VIDEO VAULT: The 2013 Sony Open player party red carpet

With all of the kudos showered on Indian Wells over the last two weeks, it wouldn't be a surprise to find Miami drowning its sorrows in frozen maragaritas at some bar along Ocean Drive. And, to add salt to the glass rim, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal opted out of competing.

Here's the silver lining - Miami gets the Williams sisters. You know, the ones who annually give the finger to that inconsequential tourney in the California desert. The tourney even throws their own baller party just like the one for the BNP Paribas Open - with a red carpet, media hounds, and questionable outfits to boot. No, I'm not talking about Novak Djokovic's palm tree blazer. I kinda like it. Really.

PHOTO OP: The 2013 BNP Paribas Open Player Party

I love a good party. It's a chance to dress up, perhaps in something you wouldn't usually wear, have a few laughs and get totally smashed. On second thought, you never want to be that person at the party who ends up seeing their drunken escapades on YouTube. And, I'm not speaking from experience. Pinky swear. 

Anyway, some of the ballers on the ATP and WTA tours put on their party best (or worst, in some cases) for last night's BNP Paribas Open Player Party held at the IW Club. Let's have a look.

THE BOY BALLERS: 

Novak Djokovic: Dayum. Oh right. I actually love the monochromatic look here. It helps to dress up the casual but very classic look. Great navy suede bucks to break it up.

Click on the headline for more looks from last night's bash!

PHOTO OP: Tomas Berdych in all his glory

Looks like Tomas Berdych, who will face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the Marseille final tomorrow, is getting something stretched. Not sure if it's what he was hoping for, though. But he looks happy sooooooo...

This pic is in desperate need of a caption. It's calling out, crying for one. Someone? Anyone?

[Photo(s) credit: Tomas Berdych FB page]

After a break, a return to form for the 2013 Australian Open

"We're on top of the world! And, so HAWT."

Rafael Nadal totally ruined our plan. We were supposed to make our return to tennis together, and then he had to ruin it by picking up that stupid stomach thingy and withdrawing from the Australian Open. I’m never making plans with you again, Rafa. NEVAH.

Soooooo. Anything exciting happen while I was away getting hitched and soaking in my new married life? Duh, of course. Andy Murray finally breaking through and getting that Grand Slam monkey of his ghostly white back (see photo below) tops my list. I definitely was hoping for more tears, sobs or blubbering after he clinched match point at the Flushing Meadows, but he’s British. It's like trying to get Victoria Azarenka to take it down 1000 notches. Ain't. Gonna. Happen. His win over Roger Federer at the Olympics only a few weeks after losing the Wimbledon final was so impressive. Will 2013 be the long-awaited moment when a Brit is once again named "The All England Lawn Tennis Club Single Handed Champion of the World?"

"Look at me. You're useless, sun."

Serena Williams is tennis’s golden girl at the moment – or is she one of the Golden Girls of tennis? Hell, she even lives in South Florida, so I guess both. I'll be damned if she isn't seemingly getting better with age after having one of her best seasons on the WTA tour at the age of 31, winning Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the singles and doubles gold with sister Venus at the Olympics. If ReRe’s winning run in Brisbane is any indicator, she hasn’t stepped off the gas having now won 52 of her last 54 matches. But what’s with her swapping the actress-dates-rapper story for a rumored tennis coach-dates-tennis baller one aka Patrick Mouratoglou? Whatever’s going on with them, it’s working.

"Keep your eyes on the prize, Patty."

What else? Well, Maria Sharapova completed a Career Slam by winning the French Open. That was pretty cool. But, the Russian revealed at the U.S. Open that she and fellow giant Sasha Vujacic called off their engagement, and now she’s rumored to be dating Grigor Dimitrov. There's even a video encounter to "prove" it. Novak Djokovic ended 2012 as the year-end No.1 for the second consecutive year; he held it for most of last year with Fed holding the top spot in middle. Speaking of the Swiss, he won his 17th major title at the All-England Club, while Vika won her first in Oz.

WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON WITH PETRA KVITOVA?! Sorry. Had to get that out.

I love this time of year. Like any beginning, it can set the tone for the entire season. There’s so much potential and possibility. But it’s not how you start – it’s how you end. Will any lady baller be able to stand tall against ReRe? The top women can’t even take sets from her right now, nevermind win matches. Maybe it’ll be some precocious up-and-comer with a big game and no fear a la Shrieka circa 2004; but they don’t come around that often anymore.

