[UPDATED] Nicole Vaidisova posts a win in her return to tennis - is Jennifer Capriati next?

Did anyone else catch the return of Nicole Vaidisova today at the ColemanVision Tennis Championships today?

Yup, she made her official return at the ITF Challenger in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and took on another former up-and-comer (although not as decorated), Sesil Karantantcheva. It’s been almost four-and-a-half years since the former world number seven played a pro match and so much had happened in between, including a marriage and divorce from Radek Stepanek and a couple of shoulder surgeries. But she had been teasing the return for weeks and then spelled it out on her Instagram feed:

Hey everyone! So I guess the news of me playing again in a couple of weeks is no secret i am excited to be competing again,its been a long road to get to this point...This time last year I was recovering from my 2nd shoulder surgery and going through a very personal heartbreak.I will be forever grateful for the unwavering support of my amazing family,friends and medical team to get me where I am now.I dont know how this will play out,but no matter the outcome, I know I will be proud of myself for giving it my all and for the person I have become through all this.Thank you for all the sweet messages and words of encouragment,it means the world to me and I truly appreciate the support I get from all of U

During the match it really didn’t look like much had changed. She still has the big serve and forehand, and did everything she could to run around her backhand and not come to the net. Her temper seemed to be intact as she swiped the court with her racquet and bounced it out of frustration all by the third game of the first set. She was even still working Reebok. Yes, REEBOK. But she regained her composure and took it to Sesil. Vaida was only broken once and managed to close out the match 6-3, 6-4 against the world number 191 with relative ease (there was a double-fault on one of her MPs). All good signs for the Czech lady baller as she continues to rebuild her game and confidence after such a long time away. Or as I said on Twitter:

BABY STEPS NICOLE
— rich rodriguez (@DTL_Rich) September 16, 2014

At least one person got my joke. Sadz. If you’re feeling nostalgic like I was while watching Vaida, check out some of the old posts about her here. Hope she can keep it up.

In other former-top-lady-ballers-on-the-comeback-trail news, it sounds like Jennifer Capriati is actually sniffing out a return of her own. Check out these tweets from the former WTA Penthouse resident:

Was planning on my 10yr tennis come back at this years open the last grandslam match I played.. But it will have to wait 1 more yr 😉 #itson
— Jennifer Capriati (@JenCapriati) September 2, 2014

This dream and desire has been festering inside me for so long. It has never been my destiny to never walk on that court and play again
— Jennifer Capriati (@JenCapriati) September 2, 2014

Miss the sweat and the tan!!! This is going to be fun pic.twitter.com/vxk2VabXmI
— Jennifer Capriati (@JenCapriati) September 2, 2014

Sounds like a return is in the works to me. It must be hard for Jennifer to accept the fact that an injury is what did her career in (like Vaida, Jennifer's shoulder was to blame). But at the age of 38, it’s going to be a lot tougher for her to return than Vaida. Sure, Serena Williams just won her 18th major at the age of almost 33, but she’s in tremendous physical condition, and she has ways of getting through games quickly and saving energy with her serve alone. For Jennifer, it’s more of a grind because her serve is meant as a starting point…not an end.

You could also make a case for her return by looking at the incredible effort by Kimiko Date-Krumm who will be turning 44 at the end of September. While there’s no doubt that the Japanese is an inspiration, she’s not winning major titles, or any titles for that matter. I’m sure the American, with her experience and competitiveness, would want to make an impact at the elite level. But I guess we’ll see. Stay tuned...this could get interesting.

UPDATE: ICYMI: Highlights from Nicole's win over Sesil.


[Photo credit: Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Stanole takes Toronto

We've had Fedal, Rafole, and now we can add Stanole to the mix. Stan Wawrinka and Novak Djokovic have had EPIC (and I don't use that word lightly 'round these here parts) battles on-court, which is a prerequisite for a tennis portmanteau. They've also created a social media storm in Toronto together, posting pics of their bromance before and after their first round doubs match. Speaking of that match, Stanole beat Juan Sebastian Cabal and David Marrero 6-3, 7-5 in a rain delayed match, which means we should get more photos. Thank you tennis.

It's not their first time playing doubs together. Stanole first got together in Beijing last year reaching the semifinals. But they seem to have developed quite the friendship this time around, at least by the looks of the pics. Plus they both love using social media, interacting with other ballers and fans, and posting hiiiiilarious pics. THEY WIN THE INTERNET AND SO DO WE.

Late but fun doubles tonight with @DjokerNole !! Good start here in @rogerscupto ! pic.twitter.com/GACXQAWtRF
— Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka) August 5, 2014

I really love this shot from @nidssserz. The bromance in full bloom!

A bromance I didn't expect. Stan/Nole. pic.twitter.com/etJQ3ES3a2
— Nida (@nidssserz) August 5, 2014

FASHION FIX: Nike or adidas kicks?

It pays to be a baller. Check out the swag Nike sent Grigor Dimitrov and adidas gave to Fernando Verdasco recently. They're similar in style but which one is better? I'll take the Nikes, pleeeeease.



Grisha: "Fortunate to have @nike supporting me with only the best and the most unique products! Always keeping me fresh! Nike Air Force 1! #SpecialEditionRio"



Fer: "Special delivery from Adidas"

(UPDATED) THE LOW DOWN: Did Maria Kirilenko end it with Alex Ovechkin over this Instagram photo?

Is this photo the reason why Maria Kirilenko called off her engagement and ended her relationship with Alex Ovechkin? According to Sports Illustrated, this picture of Ovechkin with gymnast Karolina Sevastianova taken by the hockey star's friend, Russian basketballer Russian basketballer Vitaly Fridzonon, and posted on his Instagram feed led to the breakup.

In the statement released to Russia's R-Sport by Kiri, she said there were "a lot of reasons" for the breakup but did not go into detail. It may look harmless, but there's probably more going on there than meets the eye if the reports are true.

UPDATE: Kiri was interviewed by Sovetsky Sport and denied this image had anything to do with the breakup. Via Deadspin:

Maria, can you comment on the story about the pictures with Sasha and [gymnast Karolina Sevastyanova] on social networks, which are being so vigorously discussed in the media?

Maria Kirilenko: Believe me, over the years I have seen so many pictures of Sasha in the company of young ladies, that I have gotten used to it. That is normal. We are public figures, and people often want to take pictures with us. This is the first time I heard about this girl, and I made my decision to break up the engagement long before these pictures appeared on the social networks. It is laughable to point to them as the main reason behind the breakup – after three years together couples do not break up over a couple of pictures. There are much more significant reasons. I will not go into any more details about them. But let's just say it is not a secret for anybody that Sasha has certain habits and particulars of behavior that I did not consider worth tolerating anymore.

"Certain habits"? "Particulars"? Bueller? Bueller?

 [Photo(s) credit: rsport.ru]