In her dreams: rapper Eve to play Sveta in made-for-TV movie

So what do Svetlana Kuznetsova and Eve have in common? Absolutely friggin' nothing except that the Russian, who made the semifinals of Roland Garros today, told the French Open website that she would like the rapper/actress to play her in a movie. WTF?!

But I suppose this comes as no surprise since Sveta once said she believes she was black in a past life. Well, okay I guess their hair is sorta similar and maybe Sveta is hiding cat claw tattooed breasts underneath her Fila gear. Who knows...

(images via Google + Getty)

VIDEO VAULT: Sveta into quarterfinals, talks tennis with Schett + Eurosport

Svetlana Kuznetsova is the highest seed left in the top half of the draw after Maria "Shriek"apova's screaming exit from Roland Garros yesterday. The 2007 finalist looks to be in great form, easily dismissing the talented Belarusian Victoria Azarenka 6-2, 6-3 by hitting 10 aces and 44 winners against 26 errors - very solid. Sveta will battle Estonia's Kaia Kanepi in the quarterfinals.

The Russian took time out this week to interview with retired baller Barbara Schett and Eurosport about her chances at Roland Garros and her thoughts on the controversial tennis calendar:



(image via Getty)

Quote of the Day: Kuznetsova

I am not prepared to undergo a makeover. I am not going on the court to show off my dress. I am going out there to play.

- Svetlana Kuznetsova on her (lack of) marketability

Damn skippy. Yeah she's not Maria or Serena and she's fine with it. But she's a baller's baller in the best sense. I do hope she wins another Grand Slam.

Could the former finalist squeak out the title in Paris?

(image via Getty)

SIGHTING: Sveta pulls a Maria in sport and fashion - go figure!

The Russians like their balls and vests apparently.

After spotting a bangy Maria "Shriek"apova at last weekend's LA Lakers game, Indian Wells finalist Svetlana Kuznetsova was seen taking some down time before the start of the Sony Ericsson Open this week watching the Miami Heat battle the Milwaukee Bucks.

The draws were announced for the tourney and the World No. 4 has a bye in the first round but ended up in the rough half of the draw featuring Justine Henin and Venus + Serena Williams. Ouch.

Click here to see the full women's draw and here for the men's draw.

(image via AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)

Svetlana Kuznetsova wants to breakdance her way to World No. 1

Svetlana Kuznetsova is the No. 2 player in the world, but you wouldn't know it. The Russian has been forced to play second, and sometimes, third fiddle to her more famous compatriots including Maria "Shriek"apova, Anna Kournikova, and even Elena Dementieva. But the former US Open champion says she's okay with it.

In a recent interview with Ace Tennis Magazine, Sveta discusses growing up in an athletic environment, her (un)marketability, her past life as a black woman, and her desire to learn breakdancing.

On growing up around her father's cycling team:

"I was always living with Dad's team. They had to go to bed at 10pm and always get up very early. I wanted to be just like the guys. I remember, in the middle of winter, they would get up and go running at 7am. On Sundays when I had no school I would get up with them. It was very cold. They would say "What are you doing here. Why aren't you sleeping? [...] I looked up to those guys and I liked to do what they were doing."

On becoming World No. 1:

"I'm starting to be much more consistent, [...] It was one step to get to the six finals this year. The next step, next year is to win all these finals and get to No. 1 in the world."

On her lack of sponsorships and marketability:

"Maria [Sharapova] is not getting deals because she was No. 1 in Russia, [...] It's because they've made this image of her. She is a marketing player. I'm different. If I would be sold as she is, I don't know if I could handle it. It's really hard to be always posing and smiling. She deserves this money but, in the end, I think every player should ask themselves this question: 'Are you happy with what you're doing?' I'm not going to answer for Maria or for Anna Kournikova or anyone else. But I can say I'm happy wwith what I'm doing. And I don't have lots of sponssorship deals."

On not receiving a congratulatory call from Russian president Vladimir Putin after winning the '04 US Open:

"[Putin] is from my city and I'm the only (champion) tennis player from St Petersburg. When [Anastasia] Myskina won the French Open and Sharapova won Wimbledon, he called them. But I won the US Open and I had nothing. I was really sad about that. It really hurt me. He never did anything."

