The City of Light shines on Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams

So, what did you think of this year’s Roland Garros? Surprised? OF COURSE YOU WEREN’T.

The heavy pre-tourney faves, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams, won big. Sure, Rafa started off the fortnight scratchy, losing a set in each of his first two matches, before running into the world’s top baller, Novak Djokovic, and winning an insta-classic, five-set semifinal match. He was the better baller throughout the contest and almost let it slip before pulling it out late in the fifth. Once in the final, he smothered compatriot, David Ferrer, as he is wont to do on the slippery stuff.

Even less of a surprise was ReRe’s demolition of the ladies’ field. I tweeted after she was pushed to three sets by Svetlana Kuznetsova that their quarterfinal match may have been the de facto final. While Maria Sharapova was game and gave it her best in the actual final (no really, she played as well as I’ve seen her against ReRe start to finish), Sveta actually made the world’s top lady baller uncomfortable enough to pull out a set and a break in the third. But closing out the 16-time Grand Slammer is a whole other question. And that’s something few lady ballers—three in fact—have done in the past year.

It used to be that Roland Garros was where you could watch a totally unexpected, out-of-left-field baller win one of tennis’s four major tourneys. Think Iva Majoli. Or Gaston Gaudio. Clay, like a windy day, was thought of as an equalizer, where anyone could have a slip up, sometimes literally, and bite the dust. In one respect, it was exciting; but it doesn’t happen as much anymore. Blame the homogenizing of playing styles, the equipment, the balls, whatever fits your argument.

So does it make Rafa and ReRe’s wins less thrilling? If you think witnessing two living legends cement their place in the annals of tennis history is akin to watching paint dry, the hell yeah. But not me. Rafa’s 12th- major win put him past Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg. I said ROD LAVER and BJORN BORG. ReRe is two major wins from tying Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, which very well could happen by year’s end. And as they both fell to the clay after clinching match point, with a mix of exhilaration, relief and satisfaction, you wouldn’t be blamed for thinking it was their first time.

Because winning never gets old, even for champions.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

Shirtless Andy Murray shows off something sweaty

Andy Murray fan? Read The Times Magazine London? Like shirtless Brit boys? WELL, TODAY IS YOUR LUCKY DAY!

The Times Magazine has what they're calling the Miami champ's "most revealing interview yet" with this photo of a bare chested, sweaty (or artificially lubed), moley, barely conscious Muzz kicking off the article. Get it? But, what what they won't be revealing is the rest of the article for all you freeloaders because of their pay wall.

Like it or not, you're going to have to pay a few pounds a week just to see how much more Muzz The Times Magazine is hiding behind that pay wall. But, let's make a deal. If you do, tell me what you find. Because I don't pay for internet stuff. Unless it's porn. Because that's totally worth it.

[Photo(s) credit: The Times Magazine via Andy Murray Facebook page]

A sneak peek at the Williams sisters documentary

Here's a sneak peek at the documentary about Venus and Serena Williams that they reportedly weren't too happy with. The sisters objected to the way father, Richard, ended up coming across in the film. Not exactly sure what that means, but I sure can't wait to find out.

The Williams sisters have been notoriously private over the years, barely letting anyone outside their immediate circles into their lives. But, based on this preview, fans might finally a good look.

The documentary will be available on demand April 4 and opening in theaters on May 10.

VIDEO VAULT: The 2013 Sony Open player party red carpet

With all of the kudos showered on Indian Wells over the last two weeks, it wouldn't be a surprise to find Miami drowning its sorrows in frozen maragaritas at some bar along Ocean Drive. And, to add salt to the glass rim, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal opted out of competing.

Here's the silver lining - Miami gets the Williams sisters. You know, the ones who annually give the finger to that inconsequential tourney in the California desert. The tourney even throws their own baller party just like the one for the BNP Paribas Open - with a red carpet, media hounds, and questionable outfits to boot. No, I'm not talking about Novak Djokovic's palm tree blazer. I kinda like it. Really.

FASHION FIX: Nike spring looks for Serena, Sharapova, Azarenka, and Li

It's spring, right?! Uh, not quite. Winter is still hanging on here in NYC, clinging to life with its frozen talons (can you tell I hate winter?). At least there are parts of the world and this country where it's bright, warm, and people are half dressed. Miami is one of those places, and it's where the ATP and WTA tours are heading for the second Masters 1000 and Premier tourneys, respectively, at the Sony Open. You can see the draws here.

It's also where Nike is debuting some of their spring looks for their lady ballers. Check 'em out:

Top seed Serena Williams will be wearing the Force Pleated Knit Dress. The spring-esque color blocking, which I love, reminds me that spring is officially starting tomorrow. BUT YOU WOULDN'T KNOW IT BECAUSE IT WAS SNOWING HERE. YEAH, SNOWING.

