WEEKEND WINNERS: Nole, Dinara

Rome - Novak Djokovic

It seems Nole was on a mission to silence the criticism surrounding his withdrawal in Monte Carlo and it may have worked. The 20-year old earned his fourth Master Series shield defeating new top-10 resident Stanislas Wawrinka 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 and giving his Roland Garros prospects a huge boost. And with 310 points now separating the Serb from Rafael Nadal in the rankings and only a quarterfinal showing in last year's Hamburg tourney, could we be looking at the soon-to-be world no. 2?

Berlin - Dinara Safina

Color me impressed. Dinara kept the "Safin syndrome" at bay all week in Berlin earning the biggest title of her career and defeating three top -10 ballers along the way, including Justine Henin, Serena Williams, and Elena Dementieva 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 in the final. Though she's probably not on anyone's long list to take home the French Open crown, I'd put her into the dark horse category after this impressive week of tennis.

(images via AP)

Peter Bodo holds the secret to Nole's issues: Frank Sinatra

What do Novak Djokovic + Jimmy Connors have in common? According to Peter Bodo, a big mouth and a penchance for going all Frank Sinatra on the tour's ass.

Peter Bodo finally takes his (always lengthy) aim at Nole's retirement woes saying the two ballers share a "My way" attitude which may inadvertently hurt the Serb's physical well-being:

One critical similarity between Djokovic and Connors is that both have been accused of being lousy sports who did a fair amount of manipulation in their drive for success. For Connors, the accusations were based on his attempts to intimidate officials and opponents, and his "ducking" of the top players by refusing to play the main, WCT tour early in his career. The complaints against Djokovic are similar: he doesn't sufficiently "respect" Federer and Nadal; he "ducks" out of big matches against the best players by succumbing to mystery ailments. After all, there is no alternative tour, like there was back in Connors' heyday.

So Djokovic is loosely following in the footprints of Connors and any other player who can claim to have done things "My way." Like Connors, Djokovic has circled the (family) wagons and keeps his own counsel, although he has nothing like Connors's siege mentality. Djokovic also has a much better grasp of public relations and basic decorum than Jimbo ever did. This sense that you have to figure it out all by yourself, with such an enormous amount at stake, can become oppressive. It creates pressure, and pressure always seeks an outlet. If denied, the pressure shuts down the machine.

Interesting - so the mental affects the physical? How ingenious!

(image via Getty)

THE LOW DOWN: Djokovic clan may suffer from Tourette's, Nole calls Brit ballers 'spoiled'

It seems Tourette's Syndrome may be a trait prominent in the Djokovic family line.

The sensationalistic Serbs seem to have a problem with self-monitoring, allowing their mouths to speak before their minds know what's coming out. The Djokovic elders were already given a Swiss-style smackdown by Roger Federer for yelling out during the Monte Carlo semifinals this past weekend and now eldest son Nole has a choice word to describe British ballers - 'spoiled'.

Speaking to BBC's Inside Sport Programme, the Aussie Open champ said,

I don't know if I should have the expression 'spoiled', but in the UK a lot of kids are a little bit spoiled because of all the conditions they have... and they don't work hard enough. If you have perfect conditions and everything you want, you get a little bit spoiled and then you don't want to work as hard as you're supposed to. You don't have the hunger for success because you have everything on the plate. You still have a lot of potential. You just have to find the right moment and change the mentality of the coaches and the kids.

Nole doesn't think he should use the word 'spoiled' then he goes ahead and uses it. See? The mouth speaks before the mind can say, "Shut the hell up!"

Ay - will someone hand this clan a family-sized shovel so they can dig a bigger hole for themselves?

(image via novak-djokovic.com)

THE LOW DOWN: What's up with Nole's towel-throwing?

A few readers and I expressed disappointment (see comments here) in Novak Djokovic's retirement during his semifinal match against a parent-bashing Roger Federer.

After barely losing games against Ivan Ljubicic, Andy Murray, and Sam Querrey (even earning two love sets) the Serb pulled out of the match citing a sore throat, dizziness + fatigue:

Q. What's the problem, Novak?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I didn't feel good for last three days. I've been waking up with some sore throat. But I thought it's not going to be nothing special.

