Forbes lets us know that Fed, Maria, Serena + Justine are famous and well-paid

Tennis has some of the most powerful and well-paid celebrities in the world. Like, duh.

Forbes just released their annual "Celebrity 100" list which ranks celebrities based on "earnings, then factors in media metrics like Google hits, press mentions as compiled by Factiva, TV/radio mentions from Lexis/Nexis and the number of times an A-lister appears on the cover of more than 50 consumer magazines." Wow - that's so scientific!

Anyway, Roger Federer, Maria "Shriek"apova, Serena Williams, and Justine Henin all made the list this year. Here's their ranking and what the mag had to say about our ballers:

Fed - (rank: 23) The world's top tennis player won $10 million in prize money in 2007—and another three grand slams. He recently signed up for 10 more years with Nike, one of the biggest deals ever in tennis.

Maria - (rank: 61) After the recent sudden retirement of Justine Henin, Sharapova moved to the top of the WTA Tour rankings for the fourth time in her career. She won her third Grand Slam tournament at the Australian Open in January. In the past 12 months, she has renewed her endorsement deals with Canon and Tag Heuer, and she'll be getting double what they previously paid. She also has signed on to be a face of Sony. Also in her portfolio of global sponsors: Colgate-Palmolive, Motorola, Nike and Pepsi.

ReRe - (rank: 69) The younger Williams sister is back with three tournament wins so far in 2008 after chalking up only three wins in the three previous years combined. She signed a $2 million deal with Hewlett-Packard that adds to her hefty endorsement income, and she partners with Kraft, Nike and Wilson. Her $19 million in career prize money is the sixth highest among female tennis players.

Justine - (rank: 81) Henin shocked the tennis world with her sudden retirement in May. She is the first Tour player to quit while ranked No. 1. She had a phenomenal 2007, winning 10 of the 14 tournaments she played in and became the first woman to snag $5 million in prize money in one season.

(images via Getty)

PHOTO OP: ITF hosts World Champions Dinner, honors Federer + Henin

The ITF hosted the World Champions Dinner at the Pavillon d’Armenonville in Paris and celebrated the achievements of the 2007 ITF World Champions.

Roger Federer accepted the award for Men's Singles and an absent Justine Henin was given the Women's Singles Award.

Additional awards included the Men's Doubles given to Bob and Mike Bryan and the Women's Doubles Award given to Cara Black and Liezel Huber. Both teams are pictured here with ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti.



(images via Getty)

THE LOW DOWN: Henin's retirement not completely what it seems, door open for return

Is Justine Henin just taking a long-deserved break and not a permanent retirement as was reported? Quite possibly.

The Independent is reporting that the former world no. 1 had been dealing with serious personal issues recently, including the death of her sister Sarah's premature new born boy and a failed romance with a South African doctor that began last winter and ended only weeks ago. In fact, she almost withdrew from the epic final of last season's WTA Championships against Maria Sharapova but was urged to win it for her sister and her son.

Those amongst her inner circle are speculating the door is not completely closed on a return to tennis. Her brother Thomas, who she was hitting with recently, said,

Maybe, I don't know. In six months to a year, if she hasn't found happiness in real life, it is possible. We don't know about the future.

Her father Jose with whom she was estranged also raised questions about her motives saying about her recent relationship,

That's over, and Justine felt that men don't want her for the person she is but because she is the worldNo 1. She believes she will have a much bigger chance of meeting a good man and then having children in the future if she is not playing tennis any more.

But he also believes she's left the door open for a return:

It might be possible to see her come back one day, just a chance. When Kim Clijsters quit she stopped completely. Justine is already playing again, so who knows?

As intensely private as Justine has been historically, I wouldn't be surprised if she called it a 'retirement' in order to keep the media hawks out of her business...even for just a little while. Nothing is ever what it seems with her.

(image via Getty)

THE LOW DOWN: Henin dumped out of Berlin - career crisis or momentary lapse?

The best lady on the terra bateau is no longer: Justine Henin suffered a surprise 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 defeat to Dinara Safina in the third round of the German Open in Berlin.

The world no. 1 has been a non-factor so far this season and this loss on her favored surface at a tourney she's won 3 times against an opponent she owned 5-0 clearly shows she's lacking any confidence and may be burnt out after her spectacular run last year. Plus, her recent talk of a post-tennis life shows her head is in the future and not in the here and now:

I don't really know when (I will retire). Maybe in two, three, four years but it's impossible to say. I hope I can remain healthy and motivated. I'm not going to play all that much. Already last year I didn't play that much and I want to stay focused on the main events. We'll see. Maybe in two, three, four or five years (I'll retire). We'll see.

Two years or five years? Those are very different time frames.

I can't help to think that the clay season is Serena Williams' now. If Jelena Jankovic can keep her acting dreams at bay and focus on the task-at-hand, she has a chance to make some noise because of her fluid movement and consistency.

But at this point, this is ReRe's to lose. As for Justine, there's always the next tourney. That's tennis!

