FASHION FIX: Raonic rocks the color blocks

Milos Raonic fell to Croat Ivan Dodig in Barcelona today and even went pointless in the first set tiebreak before falling 7-6 (0), 4-6, 6-3. I'd say that's a pretty shocking stat for someone with Milos' serving prowess.

But all wasn't so bad considering what the Canadian was wearing in the match. Milos was working the Lacoste Boys Color Block Polo ($55) in white (alternate version in ocean blue).

Yes, I said 'boys' - strange, eh? I did a further search for a men's version but nothing came up. Anyway, I think it's super cute and the color blocking is fun and perfect for spring. The design is still in keeping with Milos' classic stylings but adds that pop of freshness. There's even a jacket in the same style but, please, DO NOT wear them together. I'm begging.

[Photo(s): Reuters, MidwestSports.com]

PHOTO OP: "Ay dios mio."

Classic Rafa. Lulz.

[Photo(s): Reuters]

Overcoming must feel awesome, or so they say

Fernando Verdasco was seemingly struck by a severe case of amnesia this week in Barcelona. After being absolutely annihilated by Rafael Nadal 6-0, 6-1 in the final of Monte Carlo a week ago the Spaniard gathered himself, threw on his best Calvin Klein undies (crotchless, perhaps?) and made his way to the final where he bested Robin Soderling 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 for his fifth career title.

It really does say something about a baller's state of mind and confidence when they can be utterly stomped on one week and come back and fight through some tough matches to take the crown the next week. I'm not saying he's going to win Roland Garros but these are the moments you can see a baller's growth and hard work paying off. He still has some demons to conquer (beating Rafa on ANY surface, for instance) but he seems to be moving in a positive direction and lifting his game at the right time.


Bethanie Mattek-Sands was the unlikely choice to play heroine at during this weekend's FED CUP semifinal bout between the U.S. + Russia but she's never been one to be conventional.

After being dealt a 1-2 deficit when Melanie Oudin went down to Elena Dementieva 7-6 (4), 0-6, 6-3 in the third singles rubber, BMS seemed to understand the moment, digging in and using her all-court game to tough out a 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 win over Ekaterina Makarova and evening things up with the Russians. She returned to the court with Liezel Huber for the deciding doubles rubber against Elena + Alla Kudryavtseva, and the pair clinched the tie with an easy 6-3, 6-1 decision. The U.S. will now face a rematch of last year's FED CUP final when they face defending champs Italy in November.

BMS had all the pressure after Mels went down to Lena but she came through for the team when it really mattered, staying aggressive against Katia by serving-and-volleying at times, taking returns early and attacking the net when she could. I loved watching her game do the talking this time and not her fashion, which still has a lot to say that's not worth listening to. So stick to the tennis BMS, it's working for you. The other thing? Not so much. But you knew that.

[Photo(s): Getty, AP]

Beautiful Bolelli continues seasonal slump - but not everything seems sad

Aw, poor Simone "The Beautiful" Bolelli.

Not only is the Italian having the tennis season from absolute HELL, traveling between Challenger-level events and winning only one match on the ATP World Tour by way of an injury withdrawal by Tommy Robredo earlier this week in Barcelona, he also retired from his third round match today against David Ferrer with a wrist injury. He was trailing his Spanish foe by the scoreline of 0-6, 0-3. Double drats.

Beautiful looks so sad in this picture, no? But at least his nipple is happy. That makes me kinda happy now too.

[Photo(s): Reuters]

PHOTO OP: Jo-Willy's hair piece needs an update, like stat

"If only my hair piece didn't match my shorts..."

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga flashed his trim, sexy tummy during his 6-3, 6-2 opening round win over Czech Jan Hajek in Barcelona. The third seed will next face Nicolas Almagro for a spot in the quarterfinals.

I'm happy that Jo-Willy has nothing even close to an MBB on his bod - thank GAWD for small favors. But what's going on with his 'do? It looks like an interchangeable, snap on hair piece. If that's the case I think he should go on court with this number:


I think it's PERFECT for the glitz + glamour of a U.S. Open match under the lights. Or disco theme night on American Idol. Whichevah.

Imagine the possibilities...

[Photo(s): Gawker.com, Reuters]

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Rafa

I’m in perfect shape. I feel very good, but I don’t want a repeat of what happened last year. For my tennis to be at the right level, I have to be physically well and that’s my principal objective. I’m being as cautious as possible so that I can play the maximum amount possible. Playing three weeks straight is not the best for me.

- Rafael Nadal on skipping this week's tourney in Barcelona where he's 5-time champ

Smart move. When you've so thoroughly dominated the rest of the field on clay over your career I think you can skip a tourney here or there on the slippery stuff and it won't really matter.

But what does matter? Health. And longevity. So enjoy your week off Rafa.