But obviously when you're playing against the No. 1 player of the world, you obviously get a lot of balls back and longer points, and I just couldn't get enough energy back after each point. I needed a lot of time. And I just decided not to risk anything.

Q. You were already sick in the first set of the previous match.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, it's always like this. Last three days, as I said. But the previous opponents were not, you know, not that tough and I didn't have long rallies against the previous opponents like I had today.

Obviously I needed that step further and to do something more and special to win the points today. Of course, it's normal, you're playing against the best player in the world. And, unfortunately, I couldn't do that.

But, you know, I have to look on the bright side.

It sounds like he gave up big time. But, no one knows how serious or not his condition is right now. However, this retirement is the fourth since 2007: two in Davis Cup play, semifinals of Wimbledon '07, and Monte Carlo - all big matches, right?

The Serb must realize that these mid-match withdrawals will do nothing but bring up tough questions about his physical health, mental toughnesss, endurance, etc. until he proves otherwise.

(image via AP)

Monte Carlo mash-up: Fed vs. Nole, Rafa vs. Kolya

Well, well. The men's clay-court season couldn't have started off better if you planned it (but let's not start the match-fixing talk again, ok?)

The top four ballers in the world are meeting up this weekend in the semifinals of Monte Carlo:

The marquee matchup pits world no. 1 Roger Federer against growing nemesis Novak Djokovic. Their last meeting was, of course, in the same round at the Australian Open where the sexy Serb defeated Federer and went on to win his maiden Grand Slam. Their head-to-head stands at 5-2 for the Swiss but Nole has taken the last two out of three. And don't be fooled - there's no love lost between these two ballers.

In the other half three-time defending champion Rafael Nadal, who owns a staggering 95-1 record on the slippery stuff dating back to 2005, will face-off against Davydenko. The Russian took their most recent meeting in the final of last month's Sony Ericsson Open so he'll come in with some confidence against his Spanish foe. But Rafa will be looking for revenge and Davydenko knows the odds are stacked against him on the red clay.

Who'll take this title and make their move towards Roland Garros?

(images via Getty)

THE LOW DOWN: Nole fires warning, will take rankings one step at a time

Tennis ballers can be so clear in their talk, even when they're trying to be vague.

Novak Djokovic was interviewed after his 6-3, 6-3 drubbing of friend Ivan Ljubicic about his goals for the rest of the season after checking off a big one on his list. The perpetually shirtless Serb made his intentions known saying,

And, you know, my goal for this year was to win a Grand Slam, and I did it. So now I'll try to be as much consistent as is possible on the major events, and hopefully I can get further - at least a step further - on the rankings till the end of the season.

Does that mean stepping on his card-playing 'friend' Rafael Nadal for number two? With all the points Rafa has to defend during the clay season, it may come sooner than later for Nole.

(image via AP)

PHOTO OP: Rafa + Nole channel James Bond, hit up Monte Carlo Casino

Like something out of a James Bond flick, Rafael Nadal + Novak Djokovic dropped their tennis gear and donned penguin suits as they hit up Les Casinos de Monte Carlo.


The dapper duo, who aren't BFF's by any means, look to be enjoying each other's company at the blackjack table - even if it's only for an ATP public relations moment for the Monte Carlo Masters.

See - can't we all just get along?

Check out some behind-the-scenes footage of their outing here.


(images via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Nole goes Gucci for GQ magazine

Novak Djokovic is giving Roger Federer a run for his money - in the men's fashion battle that is.


The Aussie Open champ was featured recently in a lengthy Men's Vogue piece and now the sexy Serb serves up Gucci for GQ's May issue.


(images via GQ)

THE LOW DOWN: More Nole + Maria from Miami, romance rumors hit all-time high

Well, well...

Thanks to Elaine + Mark over at my fave tennis social networking site Tennisopolis for sending me the images and video of Novak Djokovic + Maria Sharapova at Opium in Miami for the Sony Ericsson player party.