(image via AP)

Women's 2nd Marquee Matchup: Australian Open Quarterfinals

We've arrived at our second Women's Marquee Matchup of the Australian Open and this one has 'classic' written all over it. No. 1 seed Justine Henin puts her 32-match win streak on the line as she takes on Maria "Shriek"apova under the lights of Rod Laver Arena for a place in the semifinals.

Though she was broken while serving to close out her 4th round match, the World No. 1 was never in any real trouble against Chinese Taipei's Hsieh Su-Wei, winning 6-2, 6-2. Maria was more impressive in her match, destroying 2-time Grand Slam finalist Elena Dementieva 6-2, 6-0 in 62 minutes. The last time these players met was in the classic final of last season's Sony Ericsson WTA Championships in Madrid, with Justine sneaking out a 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 victory - the longest match in the Championship's history.

Here's what Justine had to say about facing Maria:

"I always know to beat her I have to be at my best. She's a real fighter. She never gives up. Very talented. She's a champion. So I know that against her I will have to be a hundred percent all the time."

Maria had this to say about facing the Belgian:

"Justine's the one to beat, [...] She's on a pretty good winning streak, but every match is new. [...] The one in Madrid was tough but physically she got me in the end -- she was tougher than I was in the end. But I had many chances and I was very close to winning."

Their strengths are clear: Justine has the mobility, versatility, and court-craft while Maria possesses bludgeoning power from the baseline. There's also no mystery between these two - they know each other's games well. Craig Hickman's Tennis Blog is giving the edge to Justine, but Maria has been the sharper player. We think the Russian will play first-strike tennis, rocket her groundies to the corners, and take balls out of the air - which is the only was she'll win. And we think she will...in 3 sets.

(images via Clive Brunskill & Rob Griffith/AP)

Justine Henin inaugurates new tennis club and school, channels inner-Madonna

World No. 1 Justine Henin, channeling her inner-Madonna circa 1990, spoke at a press conference today to celebrate the inauguration of her new tennis club and school La Palestre in Limelette, Belgium. The facility will include three new clay courts, a clubhouse, a restaurant, an open space events hall, gardens and a medical treatment room.


(images via BENOIT DOPPAGNE/AFP/Getty Images, justine-henin.be)

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

Moments from Madrid: Justine Henin discusses her year, match-fixing and Martina Hingis

Defending champion Justine Henin arrived in Madrid this week for the Sony Ericsson WTA Championships and received a trophy from WTA CEO Larry Scott to commemorate her year-end No. 1 ranking. The World No. 1 spoke with the press about her incredible year and her views on the match-fixing and doping clouds hovering over tennis these days.

On her most challenging but successful year to date:

"I keep coming back to this unbelievable story that impossible is nothing and I proved it again this year. It's been a difficult year, [...] When I came back to competition in February in Paris it was like I had to start (over) again. I really grew up a lot, [...] I have no problem to say it's been the best season of my career so far."

On the recent match-fixing allegations:

"On match-fixing the only thing I can say is that I've never been approached by anyone about anything and I've never heard about anything like it."

On the doping news including Martina Hingis' revelation:

"For doping it is the same. I don't want to make any comment about Martina's situation but the thing is we want to keep a clean sport and a healthy sport because we all give our best when we play. [...] "I have been tested around 10 times this year but that is no problem for me. I'm all in favor of it as long as the authorities respect the private life of the athletes."

(source 1 & 2)

Tennis gives back: Justine, Goran, and Ana join Steffi and Andre for benefit tennis match

World No. 1 Justine Henin and former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic joined the Grafassi's - tennis power couple Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi - in a mixed doubles match for the BASF Festival for Children on October 27, 2007. The charity match raises money for the foundation "Children for Tomorrow" founded by Graf.

Serb Ana Ivanovic also participated in the event, playing a singles match against Andre. "It's hard to describe how I felt. I was so excited," said Ana via her website. "He was a big idol for me when I was a kid. I was obviously very nervous before the match, but I was surprised how quickly I was able to relax, and I feel I played well."

(images via AP Photo)

+ FRIDAY NETCORDS: Maria, Justine, Rafa vs. Nole...Nikolay gets fined, Venus eats (but doesn't cook) and more

(image via pushtoflush)

- Fine, fine day: Nikolay Davydenko can't seem (or isn't willing?) to stay away from controversy. The usually feisty Russian was actually fined $2,000 for "lack of best effort" during a 1-6, 7-5, 6-1 defeat by Croatian qualifier Marin Cilic in St. Petersburg. More stunning was his response to the claim: "I was simply shocked to hear him say that. This is just outrageous. How does he know what I was trying to do?...I was so upset with the whole thing I started crying...The reality is that I started feeling tired. My legs were just dead by the third set. Maybe my problems are psychological, maybe it's in my head." Maybe???

- Falling off the bandwagon: After David Nalbandian's enthralling win over World No. 1 Roger Federer tennis media, including blogs, were heralding his return. Slow down Tonto - in his return to the court at this week's Swiss Indoors, the enigmatic Argentinian lost his first round match to homeboy Stanislas Wawrinka. Time to park the bandwagon for now. In the meantime, check out Peter Bodo's interesting comparison between David and another much-maligned but supremely talented player: Marat Safin.

