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)

SIGHTING: Venus + Hank take in the Masters, marriage next?

Thanks to DtL! reader Marcell for sending us this tip:

Venus Williams and rumored fiance golfer Hank Kuehne were spotted at the Masters yesterday strolling behind Hank's brother Trip, an amateur golfer.

V is taking time off for an undisclosed medical reason that her agent, Carlos Fleming, claims is not serious. The 6-time Grand Slammer will make return next month at the Italian Open.

Could the couple be getting married during this break?

(image via Getty)

SIGHTING: Common spotted in Miami, Serena spotted on TV show

Serena Williams and Common's "relationship" must be heating up. The rapper was spotted taking in ReRe's match against Kaia Kanepi this past weekend according to the Sony Ericsson Open site:

Boyd Tinsley, a member of the Dave Matthews Band came back for another dose of Sony Ericsson Open action. Tinsley was in the stands earlier this week. Grammy-award winning hip hop artist Common stopped by to watch Serena Williams defeat Kaia Kanepi. Passions' soap star Adrian Bellani was in attendance at Andy Roddick's match. Helio Castroneves, Indy Race car champ and Dancing with the Stars reigning champion, parked his car long enough to see Roddick defeat Ivo Minar.

I don't think he just "stopped by". Common was there to see ReRe play and then some. But, what's with all the secrecy? Don't they know that we're always watching?? Just come out already!

BTW - I don't know if anyone saw it, but ReRe was a guest star on the CW's The Game this past Sunday, stretching her acting skills by playing herself. A screen capture from her appearance is below and she looks great.

If anyone actually saw the episode, let me know how she did!


(image via tv.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)

BREAKING: Andy Roddick to marry Brooklyn Decker

It's official: Andy Roddick is marrying Brooklyn Decker! I had written about the engagement last Friday after receiving a tip from an anonymous source.

Now People.com is reporting today that A-Rod popped the questiom to his swimsuit model girlfriend last week:

It's love - love for Andy Roddick and Brooklyn Decker – they're engaged! The tennis star is officially off the market after popping the question to Decker last Tuesday, sources, including Decker's rep, confirm to PEOPLE.

On Roddick's official Web site, andyroddick.com, a statement tells fans, "The couple wanted to tell their family and close friends first but good news travels fast. By the time Andy arrived in Miami for the Sony Ericsson Open, the tournament was bustling with the news."

The pair, who have been dating since 2007, first met after Roddick, 25, asked his agent to track down a number for Decker, 20, a model who has appeared in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition.

"With their hectic travel schedules, Andy and Brooklyn plan to enjoy their engagement and will wait to set a wedding date," adds Roddick's online statement.

Thanks to the tipster for sending me the news - keep it comin'!

THE LOW DOWN: Is A-Rod heading down the aisle with Brooklyn Decker?

The marrying kind: Is Andy Roddick following good friend Mardy Fish's lead and getting hitched? A tipster wrote to us on Thursday saying,

Andy Roddick and Brooklyn Decker are engaged as of yesterday as well.

The couple of have only been dating since last season's US Open but have been spotted numerous times walking the streets of NYC together where the swimsuit model lives. The relationship was also rumored to be the catalyst in the breakup of A-Rod and Jimmy Connors.

If anyone can confirm this news, let me know!

(image via socialitelife.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: A-Rod goes retro with Lacoste, meets fans (+ girlfriend) in NYC

Andy Roddick, looking clean-cut + dapper here in vintage tennis whites, will be in NYC today to host a meet-and-greet with his loyal fans at the Lacoste store in Midtown.

The recent Dubai titlist must also be visiting his model girlfriend, Brooklyn Decker, who lives here and who may have been the catalyst for A-Rod's breakup with coach Jimmy Connors. Can you say Yoko Ono?

(image via andyroddick.com)

BREAKING: Is Mirka Vavrinec pregnant?

