(UPDATED) VIDEO VAULT: Rafole reach out to Japan

Novak Djokovic + Rafael Nadal came together to send their support to the people of Japan who are still reeling from the aftermath caused by last week's earthquake and tsunami, most notably the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima plant. Nole, of course, has been showing - well, more like wearing - his support for Japan all week at Indian Wells.

A number of the WTA lady ballers also expressed their thoughts on the devastation in Japan. You can read those here.

I can't imagine what the people of Japan are going through right now. Every time I turn on the news or read the latest updates on the recovery efforts my heart breaks. It's unfathomable the amount of destruction and loss yet it's all too real. My thoughts are with them as well.

UPDATE: Vicaro are with you, too, Japan.

[Via: Novak Djokovic FB page; Wozniacki by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: The arabesque volley technique

"Weeeeee!"

"INDIAN WELLS, CA - MARCH 15: Alisa Kleybanova of Russia misses on a forehand volley return to Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark..."

No, really??

Seriously, don't try this at home kids. If you want to win that is (she didn't.)

[Photo(s): Jeff Gross/Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Support job for Japan

Novak Djokovic continued his pun-friendly "SUPPORT TO JAPAN" tape job to his left knee today at Indian Wells in honor and remembrance of those affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The streaking Serb allowed only one game to slip away during his 6-0 6-1 third round drubbing of Ernests Gulbis and has raised his unbeaten streak to 16 matches. He'll face compatriot and good friend Viktor Troicki in the next round.

In case you missed Nole's original support job for Japan here it is via his FB page:

Hopefully the tours will come together as they have recently to help the victims of the earthquake and tsunami.
 
[Photo(s): AP, Novak Djokovic FB page]

Murray makes it seven

With his 7-6(4), 6-3 loss to qualifier Donald Young at Indian Wells, Andy Murray is now 0-7 in sets since the Australian Open final where he lost to Novak Djokovic.

Let's just focus on his abs for now. At least those are still working:

[Photo(s): Ezra Shaw/Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: Wozniacki wearing ruffles for adidas by Stella McCartney

Caroline Wozniacki opened her campaign for a first Indian Wells title by defeating American wildcard Sloane Stephens 6-3, 6-2 in the second round. She'll next face María José Martínez Sánchez who she has yet to defeat in three previous attempts.

The world's top lady baller also debuted a new adidas by Stella McCartney dress for the occasion. She showed up working the Tennis Dress 1 or Tennis Ruffle Dress ($120) in blueprint which features CLIMALITE fabrication to help manage perspiration and cool the body, a ruffled satin collar and mesh inserts throughout for breathability. According to the adidas by Stella McCartney site this blueprint color is her choice for Roland Garros (the white version will be for Wimbledon.)

Here's Wozzi discussing her role as the face of the collection in the Tennis Dress 1:



The ruffles seem a bit much for this dress - it's overkill. And, while I like the color generally, I think it's a bit too dark and deep for Woz (similar to her U.S. Open dress.) I prefer to see her in lighter, brighter colors which tend to match her personality better. This color? Not so much.

[Photo(s): Harry How/Getty Images]

(UPDATED) QUOTE OF THE DAY: Ana Ivanovic

Anyway, I think for guys it's much worse watching women's tennis than us watching men's…

- Ana Ivanovic when asked about compatriot Novak Djokovic watching her defeat Kimiko Date-Krumm 6-4, 6-2 in the second round at Indian Wells

Clearly the truth doesn't hurt NaturAna.

UPDATE: Nole's looking for a little payback, literally (via FB) - "Did my coaching well last night :-) Bravo Ana,you played well. Nothing is for free though. Getting my 75% of her prize money :-)"

Uh, should I be surprised he's a serial smiley face abuser? Strike one AND two.

[Photo(s): Ezra Shaw/Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Special spectacles

Reporter: "I think my frames might be better than yours. What do you say?"

Sam Stosur: "Might, mate. Might. Next question..."

[Photo(s): Ezra Shaw/Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Dripping wet Djokovic

"I hope no one notices me."

I know I'm a little late on this one (thanks work - I really do love you, though) but who the hell cares? It's a wet, shirtless Novak Djokovic in Malibu.

Do you think he knew there were cameras around?

[Via: TMZ ]

Wimbledon wants to rub baller parts in your face

Would you like your tennis in 3-D?

The All England Club officials announced the tourney will be showcasing the men's semifinals and the men's and ladies' semifinal and final matches live in 3-D capable theaters around the world as part of a multiyear partnership with Sony.

Nice. We'll be getting protruding and sweaty baller parts rubbed right up in our faces. Good GAWD - that could be completely drool inducing or downright scary.

Can't wait!

[Photo(s): Time.com]

(UPDATED) VIDEO VAULT: Steamy Spanish sex vs. sleek Swiss style - who wins?

Rafael Nadal and his infamous ass-ets pose in their Emporio Armani undies and jeans in this teaser for their upcoming commercial campaign while Roger Federer and his lovely locks pose for the renowned lens of Mario Testino during a photoshoot for sponsor Credit Suisse. 



It's not really fair to compare the two ballers and their videos. I mean, one makes you want to chomp down on some meaty chorizo while the other makes you want to open a Swiss bank account.

Case closed - at least for me.

UPDATE: Full-length Rafa here (thanks Brandy!)

[Via: Racked & GoToTennis]