FASHION FIX: The problem with adidas as told through Ana's Grand Slam dresses

Picture this: You're the world's top-ranked lady baller and current French Open champion who's been featured on the cover of countless magazine covers, billboards and newspapers. Your big sponsor, adidas, dressed you up in tired gear for your big win in Paris this month but no hard feelings, right? All you want is an originally designed, inspired and functional dress to wear for the final Grand Slams of the year and here's what they give you:

The Wimbledon dress (above), in the required white with lilac piping around the neckline and arm holes, was supposedly inspired by flower petals but I'm thinking someone was eating lady fingers when they came up with the design. And for the US Open you're sporting the same dress but in some drab grey-brown moment (below). *Yawn* Even the proportions, most noticeably the length of the dress, seem awkward on you.


Anway Ana, you might want to think about getting yourself involved in the design of next year's dresses. How about something like adidas by ana, ana for adidas, or a partnership like Maria "not even close to top-10" Kirilenko and Stella McCartney have with the brand? Oh, and instead of annoyed bloggers (like me!) writing open letters to your sponsor you might want to let them in on their lackadaisical design efforts for one of tennis' top stars.

It's your image, that's all.

(images via adidas, anaivanovic.com)

ESPN may get US Open coverage, end Michael Barkan (and our) misery!

After grabbing coverage of Wimbledon through 2013, ESPN is in talks with the USTA to televise the final Grand Slam of the year, the US Open. No agreement has been reached yet.

Cable channel USA Networks, which has televised the major for years, will be ending their coverage after this year.

Does that mean we won't have any more of roving reporter Michael Barkan's awkward and, frankly, embarrassing celebrity interviews? Awwww....

(image via espn.com)

JUSTINE HENIN: A stellar year for the World No. 1

Justine Henin has been the most dominant female tennis player this year, and the most consistent the last few years. She impressively won her seventh Grand Slam at the US Open without losing a set and defeating both Serena and Venus Williams consecutively. Justine has already secured the year-end No. 1 ranking and holds a gawdy 54-4 record this season.

Steely and determined, the mighty Belgian has begun showing her 'softer side' and allowing the world to peer into her inner-workings. Competing at the Zurich Open this week, the World No. 1 met with the press to discuss her incredible year, the state of her health, and the inevitable comparisons to her male counterpart, Roger Federer.

On her standout 2007 season:

"I'll have played just 14 tournaments but I'm almost at 60 matches now, with exceptional results. So far 12 tournaments, eight victories. I can't ask for much more." [...] "I want to end the season on a high, I still want to take one or two titles more."

On the state of her health:

"It'll be the first time in several years that I can complete my season," [...] "That's my other big victory this year."

On emulating the careers of legends including Martina Navratilova and Steffi Graf :

"When you see what the greatest girls in the sport, like Martina Navratilova and Steffi Graf, have achieved then you have to think that nobody is going to do that again in the women's game," [...] "It's a great feeling to be winning a lot of Grand Slams but my motivation is just that I love so much being on the court and competing at the highest level."

On the prospect of winning the "Golden Slam" (all 4 Grand Slams and the Olympic gold) in 2008:

"That's a tough, tough goal, so let's go one step at a time,"[...] "I will definitely be at the Olympic Games which is one of my main goals for sure. My win in Athens was the most beautiful experience of my career. As for Wimbledon, I will do everything I can to win there. For a little girl who dreamed of winning Grand Slams it would be a great achievement if I could win the lot. But if I don't do it, I won't feel any less of a champion because there are a lot of great players who never managed to win all four."

On comparisons to World No. 1 Roger Federer:

"It's an honour to hear those kind of compliments," [...] "But I never like to compare myself to anyone because I just like to do my job the best I can. I do it for myself, the people I love, my fans - but I don't really run after being part of the history of the sport."

(images via AP Photo, source 1 & 2)

HOT or NOT: Feliciano vs. Stefan

Here we have our latest HOT or NOT candidates. Feliciano Lopez and local favorite Stefan Koubek played a second round match at this week's BA-CA Tennis Trophy in Vienna, Austria. The Spaniard emerged the victor in this battle 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. Unfortunately, they were both sporting the same Nike threads in this match - another one of our pet peeves (tour stylist, anyone?)


Feliciano is a self-proclaimed metrosexual and is BFF's with World No. 2 Rafael Nadal. We've always thought he was sexy, maybe a little TOO pretty, but sexy just the same. His striking blue eyes, chiseled face, and fit body - hello, check out those arms!


Stefan also has a great body - here we get another peek at his six-pack and the sexy belly-button surprise we first noticed at the US Open this summer. He's fiery too - the Austrian was the latest player to get booted from a match - this time for foul language. Though we don't condone cursing out the umpire, we do think his stubborness is intriguing for all the wrong reasons- yes, we have issues.

