Venus Williams wins Korean Open, dines on cow tongue

Venus Williams made a return to the winner's circle this week at the Korean Open. Playing for the first time since her semifinal US Open loss to eventual champ Justine Henin, V played sketchy tennis at stretches to defeat Russian Maria Kirilenko 6-3, 1-6, 6-4. The finalists donned traditional Korean clothing for the presentation ceremony.

Here's what V had to say in her blog about the dress:

"I really love the dress they gave me after the final in Seoul. I was thinking about when I'd have another chance to wear it - but I don't know if I can even get it back on! The reality is probably I can't wear it again, but it was mine to keep, so I have it with me. They fitted it for me too, which was great, but with that in mind, I don't know if any other woman can wear it!"

The World No. 8 celebrated the win with some late night karaoke and a dinner that included cow tongue:

"I'd have to say the highlight of my week was the final; it was just a great final, so intense - but the most interesting part was probably getting coerced into eating tongue at this Korean barbecue last night. I almost lost it - twice. Don't get me wrong, I loved the food all week, and I ate lots. But the restaurant owner brought us some delicacies and of course, there was cow tongue. He told me to dip it in the sauce, which was vinegar, and I really don't like vinegar at all. It was just miserable! But I made it through."

(source)

FASHION FIX: Sania Mirza goes white + red for Japan Open

India's superstar Sania Mirza is playing in the Japan Open this week and sits as the No. 2 seed. Clothing sponsor Lotto has hooked Sania up with a striking red number for the tournament (with our fave flirty skirt.) We've always admired her understated style, particulary this summer's white + green gear. Clearly she's having a white + red moment having worn the same color combo while previewing the winner's trophy at the Sunfeast Open.

Sania moved into the second round by defeating Japan's Ayumi Morita 6-0, 6-4.

Letter to our readers: we're taking a vacation!

Hello readers,

Down the Line! is taking a much needed vacation from life for the next week. We are traveling to Tuscany, Italy for some good ol' R & R but will return on Monday, October 1st with more fun, irreverent coverage from the world we love - TENNIS.

Have a great week!!!

Rich

SIGHTING: Rafael Nadal takes in Eurobasket, cheers for Spanish basketball team

Thanks to our reader Maxwell for sending us these great pics of sexy Rafael Nadal watching the Spanish basketball team compete and win in the semifinals of Eurobasket, the European basketball championships in Madrid. Unfortunately they lost to Russia in the finals the next day - boo!

We agree with Maxwell - we think Rafa looks hot in his black military-style button down shirt and jeans.

One other question: who's the cutie in the white shirt sitting to Rafa's left in the very top picture? Hmmm....

(images via Polfoto, Terra.es)

Lindsay Davenport talks tennis, working motherhood, and Kim Clijsters

We've been covering the very successful return of Lindsay Davenport to the WTA Tour. She's competing this week at the China Open and has reached the quarterfinals with a win over Greece's Eleni Daniilidou, 7-5, 6-3. In a recent interview, the former World No. 1 spoke about being a working mom, getting the balance right, and her thoughts on another mom-to-be, the now-retired Kim Clijsters:

On being a working mom:

"It's been really fun to do both, " [...] "At the beginning when I would leave and go and play tennis for a couple of hours I would have all this guilt" [...] "But I've learned that it's probably been good for both of us." [...] I feel like my life on the road is more fulfilled now I have my son with me" [...] "Once the tennis is over all my attention is on him and I think that helps me focus on the court."

On the challenges of coming back:

"Just physically, your body is really different after giving birth and I'm definitely not back to where I was before," [...] "It will probably take a few months ... I'm definitely not the fastest player out there so I have to rely on my anticipation."

On Kim Clijsters:

"[...] I just have to talk Kim (Clijsters) into coming back," [...] "I don't think she has any plans to do it but we'll try."

On her goals for tennis:

"It's been a wildly successful trip for me whatever happens here," [...] "For me it's just about the challenge of trying to get back to the top, of trying to win tournaments and being a force on the tour again."

(source, images via AP Photo)

Maria Kirilenko trades out adidas for a sari at the Sunfeast Open

Taking a page out of Daniela Hantuchova's fashion book, Russia's Maria Kirilenko traded out her Stella McCartney for adidas and threw on a sari for a press conference at the Sunfeast Open. Maria is the No. 4 seed at the tournament and moved into the semifinals with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Ekaterina Ivanova.

PHOTO OP: Martina Hingis says goodbye to China Open

Which one of these kids is doing her own thing? Swiss Miss Martina Hingis has a game all her own and looks to be the odd man out at this event for the China Open. Unfortunately, Marty lost to homegirl Peng Shuai 7-5, 6-1 the next day in only her second match of the tournament. It's as if she knew she would be going home - say "bye-bye" Marty...and don't look so happy Amelie!

(source)

SIGHTING: Elena Dementieva arrives for China Open, looks to resurrect game

Former top 10 player Elena Dementieva arrived in Beijing alongside mom and coach (not to mention baggage handler) Vera for the China Open. The Russian with the incredible groundies but sketchy serve is the No. 4 seed this week and hopes to get on track this fall. Elena is now sitting at No. 15 in the world after a rough summer - she lost in the 3rd round at both Wimbledon and the US Open.

Her first match is a very tricky one - she plays up-n-coming slugger Tamira Paszek, a 16 year old from Austria, who defeated Elena in their first and only meeting at Wimbledon this past summer.


(source)

Ana Ivanovic featured in Serbia's Story Magazine, continues Global Domination Tour (sort of)

I suppose this media placement for Ana Ivanovic wouldn't technically fall under her Global Domination Tour since it's from a Serbian rag and she's quite the star there already. In any case, the World No. 6 was was the subject of a Q & A by Serbia's Story Magazine.

Some of the choice - and strangely interesting - questions and answers from the interview:

Q: Do you wish to fall in love?

A: No, I am sure that falling in love is something you cannot plan, it comes naturally, most often when you least expect it.

Q: What does the term “love” mean to you?

A: There are different kinds of love, but they all have one thing in common that involves understanding, respect and unreserved support for each other.

Q: Is that what life is all about, for you?

A: That is a philosophical question, but for me life makes sense if a person uses it to expand their knowledge, capabilities, discover new things and shares it all with the people they are close to.

Q: How do you react to male suitors?

A: I remember that one time, at the airport in Bali, a guy came to me and said that he followed my matches. He added that he liked the way I played tennis, and that we would meet each other some day and then I would definitely marry him! It really surprised me, I replied to him shortly and left. Later on, it turned out that he was on the same plane with me. A couple hours into the flight, the stewardess brought me an unsigned letter. The unknown guy presented himself nicely in that letter and apologised for the way he came to me, and for the words he shocked me with!

(via anaivanovic.com)

Daniela Hantuchova at the Sunfeast Open, works sari at press conference

World No. 11 Daniela Hantuchova spoke to the press this week at the Sunfeast Open. The slender Slovak is the No. 2 seed at this event and looks stunning in this sari.

Dani has launched her fall campaign in great fashion, reaching the final of last week's Bali Open but losing to mom-of-the-moment Lindsay Davenport in 3 sets.