Aussie Open officials afraid of boobs + butts, will scrutinize "skimpy" lady baller fashions

Thanks to DtL reader Allison for this latest Aussie Open news!

Note to the trashy lady ballers in Melbourne: BEWARE.

Tourney officials have threatened to slap fines of up to $2000 on anyone sporting duds they consider to be "skimpy" after Alize Cornet caused a stir by wearing a supposed "see-through top" during a Hopman Cup doubles match last week.

The Frenchie may have realized something was up because she donned a towel during a post-match on-court interview with partner Gilles Simon:

("Alize, did you wear that top to show off your headlights?"

"No, that wasn't the point. Ha! Get it? 'The point, 'headlights'. So crazy...")

Officials have promised to scrutinize the ladies' outfits for the year's first major according to referee Wayne McKewen:

They should be dressed in what we say is tennis attire.

Whatevs. I can deal with a little boob + butt but I can't deal with arbitrary rules like what they're proposing.

I'm more concerned about who's going to save us from looking at crap like this for two weeks (no offense Nads, nice to see you back!):


(images via Getty, HopmanCup.com)

VIDEO VAULT: Serena really does love her dogs, maybe more than her US Open trophy

Remember when Serena Williams professed her love for turkey dogs? Well, she wasn't kidding and now we have proof.

Here's some video of the 80's-inspired US Open champ in LA (right before traveling to Australia) chomping down on a helpless dog in her latest vlog. She also gives us a glimpse at her latest US Open trophy delivered in some pretty hardcore packaging I must say. It looks to be the size of the trophies they hold on-court in Flushing Meadow - not those pocket trophies they give out at some other Slams.

ReRe ends the video by attempting to fit inside the box, though she can blame her infamous arse for that failed attempt.

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(UPDATED) Ana is a "single lady" in song only - or so she says

Ana Ivanovic has already traveled to Melbourne and is preparing for the Aussie Open. The Roland Garros champ is still recovering from the illness which hampered her during her Queensland quarterfinal loss to an almost-resurgent Amelie Mauresmo.

However, Ana found time to blog and confirmed her team for the Aussie Open:

Supporting me in Australia I have Scott Byrnes, my fitness coach, and also Melle Van Gemerden, my hitting partner. My mother is here with me and my agent will arrive in Melbourne, too, where my family will also be. Tennis is an individual sport, but you can't overstate the importance of a supportive team.

No mention of former coach Sven Groenefeld? I guess those rumors of him sticking with Team Ana through the year's first major were just that - rumors.


Ana also discussed one of her pre-match routines:

Many players have their routines and I'm no different. During matches I always have a song playing in my head and this week it was Beyonce's Single Ladies.

"Single Ladies", eh? Maybe it's wishful thinking on her part. (Note to Nando: drop the hairy situation or be forced to find a new PR pony. Your call.)

UPDATE - Apparently Sven will be with Ana for the Aussie Open. From the horsey's mouth:

I don't have a full time coach but Sven still helps me on the court and he gives me some tips and will be there (in Melbourne).

(images via celebrityfashionwatcher.com)

(UPDATED) MEDIA MASHUP: It's RafaTIME! (behind-the-scenes video included)

Thanks to DtL reader Sonja for tipping me off to the latest Rafael Nadal news!

The world's top baller, who flew straight to Melbourne after winning doubs in Doha, is featured in TIME magazine this month.

According to his site, the feature article called "Nadal's New Spin" discusses his personal life, game, and people who surround the world's top baller.

Unfortunately the link to the actual story on his site isn't working but I'm doing some research and will post it once I find it.

In the meantime, here's some behind-the-scenes footage of Rafa's photoshoot for the issue. If you enjoy long camera shots focused squarely on the Matador's bronzed face, flowing locks, and sexy, broad shoulders then you might enjoy this video. Might.

CHECK IT:



UPDATE - Read the full article here - thanks anon! A couple of interesting points from the piece:

* "After studying the exotic wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, Charles Darwin surmised that animals can develop unique traits when they evolve in isolation. In the tennis world, Rafael Nadal is such an animal." - I love this analogy since it plays against the picture of his personal life he describes as down-to-earth, ordinary, and low key.

* Rafa's quote "I've always liked the competition more than the tennis."

* Uncle Toni working on flattening out his forehand. I don't believe it will be a complete change but part of mixing up his shot selection on that side. It's always good to have options on either side and overall.

* "Better now is Rafael, he is No. 1 in the ranking. But who has the best game? Federer." That's a brutally honest assessment from Uncle Toni, eh?

* Is Rafa, his handlers, or both pushing his image to mimic Roger Federer's? The article makes it sound like a combo platter. Bad move IMO - discuss!

(image via rafaelnadal.com)

PHOTO OP: The X-Man's got a new 'do - and it sure ain't pretty

Remember Xavier Malisse?

The Belgian has been traveling between the ATP World Tour and Challenger circuit ever since injuring his wrist in 2007. He currently sits at No.185 in the rankings but was as high as No.19 back in 2002.

Anyway, The X-Man was spotted at the Sydney qualifiers today working one of the hairiest situations I've seen in a while. WTF?!


He did so well moving away from that spindly ponytail to a more cleaned up, albeit spikey, look. I just don't get it and I definitely don't get the skinny headband.

Maybe it's bothering me because The X Man's making me nostalgic for another baller (and not doing her justice I might add):


Yeah - definitely one of Marty's classic looks. Nice win too.

