“It must have taken me a maximum of two hours to get over the loss."Hmmm - could this be another sour grapes moment on the tennis tour?
- A prickly Roger Federer on his Aussie Open loss to eventual champ and growing nemesis Novak Djokovic
All Maria wannabes listen up: It seems someone left memories of the cursed Nike dress from last season in the dust. Maria "Shriek"apova's elegant Nike Aussie Open Flora dress, the lucky one she wore during her championship run last month, has been signed by the Russian fashionista herself and is now being auctioned off to benefit The Maria Sharapova Foundation. Here's the (very) detailed description via her website:
"Maria's dress uses a neutral pallet that is heavily influenced by a modern off-white color, which also calls out to the natural and organic look that was derived from the Australian countryside. Maria wanted something that was young and funky but had very definitive detailing. To accomplish this, Nike had to first look back to the function of the game and the environment. Maria's dress combines a lightweight polyester jersey with mesh. Symmetrically placed mesh inlays are in the center front and center back of her dress so that she has zone cooling. As for Maria's interest in fine detailing, the mesh gives the garment a 360-degree texture. The front panels are pleated and tucked and the hem of the dress is also meshed and pleated. This gives a contrast in fabrication, but provides depth, movement and texture."
The deadline for bids is February 25th at 3pm. To make a bid, click here.
(images via AP Photo/Rob Griffith)
A growing problem: We were hoping Alona Bondarenko's hairy situation was an isolated incident on the WTA Tour - but we were so wrong. We found our second culprit in Italy's Francesca Schiavone, who displayed her muffin-top hairdo (left) during this weekend's FED CUP tie versus Spain.
It seems, though, that we somehow we missed the Italian's dust-mop moment (right) at last month's Aussie Open. But no worries, Francesca - we'll never miss another messy moment again...never.
(images via MARIO LAPORTA/AFP/Getty Images & PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)
Managing the court: Ken Meyerson, Andy Roddick's manager and president of SFX tennis, has a few choice words for his star client's back-tracking game. The former No. 1's 2008 season began on a sour note, falling to unheralded German Philipp Kohlschreiber in the third round of last month's Aussie Open, continuing his string of recent disappointing Grand Slam performances.
“Why would Andy resort to playing more of a retrieving-type game as opposed to more of an aggressive game? [...] I don’t know whether it’s nerves or deliberate, but I can only say his best tennis is when he takes that first ball and pummels it, whether it’s a return on a second serve and he really goes for it, or is what we know as his classic one-two — big serve, big forehand."He went on to say,
"Maybe ‘frustrating’ is not the right word, but when Andy plays that way, it’s clearly and objectively not as effective as when he steps up and beats the crap out of the ball. I don’t want Andy to get too complicated, and I don’t like to see him work so hard to win points.'’True enough. The 25-year old American is supposed to be enjoying his best playing years, but he's moving in the wrong direction. Under pressure, the former US Open champ reverts back to the counter-punching ways of his youth, when all a scrawnier A-Rod could do was track down tennis balls. The 6' 2", 190 pounder should own the court against his smaller opponents - but the mind isn't allowing the body to move forward.
Don't sweat it: How would you like to own a used, sweat-filled adidas shirt worn by Novak Djokovic during his Aussie Open championship run? Well, if you're into that kind of stank you can - for some serious dough, though. The shirt is being auctioned off on eBay starting with a ridiculous bid of $4, 999.00!
Here's the description on the item:
"This shirt was worn by new Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic in the Men's Final on Sun 27 January 2008We love how "full of sweat!" is a selling point for this item - ingenious. But seriously, we wouldn't pay that much for anyone's sweat. Well...let's not be hasty...
Caught (full of sweat!) in the audience Row A Seat 108
Comes with the ticket as a proof of authenticity, plus any photos as needed.
Collectable Value - Novak is the first Serbian to win a Grand Slam final and the youngest ever winner at Melbourne Park.
Will post world-wide"
Future king of the court: Is Bernard Tomic the next big thing in tennis? The Aussie's are hoping so. The 15-year old defeated Tsung-Hua Yang of Chinese Taipei 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-0 last week to win the Australian Open junior boys' singles title, becoming the youngest boys' Grand Slam champion ever.
