(UPDATED) OFFICIALLY OVAH: Muzz + Kim

Andy Murray + Kim Sears have ended their 4-year relationship.

When asked about the split Leonore Sears, mom to the tennis WAG, confirmed the news saying, "Yes, but I am not going to comment on it."

She reportedly moved out of the home they shared in Surrey and returned to her parent's home. Kim was not in Muzz' baller box in London where he was knocked out of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in the round robin portion of the tourney.

Ah, so sad. It'll be strange not seeing her cheering Muzz on in the stands - she was always a presence at his matches. I wonder what caused the breakup? Maybe, like a lot of relationships, it just ran its course.

UPDATE: Has Muzz moved on already? Rumor or reality - you decide. Thanks Djangoo!

QUOTE OF THE DAY: KOLYA

All my family, everybody who supports me, wait for this moment, when I can beat Federer. I was thinking it coming maybe 2010 or '11. But in 2009, end of the season, it's good feeling.

- Nikolay Davydenko on defeating Roger Federer 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals

LOL - "2010 or '11?" Anyway, it took 13 tries but the underrated Kolya finally pulled it off. And after beating Rafa earlier in the week and making his second straight final here the Russian must be feeling pretty good.

Congrats!

(Photo(s): Reuters)

PHOTO OP: Rafa takes a lickin'

Rafael Nadal needed treatment on his lower back during his 7-6(5), 6-3 defeat at the hands Novak Djokovic at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals today. It was the Spaniard's third straight defeat this week, third straight to the Nole dating back to Cincinnati and fourth consecutive loss overall. I can see why he looks in pain.

But it sure seems like the Serb has the right remedy for Rafa's sitch - talk about "having his back." Uber-YUM.


(Photos: Getty, AP)

Letter to DtL readers: Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey guys,

Just a quick note to say I won't be posting today since I'll be celebrating THANKSGIVING.

To those of you enjoying the holiday I wish you a safe and happy one. And to everyone, a big "THANKS!" for reading DtL. I hope you enjoy the coverage as much as I love writing it.

Cheers,

RiCH

PHOTO OP: Talk to the hand 'cause...

"...this Swede ain't listening, y'all."

Robin Soderling entered the Barclays World Tour Final as a replacement to an injured Andy Roddick in the B Group and has made GREAT on his opportunity.

He disposed of Rafael Nadal on Monday and today he ended Novak Djokovic's 11-match win streak with a 7-6 (5), 6-1 decision. He becomes the first baller to reach the semifinal stage at the prestigious tourney and the only one not to lose a set. Gah!


The Roland Garros finalist played a tactically brilliant match pummeling Nole's usually lethal backhand side and then going after his weaker forehand. The Serb's slice strategy seemed suspect, giving Sod the time to set up his attacking shots. Seriously, why would you send over slice after slice when your DHBH is one of the best, if not the best, in the world? Plus, it forced the defending champ out of his rhythm which infected the rest of his game like a virus. The final set saw an uber-confident Sod take it full force to his ever-increasingly fatigued and frustrated opponent.

We all know the Swede isn't the most liked baller in the locker room or with fans and he seems to relish that role, playing this week as if he has something to prove on an indoor surface he should excel on. Sod also seems to be walking around with a carefree, nothing-to-lose attitude since he wasn't supposed to play anyway.

And you know what? That makes him the most dangerous of 'em all.

(Photos: Getty)

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Who's your number one now?

"Fingers don't lie."

Roger Federer capped off an extraordinary year at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals today securing the year-end No.1 ranking for fifth time after defeating Andy Murray 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 in their round robin match. After Rafael Nadal lost to Robin Soderling yesterday, Fed only needed to win one more match to achieve the feat and he made no mistake today.

“It means a lot to have returned to No. 1 and to finish the year again at No. 1,” said the Swiss. “It was an incredible year for me both on the court and off the court and to be able to break the all-time Grand Slam record and finish the year on top is amazing.”

Fed becomes the only baller besides Ivan Lendl to have held, lost, and then regained the top spot back. He also joins Jimmy Connors + Pete Sampras as the only ones to have finished the year at the top at least five times.

The Swiss maestro can now add the ATP World Tour Champion title to his other incredible achievements this year including the completion of a Career Grand Slam by winning his first Roland Garros crown, breaking the all-time major wins record by grabbing his 15th Slam at Wimbledon and reaching the final of all four Slams this year. Fed also married longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec in April and the couple gave birth to twin mangoes Myla Rose + Charlene Riva in July.

