Maria Sharapova got an upgrade in flight and in print

Remember that time Maria Sharapova eye-spied a fellow passenger reading about her on a flight and tweeted about it? And remember how I was on-the-floor shocked that she, a former world No. 1 and 5-time Grand Slammer, was riding alongside her minions in coach class? Well, the Sugar Queen got an upgrade in more ways than one.

Hey buddy, remember me? I got an upgrade and a front page picture. Miss you xoxo #whatadifferenceaweekmakes pic.twitter.com/Syzn4832FB
— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) October 6, 2014

Winning big titles makes EVERYTHING POSSIBLE.

[UPDATED] Nicole Vaidisova posts a win in her return to tennis - is Jennifer Capriati next?

Did anyone else catch the return of Nicole Vaidisova today at the ColemanVision Tennis Championships today?

Yup, she made her official return at the ITF Challenger in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and took on another former up-and-comer (although not as decorated), Sesil Karantantcheva. It’s been almost four-and-a-half years since the former world number seven played a pro match and so much had happened in between, including a marriage and divorce from Radek Stepanek and a couple of shoulder surgeries. But she had been teasing the return for weeks and then spelled it out on her Instagram feed:

Hey everyone! So I guess the news of me playing again in a couple of weeks is no secret i am excited to be competing again,its been a long road to get to this point...This time last year I was recovering from my 2nd shoulder surgery and going through a very personal heartbreak.I will be forever grateful for the unwavering support of my amazing family,friends and medical team to get me where I am now.I dont know how this will play out,but no matter the outcome, I know I will be proud of myself for giving it my all and for the person I have become through all this.Thank you for all the sweet messages and words of encouragment,it means the world to me and I truly appreciate the support I get from all of U

During the match it really didn’t look like much had changed. She still has the big serve and forehand, and did everything she could to run around her backhand and not come to the net. Her temper seemed to be intact as she swiped the court with her racquet and bounced it out of frustration all by the third game of the first set. She was even still working Reebok. Yes, REEBOK. But she regained her composure and took it to Sesil. Vaida was only broken once and managed to close out the match 6-3, 6-4 against the world number 191 with relative ease (there was a double-fault on one of her MPs). All good signs for the Czech lady baller as she continues to rebuild her game and confidence after such a long time away. Or as I said on Twitter:

BABY STEPS NICOLE
— rich rodriguez (@DTL_Rich) September 16, 2014

At least one person got my joke. Sadz. If you’re feeling nostalgic like I was while watching Vaida, check out some of the old posts about her here. Hope she can keep it up.

In other former-top-lady-ballers-on-the-comeback-trail news, it sounds like Jennifer Capriati is actually sniffing out a return of her own. Check out these tweets from the former WTA Penthouse resident:

Was planning on my 10yr tennis come back at this years open the last grandslam match I played.. But it will have to wait 1 more yr 😉 #itson
— Jennifer Capriati (@JenCapriati) September 2, 2014

This dream and desire has been festering inside me for so long. It has never been my destiny to never walk on that court and play again
— Jennifer Capriati (@JenCapriati) September 2, 2014

Miss the sweat and the tan!!! This is going to be fun pic.twitter.com/vxk2VabXmI
— Jennifer Capriati (@JenCapriati) September 2, 2014

Sounds like a return is in the works to me. It must be hard for Jennifer to accept the fact that an injury is what did her career in (like Vaida, Jennifer's shoulder was to blame). But at the age of 38, it’s going to be a lot tougher for her to return than Vaida. Sure, Serena Williams just won her 18th major at the age of almost 33, but she’s in tremendous physical condition, and she has ways of getting through games quickly and saving energy with her serve alone. For Jennifer, it’s more of a grind because her serve is meant as a starting point…not an end.

You could also make a case for her return by looking at the incredible effort by Kimiko Date-Krumm who will be turning 44 at the end of September. While there’s no doubt that the Japanese is an inspiration, she’s not winning major titles, or any titles for that matter. I’m sure the American, with her experience and competitiveness, would want to make an impact at the elite level. But I guess we’ll see. Stay tuned...this could get interesting.

UPDATE: ICYMI: Highlights from Nicole's win over Sesil.


[Photo credit: Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Stanole takes Toronto

We've had Fedal, Rafole, and now we can add Stanole to the mix. Stan Wawrinka and Novak Djokovic have had EPIC (and I don't use that word lightly 'round these here parts) battles on-court, which is a prerequisite for a tennis portmanteau. They've also created a social media storm in Toronto together, posting pics of their bromance before and after their first round doubs match. Speaking of that match, Stanole beat Juan Sebastian Cabal and David Marrero 6-3, 7-5 in a rain delayed match, which means we should get more photos. Thank you tennis.

