PHOTO OP: Grigor Dimitrov feeling flexy

Grigor Dimitrov took out Spain's Pablo Andujar 6-4, 6-4 at the China Open and will try become the first baller to defeat Novak Djokovic in Beijing when they meet in the quarterfinals. The Serb is riding a 21-0 streak at the tourney.

Grisha doesn't seem too concerned about the world number one's record:

"[Novak] has always played well here. At the same time I like my chances. I've been practising well. I had a good block before the last bit of the season. In a way I'm excited to just come out there and play that match. Of course... I'm going to give my all." 

I actually give the Bulgarian a chance because I think he may have learned a few things from their semifinal meeting at Wimbledon. In that match, Nole was shaky and Grisha had his chances but let the moment get to him. There should be less pressure here; and the Serb has not been his supremely confident self since that championship run at the All England Club.

The ATP site also posted a Player Profile on Grisha. Check it out here.
 
[Via ATP.com; Photo(s) credit: Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images]

Andy Murray and adidas reportedly set to split at season's end

There's a good chance Andy Murray will be leaving adidas when his contract expires at the end of the season, according to The Telegraph's Simon Briggs:

Andy Murray's long-standing partnership with his clothing sponsor Adidas is unlikely to be renewed at the end of the season, according to sources within the equipment industry, as the Scot goes in search of one last big kit deal to cover the final five years of his career.

Murray, who beat Jerzy Janowicz yesterday in his first match at the China Open, will finish with close to £15 million – including performance-related bonuses – from the five-year contract with Adidas that is due to end in December.

For their next move, though, it seems that Murray’s agents are - eyeing niche brands that would base their strategy around him - and which might even offer him equity in the company, as the American nutrition specialists Fuse Science did last year. The example of Tomas Berdych, the Czech player who broke away from the traditional tennis labels to join high-street retailer H&M, could turn out to be a precedent.

In 2010, Muzz joined the German sports apparel giant after a stint with British fashion label, Fred Perry. Can you imagine the marketing push the company would have made for him last year when he became the first British man since Perry to claim the title at SW19? Anyway, it sounds like Muzz would like to return to a smaller brand where he can be the face. While it was certainly worth the jump to adidas from a financial standpoint, the company never did anything to make him stand out from the rest - no special collections or marketing strategies. He's always looking to do things a little differently (see: the appointment of Amelie Mauresmo as head coach), so it probably didn't sit well with him to be just another baller in their stable.

Any guesses on who his new sponsor will be? I think he'll go towards fashion rather than performance. Maybe a Brit brand such as Topman, French Connection, or Burberry? Ralph Lauren, although not exactly niche, has been involved in tennis for some time and could be looking to take that next step (plus they'd most likely have the funds). Perhaps The Gap or JCrew? Clearly I'm very interested.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: The 2014 China Open Player Party

The China Open Player Party has come a long way. So long traditional garb, hello sometimes questionable fashion choices. But I have to say, for the most part [SPOILER ALERT] these looks aren't screaming, "Wait, what the hell were you, or your stylist, thinking?!"

It's safe to say our ballers have come a long way, too.

THE GUYS

Novak Djokovic. The Serb usually goes for relatively safe, classic looks for these events and this outfit is no exception. First of all, I love the blue, but Nole's bordering ever so slightly on game show host here.

Rafael Nadal. I wasn't kidding when I said they've come a long way, especially Rafa. Back in the day, he would never show up wearing anything that actually fit him well. That's no longer the case. Aside from the slicked back hair, I think he looks quite good here.

Tomas Berdych. I'm not a huge fan of denim made to be distressed. I much prefer either raw denim or denim that has been distressed naturally and over time. In this case, Big Berd's jeans give his look some edge and make it less conservative than Rafa's. As we've seen on-court with his H&M kits, the Czech isn't afraid to be bold.

THE LADIES

 

Serena Williams. She dares to be different and this striking dress is no exception. It's certainly in the theme of the evening. But if ReRe's trying to out-Milos Milos Raonic with her one-sleeve number, SHE WINS.

