Radek Stepanek, whose questionable fashion I checked out yesterday, came back from a set down to defeat Fernando Verdasco 3-6, 6-3 6-4 in the Queensland final. It was the third time this week the 30-year old baller came back from a set down to win his match (Soderling, Gasquet).
He, of course, busted out his trademark "The Worm" dance after winning his third career title. Do you think Nicole Vaidisova finds this dance anything close to sexy? I have serious doubts - love isn't that blind.
Elena Dementieva roared out of the gates this season earning her first title of the season in Auckland by overwhelming compatriot Elena Vesnina 6-4, 6-1. The elder Russian dominated the draw and finished the week without dropping a set.
Let's hope this title run gives Elena some much needed confidence for Melbourne where, believe it or not, she's never been past the fourth round - crazy!
This 27-year old is a true enigma so I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens.
UPDATE: Marin Cilic defeated wild-card Somdev Devvarman of India 6-4, 7-6 (3) in the final of the Chennai Open today for his second career title. Another one to watch in Melbourne people!
(images via Getty)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Radek still wormy but wins Queensland, Elena roars to first '09 title in Auckland
Saturday, January 10, 2009
PHOTO OP: Vika routs Bart for maiden WTA title - can she BE any happier?
Victoria Azarenka finally made good. The talented Belarusian blasted Marion Bartoli 6-3, 6-1 in 71 minutes to capture her first WTA Tour title in Brisbane. Vika broke the Frenchie's serve six times and didn't lose a set all week.
That's pretty impressive stuff for the 19-year old and former top junior baller who's been touted as a future champion. Let's hope she can keep the momentum flowing for Melbourne - she could make some noise or at the very least make some other lady ballers miserable.
It's great to see Vika so side-splittingly happy to win her maiden title. Maybe if I ever come back as a pretty, leggy blonde loaded with tennis talent then I'll understand. Maybe.
(images via Getty)
Friday, January 9, 2009
PHOTO OP: Amelie back to her old ways in Queensland
Same old song for Amelie Mauresmo.
The 2-time Grand Slammer, who shocked top seed Ana Ivanovic in Queensland yesterday, was unable to build on the momentum today. Down 0-4 in the first set, she was forced out of her semifinal against compatriot Marion Bartoli with back and leg problems. In the final, Bart will face Belarusian Victoria Azarenka, who has yet to yield a set this week.
After feeling the initial pain, Amelie erred on the side of caution with the Aussie Open a little over a week away:
It happened in the second game. It wasn't such a big pain so I kept going but I couldn't really push off the serve and move the way I wanted.So, anyone surprised at Amelie's mid-match retirement?
It's frustrating and not how you want to end the tournament but I guess it's more sensible to make sure I'm 100 per cent for Melbourne (the Australian Open).
*listens intently to deafening silence*
(image via Getty)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
THE LOW DOWN: Serbs suffer early season ugliness, games not in gear just yet
The Serbs are suffering from some ugly, early season losses already.
At the Brisbane International in Queensland Novak Djokovic got blasted by Ernest Gulbis 4-6, 4-6 in his opening round and Ana Ivanovic got dumped out of the quarterfinals 3-6, 2-6 by a revived Amelie Mauresmo.
And now in Hong Kong, Venus Williams completely crushes top lady baller Jelena Jankovic 6-2, 6-2 in their opening match.
These are pretty awful looking scorelines - I mean, not even a third set sniff? Granted, Ernests is screaming with potential while Amelie + Venus are crafty veterans with Grand Slam resumes, but don't think these ballers won't be sitting somewhere in their draws. Plus, none of these three have shown the skills yet to work their way into match shape (a la the Sisters Sledge) while competing in a major.
Their games are def not in gear yet so I'm chalking these losses up to early season cobwebs. With the Aussie Open a little over a week away, however, I'd say they have their work cut out for them.
But a Serbian Slide is not out of the question.
(image via Getty)
PHOTO OP: "Nando's got a hairy situation!"
Anyway, I wonder how my sexy Serbian is doing in her match? (Not well Nando.)
I hope Anando wasn't too much of a distraction for us this off-season. Hehe! "Anando"...that's funny. I'm kinda famous now.
Oh yeah. Eyes on the ball..."
(image via Getty)
PHOTO OP: Ana smelling something stinky, hopes it's not her game
Something stinks and Ana Ivanovic is hoping it's not the current state of her game.
