Jo-Wilfried Tsonga joins French Davis Cup team, but moves to Switzerland

Tstealing the show: Next month Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the surprise Aussie Open finalist, will make his Davis Cup debut for France since he's from there - at least for now. Reports have surfaced that the 22-year old will join fellow Frenchies Amelie Mauresmo, Marion Bartoli, Richard Gasquet, Arnaud Clement, Fabrice Santoro and Guy Forget in Switzerland when he takes up residence in La Rippe - let's call it tax aversion.


France's Davis Cup tie versus Romania will take place February 8 -10 in Sibiu.

(images via PATRICK KOVARIK/AFP/Getty Images)

PHOTO OP: Which tennis baller owns this bird's nest?

Messy moment: We've been very vocal about the ATP's hairy situation from last season growing into 2008. Here's one of the regular perpetrators - can you guess which tennis baller owns this mess?

The FED CUP Chronicles: Defending champ Russia arrives in Israel for weekend tie

Defending champions Russia, led by new Aussie Open champ Maria "Shriek"apova, arrived in Israel for a press conference ahead of their FED CUP tie versus the host country's team. Elena Vesnina, Anna Chakvetadze, and Dinara Safina round out the Russian team. World No. 17 Shahar Peer will lead the Israeli team this weekend, which also includes Tzipi Oblizer, Keren Shlomo, and Julia Glushko.


(image via JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images)

THE LOW DOWN: Is Roger Federer set to sign lucrative 10-year extension with Nike?

Bigger & better: Street & Smiths Sports Business Journal is reporting that Roger Federer is about to sign a lucrative 10-year extension with sponsor Nike that could be worth an estimated $13 million a year, making the Swiss one of the highest paid Nike athletes from any sport. In contrast, according to the report, Maria "Shriek"apova brings in $6 million a year while Tiger Woods' contract, the gold standard in the Nike stable, is believed to be worth $40 million a year.

The World No. 1's current contract, which he signed in 2002 and expires next month, was negotiated by Fed himself and is said to be worth $1 million annually - pennies in the tennis business.

Phew - we were worried for Fed but we think he and Mirka will finally be living the good life now.

(image via Rick Stevens/AP)

TENNIS.com editor on Team Djokovic: "their brazen cheesiness was refreshing..." says Steve Tignor

It seems the "wacky" behavior of Team Djokovic during Sunday's Australian Open final wasn't high on the list of many people - including Steve Tignor's. The TENNIS.com editor wants us to know he's fine with it now, but don't annoy him with anymore helpings of this cheese.


Tignor penned these thoughts in his Concrete Elbow column saying,

"As a fan, I’ve enjoyed the wacky Djokovic clan so far—their brazen cheesiness was refreshing on Sunday after the long, entitled reign of that sphinx of the sidelines, Mirka. But how will we feel about Srdjan and company as Djokovic continues to ascend? On Sunday we saw Djokovic as a future king of the sport for the first time, rather than an up-and-coming, attention-seeking class clown. Here’s a guess: His crew’s coordinated shirts and relentless cheerleading—not to mention his own “Yes, I have heart, it’s located here!” chest thumps—are going to wear extremely thin if Djokovic begins to dominate the sport. But we’re not there yet, and we should forgive him his over-the-top excitement this time."

Forgive him? We actually thought the men's final was fascinating not only for the tennis but also for the youthful energy and appreciation of the moment. We enjoyed watching Nole's chest-thumping and his box's enthusiasm and "brazen cheesiness"after countless matches watching the stoicness of Federer and his "sphinx of the sidelines" whispering encouragement from the stands.

We'll take fire in the eyes over a stone-cold stare anyday - so we'll forgive you, Steve Tignor.

(image via tennis.com & PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)

THE LOW DOWN: Novak Djokovic understands Maria, "I think she's a very strong female," says Nole

Common bonds: So what do Aussie Open champs Novak Djokovic and Maria "Shriek"apova have in common besides newly minted trophies? A lot according to the Serb. Though rumors of a budding romance began after the Russian was spotted in Nole's player's box during last season's US Open final and on his arm at parties around New York, the 20-year old has the utmost respect for the 3-time Grand Slam champ.

