Defending champs Roger Federer + Svetlana Kuznetsova (dressed down much?) were joined by French Tennis Federation (FFT) President Jean Gachassin at today's draw ceremony for Roland Garros which continues its annual Sunday start this weekend.
Here are some quick links to each of the draws:
Men's singles
Ladies' singles
I'll be posting my thoughts on both of these draws a little later so stay tuned!
P.S. - Can you stand it?!
[Photo(s): Reuters]
- Wayne Odesnik was given a 2-year suspension after pleading guilty to possession of human growth hormone (HGH) in Australia. He has denied using the substance and never tested positive for it but the ITF charged him because he did not have a "therapeutic use exemption." His ban will be backdated to start Dec. 29, 2009, and will end Dec. 28, 2011. All his results from this year will be erased.
He released the following statement regarding the suspension:
"I accept the ITF's decision regarding my sanction for being in possession of a banned substance. I made an honest mistake and I regret the impact that my actions have had on the sport of tennis; a game that I have loved since childhood and one which has given me many great opportunities and memories. The sole reason I was in possession of this banned substance was under doctor's advice for treatment of a recurring shoulder injury. I was unaware at the time that this would be considered an anti-doping violation. I never have taken nor tested positive for any banned substance in my career. Finally, I want to thank all my family, friends, and fans who have been so supportive of me throughout this difficult time. During my time away from tennis, I will try to give back to the game in a positive way and use this experience to motivate me to work harder than ever."
- Juan Martin del Potro will not defend his U.S. Open title after undergoing surgery on his wrist earlier this month.
- So Rafael Nadal swept all the Masters 1000 tourneys on clay this season and defeated nemesis Roger Federer in the Madrid final. So doesn't that make him a lock for a fifth Roland Garros crown? Tom Perrotta ain't so sure.
- FOXSports.com has some big questions about the boys + the ladies at Roland Garros.
[Photo(s): Getty Images]
"I should've done my kegels this morning. Aw, fuck it."
Rafael Nadal captured a record-setting 18th Masters 1000 shield this weekend when he continued his clay-court domination over Roger Federer defeating the world's top baller 6-4, 7-6 (5) in Madrid. He now becomes the baller with the most Masters 1000 titles surpassing Andre Agassi and increasing his H2H over the Swiss to 14-7 (10-2 on clay - ouch.) And he achieved this astounding feat all before the age of 24.
Although it was exciting to finally get another Fedal final on the ATP World Tour after almost a year I think we all knew who would come out the winner in the end. Rafa not only owns Fed on the slippery stuff but, based on current form, the outcome was clearly written on the wall. It was a great effort for Fed to make the final after his mediocre results of late but he'll need much more game in his Nike back pocket if he's going to defend his Roland Garros crown. Much, much more.
As for Rafa, he finally ended his year-long title drought in Monte Carlo and never looked back, returning to brilliance on his fave surface and making smart scheduling choices to preserve his body for an assault on the big ones, most importantly capturing his seventh major and fifth title in Paris. Even at this point I just don't see anyone stopping him. I dare you to try.
Aravane Rezai grabbed the third and biggest title of her career when she defeated Venus Williams 6-2, 7-5 in Madrid. The Frenchie lady baller had a career week in the Spanish city opening her campaign with a win over Justine Henin (feeding the Belgian a bagel in the third set) and stopping an in-form Jelena Jankovic in the quarterfinals. It was the first time Rezzie defeated two Top tenners in the same week (V, JJ.)
Not only can the girl crack a tennis ball, but she also has real grit and attitude on (and sometimes off) the court which served her well against the big ballers all week long. But it wasn't all ball-bashing in the final sending serves to all parts of the box to get V out of position and using one of the best strategies you can use on the clay: hitting behind your opponent. Rezzie used the strategy to perfection against V, never letting the newly-minted World No. 2 to set up for her shots particularly on the backhand side which opened up the American's shaky forehand. Brills.
Let's hope Rezzie stays healthy and confident in the weeks to come. If she does she'll surely give the Roland Garros faves something to think about.