On her affinity for black culture:

"I like African people so much, [...] I have a lot of black friends. I feel great with them. I love everything about black culture. You know how sometimes you feel you have a past life? I feel like I was black in mine."

On wanting to learn how to breakdance:

"It's funny because I can play tennis in front of many people, [...] but I cannot start dancing because I have no clue. I would love to dance well, especially breakdancing, but I hate it when people laugh at me. "

(image via english.peopledaily.com)

SIGHTING: The ladies of the WTA Tour celebrate the season's end in style

End of the line: The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour's 2007 season went out with an emphatic end this weekend with World No. 1 Justine Henin winning the WTA Championships title in an epic battle against Maria "Shriek"apova in what we think was the women's match of the year. The Belgian star won 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 in the longest match in the Championship's history, and was rewarded with $1 million, a trophy, and a photo op with the sexy model ball boys.

Afterwards, the ladies celebrated the end of another long tennis season in style at the Sony Ericsson Player's Party in Madrid:

Serena Williams & Maria "Shriek"apova


Justine Henin & Daniela Hantuchova


Ana Ivanovic & Marion Bartoli


Svetlana Kuznetsova & Jelena Jankovic


Anna Chakvetadze & Hall of Famer Arantxa Sanchez Vicario

Andy Murray's Spanish memories, misses siestas

The Spanish do it better: Like many modern players such as Marat Safin, Ana Ivanovic, and Svetlana Kuznetsova, Andy Murray moved to Spain to train at the country's premiere tennis facilities and hone his game...or so we thought. What was it about the country that the Scot really enjoyed?

"I enjoy the way Spain works – going to sleep late, waking up late, eating late, sleeping during the day," [...] "I did quite a lot of that when I was training here."

We don't doubt it, nor do we blame him. We could do with a siesta right about now...

(source)

THE LOW DOWN: Maria & Serena look to recapture early season magic

A tale of two seasons: When the 2007 tennis season began, Maria "Shriek"apova was the reigning US Open champion on the brink of becoming the World No.1. Serena "ReRe" Williams was coming off a mostly inactive 2006 and looking to get her career back on track. These 2 champions worked through their respective Australian Open draws and met in a much-anticipated final with a shocking result: ReRe demolished Maria for the title, 6-1, 6-2. Regardless, they established themselves as the players to beat after the first Grand Slam of the season.


Fast foward to the Fall indoor European season - Maria lost her US Open crown to a relative newcomer in the 3rd round and, sitting at No. 4 in the world, was rumored to be retiring for the season to rest her sore shoulder. ReRe was beaten handily by Justine Henin in the quarterfinals of the Open and last week suffered a disappointing 6-3, 6-3 loss to Svetlana Kuznetsova at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. Both players are competing at this week's Kremlin Cup, a Tier 1 in Moscow, Russia. A win here could help build some confidence for both women going into the Sony Ericsson Championships and 2008.

Maria had this to say at a press conference for the Kremlin Cup this week:

"I have been training in a normal regime and I am physically 100 % fit [...] But for me the main thing is health. I am 20 years and I have a long career ahead of me". [...] I have been spending more time in Moscow than at home lately [...] It was great to be here and see our girls to win the Fed Cup."

ReRe also spoke to the press and had this to say:

"I am happy to come to Moscow - I was here way back when so now it feels like it's my first time here" [...] "The surface of the court is kind of weird [...] It is rather slow and the ball bounce is sometimes high, sometime low, it is kind of unusual for me because indoor courts are typically faster. The tournament in Moscow has a strong draw - but I feel fit and am ready to fight for the victory."

(source, images courtesy of AP Photo)

Bad blood: Maria Sharapova criticized publicly by FED CUP teammates, Serena Williams

Tough week, tough year: Seems like there's a lot of heavy criticism following Maria "Shriek"apova these days. Her recent appearance at the FED CUP final was questioned, with Svetlana Kuznetsova and Anna Chakvetadze being the most vocal.

