PHOTO OP: Brooklyn Decker does the ESPYS, keeps Don Draper at bay

In my never ending quest to be an equal opportunity objectifier I bring you Brooklyn Decker from last night's ESPYS, wearing a pink paint-me-awn dress that showed off every curve she knew she had and some new ones for your viewing pleasure.

The tennis WAG was sans hubby, Andy Roddick, for the evening but friend and former baller Justin Gimelstob was on hand for the tough escorting duty and we all know how much Gimel loves sexy blondes:

Later in the evening Brook tweeted backstage that she "shaking" and "dabbing sweat" as she prepared to present the award for Best Play (won by QB Brett Favre + receiver Greg Lewis of the Minnesota Vikings.) Do you think it was because she was about to go onstage with her handsome, smoldering co-presenter Jon Hamm? I mean, if anyone could make you feel safe and secure it's got to be Don Draper:

"Hands off, D."

Uh, on second thought...

More pictures of Brook after the cut.

ISNUT wins for Best Record-Breaking Performance at ESPYS

John Isner was on hand last night at the 2010 ESPYS to receive one of the big awards - Best Record-Breaking Performance - for playing the longest match in tennis history a.k.a. ISNUT.

After realizing the on stage mic only reached his belly button he bent down and thanked his foe, Nicolas Mahut, who wasn't in attendance, his support team at Saddlebrook Academy and the voters. The pair beat out Roger Federer who was nominated in the same category for breaking Pete Sampras' all-time Grand Slam record at Wimbledon last season.

It would've been great to see both ballers there to accept the award. I wonder if Nic was asked to attend at all and, if so, declined the offer. He really deserves some of the accolades too.

In any case, a big congrats to ISNUT!

Other winners of the night included Serena Williams for Best Female Tennis Player and Kim Clijsters for Best Comeback.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Is that a trophy in your hands or...

"...are you just really happy to meet me, John?"

John Isner, who's finally relaxing after being ousted in the Wimbledon second round today, was awarded the Virgin Trophy for winning the historic 3-day Isnut match. Oh, and he got that phallic-looking thing too.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Serena joined by Tyra at Glamour Women of the Year Awards

Serena Williams was spotted on the grey (?) carpet with Tyra Banks at the 2009 Glamour Women of the Year Awards held at Carnegie Hall in New York City last night.

The 11-time Grand Slammer was honored alongside Rihanna, Maria Shriver, Stella McCartney, Amy Poehler, Marissa Mayer, Jane Aronson, Susan Rice, Euna Lee & Laura Ling, the women of Iran's One Million Signatures campaign, and Maya Angelou. A special recognition was given to First Lady of the U.S. Michelle Obama.

At least ReRe kept her clothes on for the awards ceremony. Phew.

(Photo: Getty)

PHOTO OP: Rafa receives Serge Kampf Award in Paris, named 2008's "best sporting talent"

"Uh, these edges are really sharp. I guess I'll just smile through my pain."

Rafael Nadal posed with his Serge Kampf Award from the French Academy of Sports in Paris today.

The 6-time Grand Slammer was honored for being the "best sporting talent" of 2008 including winning his fourth consecutive Roland Garros title, his first Wimbledon championship, the Olympic gold medal and becoming World No.1. Alize Cornet won the Lafon newcomer prize.

Rafa is also scheduled to play either compatriot Nicolas Almagro or Swiss Marco Chiudinelli in the second round (his opening match) at the Paris Masters on Wednesday.

(Photo: AP)

PHOTO OP: A Billie meets a Barack, receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

"I'm cool but you're the coolest EVAH."

A HUGE congrats to tennis legend Billie Jean King who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award, from U.S. president Barack Obama today at the White House.

The prestigious honor is given out to individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."

I'd say BJK has more than earned this award.

*clap, clap, clap*

(image via ap)

Venus + Serena at the ESPY's, present Arthur Ashe Courage Award

The Sisters Sledge, Venus + Serena Williams, took part in last night's 2009 ESPY Awards going full on glam for the event.

This year's Arthur Ashe Courage Award was presented by the sisters and given to Nelson Mandela. The award was accepted by his daughter Zindzi and grandson Zondwa.


ReRe lost out the Female Athlete Award to Olympic gymnast Nastia Liukin but won Best Female Tennis Baller. Roger Federer won Best Male Tennis Baller while Rafael Nadal lost out the Best Male International Athlete to Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt. Boo hoo.

More images from the event below!

Bethanie Mattek-Sands

Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice with Serena

(image via getty)

PHOTO OP: Serena's shelf gets another award

Congrats to Serena Williams for winning her second WTA Lady Baller of the Year Award.

Make room for another one ReRe. On second thought, you're good.

