+ TUESDAY NETCORDS: Marcel makes Davis Cup debut...Stretch for success...Worm-less Nicole takes India

(Juan Martin del Potro, Shanghai)

LINKS

Marcel has big shoes to fill [ESPN]
Stretching the truth [TENNIS]


BLOG TALK

Nicole visits India [Nick's Picks]

(image via Getty)

PHOTO OP: Jurgen + Dominika vacation together, play water sports in the Maldives

Thanks to an anonymous DtL reader for sending these images over of Jurgen Melzer and Dominika Cibulkova already enjoying their off season together vacationing in the Maldives.

The Slovak has most definitely moved on from Frenchie Gael Monfils. Was that fast or what?

Anyway, it looks like they're pretty happy and having a grand ol' time in the water but I have to say they don't come anywhere close to Anando, the hottest couple in tennis at the moment. Nice try, though!

+ MONDAY NETCORDS: Murray making moves...Flink on Doha....Davis Cup format still sucks

(Andy Murray + Andy Roddick, Shanghai)

LINKS

Andy on the upswing [Deuce]
Masters Cup missing its mojo? [ESPN]
Flink wraps up Doha [Tennis Channel]


BLOG TALK

Davis Cup needs an enema [Richard's Court]

(image via Getty)

Quote of the Day: Wertheim on WTA Championships

Either the stands were empty or a lot of people came dressed as empty seats.

- Sports Illustrated's Jon Wertheim on the sparse crowds in Doha for the WTA Championships

So funny. Yes, this move was all about the bottom line but, truth is, the bottom fell out guys.

However, I have this truly novel, off the wall, I-can't-believe-it's-not-butter kind of idea: if you really want to make money off this year-end tennis thing, get smart and create a combined event leveraging the star power of both tours to sell the event. Then you can stick it wherever you want it.

Crazy, right? I know!

(image via Getty)

Distraught Rafa still injured, will miss Davis Cup final with tendinitis

Rafael Nadal confirmed he will not be participating in the Davis Cup final versus Argentina due to the tendinitis that forced him out of the Paris Masters and this week's Masters Cup.

A disappointed Rafa told the press in Barcelona:

After a very long and positive year, it is terrible for me not to be able to participate at two of the events that were part of my goals of the year, Shanghai and the Davis Cup final.

These are tough moments, but I have done everything possible to be fit for the final. It was something I really wanted. I am used to pain, I am used to playing with pain but this time is different, I can't control it.

It's truly unfortunate the top baller's fairy tale season had to end on such a terrible note. Rafa's had issues with his knees in the past and always tapes them for preventative measure, but to miss these major tourneys because of the injury is a very worrying sign.

It's too early to say whether this specific injury will affect him over the long term but his intense and overtly physical style of play won't help matters. Tough luck.

On the flip side, Argentina is positioned now to take their first Davis Cup championship with Rafa on Spain's sidelines - no problem.

(image via rafaelnadal.com)

PHOTO OP: Gilles plays hard in win over Fed, adidas shorts tell the tale

Gilles Simon isn't hard up for wins over Roger Federer after earning his second win this year over the former No.1 (yes, "former" Rog) at the Masters Cup in Shanghai.

But based on this image, the Frenchie's hard up for something. What could it be? Maybe we should ask Mario Ancic. It could be something about those adidas shorts - they're like viagra for ballers or something.

My order's in.

(image via Getty)

Second place isn't a fun place for Fed, "I'm not world No. 2..." says Roger

Roger Federer has revealed he isn't enjoying playing second fiddle on the ATP Tour these days.

The Swiss maestro told the media at his pre-tourney presser in Shanghai this weekend,

When they (court announcers) say 'This is the world No. 2' it just doesn't sound right to me because either I'm No. 1 or I'm a grand slam champion.

I'm not world No. 2. I just don't like the ring of it when I'm introduced on court. It just sounds awkward to me because I've been up there for so, so long it just sounds unfamiliar. But, at the same time, it is a challenge to get back where I was and I think next year will be a good chance.

I will be doing everything, starting here.

Fed's Masters Cup campaign, however, was derailed today when he was stunned by streaking Frenchie Gilles Simon 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Newsflash Fed: you ARE world No.2 and you haven't been playing like the top baller for a while now so put the sour grapes away. Seriously, just check the results of the guy right above you.

PS - thanks to DtL reader Risha for the tip!

(image via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Nole grabs first Masters Cup win, goes black + gold for adidas

Novak Djokovic is hoping for a better Masters Cup this season than last when the Serb went 0-3 in round robin play. He's off to a great start: Nole defeated Juan Martin del Potro 7-5, 6-3 in his first match and will face Nikolay Davydenko next.

The 21-year old also debuted some new black + gold adidas duds especially made for Nole to wear at the Masters Cup: he's working the Edge Tee, Edge Bermuda, and some fantastic Barricades. The all black moment looks great on him and the gold give's the outfit something special. I love the fact the sports giant made great looking gear especially for Nole at a prestigious tourney like the Masters Cup.

Could it be this outfit, in addition to Ana Ivanovic's plum piece last week, is signaling a positive change in design direction and marketing for adidas?

We can only hope!

(images via Getty)

PHOTO OP: Venus defeats Vera, ends season with first WTA Championships crown

Venus Williams captured the prestigious WTA Championships crown this weekend in Doha losing a tight first set but dominating Vera Zvonareva in the last two 6-7(5), 6-0, 6-2.

The 7-time Grand Slammer champ earned her third title of the year (Wimbledon, Zurich) and went undefeated the entire week, including 3-set wins over sister Serena and top lady baller Jelena Jankovic.


Congrats to V for the big win and for achieving another "first" at 28-years old. Could a first Aussie Open or Roland Garros crown be in her future? You never know with the V, but it seems she's still committed to being around and winning the big ones.

And for all the ladies: enjoy the off-season and we'll see you next year!!!

Here's a video recap of the championship match:

(images via Getty)

INSTANT REPLAY: A look back at the week's top tennis plays

(Masters Cup, Shanghai)

Weekend Winners: Jo-Willy, Nadia
Ana + Elena feeling beachy
The always gracious David
Injured Rafa skips Masters Cup and maybe Davis Cup
ReRe takes on Fed
Sveta's packing heat
Vote for change
Ana looks forward, fashionably speaking
Fernando eyes his birthday girl
JJ gets crafty with denim
ReRe keeps it classic with Nike
The Sisters Sledge feeling inspired
JJ takes a mid-match break
Bjorn gives good quote
WTA Championships take two big hits

+ NETCORDS: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

(image via Getty)