PHOTO OP: Nole flashes treasure trail for Indian Wells fans

Novak Djokovic was spotted working some different kind of balls during a practice session at Indian Wells.

The defending champ shook off some rust during his 7-5, 6-4 defeat of Argentine Martin Vassallo Arguello and will be looking to get his game in second gear when he faces Tommy Haas for a spot in the fourth round.

I guess some practice is in order. Just make it shirtless next time Nole. Pretty please?

I think Viktor Troicki sees something he REALLY likes on Tipsy...wonder what could it be?

(images via novakdjokovic.rs courtesy of Jason Summers)

PHOTO OP: Nando needs some Fer on his head - stat

So a few readers have been asking what I thought of Fernando Verdasco's latest 'do.

I have one word: BLECH. No wait - I have two: TOTALLY BLECH.

(image via getty)

FASHION FIX: Rog officially returns, goes minimalist + monochromatic at Indian Wells

Maybe Roger Federer is downsizing during these tough times too - fashionably anyway.

The Swiss stylist played his first match since the Aussie Open final defeating Frenchie Marc Gicquel 7-6(4), 6-4 in the third round at Indian Wells. The 3-time champ won 92% of his first serve points and will face a dangerous test in the thin desert air when he faces huge-serving Croat Ivo Karlovic in the fourth round. Scary.


Fed looks to be getting more minimal + monochromatic this season. Gone (for now) is his ubiquitous preppy polo moment and in its place is a the simple Nike Spring V-Neck Top ($60) in dark obsidian navy with white. It's paired with the Nike Spring Woven Short ($45) he wore in Oz but instead of white he's opted for the dark obsidian navy colorway with white side stripe.

There's even a sneaky striped belt underneath to tie it all together.

There's nothing tricky here but the 13-time Grand Slammer could probably wear a racquet bag and make it look stylish. This outfit is no exception.

Clean + classic all the way.

(images via ap, getty, tennis warehouse)

PHOTO OP: Ballers take part in Fila/Trina Turk runway show, fashion be damned

Fila sponsored an Indian Wells fashion show at the Garden Club Courtyard last night and pulled in some ballers including Agnes Szavay, Anna Chakvetadze, Caroline Wozniacki, Taylor Dent, Andreas Seppi and Marin Cilic to help model some of their latest looks and also the styles of LA designer Trina Turk.

Okay - I don't know where all the "fashion" is in this "fashion show" (these look like my weekend duds - dresses and leggings included) but, nevertheless, it's always good to see the ballers having fun off-court.

Caroline Wozniacki

Anna Chakvetadze

Andreas Seppi

Agnes Szavay

Taylor Dent + his sock shadows

BONUS: Here are some behind-the-scenes images of the ladies getting ready...

(images via getty)

PHOTO OP: JJ dumped out of Indian Wells by Anastasia, continues seasonal slumber

It's official: Jelena Jankovic is in a full-blown Serbian Slide.

The former top lady baller was shocked by rising 17-year old Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-4, 6-4 in the second round at Indian Wells. The former junior Grand Slam champ will face Karin Knapp for a spot in the fourth round.

I suppose it's not a total shock since JJ has been struggling mightily recently and also admitted her game is lacking that explosive first step after building up to much bulk in the off-season (not to mention some questionable training practices.) I can think of one aspect of her game that really could've used some beefing up though: her serve.

In any case, she really needs to get back to the basics of her game and what got her to the WTA Penthouse: speed, consistency, and accuracy of shot. It's never too late.

(image via getty)

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Nole on adidas falcon theme

It’s one of my favorite animals, and I think it describes in some ways my personality as well. I play a pretty aggressive game, and I’m very emotional, and I’m kind of connected to that bird.

My grandfather used to call me always when I was younger, ‘falcon, falcon’ – doesn’t make any sense in English, but in our language it does.

- Novak Djokovic at his Indian Wells presser discussing the falcon theme of his current adidas duds

Er, I would've picked a peacock for you Nole. Just sayin'.

(image via adidas)

Open Letter to Sveta: Take a break, you need it (badly)

Dear Sveta,

Hey! I really like you. You seem to have a fun + friendly personality and I hear you get along with pretty much everyone on the WTA Tour. That's nice.