He'll get his chance for revenge when he meets U.S. Open champ Juan Martin del Potro in the final RR match. The Argentine defeated Fed in the final at Flushing Meadows to capture his maiden major.

Well, I guess the big story of the tourney is dead in the water. BUT, the matches have been really good and the energy in the O2 Arena has been great so I'm thinking there's exciting stuff yet to come.

UPDATE: Here's the actual year-end No.1 trophy being presented to Fed today. Much better than a finger. And, like a DtL commenter hysterically said a few weeks back, "Looks like his taking being the ambassador of Lindt quite seriously." No kidding. ROFL


(Photo: Getty, AP)

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Nole + Kolya bask in the afterglow, share shirtless MOMA

"Was it good for you, bro?"

Novak Djokovic + Nikolay Davydenko shared a shirtless, and most likely sweaty, MOMA moment at the net after their opening round robin match at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London.

The Serb continued his winning ways edging out Kolya 3-6, 6-4, 7-5 and earning his 11th straight win. It was a match full of long, intense rallies but Nole's confidence pushed him past the finish line as the Russian offered up errors in the crucial moments of the final set.

Afterwards the pair met at the net and exchanged shirts to commemorate their battle - and to entertain us of course. I mean, how could you not be? *licks chops*





UPDATE: Looks like the MOMA didn't do much for A-Rod who was sitting in the audience. Damn you Brooklyn.


(Photos: Getty)

(UPDATED) FASHION FIX: NaturAna goes mellow yellow Down Under

Here's the new adidas dress Ana Ivanovic will be wearing to start off her 2010 campaign in Oz.

It's a continuation of the Adilibria line she wore this year and features a drop waist, deeper neckline, close body fit and side pleats. The core yellow dress is made from adidas' trademark ClimaCool moisture management technology which will help keep her body at optimum playing temperature.

Here's a closer look:


I'm loving the yellow color especially against NaturAna's darker skin tones and the blue backdrop of the courts in Oz. It does look like it fits better than anything she wore this year as well.

Her website will be releasing videos of the former No.1 in this dress along with her Roland Garros dress so stay tuned!

UPDATE: Here's NaturAna unveiling both the Oz Open + Roland Garros dresses at a photoshoot in NYC. Thanks Curtis!



(Photos: AnaIvanovic.com, WomensTennisBlog.com)

PHOTO OP: Throwing in the towel (with Body Bonus!)

"Blech."

Well, not quite.

But Rafael Nadal's quest to snatch the year-end No.1 ranking from Roger Federer took a hit today in London.

The 6-time Grand Slammer was sidetracked momentarily losing his opening round robin match in the 'B' Group to Robin Soderling 6-4, 6-4 and racking up his second consecutive loss to the Swede. Sod inflicted Rafa's lone loss at Roland Garros in the fourth round this year, and add to this their overwhelming LURVE for each other and you've got our first bit of WTF drama.

The Spaniard can still make the semifinals and retake the top ranking but his margin for error is THAT much slimmer now.

I know you're probably feeling down RAFANATICS so here's a little Body Bonus to ease your pain. It did wonders for me:


(Photos: Getty)

Nole drops adidas for 10-year deal with Sergio Tacchini

Novak Djokovic will be the newest face of Sergio Tacchini starting in January 2010, leaving longtime sponsor adidas and putting to rest rumors of a switch to K-Swiss.

The Serb announced the brand-spanking new 10-year sponsorship deal with the Italian sports apparel brand this weekend in London where he's seeking to defend his title at the ATP World Tour Finals.

"My own idols Pete Sampras and John McEnroe have won almost all titles... wearing the Sergio Tacchini logo”, said Novak.

“I am pleased to partner with Sergio Tacchini, a strong brand with a true tennis DNA and am honoured to become a part of this legacy."

Nole joins ballers Tommy Robredo, Ivo Karlovic, Victor Hanescu, Olivier Rochus, Steve Darcis, Flavia Pennetta and Sara Errani in the ST stable.

This partnership with a Grand Slam champ and potential World No. 1 is a total coup for Sergio Tacchini and should help their product get global exposure and brand recognition. They make stylish, well-made gear and should be a great fit for the Serb.

Plus, a 10-year sponsorship means Nole will be wearing their duds for what would likely be the remainder of his career - talk about puttin' a ring on it.

(Photo: NovakDjokovic.rs)