FASHION FIX: Some ladies were looking lovely, some others not so much

Venus Williams struggled mightily in first round match at the US Open last night and I'm not just talking about her game. The 2-time champ was pushed to the brink by a left knee injury and Russia's Vera Dushevina but pulled through with a 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-3 victory. She cracked 54 errors - a defeat for most lady ballers - but balanced it out with 53 winners.

Papa Richard was interviewed by ESPN's roving reporter Pam Shriver (buh-bye Michael Barkan and your awkward interviews) and revealed V has been dealing with the injury for 5-6 weeks now but refused to pull back on her practices. Tsk, tsk.

The latest EleVen by Venus Williams dress was also a mess last night with its pepto pink color and strange looking etched hairy crown design on the back. I was dead serious when I wondered if this line should be retired and this latest look did nothing to change my mind.


Here's a first look at Daniela Hantuchova working her new adidas duds during her 6-2, 4-6, 6-1 opening round win over American Meghan Shaughnessy. The slender Slovak is wearing the Fall Adilibria Tank ($55) paired with Fall Adilibria Skort ($50). Now that Dani is with adidas, she may have been a better pick for adidas by Stella McCartney than Caroline Wozniacki but I guess they have a longer term prospect with Wozzi who's only 19-years old.


Former "It Girl" for the aforementioned adidas by Stella McCartney line, Maria Kirilenko, crushed the Ukraine's Mariya Koryttseva 6-2, 6-1 in her first round match. Fine she may have been given the boot from the brand's more fashion focused line but Kiri still looks great in the regulation adidas Fall Competition Tank ($60) and the Fall Competition Skort ($50).


Alas, we've arrived at your fave fashion disaster and mine Bethanie-Mattek Sands. The American grabbed a nice looking win over a great looking, Reebok-wearing Iveta Benesova ousting the Czech 6-3, 6-4. I suppose BMS wouldn't be the same if she didn't scare us a little with her Grand Slam stylings, though these knee socks are tame in comparison to some of her past violations.

I got to see some of this match live and took some pics of both lady ballers which I'll post later. Bennie was looking quite lovely.

(images via ap, tennisforum)

PHOTO OP: Dani poses poolside in Miami for Hello! magazine

Daniela Hantuchova took part in a photoshoot and interview for Hello! magazine while in Miami for the Sony Ericsson Open.

According to her site, the shoot took place at the Four Seasons Hotel with photographer Chris Bott.

The slender Slovak was also one of the featured athletes in Sports Illustrated's annual Swimsuit Issue this year along side Maria Kirilenko + Tatiana Golovin.




(image via dhantuchova.com)

PHOTO OP: The lady ballers take in some practice of their own

Not to be out done by the boy ballers this weekend, the ladies were out and about on the practice courts and the big lawn of Indian Wells sharpening their games, strengthening their bodies, and participating in some other, ah-hem, interesting activities.

I suppose girls just wanna have fun. I mean, don't you...in that same way?

*blushes*

Ana Ivanovic

Daniela Hantuchova

Victoria Azarenka

Dinara Safina

Jie Zheng

Gisela Dulko

Alize Cornet

Maria Kirilenko

(images via GOTOTENNIS, courtesy of J. Nguyen)

MEDIA MASHUP: Tati, Dani, and Kiri featured in Sports Illustrated 2009 Swimsuit Issue

The Sports Illustrated 2009 Swimsuit Issue featuring Tatiana Golovin, Daniela Hantuchova, and Maria Kirilenko has been released and showcases the lady ballers on the beaches of the Dominican Republic working designer swimwear.



SI.com has also provided some behind-the-scenes footage of the shoots with the ladies.

CHECK IT:





Click here for more images from the Swimsuit Issue. Tati, Dani, + Kiri also sat down for an interview with the mag (click on their name to read the piece.) The most memorable lines?

Tati: Who's your dream guy? "I think I found one. I've been dating my boyfriend for a year." [Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri].