I even like your game - that is, when you're not getting in your own way. You know what I'm talking about, the way you have of obsessively thinking about it during a match to the point where all moments of spontaneity and creativity are completely destroyed. It's like throwing cold water on a brightly burning flame.

If I remember correctly back to 2004 when you had that surprise run to your first and only major championship to date - the U.S. Open - you're an all-court lady baller with shots to spare. But for some reason you've made the unwise decision of parking your Russian arse at the baseline all...day...long.

The results speak for themselves: lost 10 of your last 11 final appearances, suffered a second round loss in Dubai to Elena Vesnina, and only reached two quarterfinal appearances to date at Syndey and the Aussie Open where you served for the match against eventual winner Serena Williams and then crumbled.

Now you've been upset in the second round of Indian Wells by 18-year old Urszula Radwanska 2-6, 6-4, 3-6 after being up a break in the third set. She's a talented baller but still raw and not at your level at all. But you found a way to lose. Yes, YOU found a way to lose a match you should've won. And as last year's finalist and World No.8 you'll be taking a hugh hit in the rankings and will most likely fall out of the Top 10. Let's not even discuss Miami where you made the semifinals last season - the field will be much deeper (read: the Williams sisters return).

So my advice? Step off the baseline. In fact, step off the court completely and take a break to clear your mind and get some head shrinking. The Tour will be here when you get back but it needs you to be in better shape. And I would think you'd want that for yourself too.

(image via getty)

Vaida showing some solid form at Indian Wells - is a career turnaround next?

Nicole Vaidisova may be starting to put the brakes on her career free fall at Indian Wells.

The Czech lady baller crushed 24th seed Alona Bondarenko 6-3, 6-1 in the tourney's second round and began the week by dismissing wildcard Michaelle Krajicek 6-3, 6-4 in her first match. Now, these wins wouldn't normally be newsworthy but for someone who's been struggling to move past first and second rounds this is a mini-breakthrough. Vaida, who holds the 80th spot in the rankings, will be happy to take whatever she can get from them - namely some much needed confidence.

Moreover, the 19-year old recently reunited with stepdad + coach Alex Kodat who helped steer her to a pair of Grand Slam semifinals (Roland Garros, Aussie Open) in her very young career. It seems some emotional rifts may have been healed.

And, if ever there ever was a sign of growing maturity, this decision might be it.

(image via getty)

+ FRIDAY NETCORDS: "Bring Your Giant Russian to School" Day

* Kim Clijsters will be playing two matches for the St. Louis Aces in World Team Tennis this summer. The Belgian baller will make her debut on July 21 in St. Louis and play in Philadelphia on July 22. So about those comeback rumors...you were sayin'? [The Denver Post]

* After deciding he just wasn't that into Roger Federer, Darren "Killer" Cahill has decided to join the successful adidas baller development program and will work along side Gil Reyes + Sven Groenefeld. I guess it all worked out for the best since the program and his family are both based in Las Vegas. Boy it's nice to have these incredible options - Killer must be damn good. [TennisGrandStand]

* Vera Zvonareva, who already owns an undergraduate degree in sports management, has been enrolled in a three-year postgraduate program at a diplomatic academy supported by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She's interested in possible post-tennis career at the United Nations. Love that but really, who wudda thunk it? [ESPN]

(image via getty)

PHOTO OP: Rossie returns, gives Murray a hand

The doubles pairing of Andy Murray + Ross Hutchins made their debut at Indian Wells today.

The Brit ballers defeated the team of Tomas Berdych + Nicolas Kiefer 6-4, 0-6, 10-7 in the tourney's first round and will face either Mario Ancic + Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or the Brazilian team of Andre Sa + Marcelo Melo (love that name).

It's nice to see Andy + Ross together again after seeing so much of them during their shirtless off-season workouts in Miami. Wait - who am I kidding? Andy Shmandy, we see him all the time. It's damn good to see Rossie again even with his shirt on!

Beggars can't be choosers I say. *swoons*



(images via getty)