- "Shriek"apova update: Last time we posted about tennis' high-profile glamour girl, Maria "Shriek"apova was auctioning off the cursed Nike dress to some (un)suspecting fan. Now word comes that ever-evolving Maria will sharpen her writing chops as guest "lifestyle" editor for tennis week magazine while also looking to produce a sport-centric TV show for the CW network.

- 10 is tops: World No. 1 Justine Henin claims she's "not a machine" but she's sure playing like one these days. And is the Belgian satisfied with her title count this year? “I would prefer 10 titles to nine this year for sure but [the WTA Championships are] probably for me the most difficult tournament of the year." said Justine.

- 18-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova will be a guest panelist on the political talk-fest known as Real Time with Bill Maher. The show is scheduled to air this Friday, October 26th.

- Celeb chef and Oprah Winfrey disciple Rachel Ray takes a peak inside Venus Williams' fridge and does a quick Q & A with the Wimbledon champ. And who would be V's dream dinner guests? "I'd invite my favorite band, 311. I'd cook the guys whatever they wanted—no matter what!" (via TSF)

- Matt Cronin for FoxSports.com thinks World No. 2 Rafael Nadal needs to step up or be stepped on by rising Serb Novak Djokovic.

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)

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: 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)

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)

THE LOW DOWN: Is Serena Williams hiding a baby bump?

Is Serena "ReRe" Williams pregnant??? Reports online have been surfacing that the former No. 1 is hiding a baby bump and her father, the eccentric Richard Williams, and current boyfriend, actor Jackie Long, have been spreading the news.

If ReRe is preggers, maybe that explains the Nike baby-doll tennis gear she sported at the US Open...but not the ugly aftermath of her quarterfinal loss to Justine Henin.

(via usopentennis07; image courtesy of 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)

SIGHTING: Monica Seles takes in the US Open

2-time US Open champion Monica Seles was a spectator at last night's quarterfinal Marquee Matchup between Justine Henin and Serena Williams.

Mon is one of tennis' greatest champions and she is surely missed. And by the looks of it, she misses it as well...

Is she thinking about a return to the sport?

THE LOW DOWN: Sour grapes for Serena Williams

Serena "ReRe" Williams was thoroughly dismissed by World No. 1 Justine Henin in their quarterfinal Marquee Matchup at the US Open last night. Clearly chomping on sour grapes after the loss, ReRe was short and sarcastic in her post-match press conference. In typical fashion, she barely gave any credit to the Belgian's outstanding performance. Here are some outtakes from the interview:

Q. Can you explain what went wrong out there tonight?
A. No, I can't. I'm sorry. Any more questions?

Q. Can you describe your emotions after the match? Are you devastated by this loss?
A. No. I'm very happy.

Q. You fought pretty hard to get back into the first set. She played a good tiebreak. Second set, your level seemed to drop.
A. No, I just think she played better. I just think she made a lot of lucky shots, and I made a lot of errors. I don't think my level dropped.

Q. Are you saying that you lost the match rather than Justine won it?
A. I think that's usually the case with me, that it's for me to win or lose.

Q. How do you examine a loss like this? Do you go back and look at the tape?
A. Yeah, I got to go back and study and figure out how to beat her. That's it. Bottom line.

(image courtesy of AP Photo)

Women's 2nd Marquee Matchup: US Open Quarterfinals

Let's do this: Here's THE matchup every tennis fan was hoping would come to be...and now it's here once again. Our second Women's Marquee Matchup features World No. 1 Justine Henin taking on 8-time Grand Slam champion Serena "ReRe" Williams in what we hope will be a classic quarterfinal under the lights at the US Open.

Justine, playing her first night match at the Open, completely dismantled Russian headcase Dinara Safina 6-0, 6-2 in a 59 minutes 4th round match. ReRe was challenged a bit more but still had too much game and dismissed the struggling Wimbledon finalist Marion Bartoli 6-3, 6-4. The last time these players met was, of course, their Marquee Matchup at Wimbledon with the Belgian besting the injured ReRe for the first time off clay. Moreover, this win was the second in a row for Justine over ReRe in a Grand Slam (Justine won their quarterfinal at the French Open this year as well.)

Here's what Justine had to say about her rivalry with ReRe:
"Well, I think it's important these contests because we all ‑‑ finally we all help each other to be better. And when you feel another player is playing well you just want to be better. That's great. That's the way I felt when I was with Kim on the tour. Kim and I helped each other a lot. I like this contests, and there's a lot of respect now and everything is fine. So that's very important, too."

ReRe had this to say about their rivalry:
"[...] she's playing well and she's fighting for everything. She kind of believes that she can win, and maybe that's what makes that special."

Bud Collins for MSNBC.com gives the edge to ReRe this time around since beating her 3 times consecutively and in Grand Slams is a huge task. We're torn over here at Down the Line! but think ReRe will also come out on top this time around.