Born in Germany to Croatian parents, Bernard and his parents moved to Gold Coast, Australia in 1996 and a successful junior career was born. He became the first junior boy in history to claim three Orange Bowl crowns in three different age groups: he won the boys' 12s title in 2004 and the boys' 14s title in 2006. Bernard is aiming to add the boys' 18s title to his ever-expanding Orange Bowl trophy collection next year.
And what are the Aussie prodigy's future goals?
"I'd love to reach the top 10," a modest-sounding Bernard told the press after his historic win. "You know, everyone has dreams in their life to become something special, reaching No. 1 in the world. But, you know, I would love to, you know, play Davis Cup for Australia at the youngest age and, you know, be up there with those guys one day and competing against them."(image via smh.com.au)
Common bonds: So what do Aussie Open champs Novak Djokovic and Maria "Shriek"apova have in common besides newly minted trophies? A lot according to the Serb. Though rumors of a budding romance began after the Russian was spotted in Nole's player's box during last season's US Open final and on his arm at parties around New York, the 20-year old has the utmost respect for the 3-time Grand Slam champ.
The World No. 3 talked to the press at Melbourne Park the day after winning his maiden Grand Slam saying,
"I think she’s a very strong female, [...] She is mentally very strong and is a very strong personality. She doesn’t allow anybody to fool with her, and she shows it every time on the court. She already has three Grand Slams. That proves everything. We are kind of on the same line in life. We’ve been through difficult things in our career, and we appreciate success much more, even though we are still young."Sounds like the makings of a good romance to us - do it, to it!
Giving thanks: Following Maria "Shriek"apova's lead, Novak Djokovic greeted the press and many of his supporters at the Yarra River in Melbourne to celebrate his Aussie Open win; he now leads the ATP 2008 Race to the Masters Cup after his first Grand Slam title.
Nole will next join his Serbian countrymen as they take on Russia in the first round of the Davis Cup World Group tie from February 8th - 10th.
The 20-year old seems to have put his training on hold for now, getting his drink on and downing some well-deserved bubbly by the water. We're sure there'll be more partying to come in Serbia...stay tuned.
(images via WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images)
COURTSIDE
Nicole & Keith take in some tennis
Feli leaves Nike for Joma
Women's 2nd Marquee Matchup: Justine vs. Maria
A star is born
ReRe hits the skids
Preview: Women's Semifinal Showdowns
Ana squeaks by
The shirtless brigade grows
Celebrating the French way
Men's 1st Marquee Matchup: Fed vs. Nole
True heir to the throne?
Preview: Women's Final
Maria comes full circle
Preview: Men's Final
Pat gets inducted
Celebrating the French way, Part Deux
Nole takes his place
Serbian stunner: Novak Djokovic is a Grand Slam champion. As we predicted, the World No. 3 defeated unseeded Frenchie Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in 4 sets, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), to win the Australian Open title and became the first tennis baller from Serbia to win a Grand Slam singles title. After the historic win, Nole told the press,
"I always believed [I could win a Grand Slam.] You know, I always believed. I didn't want to think in a negative way. I always had a big support, especially from my parents, my father. You know, I think he always believed more in me than I did in myself.""With the way I was playing throughout all the junior years and junior events, I think I earned enough confidence and motivation to be a professional tennis player and to be as a Grand Slam champion."
"So, you know, for somebody it was not realistic, for somebody, yes. And it was difficult to judge in that time because Serbia doesn't have such a big tennis tradition. Considering all these bad times we had, you know, in the time when I grew up and practicing there. So it was basically impossible if you look in it that way, but I always believed."
The new Aussie Open champ, pulling his trademark shirtless moment, celebrated with his ever-present family including father Grdjan, momma Dijana, and brothers Djordje + Marko (who also play tennis) in the locker room.
(images via Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Double your fun: Jonathan Erlich + Andy Ram of Israel won the Australian Open men's doubles title by defeating the French team of Arnaud Clement + Michael Llodra. It seems the Israeli's - who are both rockin' some serious legs - took their post-match celebratory cues from the Frenchies, though.
