Letter to DtL readers: Spring has sprung in NYC, posting a slow go

Hey y'all,

Posting will be slow for the next couple of days. Two reasons:

1. It's the first real spring day in NYC (read = breaking 70 degrees finally!) so I must be outside and I must grab a hit.

2. Kalil's BFF is getting married tomorrow (read = lots o' celebratory eating and drinking).

If there's any kind of big breaking news, I'll most likely tweet it so check me out over there.

Happy Friday!!!

RiCH

More details on Broddick nuptials, Brooklyn chooses Vera Wang

Thanks to an anonymous reader for sending me a link to more info on Andy Roddick + Brooklyn Decker's big wedding weekend.

According to Austin360.com, Brooklyn will be wearing Vera Wang while A-Rod, who supposedly had offers from a few designers including Tom Ford, is keeping his tux designer hush-hush (like anyone really cares what the groom wears anyway.)

Here are more deets on the wedding:

Brooklyn will wear a Vera Wang dress. Vera Wang offered to make the dress. She is a good friend of Andy’s. They know each other because Vera and Andy have stayed in neighboring properties in Hawaii for some time. Andy usually stops in Hawaii every year on his way to play in the Australian Open.

Andy had offers from several designers including Austin-born Tom Ford for his wedding outfit. However, he is keeping the look a secret until the wedding day.

There will be 30 people, mostly family and a few friends, at the wedding.

The reception will be at Stubb’s from 6 or 7 p.m. until 2 a.m.

They have selected an unnamed band or DJ to provide music.

Andy doesn’t want to provide photos to the media. He did get offers from (probably) People and US Weekly and those types of mags. However, he said he wants to keep the event private even though the money paid for a photo could go to his charity. Andy just wants to have a special moment.

Andy and Brooklyn have really never been to a wedding or reception so they planned something very simple.

Elton John will play at the wedding, which will likely be outside.

There isn’t a backup plan if there’s bad weather on Saturday.

So what's with these ballers not giving the media any pictures (yes, you too Fed)? LAME. I understand they want the special day to be private (who wouldn't?) but with all the public news about these nuptials, someone will want photos (read: stalkeratti.)

Good luck with that one Broddick!

(image via timeinc.net)

PHOTO OP: The King of Clay, well, at least for today

"I know they're taking a shot of me and the crown right now. They still think that's funny?"

A big congrats to Stanislas Wawrinka for taking his chances when the going was good and knocking out Roger Federer in Monte Carlo today.

It was a bittersweet victory for the friend of Fed, however:

I am a bit embarrassed to celebrate it. I believe [Federer] hadn't found his rhythm on clay and he made many errors.

Oh, that's nice and everything Stan but stop being so Swiss and celebrate damnit. It's the biggest win of your career, friend or not. You can kiss and make up later. And if you do, please photograph and send it my way. For my private collection. I swear.

(image via ap)

VIDEO VAULT: Rog stunned by Stan in Monte Carlo, gets awkward for Gillette

Roger Federer's recent slope became even more slippery on the red clay of Monte Carlo today.

Last year's finalist (and for the third consecutive time) was booted from the tourney's third round by good friend Stanislas Wawrinka 6-4, 7-5 after taking a last-minute wild card to get in. I guess he'll also be taking a big hit in the points tally after this disastrous performance, leaving his World No.2 status on very shaky ground (though I'm positive there are two ballers just waiting to take his place, eh?).

In other news, Fed is also starring in a new ad for Gillette along side Tiger Woods and the New York Yankees' Derek Jeter. The spot is a take-off on John Travolta's iconic walk down a Brooklyn sidewalk in the classic film Saturday Night Fever.

In the ad, Fed is shown wearing straight-up 70's silver platform shoes and the mandatory spread collar and gold chain looking all kinds of awkward.

It ends with the tagline "Here's to Confidence". Uh, weren't we talking about Fed here?

CHECK IT:




(video via gillette)

MEDIA MASHUP: Serena gets glam for charity dance, goes shopping for some friends

A dolled up Serena Williams was spotted almost on the red carpet for charity New Yorkers for Children Spring Dinner Dance 'New Year's in April: A Fool's Fete' at the Mandarin Oriental last night.