The rest of the WTA Baller Awards here.

(via Deadspin)

SIGHTING: Serena steps out in leopard print for Oscar night

Hollywood wannabe Serena Williams was spotted on the red carpet for the FOX Searchlight post-Academy Awards party for big winner Slumdog Millionaire (yay!) and the Mickey Rourke comeback film The Wrestler. The Bollywood drama racked up 8 Oscars including Best Picture + Director though favorite Mickey lost out on the Best Lead Actor Award to Sean Penn who starred as iconic gay rights activist Harvey Milk in Milk (yay!).

I'm not a big animal print lover but this leopard print silk halter dress is quite striking on ReRe - it def fits her personality. And I love that she kept it simple with a few accessories including the black flap and small earrings.

I bet ReRe was pushing around the "dramedy" screenplay she's supposedly writing - she's never one to miss a good opportunity!


(images via Getty)

PHOTO OP: Justine reveals ladylike side, Kim reveals tattoo at Sports Gala

Remember when two lady ballers put the tiny country of Belgium on the tennis map and ruled the WTA Tour? Ahhh yes.

Seven-time Grand Slammer Justine Henin and former US Open champ Kim Clijsters reunited at the Sports Gala, Belgium's most prestigious sporting award ceremony, on Sunday.


A dolled-up Justine sat on astroturf (uncomfortable much?) while being honored with a lifetime career achievement award and received two videotaped congratulatory messages from tennis legends Pete Sampras + Stefan Edberg. Here's some of what she had to say:

I have no regrets. I can't regret a life which gave me so much. I learned so many things about myself. It's important to have the wisdom to stop at a time when it's the moment to move on. I have only good memories.

I have so much curiosity, and I want to be able to express myself differently from now on. Even here today. I have personal time now. Time for me. To breath and relax isn't easy for myself having lived such an extremely intense lifestyle. I try for serenity with a rich balance, but without competative pro tennis and adrenalin.

Kim attended the ceremony with husband Brian Lynch and was spotted with daughter Jada's name tattooed on her wrist. Boy, she's finally letting loose y'all!

See more images here and here.



(images via Womens Tennis Photos)

(UPDATED) MEDIA MASHUP: Rafa presents charity gear with Iker, receives Marca Legend Award

Thanks to meri and an anonymous DtL reader for tipping me off to the latest Rafael Nadal news!

It's a been a busy couple of days already for the world's top baller. The Spanish steamroller joined his footballer friend Iker Casillas as they gave president of the 'Communidad de Madrid', Esperanza Aguirre, the t-shirts they'll be wearing during their "Friends of Iker vs. Friends of Rafa" charity event today. Very exciting!


The pair also announced their roster for the event: Iker will be bringing ballers David Ferrer and Juan Carlos Ferrero, cyclist Alberto Contador, F1 racer Fernando Alonso, as well as his clubmates, Sergio Ramos + Fabio Cannavaro.

Rafa will have sexy Serb Novak Djokovic, F1, Rally and MotoGP racers such as Pedro de la Rosa, Carlos Sainz and Sete Gibernau, and footballers Raul and Samuel Eto’o.

And Rafa was presented with ANOTHER well-deserved accolade to go along with the many others he's accepted recently. The 22-year old was awarded the Marca Legend Award for career excellence by Marca, the popular Spanish newspaper.

Congrats to you on behalf of RAFANATICS everywhere!

CHECK IT:



UPDATE: Here's video of Rafa + Iker presenting the t-shirts at the pre-event presser. Enjoy!

VIDEO VAULT: Rafa receives inaugural International Award for Sport, Rafanatics rejoice!

Thanks to DtL reader meri for tipping me off to another accolade being given to the world's top baller, Rafael Nadal.

The Mallorcan Matador received the inaugural International Award for Sport given out by the Governing Council of the Community of Madrid. The award is given to the athlete who possesses sporting merits and human values represented in fair play, delivery, sacrifice and team spirit.

Rafa has already earned a number of honors this year including the ATP's year-end No.1, Prince of Asturias, and GQ Men of the Year.

CHECK IT:

VIDEO VAULT: Rafa arrives for Prince of Asturias Award ceremony, works (familiar) super cute striped moment

Here's video of Rafael Nadal arriving in Oviedo, Spain for the Prince of Asturias awards.

The top-ranked baller will be receiving the prestigious 2008 Prince of Asturias Award for Sports which "will be bestowed upon the individual, group or institution whose lives are not only examples to others, but who have also reached new heights in mankind's struggle for excellence, and who have contributed by their efforts to perfecting, nurturing, promoting and disseminating sport."