[Photo(s): Reuters]
Rafael Nadal may have won the battle on the tennis court today in Madrid crushing Gael Monfils 6-1, 6-3 and getting closer to regaining the No. 2 ranking (if he wins his semifinal match against compatriot Nicolas Almagro), but who won the fashion fight - Rafa's Nike or La Monf's K-Swiss?
On a side note, I'm sure these brands are cringing. As they should be.
[Photo(s): Reuters]
Here are some leaked scenes from the tour's recurring drama-filled reality show "WTA Girls Behaving Badly" both starring - SHOCKER - Jelena Jankovic with appearances by Serena Williams + Ana Ivanovic.
Well don't just sit there - WATCH:
SCENE 1: The third set tie-break of their Rome semifinal. JJ goes to serve, ReRe raises her hand up to signal she wasn't ready to receive it. JJ wins the tie-break and the match. At their post-match handshake ReRe apologizes for stopping the Serb mid-serve and allegedly says in her defense, "I'm not Justine" referring to the infamous "Henin Handgate" that occurred during their contentious match at Roland Garros in 2003. Click here for a reminder of THAT one.
Original Video- More videos at TinyPic
SCENE 2: JJ defeats NaturAna in second round of Madrid for her first win on clay over her countrywoman. After the victory she's shown courtside grinning and performing fist-pumps and an uppercut that's supposedly in mockery of NaturAna's penchant for ridiculous amounts of that motion (causing fans to suffer what's now commonly known in tennis circles as FPF or "Fist Pump Fatigue." Thanks AI.) To the victor go the spoiled sportsmanships.
LOVE this show! That JJ is some kind of scene-whore, huh?
In any case, stay tuned for more scenes from "WTA Girls Behaving Badly." I mean, we still have half a season left. There's bound to be more drama 'round the corner. At least we can hope so.
*sets DVR*
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo + Raul paid a locker room visit to Rafael Nadal after he defeated Ukrainian qualifier Oleksandr Dolgopolov Jr. 6-4, 6-3 in the second round of Madrid Masters.
But forget this meet up. Here's hoping Cristiano didn't run into Feliciano Lopez around the Magic Box because, well, it could get all sticky stuff. And not in the good way.
[Photo(s): Getty]
"Cluck, cluck y'all."
Gael Monfils played and won his first match in two months when he defeated compatriot Stephane Robert 6-2, 7-5 in the first round of Madrid today. The Frenchie baller has been dealing with a hand injury which has kept him off the ATP World Tour since Indian Wells in March. He'll face either Fabio Fognini or Philipp Petzschner in the next round.
La Monf also debuted his brand-spanking new K-Swiss gear during the match. The 23-year old, who will represent both apparel and footwear, had been with Nike for years before making the switch. The company made the formal announcement today in a press release.
"I am thrilled to join such an iconic tennis brand with a great reputation for athlete collaboration," said Monfils. "I am looking forward to working with K-Swiss on developing my own line of clothes to launch next year and growing our relationship in the years to come."
Maria Sharapova played her first match in almost two months falling 6-4, 6-3 to Lucie Safarova in the first round of Madrid. After going down 0-4 in the opening set the former top lady baller fought back to 4-all but her Czech foe clinched the next 8 out of 10 games for the win.
Shrieka will have another chance to find her clay-court feet before Roland Garros when she travels to Strasbourg next week for the Internationaux de Strasbourg.
The 23-year old also debuted some new stylings from the Nike Maria Sharapova Collection including the Golden Set Tank in fennel with deep burgundy (underneath the fennel 3/4 sleeved cover up - $55) and the Golden Set Skirt in ($60) fennel w/lilac + deep burgundy.
I think the fennel colorway is pretty against the crushed red brick but the skort design with its multi-colored asymmetrical mesh overlay is a bit jarring. I mean you'd think Shrieka would've given up on the overlay concept after failed with this dud, but give her credit for being persistent. I'm all for the use of color but the execution here is a bit off for my tastes.
So my overall reaction to this outfit? MEH.
UPDATE: So an anonymous commenter tipped me off to discussions in some forums about a possible racquet sponsor switch that may be in the works for the Russian. Notice the missing branding and stencil in the photo? If you have any info, 'fess up. Pretty please.
[Photo(s): TennisWarehouse.com, Getty Images]
