WEEKEND WINNERS: Rafa, Jelena

Hamburg - Rafael Nadal

So Rafa defeats Roger Federer 7-5, 6-7 (3), 6-3 in an epic Hamburg final to win the only major clay-court title he had yet to own and improves his head-to-head with the world no. 1 to 10-6. Oh yeah, he also beat the best baller this year in Novak Djokovic to keep the no. 2 ranking. Not that he needed much more confidence on the dirt, but do you think he's feeling a fourth Roland Garros title now?

Rome - Jelena Jankovic

Jelena defended her Rome title and solidified her chances for Roland Garros by demolishing Frenchwoman Alize Cornet 6-2, 6-2. With nemesis Justine Henin out of the way (she never defeated the Belgian in 9 tries), don't be surprised to see the Serb in the final weekend of next week's Grand Slam.

(images via Getty)

VIDEO VAULT: Has Serena lost her mind? You be the judge.

Serena Williams sent a video message from Rome - more evidence, clearly, that ReRe has lost her marbles:



(via serenawilliams.com)

THE LOW DOWN: Sharapova opens Pandora's Box, but WTA Tour reaches compromise anyway

Maria "Shriek"apova and the thugs of the WTA Tour are finally playing nice after the Russian publicly blasted the Tour and its executives through her website, reaching a compromise that both sides can feel happy about...well, mostly Maria that is.

The photo shoot in question was reduced to 90 minutes from 5 to 6 hours, with Maria talking on the phone while taking a ride around Rome:

I was riding around in a car for an hour talking—pretending like I’m talking on the phone. The timing compromise was still pretty difficult since it’s before a very big event for all of us. Considering the time reduction, it definitely makes that a lot easier than going into a four- or five-hour shoot with hair and makeup, which adds another hour.

And did the new world no. 2 find her bullying tactics to be a success? "I’ve obviously made my point," said the 21-year old. "I wanted to let my fans know that I didn’t feel like people were listening to me. I think it’s in the best interest of the tour.”

Yes, the tour must be thrilled that you opened a Pandora's Box - good times!

(image via AP)

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)

Victorious Stepanek shows off his worm while Vaidisova watches

As usual, Radek Stepanek saved his best move for last.

"The Worm" caused another huge upset in Rome defeating Roger Federer in the quarterfinals 7-6(4), 7-6(7) and denying the Swiss his first title here. And guess who was there to cheer on the Czech?

Why none other than girlfriend Nicole Vaidisova who had time to watch her beloved compete since she was a first-round loser in Berlin. I hope she picked up some helpful hints on how to play elite-level tennis again.

(images via Getty)

THE LOW DOWN: A-Rod + Blake make Rome quarters - could American's red tide be turning?

Clay-court tennis is always chalk-full of surprises (remember hearing "French Open champion Iva Majoli or Gaston Gaudio"? INSANITY.) So this week's no different with the biggest surprise, of course, being Rafael Nadal's defeat yesterday at the hands of Juan Carlos Ferrero. But another one (or two?) is lurking in the dusty, clay-covered centre court in Rome: Andy Roddick and James Blake making the quarterfinals.

American ballers fears and, frankly, disinterest in the terra bateau have been well documented. But no one could've predicted that one let alone two of them would advance this far. Today A-Rod defeated Simone Bolelli 7-6, 6-3 and James took a big clay scalp in Fernando Verdasco 6-2, 5-7, 6-2.

Could the red tide be turning? Some would say yes, with DtL! reader Kai even giving A-Rod the title:

Rome will be in roddick's hands =P

Perhaps they gained confidence from buddy Sam Querrey's impressive stomping of Richard Gasquet in Monte Carlo? Perhaps. But one thing is clear: the Americans have decided to step up their challenge and give the dirt its well-deserved respect.

Whether it leads to a title is anyone's guess.

(images via Getty)

Murray loses early again - looks to the heavens for answers

Sure Andy Murray - screaming to the heavens for answers may be your last chance to get your game (and head) together before the French Open.

The Brit baller is most definitely disappointed by his 6-2 7-6 defeat at the hands of Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka. He also must be super-pissed about not reaching a quarterfinal since Dubai back in March.

Too many cooks in the kitchen? Still mad about the supposed mama-bashing?? Does anyone have Brad Gilbert's digits???

(image via Getty)

THE LOW DOWN: Rafa falls in Rome - which baller will step up now?

OMG - The tennis world is in a tizzy after Rafael Nadal lost today on the terr(ier) bateau and offered up a rare clay-court chew toy for any number of ballers still left in the draw.

The Mallorcan matador lost only his second match in 105 matches to compatriot Juan Carlos Ferrero in Rome today, suffering a shocking 7-5, 6-1 defeat. But I guess it wasn't so shocking since he was suffering from a blister on his right foot:

Today when I woke up, I said it was impossible to play. I spoke to the doctor today and yesterday, and they put special protection on it and cream, but it was still tough.

In any case, Rafa's loss blows the draw wide open for Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and even David Ferrer to make a run to the title and gain confidence for Roland Garros.

Hey doggie, who wants it more?

UPDATE: So I'll have to cross David off the list since he was shown the door by Radek "the worm" Stepanek.

(image via Getty)

PHOTO OP: Kiefer loses to Ferrero in Rome, joins shirtless brigade

Even though Nicolas Kiefer lost to Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4 in Rome's first round, the German does get a consolation prize: induction into DtL's shirtless brigade! I offer you my warmest welcome Nicolas.

One other thing: Is it me or is he doing his best Colin Farrell impression?


(image via Getty)

THE LOW DOWN: Juan Martin hits a new low, becomes a mama-basher

Now how could you insult this innocent-looking woman? Juan Martin Del Potro saw something so mean, so evil in Judy Murray that he did something you never do: insult someone's mama.

During last night's first round match between Juan and Andy Murray, things got heated after an exchange at the net according to Andy:

I played a serve-and-volley and hit a bad volley in the middle of the service box and he came in and hit a full-power backhand straight at my head. I would have thought it's normal to apologize for something like that, and not to get an apology was a little bit disappointing. After that, the next two or three points I was maybe shouting, "Come on," a little bit more than I usually do.

Apparently the incident led to the insult and Andy was understandably bothered:

Someone saying something about your mother who is one of the nicest ladies you're ever going to meet? I don't think that's really that cool.

Yeah that was a low-blow Juan, you mama-basher.

(image via Getty)

An open letter to Richard Gasquet: any sports shrinks available for hire?

Dear Richard,

What has happened to you and your prodigious talents? For a while you seemed to be moving steadily towards the top, besting Andy Roddick last year in a classic 5-set Wimbledon match where your ethereal backhand shell-shocked the favored American into submission (probably not A-Rod's fave position.)

But this season you're spiraling. You've yet to sniff the quarterfinals of any tournament including a round of 16 dismissal at the Aussie Open, endured a Davis Cup debacle, called your conquerers 'lucky', and today suffered an embarrassing 6-4, 6-1 first-round loss to qualifier Luis Horna. After the loss you told the press,

I don't know why I played so bad. Last week in training I felt fine and I was happy to come onto the court today. Sometimes in my career I'm really down. Today is one of those moments.

To be fair, Luis is not a typical qualifier by any means but these are truly worrying signs for you and your French Open prospects...not that they're ever really great for any French baller at their native Grand Slam. Are you sure you want to even show up?

I'm thinking since you're feeling "really down" you could use the time during Roland Garros to visit a sports shrink. I bet Amelie Mauresmo has a few recommendations.

(image via Getty)