Rafa won’t be anywhere near his best level when he returns, so that leaves Nole, Muzz and Fed to scoop up the Grand Slam goodies. Or maybe someone else will break through their stranglehold on the majors. But who – Juan Martin del Potro, Tomas Berdych, David Ferrer, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga? Maybe one of the young, massive-serving ballers like Milos Raonic or Jerzy Janowicz will shock and awe or Grisha will fulfill his tremendous potential. That being said, it’s hard to see anyone breaking through the Top 3 especially at Slams. But as Rafa takes time to sharpen up his game, that will leave a hole in tourney draws for opportunist ballers ready to make their move.

Game on.

P.S. Getting married was and is awesome. Don’t believe the “it’s just a piece of paper” bullshit. Even though Kalil and I have been together almost 13 years, it does feel different in a great way. Plus, the reception was phenomenal. I danced my ass off. Seriously, I had to scrape it off the floor. This dance party was uber-special. So, if you’re thinking there’s no point in getting married because you already “feel” married, I say take the plunge and do it for reals.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images, Victoria Azarenka Facebook page]

VIDEO VAULT: Djokovic, Agassi, Henin and Nadal

Click here to watch video

Novak Djokovic became the third baller, after Rafael Nadal + Roger Federer, to enroll in the ATP Art School after qualifying for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. He got his chance to roll around in paint (literally) and create his self-portrait to be auctioned off for charity. Nole's so lucky I wasn't on set and that the paint wasn't edible.

Click here to watch video

Here we go again. Following in the footsteps of Roger Federer + Andy Murray, Andre Agassi throws his hat in the trick shot ring with this promo spot for HEAD. I guess AA could hit the net post from the baseline. But from the stands? *scratches HEAD*

Click here to watch video

I know I'm a little late on this one but I had to post about it. Justine Henin has been known (at least around these here parts) to channel her inner Madonna so it should come as no surprise to see her live the dream and put on her own version of the Blonde Ambition Tour on Belgian TV show Cap 48. Either that or she's stuck in 1990 wearing the same get up. Believe me, it happens (see your local shopping mall.) Thanks Josh!

Click here to watch video

Rafael Nadal is featured in a new Spanish promo spot for insurance sponsor Mapfre. The World No. 1 is asked to answer questions about his personal interests and not about his life as a baller. It's filled with fun facts and funner faces - see pic. (via NadalNews)

ATP art school

Click here to view the video

To celebrate their entry into the Elite Eight for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals each baller who qualifies will use his racquet-slugging skills to create a self-portrait showcasing one of his signature moves.

The ballers will hit paint covered tennis balls against a large, blank canvas with a stencil of the sig-shot placed over it to create these one-of-a-kind, autographed pieces. Once they're all completed the portraits will be publicly displayed and auctioned off for charity.

Rafael Nadal + Roger Federer are the first two ballers to qualify for the WTF and had the opportunity to create their self-portraits. Here are the results and a bit of what they had to say about the experience:

"Making the artwork was fun and something I've never done before. It's a great way to celebrate the World Tour Finals coming back to London. It was a little bit of a challenge to put the balls on the silhouette! Of course this is the least we can do for charity and for those who need it the most. It's very important that people in our position help those who really need help. I'd like to thank everyone for the support they give us." - Rafa

"It was great fun being invited to create my self portrait and I'm excited to see how the finished piece looks. Raising money for charity is always a great thing so already I would like to thank people who will buy these pictures and it's going to be for a good cause. I'm happy I can help a bit. I am very happy as it is the ninth consecutive year I have qualified for the year-end event. I have played in a lot of different venues during my career and I can say they staged a fantastic event at The O2 last year. I look forward to returning there in November and finishing the season strong." - Fed

The Rafa sig-shot is perfection. But I have to question their choice for the Swiss. How about a forehand shot or, better, a tweener? I mean, it's been ALL the rage of him recently. This one? Not so much. It's more Pete Sampras to me.

[Via: barclaysatpworldtourfinals]

VIDEO VAULT: Juan Monaco talks Tandil, finding your footwork with ATP Uncovered

Wonder why a small city like Tandil, Argentina (population 101, 010) has produced a few of the current top ballers in the world including U.S. Open champ Juan Martin del Potro? Juan Monaco isn't so sure about the answer either. My guess? Winning breeds winning.



Modern tennis isn't a hitting game - it's a running game. So check out this video featuring some footwork + balance training techniques you could do at home starring former baller Justin Gimelstob.