Dani: Every girl has her dating checklist. What are your top three deal breakers when dating? "I don't like when the guy is late, speaks only about himself and doesn't open the door for me."

Kiri: People have said that I look like..."Not sure who do I look like, but people say I look like a princess."

Thanks to DtL readers Jason + Sarah for the tip!

(images via Sports Illustrated)

PHOTO OP: Dani's headlights are, like, WAY on

Thanks to DtL reader Coco for sending me the link to this hysterical pic of Daniela Hantuchova getting her sweat on.

Dani that top needs a bra. Just sayin'.

(image via wtnphotos.com)

PHOTO OP: Lindsay + Dani join forces in New Haven, Hantuchova still jet-lagged

Lindsay Davenport + Daniela Hantuchova were spotted getting in some doubles action in New Haven today. The pair defeated Jill Craybas + Olgo Govortsova 6-3, 6-4 in the tourney's first round.

Wow - what an inspired pairing. These lady ballers with their all-court games can make the ball do just about anything.

But note to Dani: you may want to change out of your Olympic gear - you're not in Beijing baby. Damn that jet-lag!

(image via Getty)

WTA ladies drop gear for gowns + glam at pre-Wimbledon party

The ladies of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour got their party on at last night's pre-Wimbledon party hosted by Sir Richard Branson and held at the Kensington Roof Gardens.

Venus Williams (sporting new hair extensions), Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic, Daniela Hantuchova and Sania Mirza were some of the ballers spotted walking the red carpet.

Also, check out the video below to see some inside footage from event.











(images via wireimage, video via sonyericssonwtatour)

Dani still not healed, will skip Ordina Open

More bad news for Daniela Hantuchova.

The slender Slovak, who's been dealing with a stress fracture that kept her out of Roland Garros, is still not healed and won't be competing at the Ordina Open as she hoped:

It is very disappointing but after almost two months of being out of competition due to a stress fracture in my foot, I am still not completely recovered and I am sad to announce that I won’t be able to compete at the Ordina Open this year. I really enjoyed playing in s-Hertogenbosch last year and was looking forward to coming back and preparing for Wimbledon. Unfortunately it takes a while to fully recover from such injury and I have to be patient throughout this recovery process. I hope to be ready for competition soon and I wish everyone a great week of tennis and much love to all the fans!

Oh boy. As I've talked about previously, stress fractures suck and have ended a few baller's careers most notably Monica Seles'.

I really do enjoy the pureness of Dani's play though her tendency towards implosion makes me cringe (think: Aussie Open '08 semis people.) Let's hope her recovery continues, though, and she's back soon.

(image via dhantuchova.com)

Dani resurfaces, may return at Ordina Open in June

Daniela Hantuchova is ready to come back after suffering a stress fracture in her right foot recently. Even though the slender Slovak hasn't touched a racquet since April, she hasn't just been sitting pretty:

Daniela, how do you feel physically and mentally after one month without playing tournaments?
On the fitness front, I have been doing a lot of pool and low impact work but it’s hard not be able to run. Treadmill training is best for endurance and speed and it’s like a mental outlet for me. Of course I’m trying to stay positive but I greatly miss the game. I haven’t really picked up a racquet since early April so it’s been frustrating to say the least. At this point, yoga is a big factor in keeping me sane :-) !

What did you do during Roland-Garros tournament ?
One very nice thing was that I was able to celebrate my big brother’s 30th birthday at home with him, our family and closest friends. Other than being in and out of medical facilities for tests, check-ups, treatments, etc… I am reading and spending lots of time at home while I have a break now. I also spent some time in Barcelona with my coach.

When and where will you do your come back ?
I have my hopes set on playing Rosmalenn [Ordina Open], always a nice warm up for Wimbledon. Helps to get a few matches in before a Grand Slam. I can’t wait to be back doing what I love most, tennis !

Let's hope that shaky foot stays healed for a while - can't wait to see you back Dani!

