PHOTO OP: Yep, it was me. I did it.

"Guilty as charged."

Congrats to Jurgen Melzer for earning his first win over Roger Federer in four attempts upsetting the 16-time Grand Slammer 6-4, 6-4 in the Monte Carlo Masters quarterfinals. And he did it while dealing with a back injury which required Melz to leave the court for treatment in the first set.

The Austrian was understandably thrilled to add the Swiss to his list of elite scalps:

It [has special meaning]. I mean, I have beaten Rafa last year. I have beaten Nole [Djokovic]. So this was the one missing. I'm very happy I actually did it today.

I'm sure Fed loves being referred to as 'this...one'. Heh. Great win, Melz, and a great accomplishment to have wins over those ballers. Now you get to face that Spanish dude who can run all day, defend all night and never seems to tire. No, not Rafa silly but he other one - David Ferrer.

[Photo(s): AP]

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Andy Murray

I wasn't bothered at all. I was doing what I had to. Every player on the tour would have done exactly the same thing. I wasn't doing anything wrong. We'll see the reaction tomorrow.

- Andy Murray on the Monte Carlo crowd booing his drop shot exhibition against a hobbling Gilles Simon today

You know, even Sneaky said it was the right tactic. But there are some who think it was crossing the line. I'm curious to know what you guys think. Was it fair play or did Muzz go overboard with it?

[Photo(s): Reuters]

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Djokovic in black, white and grey

Novak Djokovic got back to practicing yesterday in Monaco, where he lives, after skipping this week's Monte Carlo Masters to rest his knee. Via his FB page:

Hey everyone, just wanted to share the good news with you. Today at 5pm I will have my first practice on clay, in case you wanna come and watch in Monte Carlo Country Club. See you soon!

Good news. I'm ready to watch all the best ballers in the world compete on the dirt at the same time. It's going to be epic. THAT you can be sure.

So while we're all waiting for his official return to action check out these photos courtesy of @NovakFanClub on Twitter. No one is sure what this photoshoot was for but who the hell cares. Just drool, damn it.

You can follow Novak Djokovic Fan Club on Facebook, too, by clicking here!

Two more shots after the jump - click the head.

UPDATE: OMFG THERE'S ONE MORE...YOU NEED TO SEE IT...BLAME @NOLESKA FOR YOUR GONADS OR OVARIES EXPLODING. LAST ONE AFTER THE JUMP...

PHOTO OP: He make pretty

Now that's my kind of party! 

I'm still wondering where Tsonga learned to tuck so well. I mean, he is tucking right?

*hopes for his sake*

[Photo(s): Caroline Wozniacki Twitpic]

PHOTO OP: His lips don't lie. Oh no.

"If I suck hard enough I just might be able to...ay, nevermind."

So Feliciano Lopez lost in his second round match at the Monte Carlo Masters. Well, more like he got destroyed by compatriot David Ferrer 6-2, 6-0. We all know it's not Feli's best surface, right?

I say we focus on the positives (see headline) and look towards Wimbledon.

[Photo(s): AFP PHOTO SEBASTIEN NOGIER]

PHOTO OP: Murray's hairy situation - REVISITED

"I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. Wait, it's my hair actually."

In the world of Down the Line! Andy Murray's slump-stopping opening round win at the Monte Carlo Masters in Monaco was a mixed bag. Why, you ask? Let me 'splain.

Of course we should celebrate his 6-1, 6-4 win over an always tricky Radek Stepanek. It was the first set, let alone match, he grabbed since the Australian Open semifinals back in January. I'm sure he was feeling an enormous amount of pressure just to grab the first set especially against someone as seasoned as The Worm. Can you imagine the uproar if he dropped this match, too? He would've needed an armed guard just for the British press alone. But, alas, he ran it out in straights. Next up: Gilles Simon. Another tough, but winnable, one for him.

Now here's where the mixed part comes into play: Muzz has got a hairy situation going on and it's not the first time as many of you know. But WHYYYYY???? Back in 2007 we were just really getting to know the Brit baller and his penchant for Sideshow Bob stylings. He was one of the tour's worst offenders:

In February 2008 Muzz decided enough was enough. He visited a salon and chopped off the unruly locks. He even brought a camera along to document his metamorphosis: 

Not bad, eh? Yet here we are again. Now it's not at the 2007 level yet but it's quickly growing in that direction. Is this phase a regression? Hopefully, if it is, it's in hair only. On second thought, scratch that. His hair, like his game, needs an update. For the love of GAWD.

[Photo(s): Getty Images, AndyMurray.com]

SIGHTING: Sharapova watching Sasha

Maria Sharapova, looking extra gorge, was spotted with her hair stylist, Adir Abergel, watching hubby-to-be Sasha Vujacic and the New Jersey Nets fall to the Charlotte Bobcats 105-103.

I can't wait for the Nets to make their permanent move to Brooklyn when the Atlantic Yards complex featuring the Barclays Center is finally completed. For the basketball people, not the Shrieka sightings. PROMISE.

Another shot of ShriekAdir from her FB page here.

[Photo(s): thedoublebagel twitpic]

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: The Pink Ladies

There's a Williams back on court!

Serena Williams tweeted this picture today and said, "Look who I spotted on the court. Her first day back.."

There are some who say it's ReRe (this blogger included) and those who think it's Venus.

What do you say?

UPDATE: Nevermind. It is ReRe.

Here's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova auditioning for an American Apparel ad. KIDDING! I have no idea why she's doing what she's doing here. Blame her tweet I guess.

[Photo(s): Serena Williams/Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova Twitter page]

VIDEO VAULT: Wozniacki wears pads

I was about to post a video of Caroline Wozniacki playing in heels for a COMPEED ad but it was removed at the last minute. And so was my Kim Clijsters joke, although thanks to Twitter it lives on!!!

Anyway, here's the top lady baller getting all glammed up for this spot on blister pads. I guess it's a way to make them sexy - the pads, not Woz guys. I have my own ideas about this whole partnership, though.

Here's some behind-the-scenes coverage...

CHECK IT:



[Via: WozniackiTV]

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Rafael Nadal

This year Novak has a lot of advantages. He is in a perfect situation to be number one. I'm sure he'll be number one next month. He started the season playing unbelievably. In my opinion he didn't even play his top level in Indian Wells and Miami.

- Rafael Nadal talking Nole at his pre-tourney presser at the Monte Carlo Masters today

Rafa is not only the King of Clay. He's also the king of taking pressure off himself when it comes to his goals, long and short. In the same presser the Spanish southpaw admitted it will be difficult to repeat the feat he accomplished last year of capturing all clay Masters 1000s + Roland Garros.

I agree. It will be incredibly difficult to repeat, but if anyone can it's Rafa. I do see Nole breaking through, though, and winning one of the Masters. Maybe Madrid where the altitude will speed up the court just enough for Nole's liking. But will he become No. 1 in the next month? Anyone (who has an affinity for numbers and ranking points)?

P.S. Here's my runner-up quote. It's from the World No. 1 as well: "It's almost a year since I've played on clay. As usual, I try to watch videos (of myself) to remember what I have to do."  Uh, can you remind Muzz the importance of watching yourself on video? And that's not what I'm talking about, Rafa. Keep it clean.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

VIDEO VAULT: It's Pablo Andujar - need I say more?

Pablo Andujar won his first title this weekend crushing Potito Starace 6-1, 6-2 in Casablanca. If you've followed this blog for a while then you know I've been a fan of Pablo's game. And by 'game' I mean 'thighs'.

Then, he had to go a win a title and shit. What are you trying to do to me?!

[Video: Lacoste]