Daily Tennis is reporting that Mirka Vavrinec, Roger Federer's long-time girlfriend, is pregnant. This would be the first child for both.

Can anyone out there confirm this news?

Thanks for the heads-up Brent!

[tennis.com via dailytennis.com]

SIGHTING: A-Rod brings a little Brooklyn to Manhattan

Love is in the air: Thanks to our reader Suzanne for tipping us off to Andy Roddick and girlfriend Brooklyn Decker taking in some sights in New York yesterday. A-Rod is looking super-casual but blazing hot in his black skull cap, charcoal hooded wool coat, jeans, and trainers.

The pair began dating during last year's US Open when they were spotted eating at trendy eaterie Nobu; and last December the tennis baller (working a similar look) and swimsuit model were seen hand-in-hand strolling the streets of Gotham. A-Rod has been romantically linked to singer/actress Mandy Moore and fellow baller Maria "Shriek"apova as well.

Could the couple be here for a little Valentine's Day celebration in the big city?

(images via pagesix.com)

BLIND ITEM: Double your pleasure, double your fun

Which tennis baller on a world-class doubles team was spotted inviting a front-desk receptionist up to his Sydney hotel room for some fun during this month's Medibank International?

THE LOW DOWN: More insider info on Stepanek + Vaidisova romance

Some insider 411: So a reader tipped us off to some more info on the rumored romance between Czech mates Radek Stepanek + Nicole Vaidisova. Her spy spotted the couple numerous times in a Sydney hotel together during the Aussie calendar swing and said he...

"always saw these two leave Radek's room - they always headed out in the evening together. She was definately (sic) staying in his room. It's not as if it was kept a secret or anything, but then again your regular Sydney-sider wouldn't even care or know who they are were so I guess they didn't feel the need to hide it? He reckons that Radek seems like a pretty cool guy always really friendly and joking around with the staff."

We're sure Radek's a really friendly guy, but we still can't get over what hottie Nicole sees in "the worm". He must have something going on that we're not aware of...go figure.

Radek Stepanek + Nicole Vaidisova caught together on video, relationship rumors grow

I spy: It's good to know there are nosey people with video cameras in the world - they make our jobs so much easier. We stumbled upon images of the rumored relationship between Czech mates Radek Stepanek and Nicole Vaidisova in action. Though this is certainly not full-proof evidence that they're together, the Czechs look very comfortable and friendly in this exchange.

These still images were taken from this video - nice work spy!

(via womenstennisblog.com)

THE LOW DOWN: Novak Djokovic understands Maria, "I think she's a very strong female," says Nole

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!

(images via Mark Baker/AP)

SIGHTING: Serena Williams hits Hollywood club scene, but doesn't go home alone

Moving on: Apparently Serena "ReRe" Williams broken heart is on the mend. The 8-time Grand Slam champ, who hit the quarterfinal skids at the Aussie Open last week, was spotted arriving at Hollywood club Hyde ready to party in a white waist-coat, cobalt blue dress, black patent tote, and peep-toe Christian Louboutin heels.

But the tennis fashionista didn't end the night alone: TMZ caught ReRe, with rumored boyfriend Common, in the passenger seat of his black SUV as they left club Villa the same evening.

Why does the camera-loving tennis star seem so nervous about being photographed with the hip-hop star?

(images via bossip.com)

Ana Ivanovic's Domination Tour continues to build as she gossips about gossip

More Serbian stuff: Ana Ivanovic is really bringing her Global Domination Tour to a new level in 2008. The new World No. 3 (a career high ranking), who recently took the UK by storm, is providing inside scoop on the Australian Open for USAToday.com and blogging for the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, all the while still giving her fans (and bloggers) the personal touch via her own website.

Here's a highlight from the latest diary entry on her site:

"Gossip. Everyone loves it, and the tennis world is no different. The corridors of Melbourne Park, and all other tournaments, are full of people telling each other the latest rumours, especially when we haven’t seen each other for a long time. Who is dating who, who said nasty things about who, whose muscles just doubled in size…"

"For the best gossip, the player lounge/restaurant is the place to be. The majority of it is probably untrue, and the funny thing is that the media seem to be pretty much in the dark – they only find out the stories a couple of months later."