(image via dhantuchova.com)

Hantuchova handcuffed by foot injury, may miss Roland Garros

Daniela Hantuchova is still dealing with the nagging stress fracture in her foot which forced her to pull out of recent tournaments. Now it seems the injury may force her to skip Roland Garros, a tourney she loves:

Coming off of Miami and then a match in Amelia Island, all my doctors were shocked that I was able to play through at both events. As you all know, with much disappointment I had to pull from Fed Cup and three Tour events. It has been a very frustrating time to tell you the truth. So here we are… the foot is continuing to be problematic. It was a very bad injury. I had an MRI early last week which confirmed the foot needed more time to heal. Right now I am trying to stay hopeful for Paris. I miss the game so much and Roland Garros is wonderful. And what's not to love about Paris!

If I am able to play, I realize that I will not be prepared as I would like typically moving into a Grand Slam. All I can do is play my best, considering the circumstances, and expect to have a positive experience regardless of the outcome.

I still think this injury is very worrying for Dani because it's the type of injury that can become chronic and shorten careers. It's a shame since she finally made a career-breakthrough earlier this year in Melbourne.

(image via Getty)

Berlin loses two top 'ovas, glamour quotient takes nosedive

Maria "Shriek"apova + Daniela Hantuchova have pulled out of next week's German Open.

Maria pulled out of the Tier 1 tourney to allow her body to recover, though no other specifics were given. I'm thinking birthday party hangover. It's like any newly 21-year old cutting all of her college classes for the next week or so to recover - we've all done it (okay, maybe just me.)

Apparently Dani has a stress fracture in her right foot, which forced her to pull out of the Fed Cup World Group II play-offs as well. Bad news for Dani. Injuries are never a great thing but stress fractures, in particular, can be career threatening. Ask Monica Seles.

(image via cache.daylife.com)

SEPARATED AT BIRTH: Dani vs. Kristy Lee Cook

Tennis twosome: Slender Slovak Daniela Hantuchova is a dead ringer for current American Idol wannabe Kristy Lee Cook. Separated at birth?

(images via ricky.org + tenisportal.org)

FASHION FIX: Reformed Hantuchova hits runway for Madrid Fashion Week

Fashion-lovin' Daniela Hantuchova must have had another change of heart about the media's attention on her beauty and looks. The slender Slovak partnered with model Martina Klein this weekend to present the TCN Collection at the Florida Park Club as part of Madrid Fashion Week.


After many years of focus on her looks, a reformed Dani told The Independent last year, "I think, [...] that there is way too much emphasis on the way we look in sport in general. With the guys nobody bothers, except to say that Ronaldo has got a little bit heavy or something. But with the women, there is too much. Everyone has a different shape. People should focus only on the game."

Now she's shopping Versace and working fashion weeks. I guess a girl has a right to change her mind...again...and again...and again.

(via womenstennisblog.com, images via womenstennisblog.com, WireImage)

Ana Ivanovic squeaks out win, reaches first Aussie Open final

Getting through: Ana Ivanovic overcame a 0-6, 0-2 hole to defeat Daniela Hantuchova and reach her first Australian Open final. The win did not come without a little controversy, however. Our pick for the final, who will face Maria "Shriek"apova for the title, was accused of possible gamemanship by the slender Slovak for the constant squeaking of her tennis shoes while Dani was about to serve.

The World No. 9 was asked about the squeaking during her press conference after the loss:

Q. What about the way she squeaks her feet when she returns?
A. Yeah, that's ridiculous, I think. I was really surprised with that. I think it's unfair. It's a distraction to the server. Yeah, we played before and she never did it.

Q. Did you say anything to the umpire?
A. Yeah, in the first or second service game, but she didn't do anything about it. I don't think that was very nice.

Q. Is that something you've come across anyone else doing, or that's the first time that's happened?
A. Yeah.

Ana was asked about Dani's above comments during her post-match press conference:

Q. Daniela was very upset with the amount of noise your shoes were making on the court. She thought the squeakiness of your shoes, particularly when you're returning serve, is a form of gamesmanship, and you're deliberately making a lot of noise with your shoes on the court.
A. Well, I don't think so. If you see other matches I was doing exactly the same thing. It's just the way these courts play. And if you listen to the guys I think they're doing the same thing.
You know, I just tried to move my feet, to return the ball, so it really was not intentional.

