VIDEO VAULT: The gift that keeps on giving (hopefully)

The Spanish national football team has a gift for Fernando Verdasco as he prepares for the Davis Cup final versus the Czech Repubic this weekend (note: Spain is up 1-0 after Rafa s-s-s-spanked Tomas Berdych 7-5, 6-0, 6-2 in the opening rubber.) He may need their super powers if his recent injury issues aren't resolved. Also, there's something going on with his sneaks.

I have to say for a locker room there's a lot clothing being worn here.

*sits very disappointed*

Buh-bye Amelie: Former No.1 announces retirement from tennis

Amelie Mauresmo announced her retirement from professional tennis at a press conference in Issy-Les-Moulineaux today.

The Frenchie former No.1 admitted she had found it difficult to stay motivated as of late, particularly during preparation for this year's U.S. Open:

I don't want to train anymore. I had to make a decision, which became evident in the last few months and weeks. When you grow older, it's more difficult to stay at the top. It's a bit sad, but this is the right decision. I was lucky enough to have an exceptional career and to experience very strong feelings on the court.

It became very hard in build-up to the US Open. If I were able to enter the court, play and shine, of course I could continue, but to achieve this you need to put in such hard work. And I'm not capable of that. I dreamt of this career, I dreamt of winning a Grand Slam title. I lifted trophies in every city in the world and I lived 10 magical and unbelievable years.

In 2004 Amelie became the first Frenchie, man or woman, to grab the top spot in the rankings and held that spot for a total of 39 weeks. Her most successful year, though, came in 2006 when she defeated Justine Henin to win both the Oz Open + Wimbledon titles.

Buh-bye Amelie. Your game, personality and humor will be sorely missed on the WTA tour. If not for JuJu's returnament we'd be left with too many brainless bashers in the ranks. In other words, I wouldn't mind a returnament from you even though I know it's probably not going to happen. Boo.

And, on a side note, I know you didn't like discussing your sexuality publicly but I have to say I commend you for being an out lady baller on the tour. It wasn't the easiest coming out process during your infamous run to the Oz Open final in 1999, but you never let the controversy hold you back or allow others to define your career.

[Photo(s): Reuters]

FASHION FIX: Rafa reveals new DC kicks

Rafael Nadal was spotted with some new Nike Air Courtballistecs for this weekend's big Davis Cup final.

Do you LOVE?

[Photo(s): DavisCup]

GBA Tennis launches first-ever video tennis instructional for iPhone + iPod touch

Neil Parker, who pens the excellent tennis instructional blog GBA Tennis - The Game Based Approach, has created the first beginner video tennis lesson for the iPhone/iPod touch called iTennisPro.

Using the teaching method called 'progressive tennis' the program instructs ballers of all ages on the basics of the game including groundies, volleys, serve, scoring, and even on-court etiquette (and we all know THAT'S needed!)

Other lessons include...

The Grips


How to rally using groundstokes with:

- The Impact Point


- Preparation


- The hitting zone using the wrist

How to volley with:

- A catching feeling


How to start the point using a serve with:

- Preparation


- The impact point


- A throwing feeling


How to keep score

As we all know beginner tennis lessons can become monotonous and frustrating at times. These video lessons demonstrate some fun, unique ways of learning the basics of the game and could give you a way of mixing things up as you develop your game. Plus, Neil's delivery and explanations are clear and easy to understand.

To learn more visit the iTennisPro site by clicking here.

[Photo(s): iTennisPro.net]

Shrieka arrives in Santiago, to play exo against Gisela

Maria Sharapova arrived in Chile for an exhibition against Argentine Gisela Dulko and took time to attend a press conference for a fashion show in Santiago. The 3-time Grand Slammer be showing off some of her designs presumably from her Maria Sharapova for Cole Haan collection.

But seriously, what's going on with Shrieka's outfit here? I mean, her legs are KILLAH but the clothing is an absolute distraction. I'm really hoping this is her "I-just-rolled-off-a-plane-after-a-long-trip-and-didn't-feel-like changing" outfit. We all have them. Don't lie.

*fingers crossed*

More images after the jump...

THE LOW DOWN: R.I.P. TennisWeek.com?

TennisWeek.com is apparently no more.

The IMG-owned website is down today and word has it the company shut it down permanently though no official statement has been released.

Earlier this year the sports marketing giant closed the print version after 35 years and it seems the tough economic climate made the kill complete.

I have to say it's sad to see another staple in the tennis media go down, even though their material wasn't always original. But no hard feelings TW.com - you'll be missed. 