Uh, we never found doubles very interesting, but we're starting to have second thoughts - and not all about tennis.
(image via AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
"Yeah, of course. I've seen many of his matches. As I think everybody, I was impressed with the way he plays. Obviously, as he was saying on the interviews after the matches, you know, he's just living the dream. For him it's a great achievement. You know, I'm happy to play with some younger player, you know, somebody else. So we never played against each other, so it's going to be a new experience. You know, what a way to play, you know, in the finals of a Grand Slam. He was really playing well, especially in the semifinals. Nothing to lose. Something like that I might expect in the finals. But I'll try to recover and get the tactic ready with my coach."Jo-Willy had this to say about taking on Nole:
"He won yesterday. He played well. It's never easy to beat Federer. We will play tomorrow at the final, and it's going to be a big moment of sports. [...] [Playing Rafa and Nole is] the same, no? It's the same, because Nadal is 2 in the world and Djokovic 3, so both of them won a lot of tournaments and they have more experience than me. I know it's going to be difficult, but I'm here and ready for that."Outlook: Picking the winner of this match is a real toss up. Though the Serb has much more experience in these situations, Jo-Willy played lights out against Rafa, and if he plays to that level he will be unbeatable - his raw power can blow anyone off the court. But, we think the 20-year old, as he's done throughout the tourney, will play the big points smarter and take his opportunities. We're picking Nole to win in 4 sets and take home his first Grand Slam title.
Champion again: Maria "Shriek"apova capped a dominant 2 weeks in Melbourne, capturing her first Australian Open title and third Grand Slam without dropping a set - color us impressed. The Russian spoke to the press after her match and said about the win,
"It's amazing. You know, sometimes you just ‑‑ when you're putting the work in it just seems so, so hard, and you never know when that work's gonna pay off. When you're going through tough moments, you never know when you're going to have good moments. I'm just so thankful that I got this one."
"Yeah, she's definitely in a good shape and she's been playing some good tennis this last couple of weeks. Yeah, she improved her movement. And her serve, it's very high percentage, really strong. So, you know, it's going to be interesting match. We are 2‑All in victories. I managed to beat her before, so that's something I have to look for and try to perform like I did that time."Maria had this to say about taking on Ana:
"She's already been in a Grand Slam final. You know, who knows. When you go out there, it really depends on how you feel you're playing. Her chance is just as good as mine. We're both Grand Slam finalists. We're here. We've had a great two weeks of tennis."Outlook: This is a tough one - though Maria is the form player going into the final, Ana showed great composure in her semifinal. The Serb was able to think strategically and make small adjustments, which allowed her to climb into Dani's head. We think she'll play Maria tough, but the Russian fashionista is too headstrong - she'll win in 3 sets and walk away with her first Aussie Open title.
Baring it all: Our favorite member of the shirtless brigade, Novak Djokovic, caused a huge upset at the Australian Open ousting defending champion Roger Federer in straight sets 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) and making his second consecutive Grand Slam final. As we predicted, Nole kept his nerve and took his opportunities hitting more aces (13-10) and more winners (50-38) than the World No. 1. He'll take on surprise Frenchie finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for the title on Sunday.
After his stunning upset, the Serbian World No. 3 told the press,
"Well, yes, that was one of the positive facts, I think, in tonight's match, I was able to deal with the pressure in the best possible way, [...] And if you do that against the best player in the world, you know, you should get the positive outcome, which resulted of course with the win tonight. [...] I'm very happy that in crucial moments my serve was serving me, and it was probably my best element in the game tonight in the important moments. So it is a positive thing for the future."Yes, the future is beginning to look a lot brighter for you Nole...
Finally: Here's our first Men's Marquee Matchup of the Australian Open and it could be a great one. This semifinal pits World No. 1 Roger Federer, going for his 13th Grand Slam, against Novak Djokovic in a rematch of their US Open final battle from last season. The winner will take on a perfect-playing Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for the title on Sunday.