Q. Are you a natural squeaker, or are these courts squeakier than other courts?
A. This ‑‑ I don't know, really. I just try to move my feet, and I don't pay attention to the squeaking of my shoes make.

Q. Could you sense it was annoying her at the time?
A. Once I saw she was complaining to the referee, you know. But there was nothing I could do, because if I want to move my feet to return a ball, you know, this was the sound I was producing. And, also, during the point, if I want to run with small steps around the ball, it was exactly the same thing. So, you know, maybe she was just trying to pick on something, to get upset.

We don't think it was gamesmanship, though the squeaking is probably annoying and distracting to hear right before serving. But what could be done?

(image via Rob Griffith/AP)

PREVIEW: Australian Open Women's Semifinal Showdowns

The four ladies of the Australian Open semifinals have been decided and are set for the Women's Semifinal Showdown. Here's a preview:


Maria "Shriek"apova vs. Jelena Jankovic

Head-to-head: Maria 3, Jelena 1
Last meeting: Birmingham '07 (grass), Jelena 4-6 6-3 7-5

How they got here: Maria played the women's match of the tournament, so far, against World No. 1 Justine Henin. In her comprehensive 6-4, 6-0 defeat of the Belgian, Maria showed she's matured as a tennis baller by mixing up her game with sharp angles, drop shots, and volleys - everything we thought she'd need to do to grab the win. Jelena caused the biggest upset, knocking off a subdued and out-of-sorts Serena Williams and taking a 3-2 lead in their head-to-head. All credit to the Serb for keeping her focus and composure during her 6-3, 6-4 win over the 8-time Grand Slam champ.

The last time Maria and Jelena battled was at Birmingham, a Wimbledon warm-up tourney. The World No. 4 got the better of the Russian, sneaking out a 7-5 third set win over Maria on her favored surface.

Here's what Maria had to say about playing Jelena:

"This is a new encounter, a new match. This is a great opportunity for both of us. I'm very excited about the matchup. [...] Ever since the juniors we've always played really tough and we've always battled it out, and it's great to see her in the semis. It's great we're playing together."

Jelena has this to say about getting to the semifinals:

"When I think about [the first match, saving 3 match points], I get goosebumps, actually. It's really scary, scary thought. If you see the match point that I saved on that first day, you wouldn't believe I could actually win that point when it started, because I kept hitting the balls like a slice. It would go out and somehow landed on the line. Then the next shot I hit a slice and it floated and it landed on the line again. Then the next backhand went in the corner all the way on the line again. And I was like, I don't know who was playing or what's happening out there, but it was really unbelievable. And then being in a semifinal after those matches where I survived, it doesn't get better than that."

Outlook: Will Maria suffer a mental letdown after defeating Justine? Can Jelena's body hold up for another match, or has it finally reached the limit?? We think Maria will need to win the match in two sets - Jelena is a superior mover and could run the 6' 2" Russian around keeping her off balance. But, Maria has a third Grand Slam title in her reach and she won't let up - we'll take her in 2 sets.


Ana Ivanovic vs. Daniela Hantuchova

Head-to-head: Ana 2, Daniela 1
Last meeting: WTA Championships '07 (carpet), Ana 6-2 7-6(9)

How they got here: Ana made it 2 for 2, taking out a second Williams sister in as many days. Showing improved movement and fitness, the Serb battled Venus for a 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 win - her first over the American in 5 tries. Daniela, taking advantage of a ravaged draw that saw World No. 2 Svetlana Kuznetsova go down early, is making her first trip to a Grand Slam semifinal after a 6-2, 6-2 win over Polish teen Agnieszka Radwanska (who took out Kuzy in the 3rd round).

Ana and Dani last played each other at the season-ending WTA Championships last year in Madrid, where the Serb took a straight set win in round-robin play.