Let's set the scene: Nole + Maria arrive separately to the party and take a fun photo with Maria's Hollywood friend Camilla Belle.

Next they're photographed with Nole's arm lovingly wrapped around the Russian. Fast forward to the end of the evening - Maria + Camilla are filmed exiting Opium and getting into an SUV. As the car is about to leave, a certain someone (who looks a bit nervous to me) jumps into the backseat as the group takes off.

Click here and see for yourself.

I know they constantly dismiss the rumors that they're dating, and Nole was dating Jelena at one point. But the proof is SO in the puddin' this time baby!

(image via tennistalk.com)

THE LOW DOWN: Nole returns to homeland, visits Kosovo

Novak Djokovic had some unexpected free time after falling in his opening round at the Miami Masters.

So the Aussie Open champ packed his racquet bags and returned to his homeland to visit the ethnically divided town of Kosovska Mitrovica in Kosovo where he was greeted by throngs of supporters. Nole made his views known recently when he released a YouTube video supporting a unified Serbia.

UPDATE: Here's what Nole told the crowd who gathered to greet him:

All my wins are your wins too.

This place is really deep, deep in my heart, and I’ll come back here always, whenever I can and give support to people that need it

There are some moments in life when everything in your mind just stops. This is one of those moments for me and my family, for everyone who came today

It’s really hard to find enough time because of all the commitments I have as a professional tennis player, but I’m really happy that I managed to come here, because I know this is my homeland, my family descend from here, my father, uncle, aunt. My grandfather lived here for 30 years.

(images via ohlalamag.com)

PHOTO OP: Nole served a bang-er sandwich at Miami player party

C'mon Nole + Maria - how are you going to stop those pesky romance rumors from spreading if you keep "bumping" into each other when you least expect it (well, more likely here at the SEO player party than anywhere else but...well...um...you know what I mean!)

And, just so you know, dragging Camilla Belle along won't work either.

(image via novak-djokovic.com)

FASHION FIX: Nole launches official clothing + accessories collection with adidas

After getting pissed about the supposed illegal sales of Novak Djokovic clothing, the Serb has finally launched his official clothing + accessories line in partnership with sponsor adidas. The products will all be sold via his website.


The products range features t-shirts representing the Serbian colors, key chains, a floating toy, a giant tennis ball, and even a yo-yo! They all feature shadow images of the Aussie Open champ in different poses.

The prices are all in Euros so we Americans will have to pay a little extra to get our hands on this product.


(image via novak-djokovic.com)

THE LOW DOWN: Nole spotted at LA Lakers game - is there more to his "friendship" with Maria?

Proof is in the puddin': Remember how I wrote about how much time Novak Djokovic and Maria "Shriek"apova had been spending together before and during last week's Pacific Life Open?

Well, I was alerted to the above shot (thanks Elaine!) of the couple playing footsies during a break at Indian Wells and just stumbled upon this Nole interview - and guess where it takes place? At the LA Lakers game this past Sunday after he captured his first Indian Wells title, and where Maria was spotted hanging out with Camilla Belle.

Do you think they knew each other would be catching the same basketball game? Crazy!

Now I REALLY need to know what his girlfriend Jelena thinks of their "friendship."

Check out the interview:



(image via tt.tenniswarehouse.com)

PHOTO OP: Nole manhandles his trophy

Hey Nole - is that the Indian Wells trophy in your hands, or are you just happy to see me?

(image via AFP/GETTY IMAGES/File/Harry How)

SIGHTINGS: Around the grounds of Indian Wells with Nole

Gettin' some Guga: Novak Djokovic was spotted getting his practice on with the beloved Gustavo Kuerten at Indian Wells this week. The Brazilian announced he'll retire from the tour after this year's French Open, where he won the crown in 1997, 2000, and 2001.


Apparently, Guga wasn't the only one getting in on the Nole action: fellow Aussie Open champ Maria "Shriek"apova conveniently booked a practice court next to the Serb:


Hmmm - after sharing the court at the recent Desert Smash Charity Celebrity Tennis event, the two seem to be enjoying each other's company again (remember those pesky romance rumors after last season's US Open?).

