Vaidisova's victorious run continues, makes quarters at Wimbledon

She's baaack!

Nicole Vaidisova looks to have awaken from her season-long slumber, gutting out a 3-set victory over Russian Anna Chakvetadze 4-6, 7-6 (0), 6-3 and grabbing her first defeat of a top-10 baller since beating Jelena Jankovic in Sydney - yeah, that was in January.

Well, Nicole is still working "The Worm" so we can't credit a breakup for the turnaround - must be new coach David Felgate. Whatever the case, it's good to see the Czech revive her game.

Good luck, though, with battling giant-killing Chinese baller Jie Zheng in the quarterfinals...the girl is on fire.

(image via Getty)

FASHION FIX: Nicole beaten by Bethanie in Birmingham but crushes American with Reebok style

Here are two things I haven't written about in a while: Nicole Vaidisova + Reebok. Why you may ask? Well, Nicole had been on a 6-match losing streak and Reebok hasn't been worth writing about until now.

The Czech finally broke the curse with a 6-1, 6-3 first round win over Frenchie veteran Natalie Dechy at Birmingham and won her next match against Ekaterina Makarovato to make the quarterfinals. But, alas, the good times weren't meant to last as Nicole was blasted today 6-3, 6-0 by fashionably crippled Bethanie Mattek working bebe.

The 19-year looked great, though, in her white Reebok tank dress with a ruffled hem - a classic look with a touch of femininity. A perfect look for the green lawns of Wimbledon (sans the sky blue visor.)

In any case, a tough loss to the American Nicole but at least you won the fashion battle today. Need proof? Check it:

Egads!

(images via Getty)

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: Struggling Vaidisova parts with Kodat, takes on David Felgate as coach

Desperate times/desperate measures? It looks like the struggling Nicole Vaidisova is making some much needed changes to her entourage.

The Czech, who lost in the first round of both Indian Wells + Miami, has decided to drop her stepfather, Alex Kodat, as coach and has taken on David Felgate. Felgate is best known as the coach of the now-retired Tim Henman.

Nicole has quickly fallen in the rankings after becoming a mainstay in the top-10; she now sits at No. 17 but could drop more since she has a number of points to defend this summer.

I wondered aloud (as have many) during Indian Wells if the 18-year old's relationship with Radek Stepanek was a distraction. I guess we'll all have a better idea once she hits the dirt in Berlin - Felgate's first tournament as coach for Nicole.

(image via Getty)

SIGHTING: Vaidisova + Stepanek enjoy a break together at Indian Wells

Love is in the air: Nicole Vaidisova and Radek Stepanek took a break and made a very public outing together during this week's Pacific Life Open. The pair had been spotted spending time together in Sydney back in January and by the looks of this photo, things are going well.

The Czech may want to spend some time focusing on her tennis, though. Her best result this year? A semifinal showing at the Medibank International, losing to Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova.

(image via AP Photo/Mark Avery)

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)

FASHION FIX: A preview of Nicole Vaidisova's Aussie Open '08 tennis gear

More Australian Open '08 fashion: Here's a preview of Nicole Vaidisova a.k.a. the future Mrs. Radek Stepanek's Reebok dress for the Aussie Open. The red colorway is nice - it helps take the boring design of the dress and make it interesting. But did they have to match the visor AND the racquet to the dress? Will she be wearing ruby red Reebok sneakers too??

We'd prefer more contrast in the outfit - it's all a bit overboard for our tastes.

(image courtesy of Talk Tennis via vaidisova-nicole.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)

+ TUESDAY NETCORDS: Nicole, Patrick, Roger vs. Nadal...Wilson goes green, TENNIS magazine gets caught and more

Arthur Ashe Stadium, USTA National Tennis Center

- Go green: Wilson Racquet Sports is following the green trend has launched a new Green Initiative that will work to develop and implement environmentally responsible products and manufacturing procedures across the racquet brand’s major product categories.

- Eye candy: A clip of a bunch of shirtless male tennis players for your viewing pleasure...