[Videos: ATP World Tour]

Post-Wimbledon rankings update: Federer falls to No. 3, Venus to No. 4 after early exits

Wimbledon winners Serena Williams, working a gold, sparkly Burberry number, and Rafael Nadal gave full-on glam while showing off their new hardware at the annual Champions' Ball held at the Intercontinental Park Lane Hotel in London last night.

While the World. No. 1's still maintain large point leads in the rankings and are solidly in the top spot, there were some other notable moves today.


Of course the most discussed change in the rankings is Roger Federer's slip outside of the Top 2 for the first time since 2003 to land at No. 3 right behind Novak Djokovic after his quarterfinal loss to Tomas Berdych. The Czech baller, who reached his first ever Grand Slam final, is now at a career-high No. 8.

Robin Soderling makes his debut in the Top 5 on the heels of his quarterfinal appearance at the All England Club, while Andy Roddick fell two spots to land at No. 9 after his fourth round loss to Yen-Hsun Lu. The Taiwanese baller made the biggest gain this week skyrocketing 40 spots to land at No. 42.

And what about John Isner, who played and won the longest match in tennis history? He moved one whole spot to No. 18. I'm pretty sure it was still worth it, though.

See the full ATP World Tour singles rankings here.


On the WTA side of things, Venus Williams has fallen two spots to land at No. 4 behind No. 2 Jelena Jankovic and No. 3 Caroline Wozniacki after getting stunned by Tsvetana Pironkova in the quarterfinals. The Bulgarian made a huge leap from No. 82 to land at No. 35 after reaching her first major semifinal. Her conqueror, finalist Vera Zvonareva, re-entered the Top 10 and now sits at No. 9 right in front of Li Na who moved up two spots to No. 10. And, first-time semifinalist Petra Kvitova jumped 33 spots to the 29th spot this week.

The complete WTA tour singles rankings can be found here.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

VIDEO VAULT: Marat may not marry you but he'll surely knock you up

Apparently Marat Safin likes, and wants, kids. And here's proof they like him back. Check.

Now, he may not want to get hitched but what more do you people need? Hop on the SexGawd stat.

PS - Ladies only according to this vid. Whatevs.

(via ATP)

ATP to return $3 million in fees, offers support to tourneys during economic crisis

The ATP World Tour is giving back during these tough economic times.

The boys' governing body is returning around $3 million dollars in fees to tourneys, all from ATP resources, to help ease their bottom line during this global economic downturn. Prize money will not be effected. No word on whether the WTA Tour will follow suit.

An ATP spokesperson told Reuters,

In these difficult times the ATP has decided to give the tournaments a reduction in tournament fees to help them financially.

This allows the tournaments to take some pressure off their bottom line while waiting for economic circumstances to improve.

Big props to the ATP World Tour and especially newly-appointed CEO Adam Helfant. Ever since Helfant came on board there seems to be more smart decision-making and more public successes including Andy Ram getting a visa into Dubai after Shahar Peer was denied.

Moreover, I'd say this is an intelligent use of funds during these times and an effective way to build bridges amongst the tourneys, gather support, and instill trust in the Tour executives.

Note to WTA CEO Larry Scott: Helfant is beginning to make you look really bad. You may want to take some pointers from your counterpart. Just sayin'.

(image via atpworldtour)

(UPDATED) THE LOW DOWN: ATP World Tour preparing for Dubai action, Tennis Channel cancels coverage amidst Shahar controversy

There's more fallout from the UAE's decision not to grant Shahar Peer a visa into Dubai.

The ATP World Tour has been closely following the news with their tourney beginning next week. The Israeli doubles team of Jonathan Erlich + Andy Ram have expressed interest in playing and ATP board of directors member Justin Gimelstob said the organization would stand behind their ballers:

We are very disappointed to hear about the decision with Shahar Peer and we are looking at it and are very concerned.

We believe very strongly that players of all religions, ethnicities and nationalities be allowed to play. We discussed that with Dubai and are adamant all players get access to the tournament. If Andy Ram were not to get his visa that would be very troubling. It's a clear-cut rule that everyone should be allowed to play tour events.

We are on top of it and are trying to sort out the information.

ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti also condemned the UAE's decision saying,

We will be in contact with the UAE Tennis Association to remind them the ITF constitution does not permit discrimination on any grounds. The ITF believes sport should not be used as a political tool but rather as a unifying element between athletes and nations.