The 10-time Grand Slammer spent some time in the salon chair before hand and made sure to tweet about it:

ReRe also let us in on some of her shopping duties while in The Big Apple. Apparently she's been looking to spruce up her LA digs and found some choice, and affordable, pieces on her visit:


OMG - how exciting ReRe! Please tell me where I can find one of THESE for my very own:

*anxiously awaits answer*

(image via getty)

VIDEO VAULT: Some boys dream of being a gladiator while one likes to dirty dance

Thanks to an anonymous DtL reader and Miri at Nadal News for tipping me off to this video of the ATP baller boys discussing their fave films of all time.

So what was tops on the lists? Gladiator. No, seriously. I'm thinking it must be all that sweaty man-on-man action...at least that's why I love it. Oh, and a swarthy Russell Crowe working the Caesar cut. Hawtness.

Another shockeratti? Roger Federer loves the Rambo series and Dirty Dancing. I know, I know.

And what does Rafael Nadal like? Apparently he has too many faves - another typical non-answer, no?

(via TennisTV)

+ WEDNESDAY NETCORDS: Maybe bold but absolutely beautiful

Simone Bolelli, Monte Carlo

* TENNIS' head honcho James Martin wonders whether The Mighty Fed's quest to stay mighty has become THE story in tennis. Discusssss. [ESPN]

* Martina Navratilova's ex, Toni Layton, is threatening to reveal "skeletons" from the 9-time Wimbledon champ's closet if she doesn't pony up a proper settlement for their breakup. According to Toni's counsel, Martina only offered $200,000 for eight years together and constant support for her career. This could get F-UGLY. [New York Post]

* Is she next in line for oh-so-coveted position as CEO of the struggling WTA Tour? If true, please accept my condolences. [ESPN]

* Prince is offering $20 off any and all of the new EXO3 performance racquets nationwide to thank you, yes YOU, for helping grow the sport in the U.S. [Prince]

* Julius "Dr. J" Erving was spotted in Charleston watching daughter and former Wimby semi-finalist Alexandra Stevenson go down to Akul Amanmuradova of Uzbekistan 6-2, 6-4. It was the first time ever the NBA legend watched Alex in action and afterwards she said, "We were never in a bad place, I just didn't know him. So it's good now. I mean, obviously, it's still odd because you're getting to know somebody. But it's nice that I know him, and he's supporting me out here, coming to watch me play." [FOX Sports]

(image via getty)

SIGHTING: Kate Hudson grabs a pair

Actress Kate Hudson was spotted sharpening her tennis game in LA recently.

I really can't say where her game is right now, but Kate certainly knows it's better to grab balls with warm hands rather than cold ones.

*shivers up spine*

(via jezebel courtesy of x17)

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Mirka debuts ice rink in Monte Carlo, retires ice cube

Mirka Vavrinec (Federer?) was spotted working an ice rink on her ring finger while watching now husband Rog defeat Andreas Seppi in the Monte Carlo second round and raising his head-to-head against the Italian to 5-0. He'll next face compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka for a spot in the fourth round.

Although I couldn't zoom in close enough without losing too much picture quality, you can see the ring is MAMMOTH. I'm surprised Mirka could even raise that hand to clap even though she already gets a good arm workout with the Crackberry. Nice moves, Rog.

And just so we can see the big improvement, here's Mirka at the Oz Open back in January working an ice cube:


Oh, and thanks to a few readers who alerted me to the fact the couple are expecting a boy but still have yet to pick out a name. Don't they know it's already been chosen via the DtL Peanut Gallery? Like, duh.

UPDATE: Damn, Crackberry's going to PISSED once Mango arrives - you know, lack of attention and all. Wait! Mirka will put it down, right?


(image via getty, ap)

VIDEO VAULT: Nipple tassels sell racquets, don't they?

A big thanks to tangerine for tipping me off to this hysterical new video featuring Novak Djokovic pimping out HEAD!

The sexy Serb, who partnered with the racquet maker on the brilliant "Speed Lessons" videos, is shown mid-match running off the screen for a ball hit at an incredibly severe angle. And what ensues is pure hilarity, Nole-style.

But let me just say this: I'd give my left teste to be on oil-rubbing granny right about now. CLASSIC.

CHECK IT:



(via HEAD)

PHOTO OP: Casper the Scottish Ghost makes Monte Carlo debut

Andy Murray sped through his first match on clay in Monte Carlo downing Romania's Victor Hanescu 6-3, 6-2 in 86 minutes. The Miami champ will next face either Fabio Fognini or Marin Cilic in the next round.

Note to Fred Perry: Please refrain from putting Andy in head-to-toe white. I'm begging you. I mean, you're not doing his pastiness ANY favors.

The boy needs color somewhere, anywhere and stat.