The Roland Garros champ and top seed was dumped out of the Queensland quarterfinals by Amelie Mauresmo 6-3, 6-2, the Frenchie's first win over a top tenner in almost two years (what took ya so long?!) Ana failed to hold 5 of her 6 last service games - a tough stat for a lady baller whose serve is supposed to be a crucial part of her game.
Fine - this loss isn't as horrific as, say, her loss to Julie Coin at the US Open last year. But it'll certainly hurt the Serb's confidence and, coupled with the recent announcement that she and coach Sven Groenefeld are parting ways, her chances at a another run to the Aussie Open final come seriously into question.
Let's hope the rumors Sven will still be working with her in Melbourne are true.
But, I'm thinking someone should've done more practicing and less posing during this off-season.
(images via Getty)
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Quote of the Day: Ernests on defeating Nole
- Ernests Gulbis on his defeat of top seed Novak Djokovic in Queensland
Love that sentiment Ernests.
This lad from Latvia is surely one to watch this season, huh? I wouldn't be surprised if he pulled a "Tsonga" a hit his way into the Aussie Open final. And then? Anything's possible.
Let's just hope he grows out those lovely locks again...
(image via Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
(UPDATED) THE LOW DOWN: Nole still messing with his HEAD, falls to Ernests in Queensland
It wasn't an auspicious start to the season for Novak Djokovic, to say the least.
The top seed was upset in his Brisbane International opening round by super-talented Ernests Gulbis 4-6, 4-6, his first career loss to the Latvian lad (with the lovely locks.)
Nole, who switched from Wilson to a HEAD racquet recently, mentioned the change and its effect on his preparation in his post-match presser:The racquet is a pretty big change. I like everything (in my preparation) to be 100 per cent perfect, sometimes it is not possible. There are still some things (with the racquet) I am not used to and unfortunately I get this result.
When asked if he would stick with the new racquet, the World No.3 responded, “I am under contract so I have to play with the racquet.”
However, Nole confirmed a wildcard into Sydney next week to gain more preparation for the defense of his Aussie Open title and seemed unfazed by the early loss:
I am not panicking. I am not seriously in big doubt. The Australian Open is my highest goal for this part of the year and I really want to play well there. It’s not the end of the world. It’s the first match, so I’m not going to be pessimistic. I have a lot of time now to prepare for the Aussie Open.No doubt about that one, Nole. I still find it strange that he, or any other baller, would make such a significant change in equipment at such a crucial time. He's about to defend his first, and only, Grand Slam title in a few weeks and decides to switch racquets? Not a very smart move.
Let's hope it wasn't just for the money because if it was, Team Nole may have some regrets.
UPDATE: HEAD finally released an official announcement about Nole today. Could they BE any later???
(images via AP)
Sunday, January 4, 2009
PHOTO OP: Nole gets more HEAD in Queensland
Novak Djokovic was spotted on the Brisbane International practice court today lugging around a HEAD racquet bag, more evidence that the sexy Serb has made the switch over to Head from Wilson.
However, I just checked HEAD's website and Nole's not yet listed as a sponsored baller. I guess we should expect a formal announcement as the season officially begins.
PS - Get thee to a hair cuttery Nole or you'll be dealing with a hairy situation soon...and then I'll have to write about it. Just sayin'.
(images via Getty)
Saturday, January 3, 2009
(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Take a picture, it lasts longer
"If it wasn't for the on-court security, I might just jump your bones Nole."Novak Djokovic was spotted signing autographs for some obviously eager fans after getting in a practice session at the Queensland Tennis Centre for the Brisbane International. The sexy Serb is the top seed at the tourney and could meet current nemesis Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the final, a rematch of last year's Aussie Open final won by the World No.3.
Nole is also working the new metallic silver adidas Edge ClimaCool trainers I previewed late last year. Still loving 'em!
More pics of his training below; click here for the Brisbane draws.
UPDATE: DtL reader Maja noted "I probably lived under a rock but when did he leave Wilson and headed (ha!) to head? Is it for the money or does he really think Head makes the better racquets?"
Anyone have any info on whether the switch is permanent or if it's just a trial run with Head?
(images via Getty)
Friday, January 2, 2009
PHOTO OP: Ringing in the New Year at the Brisbane baller party
A few ballers dropped their tennis gear and threw on some party duds for the Brisbane International New Year's Eve party on Wednesday:
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga: Can he BE any cuter?
Marion Bartoli: Hey Bart, your sequined tank is melting. Like the shorter locks, though.
Marcos Baghdatis: Let's hope for better things in '09...like more fitness and less injuries.
Bernard Tomic: You may want to drop the stage dad as coach. Just sayin'...