And U.S.-based Tennis Channel has canceled their coverage of Dubai after Ken Solomon, the chairman and chief executive of the network, learned of the UAE's decision and discussed removing coverage of the tourney with staff and their board of directors:

This is an easy decision to come by, based on what is right and wrong.

Sports are about merit, absent of background, class, race, creed, color or religion. They are simply about talent. This is a classic case, not about what country did what to another country. If the state of Israel were barring a citizen of an Arab nation, we would have made the same decision.

It’s easier for us to pull the plug. It’s different for Larry and the WTA, who were more or less strung along and led to believe she would get the visa. His players were on the ground, and everything was in motion.

The rug was pulled out from under their feet. The entire field of competitors is diminished by this happening. It hurts them all. Shahar earned the right to be in the tournament. She’s been on a roll and could have won it.

It’s just hard to imagine this happening in this day and age. Tennis in many ways has been at the forefront of sport, with people breaking down barriers like Althea Gibson, Arthur Ashe and Billie Jean King.

It’s harder for the Tennis Channel to turn the other cheek and not do the right thing.

Huge kudos to the Tennis Channel for taking a stand on this issue. And, it'll be interesting to see what "stand behind their ballers" means to the ATP if Andy is denied a visa by the UAE (which will most likely happen.) They will have had a bit more time to make a Plan B after watching the WTA's struggles.

Still no word on any further actions by the ladies' governing body.

Stay tuned.

UPDATE: Dubai tourney officials site security concerns as reason for denying Shahar a visa -

Organizers of a major Dubai women’s tennis tournament say fears of protests and security threats were behind the decision to bar the entry of an Israeli player.

The statement Tuesday was the first from the Dubai Tennis Championships. It came three days after the Emirates denied a visa for Shahar Peer.

Tour officials strongly criticized the decision and said they may consider dropping Dubai as a future WTA site.

The statement said the recent Israeli incursion into Gaza “antagonized” local fans and Peer’s presence could have sparked protests, boycotts and threats.

The UAE could face more pressure from tennis officials if Israeli doubles specialist Andy Ram seeks to play in the men’s championship next week.

UPDATE #2: Doug Robson is reporting that according to a source Andy's request for a visa has been denied.

(image via Getty)

ATP launches latest "FEEL IT" ad campaign, debuts images and logos for 2009

The ATP, which will be rebranded the ATP World Tour next year, has just unveiled its "FEEL IT" campaign for 2009 starring some of the world's top ballers in the world including World No.1 Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Andy Roddick and James Blake. The original "FEEL IT" concept for the campaign debuted this past season and helped jump start the ATP's rebranding efforts.


The campaign will "focus on bringing to life the unique global aspect of the ATP World Tour. The evolution of the campaign will position ATP World Tour stars like Rafael Nadal as titans of the sport; playing tennis that is ‘out of this world’. The new execution will bring to life many of the amazing locations of the ATP World Tour and will focus on communicating the ultimate goal of the season, to become the 2009 ATP World Tour Champion."

Rafa had this to say about appearing in the ads:

I like the new ATP advertising campaign. They have done a great job with this since it is cool and spectacular and although I consider myself someone very down to Earth it is funny to see us up there playing with the stars. I hope this campaign helps bring more attention, new people and fans to the tennis tournaments. I understand this is the goal and I am sure we will make it happen.

The full marketing campaign will be comprised of TV spots, billboards, online banners, virals, merchandise, fan giveaways and PR stunts.

The ATP also debuted the new logos for the newly named Barclays ATP World Tour Finals (formerly the Masters Cup), the ATP World Tour Masters 1000, the ATP World Tour 500, and the ATP World Tour 250.

It all looks and sounds fine but I'm hoping the ATP allows these new elements to marinate for a while before making any more changes. Consistency is key.

What are your thoughts on this latest version of the campaign and the ATP's rebranding efforts for itself and the tourneys?

DO TELL!

(image via atptennis.com)

THE LOW DOWN: Bodo backs down from ESPN comments, kisses ATP booty in a bad way

Well it seems TENNIS mag's Peter Bodo was taken to task after the scribe lambasted the currently vacant ATP CEO role in a recent blog for ESPN.com aka Bodo's now infamous "Negative Nancy" moment.