Fed took on a familiar foe in James Blake and closed the match with a familiar ending - a win for the Swiss over the American 7-5, 7-6 (5), 6-4. Nole battled World No. 5 David Ferrer and, with the exception of a slight shaky ending, easily defeated the Spaniard 6-0, 6-3, 6-4. The last time these two tennis ballers met was in last year's US Open final where Fed saved 7 of 9 break points en route to a 7-6(4), 7-6(2), 6-4 victory and 12th Grand Slam.
Here's what the Swiss Stylist said about playing Nole:"He obviously had seven set points in the first couple of sets [of the US Open final] and hurt him big time. But I think level was very good. So actually was the level at Montreal when we played against each other. And we usually have always very good matches when we play. I look forward to playing my best tennis about Novak Djokovic. I look forward to playing to win. That's what my mindset is, really."
Nole had this to say about battling Fed:"So I felt that after the win against Roger in Montreal, I had big chances in the [US Open] final, though I didn't use my opportunities that has been given to me, and now I look at the things in a different way. You know, every time I play with Roger or with the best players in the world, I learn something new, I have another experience. And I try to ‑‑ I try to watch matches, you know, speak with the coach and see what I need to do so I can ‑‑ so I can play better, save some energy, you know, improve my game, and win against the best players in the world.
This match is all about execution - who will keep focus and hit their shots when it counts. We know how the World No. 1 will play, but will the 20-year old Serb stay calm in the tight moments? He missed countless opportunities in the US Open final but has shown composure when it mattered most here. We're feeling an upset brewing - so we'll pick Nole in 5 sets to reach his first Aussie Open final.
(images via ROMEO GACAD/AFP/Getty Images + Rick Stevens/AP)
More French hotness: Like we need more reasons to love tennis ballers so. Arnaud Clement + Michael Llodra celebrated their doubles win in the best way possible - with a little man-on-man action. The Frenchies defeated the unseeded South African team of Wesley Moodie + Jeff Coetze 6-3, 7-6 (11) to reach the final. The pair will play Andy Ram + Jonathan Erlich of Israel for the Australian Open title.
What do you think the French team will do if they actually win the whole thing? Ouch.
(images via GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)
A song for Tsonga: Unseeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga caused the biggest upset on the men's side of the Australian Open last night, crushing World No. 2 Rafael Nadal 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 and reaching his first Grand Slam final. Playing with the calm and ease of someone who had been here many times, the French hottie had everything going his way, making the match look all too easy.
Jo-Willy, who joined the shirtless brigade this fortnight, told the press during his post-match conference,
"Everything was in and my backhand worked a lot and my serve also, my forehand, my volley, my dropshot, everything. It was ‑‑ I was moving on the court like never I move, so everything was perfect."We agree, Jo-Willy, everything we saw was perfect...
Getting through: Ana Ivanovic overcame a 0-6, 0-2 hole to defeat Daniela Hantuchova and reach her first Australian Open final. The win did not come without a little controversy, however. Our pick for the final, who will face Maria "Shriek"apova for the title, was accused of possible gamemanship by the slender Slovak for the constant squeaking of her tennis shoes while Dani was about to serve.
The World No. 9 was asked about the squeaking during her press conference after the loss:
Q. What about the way she squeaks her feet when she returns?
A. Yeah, that's ridiculous, I think. I was really surprised with that. I think it's unfair. It's a distraction to the server. Yeah, we played before and she never did it.
Q. Did you say anything to the umpire?
A. Yeah, in the first or second service game, but she didn't do anything about it. I don't think that was very nice.
Q. Is that something you've come across anyone else doing, or that's the first time that's happened?
A. Yeah.
Ana was asked about Dani's above comments during her post-match press conference:
Q. Daniela was very upset with the amount of noise your shoes were making on the court. She thought the squeakiness of your shoes, particularly when you're returning serve, is a form of gamesmanship, and you're deliberately making a lot of noise with your shoes on the court.
A. Well, I don't think so. If you see other matches I was doing exactly the same thing. It's just the way these courts play. And if you listen to the guys I think they're doing the same thing.
You know, I just tried to move my feet, to return the ball, so it really was not intentional.