Here's what Ana said about taking on Dani:

"She had a great run. She had a lot of good wins. Obviously there is no easy matches in a Grand Slam. But she obviously has a lot of confidence coming into semifinal. I believe it's her first Grand Slam semifinal, so it's going to be a very tough match. As I already spoke before, we both have a good chance and I really hope it will be a good match. We had tough matches last time we played in Madrid and also before that in Luxembourg and once more also last year on grass. It's gonna be I think interesting match and I'm really looking forward for a challenge."

Dani had this to say about being a first time semifinalist:

"Well, it's going to be, again, a new experience for me, which I'm really excited about. Either way, whoever I play, it's going to be a tough match. But I've got nothing to lose. I'm in a great position. I'm feeling like I'm playing well. I'm just really looking forward to be out on the court again and give my best and see what happens."

Outlook: Ana should take this match convincingly - too much game. But, if she gets nervous Dani has enough experience to make things interesting. But, nevertheless, we're picking the Serb to reach her first Aussie Open final in 2 sets.

(images via Rob Griffith & Rick Stevens/AP)

SIGHTING: Daniela Hantuchova takes a break, visits Versace boutique

Getting a break: Daniela Hantuchova enjoys shopping just like the next girl. The slender Slovak was spotted visiting the Versace boutique in the Crown Entertainment Complex on her day off from Australian Open competition. Dani looked stunning as she worked different outfits for the media that followed her around town.

The No. 9 seed fought off feisty Frenchie Alize Cornet with a 6-2, 7-5 win and reached the third round where she'll face Spanish veteran Virginia Ruano Pascual.

(images via Getty)

SIGHTING: The ladies of the WTA Tour are gettin' their game on

Practice makes perfect: The ladies of the WTA Tour are practicing hard, hoping to get their tennis A-game on for the next week's Australian Open. We spotted Maria "Shriek"apova, Daniela Hantuchova, Serena Williams, Amelie Mauresmo, Anna Chakvetadze, and Shahar Peer honing their technique, sharpening their movement, and building confidence with the hopes of taking home the first Grand Slam of the year.

The ladies' seedings were announced recently, with the potential for a second round Marquee Matchup: Maria versus a resurgent, but unseeded, Lindsay Davenport. Who could forget Lindsay's 6-0, 6-0 drubbing of the Russian fashionista at Indian Wells in 2005?

We're sure Maria has forgiven, but not forgotten....

(images via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Nike pulls a Sydney switch-a-roo, dresses Hantuchova in Sharapova dress

WTF? Okay, so everything we saw online and heard from sources told us this dress, named the Nike Sharapova Australian Open Flora dress, was going to be worn by Maria "Shriek"apova during the night matches at next week's Aussie Open. So why is the slender Slovak Daniela Hantuchova working it at this week's Medibank International in Sydney? "We've been duped!" was our first thought. But why would Dani want to wear a dress named after Maria? Or is this more marketing genius from the Nike brand, who has been misfiring of late with the men's tennis gear?

With regards to the actual dress, we're not so impressed with it now. We still like the idea of the design, but the color is drab and leaves some pretty eye-catching sweat marks. Not the kind of impression a tennis fashionista wants to make at the first Grand Slam of the year.

(images via GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)

SIGHTING: The ladies of the WTA Tour celebrate the season's end in style

End of the line: The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour's 2007 season went out with an emphatic end this weekend with World No. 1 Justine Henin winning the WTA Championships title in an epic battle against Maria "Shriek"apova in what we think was the women's match of the year. The Belgian star won 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 in the longest match in the Championship's history, and was rewarded with $1 million, a trophy, and a photo op with the sexy model ball boys.

Afterwards, the ladies celebrated the end of another long tennis season in style at the Sony Ericsson Player's Party in Madrid:

Serena Williams & Maria "Shriek"apova


Justine Henin & Daniela Hantuchova


Ana Ivanovic & Marion Bartoli


Svetlana Kuznetsova & Jelena Jankovic


Anna Chakvetadze & Hall of Famer Arantxa Sanchez Vicario