"I do like the occasional bit of gossip myself, so I would be a hypocrite if I complained when the stories are about me. I try to have a sense of humour about it. I guess I am still young, and it’s all very new to me. It’s hard to describe how it feels when you read a story about yourself and a player that you barely know, that claims that you are dating. You just have to laugh about it and not take it too seriously."

"The biggest gossips are the coaches and agents. The players themselves don’t gossip half as much as them, at least not in my experience. It’s no secret that the tennis world isn’t the friendliest of places, with a lot of rivalry, but the atmosphere in the women’s locker room is actually quite pleasant. Of course, there are some players who keep their heads down, avoid eye contact with anyone and never say “hello”, but there will always be someone in there you can have a chat with."

Damn! Ana makes the tennis tour sound like so much fun. We'd love to know which player's muscles just doubled in size, also. Do tell...

Oh, to be a fly on the wall of that players' lounge.

(image via AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

THE LOW DOWN: Is Venus Williams engaged to boyfriend Hank Kuehne?

Venus "V" Williams looks to be flying high in Melbourne, and not because of her recent win over Maria "Shriek"apova. Rumors are flying online that the Wimbledon champion is now engaged to boyfriend Hank Kuehne with whom she has been dating for almost a year now. A source close to the family told MediaTakeOut.com,

"Venus is preparing for (the Australian Open) and she doesn't need the (media) distraction. But everyone is very happy, especially Venus."

Based on this recent photo of V practicing for next week's Australian Open, she is sporting a large ring on her left hand. Could it be true?

(image via WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images)

THE LOW DOWN: Is Mardy Fish engaged to a gameshow model?

What's the deal: Can someone tell us what's up with American male tennis players dating models? First, Andy Roddick hooked up with Sports Illustrated's Brooklyn Decker and then James Blake was rumored to be seeing Victoria's Secret model Selita Ebanks.

Now comes word that Mardy Fish is engaged to Stacey Gardner, a briefcase-holding model on the NBC hit gameshow Deal or No Deal. Clearly Mardy's hairy situation hasn't hurt his prospects with the ladies.

UPDATE: We got a tip from The Big Lead to check Mardy's Wikipedia page for confirmation on the engagement and here's what we found: "In November of 2007, Mardy became engaged to Stacey Gardner, a California attorney and a "Briefcase Model" on NBC's 'Deal Or No Deal'." Case solved.

(images via tennisnews.com and thebiglead.com)

THE LOW DOWN: Is James Blake dating Victoria's Secret model Selita Ebanks?

More from the gossip mill today: James Blake seems to be following Davis Cup teammate Andy Roddick's lead in the dating department these days. The New York Post's Page Six is reporting sightings of James with Victoria's Secret model Selita Ebanks in LA. According to a source,

"They met in LA and have been dating seriously."

Selita was previously linked to Nick Cannon, the actor recently picked to portray the legendary Arthur Ashe in his biopic.

(images via askmen.com, si.cnn.com)

THE LOW DOWN: Czech mates? Stepanek and Vaidisova rumored to marry

We couldn't believe the rumors swirling around this past weekend about Radek Stepanek and 18-year old Nicole Vaidisova. According to the Bradenton Herald in Florida, the Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court said the pair, who are both from the Czech Republic, applied for a marriage license on December 10. Huh?

Remember not so long ago, the 29-year old Radek was on the fast track to becoming Mr. Martina Hingis until their engagement was ended before the US Open in August under mysterious circumstances (we're thinking her failed drug tests might have been a reason). Talk about moving on.

In any case, to say this news is shocking is an understatement. No word yet today on whether the pair has confirmed the engagement. Stay tuned...

(images via AP Photo)