"To be honest, I don't know why she came," said Sveta. "What's the point of coming here all the way from America if you can't play. She said she wanted to help our preparation and be our practice partner but, to me, if you can't play how then can you practice? It just doesn't make sense."

Chaky was more direct and said, "If you haven't played Fed Cup all year, it wouldn't be fair just to show up for the final," [...] "It's not fair to all the other girls who committed themselves to the team's cause."

And today The Chicago-Tribue is reporting on People magazine's newest issue where Serena Williams offers free-association answers on a number of topics. When asked for "Something Overrated", ReRe answered "Maria Sharapova".

Though this may be true to a certain extent, we also think it's time for ReRe to get a good publicist, especially after her last post-match press conference.

The FED CUP Chronicles: Russia wins third FED CUP title, Svetlana moved to tears

The FED CUP Chronicles have come to a close for 2007. Mother Russia won their 3rd FED CUP title in 4 years by defeating defending champions Italy. US Open finalist Svetlana Kuznetsova became emotional during the trophy ceremony after she led the team to victory by winning both of her singles matches. In the 2004 final against France, the World No. 2 lost both singles matches and watched Anastasia Myskina become the FED CUP heroine.

"I really wanted to bring the victory and this time it worked," said Sveta.


(images courtesy of AP Photo)

The FED CUP Chronicles: Maria Sharapova joins Russian FED CUP team for final

We've been chronicling the continuing drama of this year's FED CUP and here we have the latest installment: tennis glamour girl Maria "Shriek"apova moved past her New York nightlife and made her FED CUP debut...well, sort of. Reports have been that Maria would be sitting a hitting partner for the team and sitting courtside only.

However, the World No. 4 was invited by coach Shamil Tarpishchev to play in the final but she declined due to her nagging shoulder injury.

"It's great, " said Maria. "It's the first time I am playing tennis as part of a team."

PREVIEW: US Open Women's Final

Justine Henin vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova
Head-to-head: Justine 14, Sveta 2
Last meeting: Berlin Open (clay), Sveta 6-4 5-7 6-4

Two familiar foes will battle under the lights at the US Open as No. 1 seed Justine Henin takes on No. 4 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova for the women's title. Justine made history as only the second woman to beat both Williams sisters at a Grand Slam (Martina Hingis beat the sisters at the '01 Australian Open.) Playing with all out aggression and incredible variety, the Belgian defeated Venus Williams 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 in an exciting display of all-court tennis. Sveta fought compatriot Anna Chakvetadze, and her nerves, and pulled out a 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 victory. Both players will be looking to add a second US Open title to their collection, with the World No. 1 winning the '03 title and Sveta taking the title the following year.

Here's Justine on playing the final:

"I mean, I want to enjoy this moment now, but I know tomorrow is going to be another big day and I have to be a hundred percent focused on that one. I will just try to take my experience from the past and talk a lot about that with Carlos. Just, yeah, I have to go and win it. I mean, I have to do it. I'm not gonna wait that she gives the match to me, because she won't. I will have to be very, very, very aggressive. With a lot of determination I believe I can do it, but we're both going to be feeling the same tomorrow."

Sveta had this to say about playing the final:

"I don't want to think about the win or lose. I just gonna go out there and enjoy the final. To play in the night I have not had one match on Ashe on the night yet. I played a little bit late with the lights, but I really didn't have night match yet. Just, you know, the opportunity for me to play a great final. I just gonna give my best. Doesn't depend on me if I win or lose. Of course, it does, but on the other player also."

Outlook: Though Sveta beat Justine in their last meeting, it was only her second win over the Belgian out of 16 matches. This loss may give Justine even more motivation to win - not a great prospect for the still mentally fragile Russian. Matt Cronin for USOpen.org is picking Justine to grab the US Open title in straight sets, and we wholeheartedly agree.

