Terracotta army invades Masters Cup, first look at Warrior Federer

The ATP has commissioned life-size Terracotta Warrior statues to made of the top 8 players to reach the Masters Cup in Shanghai, China at the end of the (tennis) year.

French sculptor Laury Dizengremel is creating these statues in China and they will be unveiled as a group at an event for the Masters Cup, which begins November 11.

Some interesting background on the statues:

The Terracotta Warriors are symbolic of China’s history and internationally recognized around the world. The Terracotta Army were originally created to be buried with the Emperor of Qin in 210-209 BC and it is believed to have taken some 700,000 workers and craftsmen 38 years to complete. The Army was only rediscovered in 1974 and 8,099 figures have since been unearthed around the Emperor’s tomb. The site in China has become a major tourist attraction with nearly two million people visiting annually.

Here's a first look at Warrior Federer. How fun would it be to see the stylish Swiss compete in that outfit? Someone call Ralph Lauren, stat!

(image via AP Photo)

Bad blood: Maria Sharapova criticized publicly by FED CUP teammates, Serena Williams

Tough week, tough year: Seems like there's a lot of heavy criticism following Maria "Shriek"apova these days. Her recent appearance at the FED CUP final was questioned, with Svetlana Kuznetsova and Anna Chakvetadze being the most vocal.

"To be honest, I don't know why she came," said Sveta. "What's the point of coming here all the way from America if you can't play. She said she wanted to help our preparation and be our practice partner but, to me, if you can't play how then can you practice? It just doesn't make sense."

Chaky was more direct and said, "If you haven't played Fed Cup all year, it wouldn't be fair just to show up for the final," [...] "It's not fair to all the other girls who committed themselves to the team's cause."

And today The Chicago-Tribue is reporting on People magazine's newest issue where Serena Williams offers free-association answers on a number of topics. When asked for "Something Overrated", ReRe answered "Maria Sharapova".

Though this may be true to a certain extent, we also think it's time for ReRe to get a good publicist, especially after her last post-match press conference.

SIGHTING: Serena Williams attends premiere of The Kingdom

Hollywood player: The Serena Party Watch is heating up again this fall. After confirming the pregnancy rumors were just that, the 8-time Grand Slam champion made the premiere for the film The Kingdom starring Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner. Here she is accompanied by Foxx, Will Smith, and Jada Pinkett Smith.

Staying true to recent form, ReRe opted for an empire waist halter top dress in pewter with ribbon waist band and bejewelled strappy heels. Let's not discuss the hair again today...ay...

(images vis masalatalk, getty)

THE LOW DOWN: Serena Williams not pregnant says magazine

Ok, fine: The baby bump is a no-go, apparently. Gossip weekly OK! magazine, reporting on the Serena Williams' pregnancy rumors, contacted her representative for a comment. According to the article, the rep confirmed "Serena is not pregnant."

I guess that's that...

The FED CUP Chronicles: Russia wins third FED CUP title, Svetlana moved to tears

The FED CUP Chronicles have come to a close for 2007. Mother Russia won their 3rd FED CUP title in 4 years by defeating defending champions Italy. US Open finalist Svetlana Kuznetsova became emotional during the trophy ceremony after she led the team to victory by winning both of her singles matches. In the 2004 final against France, the World No. 2 lost both singles matches and watched Anastasia Myskina become the FED CUP heroine.

"I really wanted to bring the victory and this time it worked," said Sveta.


(images courtesy of AP Photo)

Fernando Gonzalez wins China Open, shows off "sexiest legs in tennis"

Fernando Gonzalez won his first title in almost 2 years by defeating Spain's Tommy Robredo for the China Open title this weekend. We've always been admirer's of the handsome Chilean and these photos reaffirm our thinking. Wow - Fernando has some incredibly sexy legs. We won't divulge the visuals running through our mind right now...ouch.

(images via AP Photo)

Monica Seles and Martina Navratilova play exhibition match in Romania

Two legends of the game, Monica Seles and Martina Navratilova, played an exhibition match in Bucharest, Romania recently as part of a special series featuring these two greats of tennis. Monica, a 9-time Grand Slam champion, defeated 18-time Grand Slam champ Martina 3-6, 6-3, 10-7 and, based on these photos, looks to be in great physical shape again. Keep it up Mon!

Lindsay Davenport wins Bali Open, celebrates with son Jaggar

A mom's moment: After almost a year off from competitive play, Lindsay Davenport surprised everyone, including herself, by winning the Bali Open. The 3-time Grand Slam champ defeated slendar Slovak Daniela Hatuchova in the final 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.


After announcing her return to the tennis tour recently with son Jaggar at her side, the former World No. 1 came full circle and brought her son out again to help her celebrate the win. "I'm a little bit in shock," said Davenport. "It's just overwhelming and exciting. I swear this is probably the first tournament I've played in four years where I didn't have anything wrong with my lower extremities."

(images via AP Photo)

SIGHTING: Serena Williams attends HBO Emmy Awards party

Serena Party Watch: Serena "ReRe" Williams picked up her partying ways this weekend. The former World No. 1, who was a staple at New York fashion week, attended HBO's Emmy Awards party last night. ReRe opted for a lavender halter top dress, black clutch, black Christian Louboutin peep-toe stiletto heels, and unfortunate hair extensions. We were really loving the messy bob she was sporting recently, but clearly she's over it.

INSTANT REPLAY: a look back at this week's top tennis plays

COURTSIDE

A living legend is recognized
Nole has a hot box
Even Liza wants to be like Roger
Andre as Ambassador of Elegance
A fashionista visits Fashion Week
A king and his court
Tennis stars take a bite of the Big Apple
The Chinese get psyched for the China Open

Love is in the air
A mom makes her return
Jake and friend take in some tennis
Stan Smiths take a world view
Serena visits Zac and Tommy
Sania talks Sunfeast
What's up with Anna?
A legend's life coming to the big screen
Gay for pay?
A cover girl continues to grow
The tennis afterlife for a Spanish star
Boris hits a birdie
The continuing saga that is FED CUP...
Roger and the women who love him
To be like Anna
A starlet has eyes for the camera

+ NETCORDS

TUESDAY: Roger, Rafa, Reebok recycles...Mark plans return, Davis Cup and more
FRIDAY: Roger, Dmitry, Marat, the fighting Hewitts...2008 Olympics news, David Beckham undresses and more