(images via Getty, ViewImages)

PHOTO OP: Things are looking bumpy for JJ in Hong Kong

Thanks to DtL reader Allison for sending over this image of Jelena Jankovic at a Hong Kong presser.

The top lady baller's road to her first Grand Slam in Melbourne just got a little bumpier when she pulled out of this weekend's JB Group Classic team competition with the flu.

But her path isn't the only thing that's gotten bumpy: her skin here is looking a bit suspect. Click on the above image for closer inspection (if you dare). Egads!

I guess that's why JJ likes to blind as batty with glitter and pancake the makeup. Wise choice on both accounts though the on-court towels might (and do) say differently.

PHOTO OP: Ballers gather for Medibank International, hit up Sydney cocktail party

A number of top ballers looking to sharpen their games ahead of the year's first major, the Aussie Open, have gathered in Sydney for the Medibank International.

But before they hit the courts for competition, some of these ballers put on their party-best and hit up a cocktail party celebrating the opening of this long-standing tourney.

Check out both draws here.

Serena Williams: The ladies' top seed, who's back to her match-point saving ways, is working a diamond-studded necklace given to her by Aussie Nic Cerrone. Sorry, but I'm not a fan of chokers, not matter the price. Ick.

Novak Djokovic: Can the boys' top seed get his ass in gear ahead of the defense of his Aussie Open crown?

Agnieszka Radwanska: Pretty in plum

Gilles Simon: I still wonder if this Frenchie baller with the sneakily effective game can keep it up this year.

Vera Zvonareva: A strong end to 2008 - but what will 2009 hold for this Russian? I'm not sure. But I am sure that I like this minimalist, Calvin Klein-esque look on Vera.

David Nalbandian: The Argentinean baller, who shouldn't quit his day job, might need some face block. Just sayin'.

Lucie Safarova: "OMFG hurry up. I so need to use the john."

Mardy Fish: Did they snip off your chin when they cut your hair?

(images via Getty)

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Radek still wormy but wins Queensland, Elena roars to first '09 title in Auckland

Radek Stepanek, whose questionable fashion I checked out yesterday, came back from a set down to defeat Fernando Verdasco 3-6, 6-3 6-4 in the Queensland final. It was the third time this week the 30-year old baller came back from a set down to win his match (Soderling, Gasquet).

He, of course, busted out his trademark "The Worm" dance after winning his third career title. Do you think Nicole Vaidisova finds this dance anything close to sexy? I have serious doubts - love isn't that blind.


Elena Dementieva roared out of the gates this season earning her first title of the season in Auckland by overwhelming compatriot Elena Vesnina 6-4, 6-1. The elder Russian dominated the draw and finished the week without dropping a set.

Let's hope this title run gives Elena some much needed confidence for Melbourne where, believe it or not, she's never been past the fourth round - crazy!

This 27-year old is a true enigma so I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens.

UPDATE: Marin Cilic defeated wild-card Somdev Devvarman of India 6-4, 7-6 (3) in the final of the Chennai Open today for his second career title. Another one to watch in Melbourne people!

(images via Getty)

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

(Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Queensland)

Is Dinara disappearing?
Nole spotted getting more HEAD but falls early anyway
Ana + Sven reportedly part ways
Prince launches EXO3 performance line
V goes MIA in Hong Kong - did she oversleep?
Rafa, Fed, + Murray do some ATP PR
Shirted Ross makes return
Fed, Ernests, Ana + Amelie give good quote
Rafa keeps it brief
Nalby's second life
ReRe turns to dogs for support
Now it's official official
Marlie takes in some b-ball in LA
Guessing + revealing the baby baller
Something smells stinky to Ana
Aravane gets cooky
Nando needs a new 'do
A early season Serbian Slide?
Gawdy La Monf shocks Rafa
Checking out Chaky in Fila
Will he be the next ATP CEO?
Amelie still looking back
Hopman Cup win for Dom + Doma
Fed facing the inevitable
Rafa + Marc grab Doha doubles title
A Czech and his checks
More 'Murray Magic' for Melbourne, I say
Vika is, like, soooo happy


+NETCORDS: Monday, Wednesday

(image via Getty)

THE LOW DOWN: Maria pulls out of Aussie Open, "I am just not ready to compete," says Shrieka

Maria Sharapova will not be defending her title at Aussie Open.

The Russian glamazon, who underwent secret surgery last October to fix her balky shoulder, announced the news via her website:

I am very very sad to report that I am just not ready to compete at the level required to win a Grand Slam. I have been working very hard over the past few weeks and my shoulder is doing great, but there is way more preparation and training needed to compete to win my fourth grand slam and I have just ran out of time. If they can move the Australian Open back another 3 weeks, I think I could be ready!! I have very mixed feelings, I am so disappointed and sad that I can't defend my title from last year and at the same time, I am so excited to be back on the tennis court training.

Crap! Although it's disappointing whenever a defending champion is unable to defend their title, it's even more unfortunate when it's a Grand Slam. It always feels like something's lacking from the start - and there is and will be this year.

Shrieka will be missed next week but it's better to come back when ready than to force the issue.

On a side note, the 3-time Grand Slammer also mentioned her last trip to NYC when the stalkeratti spotted her shopping with some friends:

Quote goes to Natalie when the paparazzi were following us around in NY. 'Do they always make conversation with you like that?' Yep, there's a very open dialogue when they're snapping your picture and no it's not normal.

But is it worse if they didn't care to follow you at all? What would THAT mean??

Anyway, happy healing Shrieka and we'll see you, eh, soon.

(image via Getty)