I wonder what his girlfriend Jelena thinks about their friendship....

(images via novak-djokovic.com)

FASHION FIX: Nole defeats Cañas, works hazy shade of grey for adidas

Going grey: Hollywood player Novak Djokovic is playing lights out at the Pacific Life Open, having not dropped a set in the tourney so far. The Serb kept up his solid play in dispatching the wily Guillermo Cañas easily 6-2, 6-3 and will face Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka in the quarterfinals.

What a relief to see a different color of the adidas Winter Edge Polo on the World No. 3, after getting my fill of the white + satellite blue. The grey version (white + loam) is refreshing and Nole wears it well - but doesn't he always?

(image via Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

VIDEO VAULT: Nole visits Tonight Show, discusses playing "a girl's sport"

Noleno: Novak Djokovic's PR machine is gearing up for tennis' version of March Madness.

An admittedly nervous Nole hit up The Tonight Show with Jay Leno last night where he discussed winning his maiden Grand Slam and how tennis is "a girl's sport" in his native Serbia.

Hmmm - guess that explains the spot-on , but kinda boring, Maria "Shriek"apova impressions, which they had to show again.

In case you missed it:

SIGHTING: Nole drops tennis racquet for skis, hits the slopes at Ski Dubai

Novak Djokovic was spotted hitting the slopes at Ski Dubai, the world's largest snow park to match the soon-to-be world's tallest building Burj Dubai, before his first match against Marin Cilic at the Dubai Tennis Championships this week. The Aussie Open champ won his match against the rising Croat 6-4, 6-3 without facing a break point and will face the French magician Fabrice Santoro in the next round.

Nole's no stranger to the ski slopes of course - his father Grdjan was a champion skiier back in Serbia. "I took up skiing before I learnt to play tennis at the age of four,” said Nole. “Skiing is a great sport, it’s a lot of fun and it’s my biggest passion."

(images via dubaitennischampionships.com)

Quote of the Day: Fed on Aussie Open loss to Nole

“It must have taken me a maximum of two hours to get over the loss."

- A prickly Roger Federer on his Aussie Open loss to eventual champ and growing nemesis Novak Djokovic

Hmmm - could this be another sour grapes moment on the tennis tour?

(image via TIMOTHY A. CLARY/GETTY IMAGES)

THE LOW DOWN: Nole gets political + wants the clothes stealing to stop!

No country for old men: Novak Djokovic is speaking out about the political unrest in his home country of Serbia, and even TIME magazine is taking notice. The Ausssie Open champ sent a videotaped message to his country, supporting a Serbian Kosovo and not the growing independence movement (in Serbian, translation below):

Hello to all of Serbia and all who are with us
This is the toughest of times in the history of Serbia
and I want to thank eveyone who has come here to this meeting
and to show the world that we are not small and weak,
that we are united and willing to defend what is ours
I am sad I can not be with you physically right now
and I want eveyone to know that my family and myself are with kosovo always
entire situation is very hard on me as entire history of serbian nation is stemming from kosovo
kosovo is serbian and shall remain so forever.

In other Nole news: Apparently, Team Djokovic is pissed that Nole's "official sports outfit" is being sold globally on certain websites. His website is featuring this image and the following message for the public and possible perpetrators:

In the last couple of months, the sale of Novak Djokovic’s official sports outfit has been wide spread through Online shops of certain internet sites.

We inform home and world public that the authorised seller of Novak’s outfit and other products is D.O.O. ‘Family Sport’ from Belgrade, and that in the following month, the Online shop of Novak’s official site will start selling them, too.

We point out that this kind of sales through unauthorised sites is offence, and legal proceedings will be instituted against perpetrators unless they stop this kind of illegal activity that directly violates rights of D.O.O. ‘Family Sport’, that doesn’t have authorised distributors.

Huh? I thought his "official sports outfit" was provided by adidas which is sold legally pretty much everywhere. Are they talking about the clothing in the image (which doesn't look very official to me) or the stank shirt from his Aussie Open run?

Confusion abounds!

(image via novak-djokovic.com)