It's not their first time playing doubs together. Stanole first got together in Beijing last year reaching the semifinals. But they seem to have developed quite the friendship this time around, at least by the looks of the pics. Plus they both love using social media, interacting with other ballers and fans, and posting hiiiiilarious pics. THEY WIN THE INTERNET AND SO DO WE.

Late but fun doubles tonight with @DjokerNole !! Good start here in @rogerscupto ! pic.twitter.com/GACXQAWtRF
— Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka) August 5, 2014

I really love this shot from @nidssserz. The bromance in full bloom!

A bromance I didn't expect. Stan/Nole. pic.twitter.com/etJQ3ES3a2
— Nida (@nidssserz) August 5, 2014

(UPDATED) THE LOW DOWN: Did Maria Kirilenko end it with Alex Ovechkin over this Instagram photo?

Is this photo the reason why Maria Kirilenko called off her engagement and ended her relationship with Alex Ovechkin? According to Sports Illustrated, this picture of Ovechkin with gymnast Karolina Sevastianova taken by the hockey star's friend, Russian basketballer Russian basketballer Vitaly Fridzonon, and posted on his Instagram feed led to the breakup.

In the statement released to Russia's R-Sport by Kiri, she said there were "a lot of reasons" for the breakup but did not go into detail. It may look harmless, but there's probably more going on there than meets the eye if the reports are true.

UPDATE: Kiri was interviewed by Sovetsky Sport and denied this image had anything to do with the breakup. Via Deadspin:

Maria, can you comment on the story about the pictures with Sasha and [gymnast Karolina Sevastyanova] on social networks, which are being so vigorously discussed in the media?

Maria Kirilenko: Believe me, over the years I have seen so many pictures of Sasha in the company of young ladies, that I have gotten used to it. That is normal. We are public figures, and people often want to take pictures with us. This is the first time I heard about this girl, and I made my decision to break up the engagement long before these pictures appeared on the social networks. It is laughable to point to them as the main reason behind the breakup – after three years together couples do not break up over a couple of pictures. There are much more significant reasons. I will not go into any more details about them. But let's just say it is not a secret for anybody that Sasha has certain habits and particulars of behavior that I did not consider worth tolerating anymore.

"Certain habits"? "Particulars"? Bueller? Bueller?

 [Photo(s) credit: rsport.ru]

SIGHTING: Maria Sharapova shines at Vanity Fair Oscar Party ***UPDATED***

Maria Sharapova looked stunning at the annual Vanity Fair Oscar Party last night. According to her website, the Russian glamazon "wore a dress by Amanda Wakeley, shoes by Manolo Blahnik and accessorized it with a clutch bag by Alexander McQueen, earrings by Isharaya and cuffs by Katherine Sultan."

The site even delves deep into her hair and makeup inspirations: "Inspirations for Maria's hair: Sleek, modern and chic. Inspiration for Maria's makeup:  Chic, young, classic, neutral palette, and lip on channel coco moisturizing lip balm. Line on top of eyes to define her eyes with voluminous mascara." Like I said, DEEP.

She also got to tweeting about her prep and the dangers of dressing in a floor-length at a crowded party (I totes get it):

Four hours of training in the morning, a baby birthday stop by and now the Vanity Fair party. I've seen it all today. Busy #oscars2013 day!
— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) February 25, 2013

Is the Vanity Fair party ready for some more sleek blonde hair action? #OscarReady
— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) February 25, 2013

Floor length gowns don't really work in sardine canned environments. #redcarpet
— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) February 25, 2013

Last year, Shrieka looked like just she rolled out of bed. Or stepped into a paper shredder. What a difference a year, and a Career Slam, makes.

UPDATE: Here's an interview from the Oscar party.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

VIDEO VAULT: A Guys' Guide to Valentine's Day by Redfoo

Guys. It's Valentine's Day. Are you bombing out with a blooming bouquet of roses? Getting a sour face when you present a box of sweet treats? Here's why: IT'S BORING.

If you really want a sure fire way to touch someone's heart (and other naughty bits), take off your shirt, put on your best pink fuzzy bear head and do the Harlem Shake in your club room (you have one, right?) with your pantless clones like Redfoo did for his love thang, Victoria Azarenka. See for yourself:

And you know what? That shit WORKS. Exhibit A:

@redfoo ow.ly/i/1wA6n im sleeping on the floor tonight :) thank u ❤
— victoria azarenka (@vika7) February 14, 2013

Rafael Nadal! On a tennis court! Again!