Rafa was excited to be receiving the honor saying

It’s an incredible honour for me to receive the ‘Principe de Asturias Sport Award’. I’m extremely grateful to the jury and everyone else who chose me as it’s an achievement greater than usual, it makes me feel proud.

Not only does this represent great sport values but also, and most importantly, good human values. This award is one of the best things that could happen to me outside of the tennis court because it says to me I’m doing this right when it comes to human values.

I always try to do the right thing inside and outside of the tennis courts no matter what. This award represents something different to a sports award and the fact that it’s been given to me means it’s not only thanks to my hard work but also because of those around me, specially my family.

To be given an award like this in what has been a very special year for Spain’s sport makes it even that much more special.

All nominees are of an extremely high level and the simple fact that I was considered amongst this group of people is satisfactory enough, even if I had not won the award.

Congrats to Rafa for the big honor and for the super cute outfit, particularly the striped grey sweater, even though it kinda reminds me of a certain someone else:


(image via Getty)

Letter to readers: DtL nominated for 2008 Blogger's Choice Award

Hey y'all,

So exciting news: I just found out Down the Line was nominated for 2008 Blogger's Choice Award for "Best Sports Blog"! So cool.

Thanks to reader Sarahmcq for the nomination. Click here to vote for DtL!

SIGHTING: Venus gets glamorous for 16th annual ESPY Awards

Book-writing Venus Williams was spotted on the press line for the 16th annual ESPY Awards looking incredibly stylish in a black sequined empire waist dress and bejeweled heels.

Roger Federer earned his fourth straight award for best male tennis baller while Maria "Shriek"apova won her second straight ESPY for best female tennis baller, though neither one made showed up to collect their trophy.

Congrats!

(images via Getty)

PHOTO OP: ITF hosts World Champions Dinner, honors Federer + Henin

The ITF hosted the World Champions Dinner at the Pavillon d’Armenonville in Paris and celebrated the achievements of the 2007 ITF World Champions.

Roger Federer accepted the award for Men's Singles and an absent Justine Henin was given the Women's Singles Award.

Additional awards included the Men's Doubles given to Bob and Mike Bryan and the Women's Doubles Award given to Cara Black and Liezel Huber. Both teams are pictured here with ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti.



(images via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Davenport wins Comeback Award, glows in graphic print dress

Motherhood has clearly been great for Lindsay Davenport. Not only did the 3-time Grand Slam champ win the WTA Comeback Player of the Year Award for her stunning return to the tour in 2007 after giving birth to son Jagger, but Lindsay continues to glow.

I love this dress for her - the former No. 1 is usually much more understated and subdued with her on-court tennis fashion but this graphic-print tank dress is fun + vibrant.

Anyone know who designed this dress?

(image via Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic earns first Laureus nomination, joins Federer + Henin for prestigious Award

A star on the rise: New Aussie Open champ Novak Djokovic has earned his first Laureus World Sports Award nomination for Breakthrough of the Year. The Serbian tennis star earned the prestigious nomination after a stand-out 2007 where he won 5 titles, was runner-up at the US Open, made the semifinals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and reached No. 3 in the world.


According to the Award's site,

"The 20-year-old Serbian made a major impact on the men’s game in 2007, winning five tournaments, though his most significant achievement was probably finishing as runner-up at the US Open, where he lost in the final to Roger Federer. He also reached the semi-finals at the French Open and Wimbledon. His victories included two Masters series events in Miami and Montreal. He reached World No 3 ranking in July 2007. In the Davis Cup, by winning all of his three matches, Djokovic played a key role in the win over Australia, promoting Serbia to the World Group."

Nole is in stellar company as he joins World No. 1's Roger Federer (Sportsman of the Year, 3-time winner) and Justine Henin (Sportswoman of the Year) as nominees for a 2008 Laureus Award.

The Awards will be handed out on February 18 in St. Petersburg, Russia.

(image via laureus.com + AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

SIGHTING: Seles, Davenport, and King gather for March of Dimes award luncheon

Three of tennis' greatest champions attended the March of Dimes 24th Annual Sports Luncheon at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. Monica Seles was on hand to present The Corporate Leadership Award to Chairman and CEO of IMG Ted Forstmann.


Lindsay Davenport was the recipient of The Sportswoman of the Year Award (strange since she only officially returned to tennis action this fall, but okay) and grabbed a photo-op with the legendary Billie Jean King.


(images via WaldorfAstoria.com, wireimage)

PHOTO OP: Another 'one' in the books for Roger Federer

Roger Federer celebrated another year clinching the No. 1 ranking with a trophy presentation during this week's Masters Cup. He finished in the No. 1 position for the 4th straight year, joining fellow legends Pete Sampras, Jimmy Connors, and John McEnroe as the only other players since 1973 to accomplish this feat.