PHOTO OP: Battle of the bulge

"No seriously. It's actually about THIS big."

Up 5-1 in the second set of his Monte-Carlo quarterfinal match, Fernando Verdasco wasted three matches points against compatriot Albert Montanes before regaining his composure and clinching a 6-3, 6-7(4) 6-0 win. He'll face top seed Novak Djokovic, who ousted David Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3, for a spot in the final.

Oh boy. I'm sure Nando is really, really happy he kept his head together and closed out the match in emphatic style though the same can't be said for Nandito. He looks all shy and withdrawn.

Those 3-D glasses would come in handy right about now. *squints*

[Photo(s): Getty]

BALLER MUG MASHUP: Muzz vs. Rafa

Andy Murray suffered another disappointing, and worrying, early round loss falling 6-2, 6-1 to Philipp Kohlschreiber in Monte-Carlo. It was his second consecutive opening round straight set defeat after going down 6-4, 6-4 to Mardy Fish at the same stage in Miami last month. Let's keep that head shrinker on speed dial, shall we?

I'd venture to guess that at the moment the Brit baller wouldn't mind melding his tennis IQ and skill set (and hair?) with a supreme dirt baller. I mean, we just started on the slippery stuff and there's a WAYS to go.

So here's a little Rafa for your ass Muzz. Don't ever say I never gave you anything.

[Photo(s): Reuters]

Sania Mirza gets hitched in Hyderabad hotel ceremony

Congratulations to Sania Mirza who married cricketer Shoaib Malik at a hotel in Hyderabad days after his divorce from another Indian woman, Ayesha Siddique, was brokered by Muslim elders.

Okay that's some last minute drama. But at the very least she can keep her monogrammed towels. And sheet set.

[Photo(s): Reuters]

PHOTO OP: Monte-Carlo baller party - who wore it best?

First off, my apologies particularly to Down the Line's long time readers for the abrupt break in posting recently. I've needed to focus my energies on some personal matters and I'm hoping *everything crossed* that I've turned a real corner. I can't promise I'll be able to post as often as I have in the past but I'll do my best to cover the really important happenings i.e. half-naked, sweaty ballers. You know, the stuff you expect from me.

That being said, I'm always open to having contributors come on board and take a swing at blogging. It'll help keep DtL going, it's quite painless and the glory is unmatched. Right. So if you like to write and you are obsessed with tennis and the boys and girls who play it, write me at downthelinetennis@gmail.com.

Now onto the "news"...

The boys have gathered in Monaco to officially kick off the 2010 clay season at the first Masters 1000, Monte-Carlo. So who looked their best at the baller party last night?

1. Tomas Berdych - I've always thought this pretty boy Czech came impeccably dressed for his on-court battles. He works styles that are simple in design but fit him well. Plus, he isn't afraid of wearing strong colors. I'm espesh loving this rugged look for the party: a motorcross/bomber style jacket and a great pair of jeans. Now stick his arse on a Ducati and we're all good.

2. Novak Djokovic with Jelena Ristic - Yes, I used the image of Nole with his girl because they looked good here. I can't hate on the pretty. Anyway, though I'd always take Nole sans clothing the World No. 2, who just split with co-coach Todd Martin, always looks drool-worthy in dark colors and tailored pieces. I'd much prefer a shorter jacket on him (why hide the ass-ets?) but that's just being picky.

3. Rafael Nadal - First the positives: Rafa's clothes actually fit him! We can finally see the defending champ's world-class body - the one we've all come to know and Rafantasize about. Now the negatives: The color combo is a bit boring. And why wear house slippers to this event? Is it a slumber party? I mean, if it is, sign me up. *grabs lingerie and bon bons*

4. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - Banker or baller? You decide.

5. Andy Murray - This is embarrassing. It's like Casper wearing a sheet. Get thee to a stylist.

6. Fernando Verdasco + Feliciano Lopez - The only reason they're listed below Muzz the Friendly Ghost is because I can't see their full outfits. But from what I can see, the boys looked like they called each other the night before to find out what they should wear:

FV: "Feli, it's Nando."
FL: "What up bro?"
FV: "What are you wearing to the baller party?"
FL: "Not sure. Maybe a suit and a button-down shirt. Easy breezy. You Nando?"
FV: "Whatta stud. Maybe the same thing. I don't know. I've been in my underwear of late so clothing seems silly these days. My bod is paying the bills."
FL: "Keep it clean, Nando. Keep it clean."
FV: "Claro. Shirt and suit it is!"

[Photo(s): Getty, TennisTV.com]