Happy much? Why, yes, yes I am. So is he and the other he, as he should be. Rafael Nadal's hand, head, abs, infamous ass-ets and that wonky left knee all returned to action today in Vina del Mar, Chile. He paired up with Juan Monaco to win his first match in over 7 months, albeit in doubles, over Frantisek Cermak and Lukas Dlouhy 6-3, 6-2 in the VTR Open clay-court tournament. Here are some highlights:
 

Tomorrow is Rafa's knee's first big test as he plays his first singles match against Federico Delbonis.

So, how did his knee hold up today?  Here's what he had to say after the win: "At the end of the day the doctors have said it's OK. There is no risk of making it worse. My knee keeps hurting. But the fact I am playing here is a thing of joy."

"I am not 100 percent, I need some weeks. If it hurts, it hurts and we'll put up with it. I am here to play tennis, with or without pain. ...I'm happy to have played an official game, although it was doubles."

Bottom line, there's pain and he's dealing with it. It should come as no surprise since Uncle Toni said there could be discomfort for a few more weeks. But Rafa's smiling big and so am I. And, if I had to bet, I'd say you are, too. Unless you're a robot. But, even robots have mechanical hearts.

[Photo(s) credit: @RafaelNadal Twitter account]

VIDEO VAULT: In the shower and in bed with Andy Murray

Click here to watch the full video

Yeah. It's exactly how it sounds. The Brit baller is starring in a new short film going viral for his sponsor HEAD. It's a promo for their Facebook page in which fans can interact with Muzz throughout Wimbledon.

Here's how: Fans should visit and "LIKE" the HEAD FB page (click here) to gain access to exclusive content, prizes and tweets by Muzz. They can leave personalized messages for him on the page and his faves will be adorned on the racquet bag he carries out for his matches at the All England Club.

Boy, if this is a day in the life of Muzz then I'm def surprised. I thought he was a one woman kinda guy (hiya, Kim) but he's got all kinds of different people with him in all kinds of interesting places. And, apparently, it's ALL WORTH IT. What a man whore.

Check out Muzz in the new adidas duds he'll be wearing at Wimby after the jump...

VIDEO VAULT: Charlie called. He wants his Angels back.

Maria Sharapova and WTA tour sponsor Sony Ericsson revealed the six lady ballers who will be taking part in the Xperia Hot Shots initiative during a launch party in South Beach, Miami ahead of the Sony Ericsson Open.

Bethanie Mattek-Sands, Heather Watson, Alize Cornet, Sabine Lisicki, Sorana Cirstea and Dominika Cibulkova were chosen to take part in the web-based series which will help them "realize their dreams" (aren't they doing THAT already?) by giving them exclusive access to a bunch of really cool events thereby helping grow their Facebook fan base (see the page here.) The lady baller with the biggest base gets a "support deal" from Sony Ericsson. No idea what that means exactly.

There's also a dedicated YouTube page where these webisodes will premiere. It's a bit Charlie's Angels to me - not that there's anything wrong with that. But the girls need more high-waisted pants, hair flipping and background explosions. Yes, definitely more explosions!



[Via: MariaSharpova.com]

Letter to DtL readers: I'm leaving on a jet plane...

Howdy peeps,

Just a quick note: I'm taking a much needed vacation starting today and continuing all of next week. However, I'll be following all the tennis action and sending updates via Twitter - along with some personal anecdotes during my trip.

So if you're not following DtL yet, click here. It's live and commercial free!

RiCH

(image via abcteach.com)

Serena offers apology, amends statement

Serena Williams, who released a statement through the WTA yesterday, has offered an apology via Twitter and also penned a new post on her blog amending the aforementioned statement:

Hey guys!!!

I want to amend my press statement of yesterday, and want to make it clear as possible - I want to sincerely apologize FIRST to the lines woman, Kim Clijsters, the USTA, and tennis fans everywhere for my inappropriate outburst. I'm a woman of great pride, faith and integrity, and I admit when I'm wrong.

I need to make it clear to all young people that I handled myself inappropriately and it's not the way to act -- win or lose, good call or bad call in any sport, in any manner.

I like to lead by example. We all learn from experiences both good and bad. I will learn and grow from this, and be a better person as a result.

Xxxx,

S

Clearly she (or her publicist) realized there was something important missing her in her statement yesterday.

I wonder how the crowd will respond during her doubles final match at the US Open today?

(image via twitter)

FB Update: Fed talks babies

Mirka, Myla and Charlene are all doing really well. The baby girls are doing new things every day and are a lot of fun. Hopefully, before the end of this week, I will charge my camera and have my Dad or someone take some pictures so I can share one with you. Thanks for the support and warm wishes.

Yes Fed - pics please!

(via RF facebook page)