HOT or NOT: Feliciano vs. Stefan

Tell us!

FASHION FIX: US Open Nike dress brings Maria bad luck, loses at Kremlin Cup

Maybe it was per Nike's request, but we thought this Nike day dress was made especially, and only, for Maria "Shriek"apova to wear at the US Open. She may not want to wear it again, though - it's bringing all sorts of bad luck.


She worked this dress for the first time at the Open as defending champ and lost to 18 year old Agnieszka Radwanska. This week at the Kremlin Cup, the Russian fashionista, looking to reestablish her game, donned the dress again. The result: a loss in the second round (her first match though) to another 18 year old - Belarus's Victoria Azarenka.

We think it's time to retire this dress - for good.

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)

FASHION FIX: Lacoste's up n' down year and Tatiana's tangerine dream

We think Frenchie fashion label Lacoste has been very hit-or-miss this year. The hits? The men's tennis gear, most recently with Fabrice Santoro's super cute candy-striped polo matched with white shorts for the US Open. The misses? The women's on-court fashion with the latest being Tatiana Golovin's "tangerine dream" for this week's Porshce Tennis Grand Prix - or dare we say nightmare?


Of course, we must put a fair amount of the blame on the players themselves. Tati just went overboard wearing the same orange color for both the top and skirt, similar to Marat Safin and his adidas "haz-mat" outfit.

We keep saying it but the tours could use a full-time stylist - any takers?

FASHION FIX: Serena Williams resurfaces at Porsche Grand Prix, rocks HP dress

Serena "ReRe" Williams is playing at the Porsche Grand Prix this week, her first tournament since her US Open loss to Justine Henin (and her sour grapes moment). ReRe has opted for an alternate version of the Nike dress she wore at the Open; this pink dress with burgundy stripe is featured in her recent TV ad for HP computers, also.

We still like the black + pink version much better. But what we can't get past is the rock she's sporting on her hand, not to mention the chipped fingernail polish. What's the deal ReRe?

Venus Williams wins Korean Open, dines on cow tongue

Venus Williams made a return to the winner's circle this week at the Korean Open. Playing for the first time since her semifinal US Open loss to eventual champ Justine Henin, V played sketchy tennis at stretches to defeat Russian Maria Kirilenko 6-3, 1-6, 6-4. The finalists donned traditional Korean clothing for the presentation ceremony.

Here's what V had to say in her blog about the dress:

"I really love the dress they gave me after the final in Seoul. I was thinking about when I'd have another chance to wear it - but I don't know if I can even get it back on! The reality is probably I can't wear it again, but it was mine to keep, so I have it with me. They fitted it for me too, which was great, but with that in mind, I don't know if any other woman can wear it!"

The World No. 8 celebrated the win with some late night karaoke and a dinner that included cow tongue:

"I'd have to say the highlight of my week was the final; it was just a great final, so intense - but the most interesting part was probably getting coerced into eating tongue at this Korean barbecue last night. I almost lost it - twice. Don't get me wrong, I loved the food all week, and I ate lots. But the restaurant owner brought us some delicacies and of course, there was cow tongue. He told me to dip it in the sauce, which was vinegar, and I really don't like vinegar at all. It was just miserable! But I made it through."

(source)

SIGHTING: Elena Dementieva arrives for China Open, looks to resurrect game

Former top 10 player Elena Dementieva arrived in Beijing alongside mom and coach (not to mention baggage handler) Vera for the China Open. The Russian with the incredible groundies but sketchy serve is the No. 4 seed this week and hopes to get on track this fall. Elena is now sitting at No. 15 in the world after a rough summer - she lost in the 3rd round at both Wimbledon and the US Open.

Her first match is a very tricky one - she plays up-n-coming slugger Tamira Paszek, a 16 year old from Austria, who defeated Elena in their first and only meeting at Wimbledon this past summer.


(source)

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)

+ TUESDAY NETCORDS: Roger, Rafa, Reebok recycles...Mark plans return, Davis Cup and more

(image courtesy of Green Putty in My Armpit)

- Reebok recycles: Reebok has taken old tennis balls and made special edition pump sneakers out of them. We like this idea, though we wouldn't be caught dead wearing them. We're reminded, though, of the way women sell their hair to make wigs...we get it!

- We were sad to see Rafael Nadal leave the US Open so early, but was it his opponent or is his schedule to blame?

- World No. 1 Roger Federer will be playing Davis Cup at the end of this month against the Czech Republic. And, the media lovefest continues for the future G.O.A.T. - though some aren't ready to give him that just yet.