Ana Ivanovic. I'll keep it short here and say she looks lovely. It feels like, on-court and off, she's coming into her own this year.

 

Caroline Wozniacki. What I just wrote for Ana? Ditto for Woz. Great look.

Simona Halep. If this haircut is a new one, it's fantastic. Plus, the pops of yellow against the simple black dress are just right.

Genie Bouchard. You really can't go wrong with a great pair of jeans, a simple white blouse and black heels, and easy flowing hair. Smart, classic look.

Andrea Petkovic. Head-to-toe black is easy and always looks chic. Petko gives the outfit a little kick with these fantastic shoes.

Heather Watson. Fine, she's still very young as this outfit shows. It's a little casual for this event, in my opinion, but at least she's not trying to look older.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

Roger Federer is going to be VERY busy in India

Roger Federer needed some help. So he did what any self-respecting, social-media savvy tennis baller does these days who's in a dilemma (let me throw a little alliteration at you). He went straight to his fans. And he has many. Like, more than 2.2 million and growing.

What's the dilemma? As you may have heard, Fed is stepping in for Rafael Nadal in the inaugural International Premier Tennis League, and he'll be heading to Delhi, India, in December to lead the Indian Aces. Here's what he tweeted this past Monday:

I need some help from my supporters in India. I'm only in Delhi for a few days, so can't visit all amazing places that I'd like...
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 23, 2014

Maybe you guys could help #PhotoshopRF? Show me where I should visit and I'll retweet the best pics!
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 23, 2014

Apparently he got so many stellar submissions that he needed to create a collection of his own. And so did I. Here are some of my faves:

@rogerfederer #PhotoshopRF You could maneuver a coracle in the Hogenekal Falls pic.twitter.com/nBdehF694p
— Darshu Tikle Tukaye (@darshutikle) September 24, 2014

#PhotoshopRF #rogerfederer @rogerfederer Expierencing Indian culture <3 pic.twitter.com/NwKQGVwGUB
— Imperfect_wolf (@Imperfect_wolf) September 24, 2014

@rogerfederer This is how Roger Federer enjoys NAVRATRI @ Gujarat. #PhotoshopRF pic.twitter.com/PVeluokhFl
— Anil Gupta (@anilgupta003) September 24, 2014

@rogerfederer Get "Fed Up" #PhotoshopRF pic.twitter.com/RhOeY0MHmB
— Vijay Menon (@menongitis) September 24, 2014

Omg whoever did this for #PhotoshopRF yesterday,this is epic ;) pic.twitter.com/LeXRvvfeDl
— Yami (@Yamistic) September 24, 2014

You're a very courageous person! #PhotoshopRF @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/YnNaH1Onuv
— ö.o (@pemberencir) September 25, 2014

@rogerfederer and Mirka in Kerala to resolve the - "Who's turn to do nappies" - debate once and for all! #PhotoshopRF pic.twitter.com/1IRqQ8XjoY
— Subin Jacob (@sozigzag) September 25, 2014

Last. I promise. #PhotoshopRF @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/NmFeyfVYxE
— Rameez (@Sychlops) September 23, 2014

@rogerfederer In Bollywood Singham Style #PhotoshopRF #singhamreturns #Bollywood pic.twitter.com/BOFQvkiUdq
— Sarang (@sarangsp) September 24, 2014

Maria Sharapova flies coach and tweets about it #reallynotreally

Hey buddy, I'm right behind you... :) pic.twitter.com/deVaMfetzr
— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) September 25, 2014

Forget the funny-haha, I-saw-you-looking-at-me part of this tweet from Maria Sharapova. Does anyone really believe the Sugar Queen is flying coach? MARIA SHARAPOVA. SHE'S NOT LIKE US. AT ALL. REALLY NOT.

Rafael Nadal: "I feel much better...I'm in good shape."

Rafael Nadal returned to action today after almost three months away to play an exhibition match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in Astana, Khazakhstan. He defeated the Frenchie 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-4.