[Photo(s): tennisservedfresh.com]

SIGHTING: Serena's boob

OMFG.

I can't get myself off the floor after falling down LAUGHING MY ARSE OFF at this pic of Serena Williams and her boob's "Great Escape: Barbados Style."

The 11-time Grand Slammer was there with boyfriend Common vacationing while also appearing at the "Tennis Pon De Rock" exo with Caroline Wozniacki.

At least we know how ReRe was able to stay weighted down on that surf board. *still rolling*

[Photo(s): wtawomenstennis]

SIGHTING: Elijah Wood + Dianna Agron hit the (on set) court

Elijah Wood + Glee's Dianna Agron were spotted grabbing a hit on the Long Island set for the upcoming flick The Romantics.

The movie, directed by Galt Niederhoffer, is about seven close friends reunite for the wedding of two of their friends. However, the bride and the maid of honor have had a long rivalry over the groom which causes problems for the group. It's slated for a 2010 release and also stars Katie Holmes, Anna Paquin and Josh Duhamel.

It sure looks like Elijah got some of his skin + style tips from Andy Murray, no?




[Photo(s): Splash News via JustJared.com]

PHOTO OP: Goran shares a smile, Raft shares a little more (thank GAWD)

Goran Ivanisevic + Pat Rafter grabbed a photo op and shared some sexy laughs (Pat's, that is) at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The pair will be playing their first match since the Wimbledon 2001 final, won by Goran, at the AEGON Masters Tennis.

Dayum, Raft still looks UBER hawt. And more so in his undergear. Hit-it-and-run peeps.

*double drools*


(Photo(s): Julian Finney/Getty Images, insidesocal.com)

Was Muzz spending too much time playing with his joystick?

Apparently the Brits are having a field day with all the rumored reasons for the breakup between their boy Andy Murray and his now ex-girlfriend, Kim Sears.

First there was talk of Muzz dating the current Miss Scotland Katharine Brown. NOW, The Telegraph is reporting the breakup was caused by the long hours the 22-year old spent on his PlayStation. No, really. A source close to Kim told UK gossip rag The Sun,

“He would spend all his time glued to them. In the end she just got fed up with it. She wanted more out of the relationship."

Thanks Mysterious Source.

I don't know how much we should read into these rumors. I mean, the Brits do LURVE their gossip, as do I, but they take it to whole other level.

However, if it turns out to be true, I hope PlayStation will keep Muzz warm at night. And support him from the stands.

(Photo: Getty)

(UPDATED) WORLD AIDS DAY 2009: Remembering those who lost their lives

UPDATE: Join Nike's campaign to fight AIDS in Africa via Facebook, Twitter, adding a widget to your site/blog page, or buying red laces. Thanks Miri!

VIDEO VAULT: Hi-flying Rafa for Banesto

Do these new Banesto ads featuring Rafael Nadal capture the Spaniard's energy and athleticism or what? LOVE.



Now taking it down a notch...or five.



(Via NadalNews)

QUOTE OF THE DAY: DELPO

I never beat him on hard court or indoors. He's very fast. He plays like PlayStation. He runs down everything.

- Juan Martin del Potro on the game of WTF champ Nikolay Davydenko.

ROFL. Okay - that is SCARY fast.

[Photo(s): Reuters]

Kolya downs Delpo for WTF title, becomes first Russian to win year-end trophy

Nikolay Davydenko earned the biggest title of his career defeating Juan Martin del Potro 6-3, 6-4 to win the year-end Barclays ATP World Tour Final trophy in London, the Russian EVAH to do so.

It was a career week for the 28-year old who was at his workmanlike best gutting out tough matches against this year's major title holders including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Delpo today. His only loss came in his opening round robin match at the hands of Novak Djokovic. He earned $1,510,000 for his efforts this week and will replace Andy Roddick at No.6 in the rankings.

"I was [looking at the trophy], until 2008, [there are] so many names there, like Djokovic, Federer, everyone, [Pete] Sampras,” said Davydenko, who was contesting his fifth straight year-end championship. “In 2009, [it says] Davydenko forever on this trophy. I think it's amazing. [In the] history of the [Finals], for my name to be there is something amazing for me."

Huge props to Kolya - what an incredibly impressive effort for the consistently underrated Russian. Could he - dare I say - pull an "Andre Agassi" and hit hyperdrive in the second half of his career (sans the meth + mullets of course)? Clearly he's a hard worker so if he stays healthy and keeps the motivation it's not completely out of the question.


(Photo(s): Getty)