly channeling her entire look from the hit movie.

Separated at birth? Do tell!

UPDATE: Believe it or not (mostly believe), the media at ReRe's post-match presser had a field day with her trench coat debut even holding a lengthy exchange with the fashionista about the outfit.

Such a typical ReRe moment...love it:

Q. The trench coat, was that an effort to keep the rain away this year?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah. You know, I absolutely love trench coats. I live in Florida. I probably have more coats than anybody. I just love coats. I'm always buying Burberry coats. I mean, I love coats. And I don't know why because I live in Florida. So it doesn't really add up. But, you know, I was talking to Nike, I walked in, had this great coat on there. We should do a coat like this for Wimbledon. I was like, Okay, cool. I was really all about it. Now I have a wonderful white coat I can wear on the court and also, you know, in New York for those rainy days.

Q. It looked almost Carnaby Street inspired. Was it a '60s retro look.

SERENA WILLIAMS: It's definitely kind of retro inspired. Buckles on the wrist, the waistband tie. You can tie it or button it. I just love coats and it's just a great fabric and a great material and it moves well. It's really nice. I really like it.

Q. It's not necessarily a piece of athletic attire. Did you have to get any special permission from the club to wear it?

SERENA WILLIAMS: It's definitely not athletic attire. But it's ladylike, and I'm very ladylike. It goes perfect with my personality and everything else. It's perfect for me.

Q. Is it going to keep the rain away, do you think?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I don't think it's going to keep the rain away, but we can always hope.

Q. Can you tell us about the fabric? It's hard to tell if it's very lightweight or heavy or porous.

SERENA WILLIAMS: It's a very lightweight fabric. It's a woven so it has a little give in it as well. On the inside it's stitched with gold. It has a little give on both ways. It's very movable. It's very light. It's just delectable.

(image via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Fed opens Centre Court, debuts classic cardigan moment

Roger Federer made his annual fashion walk at 1pm to open match play on Centre Court, an honor given to the defending men's champion at Wimbledon.


The 5-time winner also debuted his latest Nike look for The Championships, dropping his blazer + slacks from last year for a simple wide ribbed cream-colored cardigan with gold piping and featuring a crest on the left with his ubiquitous "RF" logo.

The sweater was paired with the Federer Wimbledon Polo and Control Short that I previewed last week. He also brought along his white Nike duffle bag from last year and the new limited-edition Wilson racquet bag.

But the world no. 1 was hiding another something special under his new sweater moment - a preppy canvas d-ring belt:

The belt matches the cardigan colorway and showcases the "5" insignia that's also found on his Nike Vapors that I wrote about yesterday. Here's what Fed had to say about the fashion change this year:

Two jackets were enough. It was like 'let's move on', but the jacket might be back next year. We thought something different would be nice. The result's nice - and I've got a belt this year too. It's nice. It's easier to wear than the jacket to be honest.

Oh yeah - back to Fed's match. The stylish Swiss opened against good friend Dominik Hrbaty, who he actually had never beaten (0-2). But he made good today defeating the Slovak easily 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. Clearly the on-court tension was at a minimum between these friends, even sharing a mid-match laugh. Nice way to start the tournament, eh?


(images via Getty)

SIGHTING: Rafa tries out no. 1...Court no. 1 that is

French Open champ Rafael Nadal was spotted on Court 1 sharpening his grass-court game as he marches towards a first Wimbledon title and the world's top ranking.

Could this be foreshadowing for the 22-year old Spaniard? We'll soon see...

(image via AP)

Comment of the Week: Anonymous on Bartoli

(Hey people - I'm starting a new "Comment of the Week" post today. DtL! has been getting so many great, interesting, brutally honest and hysterical comments lately from readers around the world that I thought it would be the best way to showcase the best of the best, or worst of the worst I suppose. Anyway, here we go!)

And people wonder why Americans are so hated...
...shame on you, Rich. Perhaps she doesn't shave. Perhaps she decided to stop. Perhaps she has an irritation, medical condition, or rash. Perhaps she didn't think anyone would ZOOM in and become obsessed with her armpit.

Get over yourself, please.

- June 18, Anonymous on Marion Bartoli's pit problem

Apparently to this commenter, pit hair and America go together like America and apple pie. Yummy!

P.S. - Looks like the Frenchie resolved her issue in this photo so no worries everyone.

(image via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Fed debuts new white + gold Nike Vapors for Wimbledon

Roger Federer gave a sneak peek at the new Nike Vapors from the White/Gold Collection that he'll be wearing during the Wimbledon fortnight. The trainers feature his "RF" logo on the left shoe and a "5" on the right to signify the Swiss' five consecutive wins at The All England Club.

You can also see the nubby traction on the soles of the shoes especially made for grass-court battling. Very cool.

(image via Getty)

SIGHTING: Nole + Maria on practice courts doing anything but practicing

Novak Djokovic and Maria "Shriek"apova were spotted together on the Wimbledon practice courts though I don't see much practicing going on here.



Hmmm - now where have we all seen this scenario before? Indian Wells...LA Lakers game...Miami baller party?? How about all of the above.

Seriously guys, get a room already.

(image via Getty)

FASHION FIX: The Williams sisters go classic for Wimbledon, but Venus adds a sexy touch

The Williams sisters, who were pioneers in the development of women's tennis fashion + style, have revealed their outfits for this year's Wimbledon. And what the pieces lack in bells and whistles they gain with classic styling mixed with modern detailing.

Two-time champion ReRe will be working pieces from the Nike White/Gold Collection including the Serena Wimbledon Top and the Serena Wimbledon Skirt both in the required white colorway with gold detailing. She'll also stay warm as she takes Centre Court in the Serena Wimbledon Cover Up also in white with gold.

Big sis' Venus will be debuting a new dress from her EleVen by Venus Williams fashion collection that is essentially a summery tank dress with a flirty skirt. But the interesting detail here is the tie-twist front which creates a small peep-hole at the chest. A discreet but sexy wink from the 4-time defending champ? Perhaps!


(images via prodirecttennis.com, Steve and Barry's)

FASHION FIX: Sharapova confirms tuxedo-inspired Nike duds for Wimbledon

Maria "Shriek"apova is planning to switch up her fashion game at Wimbledon this year and I can't wait.

A big thanks to DtL! reader karolina for tipping me off to the Russian's confirmation that she'll be working the Nike Sharapova Wimbledon Sleeveless Top and the Sharapova Wimbledon Woven Short from the White/Gold Collection that I wrote about earlier in the week:

Maria has just confirmed she will be wearing shorts throughout the tournie!! She will be sporting the tuxedo style top and shorts.

According to a pre-Wimby interview on the 21-year old's website,

I'm going with the traditional shorts, believe it or not. I've never worn shorts at a Grand Slam. I'm gonna be debuting that. Call it menswear, obviously. It's kind of like a tuxedo look, very simple lines, classic.

Well, well Maria. I give you huge props for taking the risk and changing things up. Good for you and good for tennis fashion.

(image via prodirecttennis.com)