Q. Are you a natural squeaker, or are these courts squeakier than other courts?
A. This ‑‑ I don't know, really. I just try to move my feet, and I don't pay attention to the squeaking of my shoes make.
Q. Could you sense it was annoying her at the time?
A. Once I saw she was complaining to the referee, you know. But there was nothing I could do, because if I want to move my feet to return a ball, you know, this was the sound I was producing. And, also, during the point, if I want to run with small steps around the ball, it was exactly the same thing. So, you know, maybe she was just trying to pick on something, to get upset.
We don't think it was gamesmanship, though the squeaking is probably annoying and distracting to hear right before serving. But what could be done?
The four ladies of the Australian Open semifinals have been decided and are set for the Women's Semifinal Showdown. Here's a preview:
Maria "Shriek"apova vs. Jelena Jankovic
Head-to-head: Maria 3, Jelena 1
Last meeting: Birmingham '07 (grass), Jelena 4-6 6-3 7-5
How they got here: Maria played the women's match of the tournament, so far, against World No. 1 Justine Henin. In her comprehensive 6-4, 6-0 defeat of the Belgian, Maria showed she's matured as a tennis baller by mixing up her game with sharp angles, drop shots, and volleys - everything we thought she'd need to do to grab the win. Jelena caused the biggest upset, knocking off a subdued and out-of-sorts Serena Williams and taking a 3-2 lead in their head-to-head. All credit to the Serb for keeping her focus and composure during her 6-3, 6-4 win over the 8-time Grand Slam champ.
The last time Maria and Jelena battled was at Birmingham, a Wimbledon warm-up tourney. The World No. 4 got the better of the Russian, sneaking out a 7-5 third set win over Maria on her favored surface.
Here's what Maria had to say about playing Jelena:"This is a new encounter, a new match. This is a great opportunity for both of us. I'm very excited about the matchup. [...] Ever since the juniors we've always played really tough and we've always battled it out, and it's great to see her in the semis. It's great we're playing together."
Jelena has this to say about getting to the semifinals:"When I think about [the first match, saving 3 match points], I get goosebumps, actually. It's really scary, scary thought. If you see the match point that I saved on that first day, you wouldn't believe I could actually win that point when it started, because I kept hitting the balls like a slice. It would go out and somehow landed on the line. Then the next shot I hit a slice and it floated and it landed on the line again. Then the next backhand went in the corner all the way on the line again. And I was like, I don't know who was playing or what's happening out there, but it was really unbelievable. And then being in a semifinal after those matches where I survived, it doesn't get better than that."
Outlook: Will Maria suffer a mental letdown after defeating Justine? Can Jelena's body hold up for another match, or has it finally reached the limit?? We think Maria will need to win the match in two sets - Jelena is a superior mover and could run the 6' 2" Russian around keeping her off balance. But, Maria has a third Grand Slam title in her reach and she won't let up - we'll take her in 2 sets.
Ana Ivanovic vs. Daniela Hantuchova
Head-to-head: Ana 2, Daniela 1
Last meeting: WTA Championships '07 (carpet), Ana 6-2 7-6(9)
How they got here: Ana made it 2 for 2, taking out a second Williams sister in as many days. Showing improved movement and fitness, the Serb battled Venus for a 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 win - her first over the American in 5 tries. Daniela, taking advantage of a ravaged draw that saw World No. 2 Svetlana Kuznetsova go down early, is making her first trip to a Grand Slam semifinal after a 6-2, 6-2 win over Polish teen Agnieszka Radwanska (who took out Kuzy in the 3rd round).
Ana and Dani last played each other at the season-ending WTA Championships last year in Madrid, where the Serb took a straight set win in round-robin play.
Here's what Ana said about taking on Dani:"She had a great run. She had a lot of good wins. Obviously there is no easy matches in a Grand Slam. But she obviously has a lot of confidence coming into semifinal. I believe it's her first Grand Slam semifinal, so it's going to be a very tough match. As I already spoke before, we both have a good chance and I really hope it will be a good match. We had tough matches last time we played in Madrid and also before that in Luxembourg and once more also last year on gr