(images via AP Photo)

PREVIEW: US Open Women's Semifinal Showdowns

The final four ladies at the US Open have been decided and are set for the Women's Semifinal Showdowns. Here's a preview:

Justine Henin vs. Venus Williams

Head-to-head: Williams 7, Henin 1
Last meeting: Australian Open '03 (hard), Williams 6-3, 6-3

World No. 1 Justine continued her Grand Slam dominance over 2-time US Open champion Serena "ReRe" Williams, beating her in a third straight Slam quarterfinal 7-6 (3), 6-1 and feeding ReRe sour grapes afterwards. No. 12 seed Venus battled Serb Jelena Jankovic (in the best women's match so far) for over 2 hours, overcoming a first set lost and a break in the second before prevailing 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (4). Justine and Venus haven't played in over 4 years, so their head-to-head is deceiving. Justine is a much approved player and knows how to play, and win, the big matches now.

Here's what Justine said about playing Venus:

"[...] I didn't watch Venus that much in the last few months, so it will be another good test for me for sure. And I will have to, you know, just be myself, play my tennis, play my game. So, yeah, I didn't play Venus for a long time so that will be interesting."

Here's Venus on playing Justine:

"I think it will be a very similar match [to Jankovic.] I'm playing a player, Justine, a player very similar to Jelena. A little more power. A little more power off the serve, which quite honestly I think I like it when the serve comes with some pace. It's nice. So I think it will be pretty similar. I guess I'll be ready for it."

Outlook: Venus has the strength to overpower Justine, but Justine has the speed and variety to disrupt her rhythm and get Venus to make errors. Tracy Austin for MSNBC.com gives a very slight edge to Justine in this semifinal and, after her win over Serena, so do we.

Svetlana Kuznetsova vs. Anna Chakvetadze

Head-to-head: Sveta, 2-0
Last meeting: Warsaw '06 (clay), Sveta 6-1, 6-1

A former champion at the US Open, World No. 4 Sveta knows how to win in New York. She completely outclassed rising Hungarian star Agnes Szavay in the quarterfinals 6-1, 6-4. Her opponent in the semis, fellow Russian and No. 6 seed Anna Chakvetadze, dominated Israeli Shahar Peer, the No. 18 seed, by a similar scoreline, 6-4, 6-1.

Here's what Sveta said about her semifinal against Anna:

"I play Anna now and I am very happy there is definitely going to be one Russian in the final."

Anna had this to say about playing Sveta:

"She's a favourite in this match, so I have nothing to lose and no pressure, [...]For me it's much easier to play with no pressure, so I will try to do my best."

Outlook: This one is a real toss- up, with the knowledge that the winner from the Williams/Henin semifinal is mostly likely our '07 champ. But we'll go with "Chaky" just for the fun of calling her "Chaky"...oh, and her smooth groundstroking.

Tell me who your picks are for tomorrow's Women's Semifinal Showdowns!

(images courtesy of AP Photos)

FASHION FIX: Svetlana Kuznetsova flirts with fashion

Sveta styles out: Down the Line! is thrilled, and a bit surprised we might add, to welcome Svetlana Kuznetsova into the flirty skirt crew (courtesy of her clothing sponsor, Fila.) We're loving the style and the color blocks on the back of the shirt.

A while back we voted Sveta the next best candidate for a makeover and we think this is a great start. Could a swan-lake dress be next?

THE LOW DOWN: Tennis stars who play with wood

An interesting editorial in the current Tennis magazine by Douglas Robson is a study on the temperament of current players on the tours. Robson carried a few wooden rackets and visited the practice courts of Indian Wells and the Sony Ericsson Open with hope of getting a few of the players to take a crack at hitting with wood.

Who were the most personable and approachable players? Take a look:


Swiss Martina Hingis, an old school player in her own right, had this to say about hitting with wood:

“You'd have to get used to it and find out the strength and weakness of the racket because the strategy would definitely have to be a little different,” [...] “You get the flat ball, so you'd have to be more aggressive [and] try to hit winners sooner."

Spin merchant Russian Sveta Kuznetsova, when asked if she could possibly beat a current player with the wood, said:

“Yeah,” [...] “Depends against who, but I think I would.”