Apparently the ATP's main flack, Kris Dent, had some words with Bodo about the blog and, in particular, his remarks regarding the ATP in-house staff. In the blog Bodo writes, "Senior employees might be intractable and exacting, and often at cross-purposes" but recently backtracked on his comments saying,

I want to make clear that I was playing around and meant "employees" metaphorically - as a reference to the top players, agents and tournament promoters, all of whom loosely can be said to work for or under the ATP CEO. This was an obtuse and ill-chosen device, because it sure reads like a criticism of ATP staff - which is an extremely professional, diligent and cohesive unit. It's always been a great pleasure to work with them.

Okay - bad enough. But in today's Tennisworld post called "An Open Letter..." Bodo bends over for Dent again and gives the flack an open space to push his image-saving agenda for the ATP. Here's just an excerpt of the very lengthy letter:

Indeed many of the positive changes that have been made to the men's game in recent times have come about because both the tournaments and players have been represented at the ATP Board table, and they have been able to find ways of moving the sport forward to the benefit of all in the men's game.

Innovations like Hawkeye and the changes to Doubles scoring, for instance, have been introduced successfully and have become huge fan favourites. Similarly, having both groups represented at Board level has allowed the calendar changes for next year to be made - positives such as creating a healthier schedule for players to plan their season from, the creation of a new, dedicated Asian swing post-US Open, and the less congested spring clay and autumn indoor seasons are good examples. The increases in investment into new stadia ($800m worth) and the record prize money levels on offer next year only came about because both tournament and player representatives worked at a Council and Board level to create them, together.

Something smells fishy and a bit lame here. I mean, since when does a journalist hand over their column to a PR flack intent on pushing their own agenda? Aren't journalists supposed to cut through all the fat and "spin" to try and give an unobstructed view of current events and happenings to their readers?? At least, that's supposed to be the intention but what's developing here is the exact opposite.

I'm getting the feeling someone's in the back pocket of the ATP and we, as fans, will need to be more vigilant about what we're hearing and, most definitely, what we're reading.

Peter Bodo rails against ATP CEO role, gets all "Negative Nancy" on our ass

Either Peter Bodo's having a tough go-of-it in the hallowed halls of TENNIS mag or he's just plain over it. But someone's having a temper tantrum.

In his blog for ESPN.com, Bodo discusses the prospects of the new ATP CEO and does his absolute worst at selling the "thankless" position to anyone with intelligence or, at the very least, someone with good intentions:

If you're hoping some new messiah will emerge to bring bliss to the ATP and tennis fans worldwide, I have news for you: It ain't gonna happen. That's because no hard-charging boy wonder (or corporate veteran) would want this job. As Etienne de Villiers learned, the ATP tribe is a restless one, constantly bickering and feuding. It is more inclined to burning its leaders at the stake than to adopting the discipline of a highly trained work force that will march toward a better future in lockstep.

Wow, bitter much? I know Bodo has been around the sport since it was invented (say the 19th century) so he's seen the ups, downs, and nasty in-betweens and knows a lot of what he speaks about. But is this editorial, which will most likely have a wider audience on ESPN.com than his spindly one at TENNIS.com, helping the situation at all? Or is that the point??

Bodo ends by peering into his crystal tennis ball:

I'm predicting that the ATP won't hire a strong visionary leader, because I'm not sure any person who fits that description would want the job. The next CEO will be an "insider" who is most acceptable as a negotiator among self-interested parties. Let's be frank about this: It's a job for an I-dotter and a T-crosser, not a visionary.

We get it Bodo. It's a tough role with complex challenges and separate, sparring international entities all wanting their interests accounted for and questions answered. But do you have to be such a "Negative Nancy"? It's the holidays dude. Cheer up.

(image via Getty)

ATP ballers tease fans, show some skin for new ATP calendar

Now you can have your very own, partially disrobed ATP baller every month of 2009.

Tommy Haas, Marcos Baghdatis,Tomas Berdych, Tommy Robredo, Fernando Gonzalez, Dmitry Tursunov, the Bryan brothers, Mikhail Youzhny, Fernando Verdasco, Juan Monaco and Ivan Ljubicic were all shot in black-and-white by Corinne Dubreuil and will be featured in the latest ATP calendar.

An exhibit showcasing the entire set of images will be on display right in time for the US Open from August 22 - Sept 18 on the seventh floor "living room" at the W New York Hotel, Times Square.

Seriously, if they wanted to do a real calendar they could've at least taken the entire shirt off. What a tease.

Oh - can we also get Fernando Verdasco's image please?? Clothed is fine I suppose.