After injuring his right wrist in practice, he skipped the entire North American hard-court season, including the US Open, to rehabilitate it. He hasn't played a competitive match since falling to Australian Nick Kyrgios in the Wimbledon fourth round.

Prior to the match, Rafa and Jo-Willy met with the country's president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, and gave him an autographed tennis racquet case.

"I feel much better...I'm in good shape," said the 14-time Grand Slammer in an interview on-court after the match. "The wrist, I think, starts to be forget. And now I need to take the rhythm again. This takes time. This match today helps me, but I'm going to have a tough comeback for sure in Beijing and Shanghai. But my goal is try to worry as much as possible, practice as much as possible to be ready for what's going on in the end of the season."

Here's video of the on-court interview with Rafa:



Good test for the wrist against one of the heaviest hitters of the ball out there. It's great to hear he's  not so focused on his wrist right now, but on getting in match shape for the remainder of the season. The fall indoor stretch has never been a good one for him historically. But the fact that he's back on the court and healthy is reason enough to be excited.

[Photo(s) credit: inform.kz]

Nike honors Li Na with "Be the Bird that Sticks Out" campaign

Nike has announced a brand campaign to honor Li Na called "Be the Bird that Sticks Out." The image is of a phoenix spreading its wings and it captures "Li’s pioneering spirit of daring to stand out, and encourages young people to have the courage to follow their dreams." She referenced the phrase in the Facebook post announcing her retirement earlier today.

Here's what Nike said about the campaign and its meaning:

The campaign, "Be the Bird that Sticks Out," derives from the Chinese proverb, "The bird that sticks out always gets shot,” a stern reminder to keep in line, follow the rules and be aware of the perils of resisting convention. Li boldly provided an example of someone who stood for what she believed in. She chose her own path outside of the traditional system and soared to a level of success that few Chinese athletes have reached. By following her instincts, Li became one of the best tennis players in the world and forever changed the game in China. Li’s strong will and determination deliver a clear message: History and records are often rewritten by birds that dare to stand out.

It's a beautiful image and tribute. Very fitting for Li. 

[Photo(s) credit: Nike]

[UPDATED] THE LOW DOWN: Li Na to announce her retirement from tennis according to reports

CCTV, the Chinese state-owned news outlet, is reporting that reigning Australian Open champion, Li Na, will announce her retirement according to her agent, Max Eisenbud:

#LiNa, China’s two-time Grand Slam winner, expected to announce #retirement due to injuries, according to her agent pic.twitter.com/3fTFL9hYvO
— CCTVNEWS (@cctvnews) September 18, 2014

Li, who reached a career-high of No. 2 in the rankings, withdrew from all the summer hard-court tourneys, including the US Open, to deal with a recurring knee injury.

If she does retire, it will be unfortunate timing for the WTA. Asia has been a big focus for the women's tour recently, and Li is the region's most recognizable star (and the second highest-earning female athlete in the world behind Maria Sharapova). The season-ending WTA Championships was moved from Turkey to Singapore this year for the first time. Moreover, the inaugural tournament in Li's hometown of Wuhan is set to begin next week (she's still on the competitor's list).

I'll update this post if and when the news is confirmed.

UPDATE: Li Na confirmed the retirement reports in a lengthy and beautifully written post on Facebook. You can read it here. It's a MUST. Maria Sharapova, also represented by Eisenbud, posted a note on her FB page saying: 

A truly respected athlete and person, wishing Li Na much happiness and health in her next chapters of life.

We hear about the injuries and sometimes see them as they happen, but I don't think we ever really know the extent of the pain and suffering some of these athletes endure on a regular basis all in the name of competition and performance. By her own account, she was suffering significantly and more than I even understood.

It makes sense. She has nothing to prove on-court, and off-court she has seen the fruits of her labor born out in front of her eyes. Even in retirement, Li will continue to inspire others in her country and around the world to overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. She is a trailblazer the likes we don't see very often. And it's not just about her tennis; the way she handled herself on-court and in interviews was stellar. Seriously, there's really no one on the WTA tour that can cut up the way Li does. SERIOUSLY.

