PHOTO OP: Grigor Dimitrov feeling flexy

Grigor Dimitrov took out Spain's Pablo Andujar 6-4, 6-4 at the China Open and will try become the first baller to defeat Novak Djokovic in Beijing when they meet in the quarterfinals. The Serb is riding a 21-0 streak at the tourney.

Grisha doesn't seem too concerned about the world number one's record:

"[Novak] has always played well here. At the same time I like my chances. I've been practising well. I had a good block before the last bit of the season. In a way I'm excited to just come out there and play that match. Of course... I'm going to give my all." 

I actually give the Bulgarian a chance because I think he may have learned a few things from their semifinal meeting at Wimbledon. In that match, Nole was shaky and Grisha had his chances but let the moment get to him. There should be less pressure here; and the Serb has not been his supremely confident self since that championship run at the All England Club.

The ATP site also posted a Player Profile on Grisha. Check it out here.
 
[Via ATP.com; Photo(s) credit: Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images]

An ode to Simone Bolelli + Pablo Andujar

Of course, everyone today in the real world and online was talking about the 3-6, 7-5, 6-1 loss by Kim Clijsters to Arantxa Rus in the Roland Garros second round and rightfully so. And while it was definitely surprising it wasn't a complete shock based on the question marks surrounding the Belgian's health and game.

What I'd like to do here, though, is give props to my boys Simone "The Beautiful" Bolelli + Pablo Andujar. Not because they won their matches because obviously they didn't, but because they pushed their opponents, that being Andy Murray + Rafael Nadal, and looked uber-tasty the whole time (it's a skill, really). They both converted a bunch of break points and even held set points in their matches but couldn't close the deal. I guess that's why they're ranked where they are (48th for Pablo, 126th for Beautiful) while Rafa + Muzz are running rampant at the elite level of the sport.

"Yup. Like a rock."

But what a treat it was - a Man Candy Christmas, if you will, and in May no less (thanks Santa, you're the best!). I rarely get to watch either of them ball but today I got both of them large and in living HD color. And let's not even talk about the fun of DVR. I suppose I should also thank the draw GAWDS for putting them on the path to Rafa + Muzz early because their potential match up meant they were destined for big screen TV time. And they made it happen.

So congrats boys. It doesn't matter that you lost. You made me proud and gave me visuals that will live in my head forever. Well, at least through tonight. And if it makes you feel any better, just know the HAWTNESS factor at Roland Garros this year took a serious nosedive. I know, you're welcome.

Oh yeah, one other thing: I thought I couldn't love that Lacoste polo any more than I already do but seeing you both sweat it up while gunning hard put it over the top. Heh, heh. Hard.

More images of my boys after the jump.

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]

PHOTO OP: Hair today, gone tomorrow - so it is with Pablo

In a battle of sizzling Spaniard's in Acapulco, Pablo Andujar was knocked out of the tourney's first round 6-4, 6-7(2), 6-2 by Carlos Moya. The former No.1 will next face Argentina's Leonardo Mayer for a spot in the quarterfinals.


Now let's talk Pablo: HOT DAMN. Seriously, what's there NOT to like? Oy.

So maybe I'm just splitting hairs here (no pun please) but -

a) do you like him with the close shaven look from Acapulco
b) with some longer locks (below)
c) RiCH you're hitting the crack pipe again. The boy's sex personified - hair, no hair, clothed, no clothed

What do you guys think?

DO TELL!

(images via Getty)