- SI's Jon Wertheim profiles the rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal and compares them to the days of Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova saying, "Classic rivals Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova became fast friends. Once, before they met in a Grand Slam final, one of them had her period, and together they scoured the locker room for a tampon. While Federer and Nadal aren't quite at that point yet (and not simply because neither menstruates), unmistakable warmth passes between them." That's T.M.I - too much info, Mr. Wertheim.

- Everything you ever wanted to know (and a few things you probably didn't care to know - favorite breakfast cereal?) about Nicole Vaidisova

- The USTA and JP Morgan Chase bank have signed a 5-year worldwide promotional partnership agreement to be the premiere sponsor of the US Open which includes naming rights to the electronic line calling challenge system and "Chase Review" branded replays on television broadcasts and on in-stadium video boards.

- Patrick McEnroe gives New York magazine his "Nine Rules for Watching the US Open". Our personal fave: 3. Watch the players from behind. That's never a problem for us...

- Checkmate: Chess bloggers wonder aloud: Did chess help Roger Federer?

- Tennis heads staying at The Ritz-Carlton in Cancun can now visit The Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center, a premier sporting facility offering world-class tennis programs all year round. Services range from private lessons and morning clinics, to group tournaments and corporate socials. Custom-designed classes using Drysdale-style and technical instruction take place at the three outdoor hard courts overlooking the Nichupte Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea.

- Busted: Is TENNIS magazine guilty of comment boosting on their blog (posting fake comments to boost readership numbers)? Tsk, tsk...

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)

+ Netcords

- Lucky London: The season-ending ATP championships will move to London from Shanghai starting in 2009.

- Struggling with your forehand (are you listening Venus)? Check out this video.

- Another personal note: my women's darkhorse, Nikki Vaidisova, ousted defending Wimby champ Amelie Mauresmo and took her rightful place in the quarterfinals. Next up: French Open finalist Ana Ivanovic.

+ Netcords

- Starting in 2008 the season-ending WTAChampionships will be held in October, giving the players 2 extra weeks of vacation. Next locale: Qatar.

- Controversy is brewing again for the doubles pairing of Israel's Shahar Peer and India's Sania Mirza, a Muslim.

- On a personal note: my darkhorse, James Blake, went down to J.C. Ferrero in another disappointing showing at The All England Club. Oh well, Nikki Vaidisova, my darkhorse from the women's draw is alive and hitting.

Wimbledon 2007: Women's Contenders

Since Tracy Austin has finally given her picks for the top women contenders for the big W, I'd like to offer my own if I may...

TOP CONTENDERS:

Justine Henin - The Mighty Belgian, fresh off her 4th French Open title, is hungry for the one trophy that would seal her place in the record books with a career Grand Slam. Maybe just as important to Henin, a win at The Big W would put her 1 slam behind archrival Serena "ReRe" Willaims and the bragging rights as best of their generation. Don't think that's not on either of their minds, so let the games begin!

Maria Shriekapova - Oh Shrieka. What has become of your year? You started off 2007 fresh off your title run at the U.S. Open and with the chance to become THE dominant player this year. Then...WIPEOUT at the hands of ReRe Williams in The Aussie Open final. But you had your best showing at Roland Garros (semis) so you must've been feeling good - until you lost the final of the Birmingham on grass to...

Jelena "Weird Al" Jankovic - Weird Al is having a career year. I do hope she breaks through at a Slam this year. I love her game and her personality on the court, though I think she hides her fear of the pressure by showing a super casual attitude (a la Kimmie Clijsters). If she can truly confront the pressure, this could be her Slam to lose.

Serena Williams - No one gives good drama like ReRe. She has proven she can come from nowhere-ville and take out the best in the world. Not much else to say!

DARKHORSE:

Although I would've picked Ana Ivanovic as my dark horse, she just suffered a horrible, out of left field loss to Dani Hantuchova with a scoreline of 6-3, 6-1. My dark horse is now Nicole Vaidisova - she's been struggling of late but she's due for a breakthrough. With her big power game and solid serve, I see her rounding into form and giving the top players the shakes.