Cutie Novak Djokovic and his 2 hitting partners played a series of tiebreaks with the wood. Always the "Djoker" the Serb had this to say:

“It's the first time in my life,” [...] “When we started to play, I tried to play as players did 20 years ago – the flat hits, chip and charge… volleys, slice. Then I tried to hit as we do today with spin and it was pretty good. I won I think three dinners."

And, clearly not the modest type, Daniela Hantuchova said:

"It was coming off the racket pretty well...I always thought I'd be quite good playing maybe 100 years ago."

Not a surprising bunch, at least to us. But more interesting was who gave wood the thumbs down:


It makes us wonder why they refused to experiment. They are obviously too young to have actually played with wooden rackets so why the disinterest? Too intensely focused or too self-conscious??

We think it would be great to see modern players compete with old technology in an exhibition match. Some players need to appreciate the history...and lighten up.

PREVIEW: Wimbledon Women's Semifinal Showdowns

The final four Ladies of Wimby are all set for their semifinal showdowns. Here's a preview:

Venus "V" Williams vs. Ana Ivanovic

Head-to-head: Williams, 2-0
Last meeting: Luxembourg '06, Williams 6-3, 6-4

No. 23 seed V put on another sterling performance handling No. 5 seed Sveta Kuznetsova in the quarterfinals 6-3, 6-4. It was V's first win over the powerful Russian in 3 matches this year. No.6 seed Ivanovic won the battle of the "beauty teens" saving 3 match points and outlasting Czech Nikki Vaidisova, the 12th seed (and my darkhorse), 4-6, 6-2, 7-5.

Here's what V said about playing her next opponent:

"[Ivanovic and Vaidisova] are both very good players, a lot of talent, a lot of power, a lot of potential. They both love the game. I think they're both very similar. They both have similar games to me. It will just be a matter of me playing that game a little better."

Here's Ana talking about V:

"It's going to be very tough match. Venus is in a great shape. They played amazingly last couple of matches. It's going to be very tough. But I have experience. I played on Centre Court already. So I just want to go tomorrow and enjoy, try to play the best I can and see who will be better tomorrow."

Outlook: V, a 3-time Wimby champ, has the edge in every category over the Serb, so on paper this is a match she should win. Tracy Austin for MSNBC.com has already given V a passport to the title. But which Venus will show up to play?

Justine Henin vs. Marion Bartoli

Head-to-head: Henin, 2-0
Last meeting: Eastbourne '07, Henin 6-1, 6-3

As the No. 1 seed Justine truly established herself as best in the world and earned another chance at the Venus Rosewater Dish by beating 8-time Slam winner and No. 7 seed Serena "ReRe" Willaims 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. This win was Henin's first over ReRe on a non-clay court - an important win for the fiery Belgian. France's Bartoli, the No. 18 seed, is this year's Wimby Surprise Semifinalist (isn't there always one?) winning her quarterfinal over 18 year old Michaella Krajichek of the Netherlands, the 31st seed, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Here's Justine on her upcoming semifinal:

"Well, still going match after match. I have a semifinal now. Still that's how I build something good, I hope. On Friday it's going to be another tough match. Even if on the paper I'm going to be the favorite, it's going to be another kind of story on the court. So it's still too early to talk about it. It would mean a lot, but still have a lot of work to do."

Here's Bartoli on playing Justine:

"I've been through some big stage already against some big players and in some tough situation, finals of tournaments. I'm not afraid to play against the big players. Not afraid. It's going to be my first time on Centre Court. I'm very happy to be for the first time on Centre Court in Wimbledon. I will really enjoy that moment."

Outlook: Justine, welcome to Wimby final #3. Could the third time be the charm?

Tell me who your picks are for tomorrow's women's semifinals!

(images courtesy of AP Photos)

From Russia with Love

Maria Shriekapova, Sveta Kuznetsova, or Elena Dementieva would be nothing without the original Russian glamourpuss of tennis - Anna Kournikova. Granted she couldn't grab a singles title even if it were tossed at her, but she proved a woman could be athletic and beautiful. She's still making the rounds playing an exhibition event this summer during the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour's stop in Toronto, and squashes rumors that she and her man-piece Enrique Iglesias are in splitsville.