(image via getty)

PHOTO OP: Gilles knows all there is to know about the crying game

Gilles Simon lost his opening round match 7-5, 6-1 to qualifier Andreas Beck in Monte Carlo continuing his poor form of late.

The Frenchie had nothing but positive reviews for his performance today:

This match was completely rotten from the first to the last point. I'm surprised myself. I felt at ease on this surface. I was moving well. But I don't remember ever playing so badly. Nothing was right. Nothing was working. My forehand, my backhand, my serve, nothing.

Ever since Gilles went 0-2 in Davis Cup play earlier this season he hasn't been able to get past the fourth round of any tourney. Clearly, his confidence has been shaken but hopefully he won't freefall.

And in more bad news for the Frenchies, Gael Monfils was spanked 6-3, 6-1 by Janko Tipsarevic (ouch!) while Paul-Henri Mathieu went down to David Nalbandian 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.

What's up Frenchies??!

(image via ap)

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Nando on Murray

Right now Rafa and Andy are the two best players. This year for sure if things carry on as they are, he will finish No 2 in the world.

- Fernando Verdasco on Andy Murray's ranking prospects

Agreed. Andy's already the World No. 2 in terms of wins and his game but surely by EOY he'll officially be the second-ranked baller. No question.

(image via getty)

PUT A CAP ON IT: Misha meets up with Fed

Mikhail Youzhny seems to be exchanging some pleasantries (or not) with Roger Federer on the Monte Carlo practice courts today.

What did they say to each other?

DO TELL!

(image via getty)

VIDEO VAULT: What's up with Tati these days?

For those of you (you know who YOU are) who've been asking about Tatiana Golovin, this video is for you. The Frenchie lady baller is still on injured-reserve with a back injury but is hoping to get back in full health.

Enjoy her while you can boys (and girls)!

(via SEWTA)

VIDEO VAULT: The incredible, edible Rafa (to die)

*drools*
*licks chops*
*falls into chocolate Rafood coma*

(via Tennis Trash)

VANtage Point: Houston hangover, moving on to Monte Carlo

Hey guys, wait for me!

If we weren’t so busy here at VANtage Point HQ's stuffing our faces with Easter candy, maybe we would’ve realized the big Monte Carlo event started yesterday. Plus, there was a little bit of a pity party since VP pick Jeremy Chardy didn’t win Houston, which was more reason to eat candy. But Lleyton Hewitt won, so the candy eating was more celebratory. And Juan Carlos Ferrero, an old VANtage Point fave, won over in Casablanca, which called for more (wait for it): candy eating!

So now that all the chocolate has been properly disposed of, it’s time to knock the wrappers and Easter grass off the computer and get to the Point!

A Look Back: Well, at least I got it right on Evgeny Korolev getting to the semis! As mentioned above Chardy didn’t win the U.S. Clay Court Championships, but Hewitt did, a great result for someone months removed from hip surgery. As called here, though, last year’s finalists Marcel Granollers and James Blake both lost early. The tournament got decimated with no seeds making the quarterfinals. Anyway, congrats again to Lleyton for coming through.

This Week’s Spotlight: Even though it didn’t wait for the official VANtage Point send-off, you can’t help but look at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 stop in Monte Carlo this week, the first big clay-court tournament of the year, or as I like to refer to it, “The House of Rafa.” Rafael Nadal has won four titles in a row here, so it’s kind of safe to say he owns the joint. All of his top 10 compadres except Andy Roddick are here to challenge him. Roger Federer almost didn’t make it, but accepted a wild card to lead the contenders.

Players to Watch: I think we all know Rafa’s going to do well here, but he’s definitely one to watch just for pure entertainment’s sake. You want to know who I’m really interested in catching out here, though, and for the rest of the clay-court stretch? Andy Murray. I know he’s been one of the dominant players so far this year. I just want to see how his improved game translates to clay. I think Marin Cilic will get him here in the round of 16. A player I’m kind of high on this year, Tommy Robredo, could have a good run and I think he’ll push Federer in the quarterfinals. For old-school entertainment, check the first-round match between Lleyton Hewitt and Marat Safin.

The Final Four: I’m going with Nadal over Cilic and Fernando Verdasco (who has a pretty tough quarter to get through) over Federer.

And the Winner Is…: I said last week I was going to pick Nadal for every clay-court tournament he enters, right? Well, that starts here! Just kidding, I won’t pick him every time, but I do see him adding to the Monte Carlo title haul.

Van Sias writes the blog Tennis Talk, Anyone?