The World No. 3 talked to the press at Melbourne Park the day after winning his maiden Grand Slam saying,

"I think she’s a very strong female, [...] She is mentally very strong and is a very strong personality. She doesn’t allow anybody to fool with her, and she shows it every time on the court. She already has three Grand Slams. That proves everything. We are kind of on the same line in life. We’ve been through difficult things in our career, and we appreciate success much more, even though we are still young."

Sounds like the makings of a good romance to us - do it, to it!

(images via Mark Baker/AP)

SIGHTING: Serena Williams hits Hollywood club scene, but doesn't go home alone

Moving on: Apparently Serena "ReRe" Williams broken heart is on the mend. The 8-time Grand Slam champ, who hit the quarterfinal skids at the Aussie Open last week, was spotted arriving at Hollywood club Hyde ready to party in a white waist-coat, cobalt blue dress, black patent tote, and peep-toe Christian Louboutin heels.

But the tennis fashionista didn't end the night alone: TMZ caught ReRe, with rumored boyfriend Common, in the passenger seat of his black SUV as they left club Villa the same evening.

Why does the camera-loving tennis star seem so nervous about being photographed with the hip-hop star?

(images via bossip.com)

Novak Djokovic greets fans by the Yarra, gets drink on for the cameras

Giving thanks: Following Maria "Shriek"apova's lead, Novak Djokovic greeted the press and many of his supporters at the Yarra River in Melbourne to celebrate his Aussie Open win; he now leads the ATP 2008 Race to the Masters Cup after his first Grand Slam title.

Nole will next join his Serbian countrymen as they take on Russia in the first round of the Davis Cup World Group tie from February 8th - 10th.


The 20-year old seems to have put his training on hold for now, getting his drink on and downing some well-deserved bubbly by the water. We're sure there'll be more partying to come in Serbia...stay tuned.

(images via WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images)

INSTANT REPLAY - Aussie Open Edition II: a look back at the week's top tennis plays

COURTSIDE

Nicole & Keith take in some tennis
Feli leaves Nike for Joma
Women's 2nd Marquee Matchup: Justine vs. Maria
A star is born
ReRe hits the skids
Preview: Women's Semifinal Showdowns
Ana squeaks by
The shirtless brigade grows
Celebrating the French way
Men's 1st Marquee Matchup: Fed vs. Nole
True heir to the throne?
Preview: Women's Final
Maria comes full circle
Preview: Men's Final
Pat gets inducted
Celebrating the French way, Part Deux
Nole takes his place

Novak Djokovic wins Aussie Open for first Grand Slam, celebrates family-style

Serbian stunner: Novak Djokovic is a Grand Slam champion. As we predicted, the World No. 3 defeated unseeded Frenchie Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in 4 sets, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), to win the Australian Open title and became the first tennis baller from Serbia to win a Grand Slam singles title. After the historic win, Nole told the press,

"I always believed [I could win a Grand Slam.] You know, I always believed. I didn't want to think in a negative way. I always had a big support, especially from my parents, my father. You know, I think he always believed more in me than I did in myself."

"With the way I was playing throughout all the junior years and junior events, I think I earned enough confidence and motivation to be a professional tennis player and to be as a Grand Slam champion."

"So, you know, for somebody it was not realistic, for somebody, yes. And it was difficult to judge in that time because Serbia doesn't have such a big tennis tradition. Considering all these bad times we had, you know, in the time when I grew up and practicing there. So it was basically impossible if you look in it that way, but I always believed."

The new Aussie Open champ, pulling his trademark shirtless moment, celebrated with his ever-present family including father Grdjan, momma Dijana, and brothers Djordje + Marko (who also play tennis) in the locker room.

Could the Djokovics be the next tennis dynasty?

(images via Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)