PHOTO OP: Tipsarevic takes it off for Extreme Intimo

Can you believe Janko Tipsarevic of all ballers is following in Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco's foot steps and stripping down to his skivvies for Extreme Intimo? Let me be the first to say HE'S COME A LONG WAY.

More images from the ad campaign and behind-the-scenes video after the jump - click the header.

VIDEO VAULT: Nothing gets between Nadal and his Armanis (you wish)

Here's some behind-the-scenes footage of Rafael Nadal shooting another ad campaign for Emporio Armani and Armani Jeans Fall Winter 2011 and 2012 collections.

So I guess the ad has something to do with Rafa running in a full tux while being chased (by some rabid Rafanatics, no doubt) followed by a strip down to - what else? - his Armanis. And there's some other stuff I couldn't be bothered to figure out. I mean, HE STRIPS DOWN TO HIS UNDIES. That really is all.

[Via: RafaUpdates]

MEDIA MASHUP: WTA tour launches "Strong is Beautiful" global ad campaign

(This post was also removed during BLOGGER'S major fail this week. Apologies again.)

The WTA announced the launch of a new global ad campaign entitled "Strong is Beautiful" which features some of the biggest names on the tour. It will roll out over the next two years covering 80 markets and incorporating TV, print and digital ads along with a strong social media component. The WTA hopes to engage fans from around the world and bring along new fans by showcasing 38 of the current and future stars of the tour.

Photog Dewey Nicks, who shot a select group of lady ballers for a brilliant slide show and video last year for The New York Times Magazine right before the US Open, was brought on board to helm the creative and shoot the ads.

The first spot to be released is called 'Sugar & Spice' and focuses on the qualities needed to be successful in the competitive world of tennis:



The second spot, called 'Countries', is narrated by Caroline Wozniacki and focuses on the global nature of women's tennis:



The remaining spots are individual ads featuring Victoria Azarenka, Li Na, Ana Ivanovic, Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters all discussing a quality or challenge that has made them unique. I adore these ads in particular because Vika, Li + NaturAna get to narrate in their native tongue. Now there's some global for you. You can check out these videos after the jump (click the head).

Kudos to the WTA for this awesome campaign. It's visually stunning, modern, elegant, and even haunting. The ads, at their core, really transcend the sport and have the potential to connect with fans, new and old, in all different kinds of ways. And isn't that just the recipe for growing the sport? Genius. Oh, and thanks for not hiring this guy to take the reigns. Yeah, going the Maxim route probably isn't a plan for success. Just a thought.

Visit the WTA Facebook page to view all the upcoming ads as well as their dedicated YouTube page for more videos.

VIDEO VAULT: Wozniacki wears pads

I was about to post a video of Caroline Wozniacki playing in heels for a COMPEED ad but it was removed at the last minute. And so was my Kim Clijsters joke, although thanks to Twitter it lives on!!!

Anyway, here's the top lady baller getting all glammed up for this spot on blister pads. I guess it's a way to make them sexy - the pads, not Woz guys. I have my own ideas about this whole partnership, though.

Here's some behind-the-scenes coverage...

CHECK IT:



[Via: WozniackiTV]

No underwear needed

If you liked this shot from Rafael Nadal's ad campaign for Emporio Armani then you'll probably like this one even better. Let's just say it's for your private collection. Oh, and mine.

Now what kind of tennis blogger would I be if I didn't remind you that you've already seen Rafa's ass-ets in their full glory. You don't remember? Well, here you go (duh, NSFW.)

[Photo(s): Emporio Armani]

VIDEO VAULT: Serena Williams spins her top (and other parts)

Check out this supposedly unauthorized Top Spin 4 promo starring Serena Williams and another woman called 'The World's Sexiest Gamer.' It features the former top lady baller in a onesie and thigh high boots showing off her gaming skills - a typical night at the ReRe mansion, no doubt.

I don't see what the big deal is here. After the catsuit and other near-nekkid ReRe moments this one is actually pretty tame.

Thanks jovan017!

VIDEO VAULT: Falcon flies again

It made me laugh, it made me cry. And it comes with an Oscar-worthy score.
 
[Via: HEAD]

VIDEO VAULT: Icons beget icons

Here's the newest TV spot by the Tennis Channel promoting this year's US Open.

It showcases a few of the faves for Flushing Meadows scaling some of New York City's most iconic structures including the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Guggenheim and the Chrysler Building.

I guess it was a bit too late, however, to edit out Serena Williams who makes an appearance in the spot. Ah, well.

[Via: Tennis Channel]

VIDEO VAULT: Roger Federer can't get with 'this' or 'that'

Here's a funny outtake from Roger Federer's recent promo spot for the new Wilson BLX. The 16-time Grand Slammer can't seem to pronounce the word 'this' but instead gives the director a 'diss' - in pronunciation that is. And you can forget 'that'. Total FAIL.

Check out the final cut here.

Ah, this video brings to mind an early 90's classic by Black Sheep that's getting some commercial play right now. C'mon you know which one I'm talking about. Don't by coy.