(image via getty)

WEEKEND WINNERS: JJ, Wozzi, Lleyton, JC

Jelena Jankovic - Marbella

JJ finally earned her first title of the season and 10th of her career after defeating Carlos Suarez Navarro 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the inaugural Marbella tourney. The former top lady baller had lost her opening round matches at Indian Wells + Miami and struggled through her matches at the Andalucia Tennis Experience but still managed to grab the title.

It seems the clay-court is where JJ can get her confidence as was the case in 2006 when she lost 10-straight matches before making the quarterfinals in Rome. I'd say her season has just begun. But question: is that trophy melting?

Caroline Wozniacki - Ponte Vedra

The Danish teenager also grabbed her first title of the season and fourth of her career by crushing Canada's Aleksandra Wozniack 6-1, 6-2 at the former Amelia Island tourney. And Wozzi gets a glass jar. WTF is up with these trophies?

Lleyton Hewitt - Houston

The Aussie hothead defeated American Wayne Odesnik 6-2, 7-5 to win his first title in two years and first clay-court championship in ten years. After undergoing hip surgery last season, I thought he'd struggle to even win matches never mind the entire tourney so this is a good sign. Granted, Lleyton didn't face any of the big boys but winning is winning and can only help his confidence. Plus, he gets a real trophy unlike some others we won't mention.

Juan Carlos Ferrero - Casablanca

In another surprise, JC won his first title since October 2003 when he defeated Florent Serra 6-4, 7-5 in Casablanca. It was his first trip back to the tourney since his debut as a 19-year old and he made it a good one. Okay JC - can we stop the retirement talk now? Nice trophy too, BTW. Ah, I see - I guess the boys get the good ones while the ladies get screwed. Sweet.

(images via WTA, ATP, andalucia tennis experience, getty)

(UPDATED) THE LOW DOWN: Did Broddick tie the knot today?!

Rumor has it (at least according to an anonymous DtL comment) Andy Roddick + Brooklyn Decker got married today a day after RoKa officially announced their secret nuptials:

Hmmm.. not content with raining tears on Rafa's parade in Melbourne, RF has now also upstaged poor Andy Roddick's Easter wedding.

HA - they made a funny! Anyway, can someone confirm whether it's true or not?! Inquiring minds are DYING to know (pictures would be great too.)

Damn. These baller boys are dropping like flies. So much for the athlete/man-whore cliche. Uh, on second thought, scratch that one. Right Nando?

UPDATE: Thanks to Sara for sending over more info on Broddick and their upcoming nuptials. According to Deadspin the wedding is supposed to happen next weekend at the Westwood Country Club in Austin, TX. Stay tuned!

(image via wireimage)

PHOTO OP: The baller boys go casual chic for Monte-Carlo launch party

A few of the top baller boys joined host Prince Albert II of Monaco for the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters 1000 launch party at the Grimaldi Forum last night.

It seems the mood was most definitely casual chic as most of the boys mixed tailored pieces like blazers, jackets, and button-down shirts with sportswear such as jeans, zipper-front sweatshirts, and cardigans. Check it out.

Rafael Nadal: Much improved from his Miami disaster. See what a little effort can do Rafa?

Fernando Verdasco: DITTO. Cheeseball no more (at least for now.) But could Nando look more constipated?

Jelena Ristic + Novak Djokovic: So good to see Jelena out with Nole again - still going strong I suppose. But do you think Rafa + Nole discussed their outfits before showing up? Maybe they should have.

Andy Murray: I love mixing sportswear and a blazer but I would've preferred the zipper-front sweatshirt in a more high-end fabrication and a bit more fitted while the jean a little darker for the occasion.

Feliciano Lopez: First - deflove the cardigan geek-chic moment. But the necklace, interlocking G belt, and whitewashed jeans are a bit cheese. Now, the jawline - TO DIE.

(images via getty)

INSTANT REPLAY: A look back at the week's top tennis plays

Andy Murray, Prince Albert II, Rafael Nadal

Miami memories
VANtage Point: Houston
"And the Best Actress Oscar doesn't go to..."
Team Gasquet shaken up
JJ + Lefty on the rise
Dani says Hello!
Murray tops O2 Arena
La Monf shows up Shrieka
Rafa does khaki good
Dinara move in date, ReRe's move out date set
Shrieka goes Hollywood drag, pimps her TAG
Rafa + Murray get to dirtballin'
Fed does the Monte Carlo shuffle
Marat gives JC a bad idea
Baby Bastard no more

(image via getty)