Thank you, Li Na.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: I'll see your Wheaties box...and raise you Cup Noodles

US Open finalist Kei Nishikori is being honored by Nissin with his likeness on Cup Noodles for being the first man from Asia to reach a major final.

[Via: For the Win, photo: Yoshikazu Tsuno/AFP]

[UPDATED] Nicole Vaidisova posts a win in her return to tennis - is Jennifer Capriati next?

Did anyone else catch the return of Nicole Vaidisova today at the ColemanVision Tennis Championships today?

Yup, she made her official return at the ITF Challenger in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and took on another former up-and-comer (although not as decorated), Sesil Karantantcheva. It’s been almost four-and-a-half years since the former world number seven played a pro match and so much had happened in between, including a marriage and divorce from Radek Stepanek and a couple of shoulder surgeries. But she had been teasing the return for weeks and then spelled it out on her Instagram feed:

Hey everyone! So I guess the news of me playing again in a couple of weeks is no secret i am excited to be competing again,its been a long road to get to this point...This time last year I was recovering from my 2nd shoulder surgery and going through a very personal heartbreak.I will be forever grateful for the unwavering support of my amazing family,friends and medical team to get me where I am now.I dont know how this will play out,but no matter the outcome, I know I will be proud of myself for giving it my all and for the person I have become through all this.Thank you for all the sweet messages and words of encouragment,it means the world to me and I truly appreciate the support I get from all of U

During the match it really didn’t look like much had changed. She still has the big serve and forehand, and did everything she could to run around her backhand and not come to the net. Her temper seemed to be intact as she swiped the court with her racquet and bounced it out of frustration all by the third game of the first set. She was even still working Reebok. Yes, REEBOK. But she regained her composure and took it to Sesil. Vaida was only broken once and managed to close out the match 6-3, 6-4 against the world number 191 with relative ease (there was a double-fault on one of her MPs). All good signs for the Czech lady baller as she continues to rebuild her game and confidence after such a long time away. Or as I said on Twitter:

BABY STEPS NICOLE
— rich rodriguez (@DTL_Rich) September 16, 2014

At least one person got my joke. Sadz. If you’re feeling nostalgic like I was while watching Vaida, check out some of the old posts about her here. Hope she can keep it up.

In other former-top-lady-ballers-on-the-comeback-trail news, it sounds like Jennifer Capriati is actually sniffing out a return of her own. Check out these tweets from the former WTA Penthouse resident:

Was planning on my 10yr tennis come back at this years open the last grandslam match I played.. But it will have to wait 1 more yr 😉 #itson
— Jennifer Capriati (@JenCapriati) September 2, 2014

This dream and desire has been festering inside me for so long. It has never been my destiny to never walk on that court and play again
— Jennifer Capriati (@JenCapriati) September 2, 2014

Miss the sweat and the tan!!! This is going to be fun pic.twitter.com/vxk2VabXmI
— Jennifer Capriati (@JenCapriati) September 2, 2014

Sounds like a return is in the works to me. It must be hard for Jennifer to accept the fact that an injury is what did her career in (like Vaida, Jennifer's shoulder was to blame). But at the age of 38, it’s going to be a lot tougher for her to return than Vaida. Sure, Serena Williams just won her 18th major at the age of almost 33, but she’s in tremendous physical condition, and she has ways of getting through games quickly and saving energy with her serve alone. For Jennifer, it’s more of a grind because her serve is meant as a starting point…not an end.

You could also make a case for her return by looking at the incredible effort by Kimiko Date-Krumm who will be turning 44 at the end of September. While there’s no doubt that the Japanese is an inspiration, she’s not winning major titles, or any titles for that matter. I’m sure the American, with her experience and competitiveness, would want to make an impact at the elite level. But I guess we’ll see. Stay tuned...this could get interesting.

UPDATE: ICYMI: Highlights from Nicole's win over Sesil.


[Photo credit: Getty Images]