CHECK IT:



[Video: Wilson]

VIDEO VAULT: Murray up to his old (and really new) tricks again

Andy Murray busts out his bag of tricks in this promo spot for HEAD.

Now if only Muzz could pull these out in a Grand Slam final. His opponent would be dust.

Ah, well. Reality bites.

VIDEO VAULT: A thinking man's chorizo

Here's a new Spanish language adidas ad starring Fernando Verdasco riding around in the backseat of a car presumably reminiscing about his career so far (feel free to translate in the DtL Peanut Gallery.)

I love the shot of him peering out of the car only to see a 40 foot ad of himself from the Calvin Klein X Underwear campaign. I wonder if that would be exciting or ick-inducing to see a huge image of yourself in only your skivvies.

With a bod like that I guess it would be the former.

P.S. Have a great weekend y'all!

VIDEO VAULT: You know you wanna see their...

Thanks to Sara I can bring you guys a teaser clip for Calvin Klein's X Underwear ad spot showcasing Fernando Verdasco, Hidetoshi Nakata, Mechad Brooks and Kellan Lutz talking shit while in motion.

I know I keep saying it but I seriously can't wait for the 3-D bulges. I wonder if those will talk too?

*grabs drool cup*

[Via INKling116]

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: X marks Verdasco's spot for Calvin Klein

Here's a first look at Fernando Verdasco in Calvin Klein's ad campaign for his new X Underwear collection. He's joined in the spots by Twilight's Kellan Lutz, True Blood's Mechad Brooks and Japanese footballer Hidetoshi Nakata.

The campaign will feature behind-the-scenes videos and interviews with the boys, as well as innovative 3D-effect versions of the adverts.

Seriously, Nando's bulge in 3-D? Now there's a fun Friday night.

UPDATE: More 2-D chorizo...




[Photo(s): Calvin Klein, socialitelife.com]

VIDEO VAULT: Hi-flying Rafa for Banesto

Do these new Banesto ads featuring Rafael Nadal capture the Spaniard's energy and athleticism or what? LOVE.



Now taking it down a notch...or five.



(Via NadalNews)

VIDEO VAULT: Shrieka has CGI hair - and so can you!

Maria Sharapova is starring in a new commercial for Clear Shampoo as part of the $2.5 million deal she signed earlier this year.

This product must be some strong stuff. It's turned Shrieka's hair into liquid gold and did something funny to her voice.

BUYER BEWARE.

Thanks Maja!

VIDEO VAULT: Official Oz Open commercial leaves everything to the imagination

Here's the official TV commercial for the 2010 Australian Open starring Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Lleyton Hewitt, Serena Williams and Sam Stosur. And they're splish-splashing blue paint.

That's it.

*scratches head*

(via australianopentv)

Serena gets all "methody" for Tampax's Mother Nature ad

Maybe Serena Williams is a "method" actress.

In a twist of the highest irony, the 11-time Grand Slammer will be featured in a series of cheeky print ads and online videos for Tampax which shows the former no. 1 defeating Tampax’s Mother Nature character, who tries to deliver her “monthly gift” in an unsuccessful attempt to throw Williams off her game – on and off the tennis court.

The campaign launches in October 2009 and will be featured in national teen publications, national beauty, health and women’s lifestyle publications. To see the print ads and online videos, visit www.tampax.com and www.beinggirl.com.

Talk about perfect timing. I mean, ReRe's about to pummel poor MoNa. I guess practice DOES make perfect.



(Photo: P & G)

VIDEO VAULT: Behind-the-scenes with Rafa, Shrieka and their Nike AW77 hoodies

Check out these behind-the-scenes videos featuring Rafael Nadal + Maria Sharapova at their respective photoshoots for Nike's iconic AW77 hoodie campaign.

Thanks to Jyocka for the tip!

PHOTO OP: Pucker your lips and blow NaturAna

Here's a new image of Ana Ivanovic in her US Open print promo for the USTA's "It Must Be Love" marketing campaign currently underway. If you haven't seen her commercial, click here.

It's actually kinda cute and very fitting for the sweet Serb.


And here we have modelquin NaturAna in another locker room shot featuring her adidas Adilibria Ivanovic night dress for the US Open to go along with this day one. I'm really hoping she sticks around long enough for us to actually see both of them (read: why the HELL did you change your service motion? It's the BALL TOSS silly. Oy.)

(images via anaivanovic.com, USTA)

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Have boat, will travel with Rafa

Before leaving for Montreal Rafael Nadal took part in another promo ad shoot for the Balearic Islands. The Majorcan Matador became the ambassador and face for the campaign back in December and the dreamy first spot was released in January.

I'm hoping the ad agency will be doing their magic with this footage as they did the last time (see behind-the-scenes footage) though the shirtlessness is doing just fine on its own.

See more images below!








UPDATE: Video proof of Rafa at sea...


(via tennislust, images courtesy of elmundo.es)