[Photo(s): Getty]

Rafa receives giant honor but t-shirt remains questionable

The Barcelona Royal Tennis Club organizers honored Rafael Nadal today with a life size replica of the "Condo de Godo" trophy for being the only baller to win their tourney five times.

Before receiving the honor, the 6-time Grand Slammer hit some balls with a few of the kids attending the presentation.



He was also joined on stage by Spain's Davis Cup captain and former Roland Garros champ Albert Costa.


Uh, love the trophy but making Rafa wear that t-shirt of himself is a bit much, no?

(Photos: JOSEP LAGO/AFP/Getty Images)

PHOTO OP: Drunken eyebrowing has dire consequences

Rafael Nadal made quick work of his opening round match in Barcelona crushing Portugeuse qualifier Frederico Gil 6-2, 6-2. He'll next face either Richard Gasquet or Christophe Rochus in the next round.

Really Rafa? One NEVER does their eyebrows while loaded. NEVER.

Me thinks it's time for less visits to that Mallorcan dungeon. Just sayin'.

(image via getty)

PHOTO OP: Rafa gets wet for his win

Things are going swimmingly for Rafael Nadal these days. The world no. 2 got thrown into a pool after winning his fourth consecutive title in Barcelona, a tradition for Real Club of Barcelona members after a win.

(image via Getty)

THE LOW DOWN: Rafa still steaming at ATP, "I am getting tired of it all," says Nadal

Rafael Nadal is still steaming about the tennis calendar and he doesn't care who knows it - especially the ruling body of the ATP.

The defending Barcelona champion publicly lashed out at the ATP again for the action-packed calendar this year including a shortened (by a week) clay-court tour and the Olympics saying Europe and its players are being 'destroyed':

These people are destroying Europe and Europe used to be the foundation of the tour. I think it's completely impossible to play at one's best level for all four tournaments -- Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome and Hamburg.

You just have to accept this situation, all the players will be the same, they will not be able to play at their high level for all four, I think it's totally impossible. I think that when a player loses in the first round or pulls out -- and they get criticized -- the tournament should ring these people (the ATP) and tell them that it is their fault.

I have some email conversations with these people but it is true that they end up doing what they like and I am getting tired of it all.

All players and fans know the calendar is over-scheduled but it seems Rafa is taking it very personally - as if it was created just to mess up his run on his favored clay surface. He's definitely feeling the pressure of not defending all of his points - or if he does, he'll be spent at the end.

One question: Why didn't he just opt out Barcelona, the one non-Master Series tourney here, to give himself a break? Surely he could save energy and make up the points somewhere else.

The more that is said about the calendar this year the more I respect Andy Roddick's tough decision to skip the Olympics. He seemed to realize you can't do it all and tough choices need to be made - so he made the right one for himself regardless of any criticism. Smarty-pants.

(image via Getty)

THE LOW DOWN: Murray makes excuses for Barcelona loss - he's just not that into you, tennis

Andy Murray can't stop Super Mario, or himself.

The Brit baller has now lost to Mario Ancic for the third time in four meetings this year. His latest disappointment? A second round 6-4, 6-4 dismissal from Barcelona by the Croat today.

Here's what Andy has to say about the loss via his website:

I didn't get that fired up for the match. I was flat. I was going to be here practising anyway, so I had hoped to get a few matches. But my priority is to train for Rome and Hamburg. I wanted to continue from last week, but (playing here) is not the be-all and end-all.

I've now got four or five days to get ready for Rome. It and Hamburg are the most important ones going into the French Open. All of the major players should be there, which was not the case last week.

I find it interesting how Andy dismisses this loss by saying "I was going to be practising here anyway" and "[Rome] and Hamburg are the most important [tournaments] going into the French Open" as if this loss shouldn't really count. Plus, what does he mean the major ballers weren't in Monte Carlo last week? They were all surely there and it only took one to embarrass him 6-0, 6-4: Nole.

I'd love to give Andy a KISS - "keep it simple stupid" as they say. But don't get your giblets in an uproar - I'm not saying he's stupid. However, his 5o-person entourage, including newest member Alex Corretja, has yet to bring in any interesting results.

Less is more Andy - you may have too many cooks in your kitchen!

(image via Getty)

Blake off break, heads to Barcelona

No doubt inspired by his run to the Houston final, James 'on a break' Blake grabbed a surprise wildcard into Barcelona and sits as the fourth seed in the tourney.

His career record on clay sits at 35-35 - which end of the record will James fall on when all is said and done after Roland Garros?

The American may surprise.

(image via Getty)

SIGHTING: Rafa arrives in Barcelona, officially relaunches gi-normous website

Four-time Monte Carlo champ Rafael Nadal wasted no time after winning his first title of the year. The Spaniard hit the road and made his next stop in Barcelona for the Open Sabadell Atlantico and to relaunch his website, which I wrote about last week.

Hopefully they found a building big enough to fit the font on that site...

(image via Getty)