PHOTO OP: So close we can taste it

UGH. You guys are going to make me eat my words, aren't you? Fine, just be gentle.

[Photo(s): Reuters]

PHOTO OP: Shine the light

"I'm making history y'all!"

Big props go out to 16th-seeded Li Na who joined unseeded compatriot Zheng Jie as the first Chinese ballers EVAH to reach the quarterfinals at the Aussie Open. *big applause*

Na upset fourth seed Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 6-3 today and will meet Venus Williams for a spot in the final four. Yesterday, Zheng set up a battle with Maria Kirilenko after downing 31st seed Alona Bondarenko.

Every season the Chinese ladies make better and better progress on the tour and in the majors. I guess it's only a matter of time before someone breaks through to a Grand Slam final. Winning, however, is a completely different story. Their games are pretty straight forward and they'll need to add more variety before they'll make a big impact in the game.

[Photo(s): AP]

FASHION FIX: Zheng beats Bart, shines in ANTA blue

Jie Zheng caused another upset, albeit a minor one compared to Nads', when she toppled 11th seed Marion Bartoli 5-7, 6-3, 6-0 in the Australian Open third round. She hit 38 winners against 22 errors, 76% success on first serve deliveries, converted 7 of 9 BP chances and made 13 of 14 net approaches - impressive stats for sure.

She'll meet JJ-killer Alona Bondarenko for a spot in the quarterfinals.


And speaking of JJ-killing, I think the Chinese lady baller's uber-cute ANTA outfit (which looks like a v-neck tank paired with a skirt) totally outshines the Serb's party pinata. It fits her perfectly and features some subtle detailing that gives this simple design some pop like the white piping on the neck line, ruching at the bust and pleating on the skirt that reveals an eye-catching pattern when in motion. I even love the matching ribbon tie Jie's wearing in her hair - it really pulls it all together.

It would've been great to see it in another color but this one will work.

[Photo(s): Reuters]

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)

Making history: Zheng reaches Wimbledon semifinals

Zheng Jie's giant-killing ways continued to amaze at Wimbledon today dismissing a resurgent Nicole Vaidisova 6-2, 5-7, 6-1 and becoming the first Chinese baller to make the final four of a Grand Slam and the first ladies' wild card to make the semifinals at The All England Club.

The next giant in line: Serena Williams.

(image via Getty)