- You cannot be serious: Aussie reality TV personality Mark Philippoussis is still targeting a return to the pro tennis circuit. Estimated time of arrival: January 2008, Australian Open.

- "Tennis is NOT dead!" announces The New Republic. Wow, it's good to be in the know...

- We love lists, especially from SI's Jon Wertheim.

- Keeping up with the times: Deuce magazine, the ATP's official pub, finally goes digital on a quarterly basis and will cover the personalities and lifestyles of the ATP players. WAIT - isn't that our job?

SIGHTING: Jake Gyllenhaal takes in US Open men's final

We somehow missed hottie Jake Gyllenhaal checking out the US Open action this past weekend. And, the Oscar-nominated actor wasn't alone: he was sporting cute arm candy in the form of longtime friend Chris Fischer, a sous chef at popular NYC eaterie Babbo.

Though we'd like to think our usual thoughts about Jake ("he IS gay!") we don't think this is the proof in the puddin'...*sigh*

(via Towleroad)

THE LOW DOWN: Maria and Novak hang out, romance rumors grow

Budding romance: Major New York gossip mongers Page Six and Rush & Molly have both reported today on the growing romance between Maria "Shriek"apova and Novak Djokovic. Though the sexy Serb was quoted as saying they were "just friends" after Maria was spotted in his player's box at the US Open final, the two were seen getting cozy and hitting the town together later that evening.

Page Six is reporting that the two tennis hotties showed up together at Wakiya in the Gramercy Park Hotel after the US Open final, though they mostly missed the opening night party. Afterwards, according to both rags, the couple headed to to Unik's karaoke party at Downtown Cipriani, site of the recent Legends Ball. The song the couple chose to perform together? "Love Is in the Air."

Hmmm - I guess coming in second place wasn't so bad for Nole...

(images courtesy of AP Photo, Viewimages)

SIGHTING: More of Roger Federer and the media merry-go-round

Media frenzy: World No. 1 Roger Federer created quite a stir in New York City today. After stopping in Times Square for a photo-op and some questions from the press, the US Open champion hit the morning show circuit. The Swiss stylist made stops at the Live with Regis & Kelly and the Today Show.

Fed topped off the day by catching Oscar De La Renta's Spring 2008 fashion show with girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec and Anna Wintour, Vogue fashionatrix and obsessesed Federer fan.

The China Open begins, Ivan Ljubicic and wife enjoy festivites

While the US Open was winding down this weekend, the China Open was gearing up for some tennis action. The Chinese went all out to celebrate the start of the tournament, with dancers working tennis rackets as props and giant-size blow ups of some of our favorite players.

Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic and his wife, Aida, hold candles before making wishes and releasing them onto the water during a boat cruise at Shishahai Lake in Beijing, China. Ivan is the No. 3 seed at the tournament.

SIGHTINGS: Andy, Maria, and Serena take on New York

Man vs. Machine: New York gossip monger Page Six is reporting some tennis sightings in the city recently. In today's edition Andy Roddick, speaking to a fan at the one-year anniversary of Tenjune, said "At least if you are going to lose, lose to a robot" in reference to his loss to Roger Federer in the US Open quarterfinals.

I guess you'd have to come up with some excuse for losing to someone 14 times out of 15 matches...ouch.

Also, Maria "Shriek"apova was spotted throwing down some cocktails at Whiskey Blue, and Serena Williams checked out the Ripley's Believe it or Not! Times Square Odditorium. No mention if she was sporting the rumored baby bump on the visit...

SIGHTING: Roger Federer visits Times Square, talks to media

US Open champion Roger Federer began the media merry-go-round today after winning his 12th Grand Slam title, only 2 behind Pete Sampras' record 14 major titles. Here is the dominant Swiss talking and posing for reporters at the "Crossroads of the World" known as Times Square, NYC.

(images via AP Photo)

FASHION FIX: Maria Sharapova checks out Fashion Week, works Peter Som

Maria "Shriek"apova, who lost early at this year's US Open, not only stayed in town to support "friend" Novak Djokovic during yesterday's men's final. The fashion fiend is also hitting Fashion Week in NYC and was spotted sitting in the front row of Peter Som's fashion show. Clearly, the Russian is a big fan of the designer having sported his duds at a pre-US Open event to benefit The Maria Sharapova Foundation.

We think she looks amazing in this chiffon graphic print dress from his Fall 2007 collection.

(via GettyImages, PeterSom.com)

SEPARATED AT BIRTH: Roger vs. Liza

Total sacrilege: Separated at birth or is Liza Minelli doing her best "Darth Federer" impression, headband and all? (images courtesy of AP Photo)