(via tennis week; image courtesy of Corinne Dubreuil/Nikon D3)

Qualifier Nishikori wins Delray Beach, earns first ATP title

Taking his chances: 18-year old qualifier Kei Nishikori announced his arrival in tennis world this weekend, defeating top seed James Blake 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the final of Delray Beach and earning his first senior-level title. The Japanese baller, who's another product of the Nick Bollettieri factory, became the youngest winner on the ATP Tour since 1998 when a 16-year old Lleyton Hewitt won in Adelaide.

Now, how does Kei's progress compare to that of fellow 18-year old American "prodigy" (and racquet launcher) Donald Young?

(images via AP Photo/Jon Way)

THE LOW DOWN: Davis Cup to award ranking points in 2009

Will the ITF begin awarding ranking points for Davis Cup? Yes, beginning in 2009 according to an interview with ITF Vice President Juan Margets on Spanish sports site Marca.com. Though the amount of points have not been determined, Margets remarked that a baller who plays all the World Group ties and reaches the final could potentially earn the equivalent point value of a Master Series champion. If an agreement is finalized, an announcment would be made during this year's Miami Masters.

Finally! A common sense move finally put into action by tennis' governing body. Now, onto Fed Cup...

(image via daviscup.com)

The ATP asks fans to 'FEEL IT' for new global marketing campaign

The ATP is giving the world a preview of its new multi-million dollar 'FEEL IT' campaign at this week's Paris Masters tournament. The ad campaign, which will officially launch in 2008, stars many of the top player's in the men's game including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Roddick. The spots highlight the sport as a "one on one gladiatorial battle, full of intensity and passion."



Here's some of what the players starring in the spots had to say about the campaign:

Roger Federer -
“I think ‘FEEL IT’ is a very good idea and I like the legends aspect with all the other great players on my photo. It makes me proud as I'm not only playing against the current players but also against history. The ‘FEEL IT’ campaign looks good and we need something like this as there are a lot of new players coming up as well as players that are well established. I think it's great to try it as a test at the BNP Paribas Masters tournament in Paris.”



Andy Murray -
“I think ‘FEEL IT’ is a really good idea. Sometimes when you watch tennis on TV you don't understand the intensity that the players are playing with. This kind of campaign can really show that to the fans. I like the flames coming out of my racket. I like to think that when I hit the ball, there's a bit of fire coming off my racket!”




David Nalbandian -
“’FEEL IT’ is a very good idea. It shows fans what we all feel for the sport and anything that can help the sport of tennis, whether it's through the ATP or the players, to attract more fans is excellent. The video showing me smash a giant racket into a bench is very funny.”



The campaign has developed a full line of executions including TV spots, billboards, online banners, virals, merchandise, fan giveaways and PR stunts. The ‘FEEL IT’ campaign is one part of a wider marketing initiative to support the extensive changes being undertaken by the ATP including a new global calendar for 2009, added investment into facilities, increased prize money, and a new brand look and identity.

THE LOW DOWN: Rafael Nadal rebuffs match-fixing claims, "I'm not so stupid as to not know what is going on," says Rafa

Rafael Nadal has come out swingning against the match-fixing allegations brought by Andy Murray.

Recently the Scot was quoted as saying, "It is pretty disappointing for all the players, but everyone knows that it goes on," [...] "It's difficult to prove. They can try their best until the last games in each set and then make some mistakes, hit a couple of double faults and that's it."

Hold up, says Rafa. Firing back at Andy's claims, the World No. 2 told the Spanish media, "I think he's gone overboard, I don't think anything like that happens," [...] "I'm the number two in the world, I've been in all the meetings, I see what goes on the circuit just like him and I'm not so stupid as to not know what is going on." [...] "I doubt very much that he (Murray) knows more than anyone else. I think that everyone gives it 100% and that there are no fixed games."

Does Rafa really believe there's no match-fixing occuring on the tours these days? We think the Spaniard is being naive. In any case, the drama continues...

INSTANT REPLAY: a look back at this week's top tennis plays

COURTSIDE

India's girl has style
Venus blogs and eats tongue
Separated at birth?
Australia gets the blues
Players party in Japan
Where in the world is Serena and how is she looking?
Stefan gets the boot
The year according to Lacoste

Anna works a bikini

+ NETCORDS

WEDNESDAY: Rafa, Andy, Pete vs. Roger...ATP gets dumped, Serbia's rise and more