Indian Wells champ and third seed Maria Sharapova will be, of course, working duds from her eponymous collection for Nike including the Premier Maria Tank paired with the Premier Maria Skort. Nice green.

Why does it always seem Victoria Azarenka, the No. 2 seed, always gets the short end of the fashion stick with Nike? Her Australian Open dress was a flop, and this outfit - the Force Printed Tank with the Force Flouncy Woven Skort - isn't going to blind you with its incredibly fashionable design. And that includes the disco print on the straps.

Here's the plus and it's a big one: SHE'S BACK. It will be fantastic to see fifth seed Li Na in action after being out since rehabbing the ankle she injured during her run to the Australian Open final. She'll be working the Force Pure Tennis Top paired with the Pleated Knit Skirt. Pretty basic and typical for her. I'm just excited she's showing up at all.

[Photo(s) credit: Nike Tennis Facebook Page]

PHOTO OP: The 2013 BNP Paribas Open Player Party

I love a good party. It's a chance to dress up, perhaps in something you wouldn't usually wear, have a few laughs and get totally smashed. On second thought, you never want to be that person at the party who ends up seeing their drunken escapades on YouTube. And, I'm not speaking from experience. Pinky swear. 

Anyway, some of the ballers on the ATP and WTA tours put on their party best (or worst, in some cases) for last night's BNP Paribas Open Player Party held at the IW Club. Let's have a look.

THE BOY BALLERS: 

Novak Djokovic: Dayum. Oh right. I actually love the monochromatic look here. It helps to dress up the casual but very classic look. Great navy suede bucks to break it up.

Click on the headline for more looks from last night's bash!

SIGHTING: Maria Sharapova shines at Vanity Fair Oscar Party ***UPDATED***

Maria Sharapova looked stunning at the annual Vanity Fair Oscar Party last night. According to her website, the Russian glamazon "wore a dress by Amanda Wakeley, shoes by Manolo Blahnik and accessorized it with a clutch bag by Alexander McQueen, earrings by Isharaya and cuffs by Katherine Sultan."

The site even delves deep into her hair and makeup inspirations: "Inspirations for Maria's hair: Sleek, modern and chic. Inspiration for Maria's makeup:  Chic, young, classic, neutral palette, and lip on channel coco moisturizing lip balm. Line on top of eyes to define her eyes with voluminous mascara." Like I said, DEEP.

She also got to tweeting about her prep and the dangers of dressing in a floor-length at a crowded party (I totes get it):

Four hours of training in the morning, a baby birthday stop by and now the Vanity Fair party. I've seen it all today. Busy #oscars2013 day!
— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) February 25, 2013

Is the Vanity Fair party ready for some more sleek blonde hair action? #OscarReady
— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) February 25, 2013

Floor length gowns don't really work in sardine canned environments. #redcarpet
— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) February 25, 2013

Last year, Shrieka looked like just she rolled out of bed. Or stepped into a paper shredder. What a difference a year, and a Career Slam, makes.

UPDATE: Here's an interview from the Oscar party.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Tomas Berdych in all his glory

Looks like Tomas Berdych, who will face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the Marseille final tomorrow, is getting something stretched. Not sure if it's what he was hoping for, though. But he looks happy sooooooo...

This pic is in desperate need of a caption. It's calling out, crying for one. Someone? Anyone?

[Photo(s) credit: Tomas Berdych FB page]

VIDEO VAULT: A Guys' Guide to Valentine's Day by Redfoo

Guys. It's Valentine's Day. Are you bombing out with a blooming bouquet of roses? Getting a sour face when you present a box of sweet treats? Here's why: IT'S BORING.

If you really want a sure fire way to touch someone's heart (and other naughty bits), take off your shirt, put on your best pink fuzzy bear head and do the Harlem Shake in your club room (you have one, right?) with your pantless clones like Redfoo did for his love thang, Victoria Azarenka. See for yourself:

And you know what? That shit WORKS. Exhibit A:

@redfoo ow.ly/i/1wA6n im sleeping on the floor tonight :) thank u ❤
— victoria azarenka (@vika7) February 14, 2013

PHOTO OP: FED CUP's best fist pumps

Maria Kirilenko

FED CUP kicked off this weekend. And, even though Fist Pumping Lifetime Achievement Award winner Ana Ivanovic pulled out of Serbia's tie against the Slovak Republic after injuring her shoulder at the Australian Open, there were still plenty of lady ballers willing to take her place and throw up a fist in her honor (that part is TOTALLY made up). See the results here and click the headline to see the best of this weekend's FED CUP fist pumping.