SIGHTING: A-Rod models, autographs and plays Wii at Bloomingdale's in NYC

As I mentioned yesterday, Andy Roddick made his way back to New York City to make a personal appearance at the Lacoste store and Bloomingdale's in Midtown to help the iconic brand celebrate its 75th Anniversary. In honor of the celebration, 10 percent of Lacoste store and Bloomindale's sales yesterday were donated to The Andy Roddick Foundation.


A-Rod took some time for modeling, autographs and some Wii Tennis action with some lucky fans. But one question A-Rod: what's up with the hairy situation on your face?

And, if you haven't checked out the Lacoste site recently, take a peek. The brand now has a Lacoste Sport section featuring interviews + anecdotes with their tennis ballers including A-Rod in "On the Rod", Tatiana Golovin in "Tatiana's World", A-Rod + Tatiana in "Grass Memories", A-Rod + Richard Gasquet in "Clay Memories", and all three in "Hard Court". Good stuff.

(image via wireimage.com, msnbc.com, jezebel.com)

FASHION FIX: Maria Sharapova lucky again, auctions off signed Aussie Open dress

All Maria wannabes listen up: It seems someone left memories of the cursed Nike dress from last season in the dust. Maria "Shriek"apova's elegant Nike Aussie Open Flora dress, the lucky one she wore during her championship run last month, has been signed by the Russian fashionista herself and is now being auctioned off to benefit The Maria Sharapova Foundation. Here's the (very) detailed description via her website:

"Maria's dress uses a neutral pallet that is heavily influenced by a modern off-white color, which also calls out to the natural and organic look that was derived from the Australian countryside. Maria wanted something that was young and funky but had very definitive detailing. To accomplish this, Nike had to first look back to the function of the game and the environment. Maria's dress combines a lightweight polyester jersey with mesh. Symmetrically placed mesh inlays are in the center front and center back of her dress so that she has zone cooling. As for Maria's interest in fine detailing, the mesh gives the garment a 360-degree texture. The front panels are pleated and tucked and the hem of the dress is also meshed and pleated. This gives a contrast in fabrication, but provides depth, movement and texture."

The deadline for bids is February 25th at 3pm. To make a bid, click here.

(images via AP Photo/Rob Griffith)

Tennis gives back: Rafa Nadal Foundation to launch on February 13

Rafael Nadal is giving back in a big way. According to his website, the World No. 2 is launching the Rafa Nadal Foundation on February 13th in his hometown of Mallorca, Spain with more details to come. Here's the invitation + media alert for the event - we're loving the logo:

Is anyone out there planning to go? Let us know!

Sharapova, Blake, and Schultz join Roddick for Charity Weekend

Andy Roddick held his 7th annual Charity Weekend in Boca Raton, FL this past weekend. Maria "Shriek"apova, James Blake, and Brenda Schultz joined the American for some slipping and sliding on the green clay. According to Andy's website:

"On Saturday evening at the dinner-dance and auction, Andy, Boyd Tinsley of the Dave Matthews Band, Maria Sharapova, and Brenda Schultz all came together to
help raise funds and have a good time with all 475 guests in attendance."

"A variety of silent auction items such as sports memorabilia, vacations, and dinner certificates were up for the taking during cocktail hour, followed by thelive auction during dinner with 13 lucky winners. One of those winners was Mrs. Roddick, and she was the lucky lady who won the first dance with Andy, which was purchased by Maria Sharapova for her. Then, a dance with Maria was auctioned off."

"With everyone’s dancing shoes on in the season of giving, they celebrated their success by burning up the dance floor. On Sunday, the foundation had the free Kids Zone in the morning and then Andy played in celebrity exhibition
matches with Maria, Davis Cup compatriot James Blake, Brenda, and Boyd."

(images via exposay.com)

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)

ROUND ROBIN: A-Rod & Serena tag team, Nole wants to relax, Andy talks match-fixing

Charity tennis tag team: Andy Roddick and Serena Williams are teaming up and playing doubles for the first time to benefit the Andy Roddick Foundation. The two Grand Slam champs are partnering for Rock-n-Rackets, an annual tennis exhibition that combines tennis and music. Other players participating include Sam Querry and Ashley Harkleroad. "From the start, I wanted to create an event that featured my passion for both tennis and music in markets that typically do not have the opportunity to see the sport at the highest level," said A-Rod. "It is especially exciting for me to finally be able to bring the event to Omaha since it has so much meaning for me and my family personally." For her part, ReRe said, "Andy and I are close friends so I look forward to playing with him and giving the fans an evening of great entertainment." (via talkabouttennis)

Winding down: World No. 3 Novak Djokovic has had an amazing year by anyone's standards and now he feels ready to relax - but not when he's on the tennis court. "For me it's not about getting the points, the money or whatever. It's about winning," said the sexy Serb. "I qualified for Shanghai, and looking at this year's results I don't need to try logically anymore. But it's not about that. Whenever I get to the court I try to win. It's that hunger for success, so I can really assure everybody that I'm going to try 100 percent at every tournament." (via citizen)

Murray makes noise: Brit Andy Murray is the latest player to bring match-fixing allegations to the table. According to Andy, "It is pretty disappointing for all the players, but everyone knows that it goes on," [...] "It's difficult to prove. They can try their best until the last games in each set and then make some mistakes, hit a couple of double faults and that's it." And, what does the Brit give as the reason for illegal activity? "A career lasts probably only 10 or 12 years and you have to make all your money while you're still playing." (via BBC)

(images via AP Photo, Getty)

Andre Agassi hosts star-studded concert to benefit Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation

Boy, Andre Agassi has some serious pull in the celebrity world. The tennis legend hosted the The Grand Slam for Children concert to benefit the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation (AACF). The event raised $9.1 million for the charity - wow.

We've always been impressed with Andre's philanthropic efforts and this is no exception. What we're also impressed with? Steffi Graf and her glamorous makeover, even for just one night. Love it!

Here's a rundown of the starpower that came together to make this event a huge success:

Kelly Clarkson and the Goo Goo Dolls

Carlos Santana & Rob Thomas, matchbox 20

Comedians Jerry Seinfeld & George Wallace

Actresses Tia Carrere & Emily Proctor

VIP sponsors were treated to a pre-concert dinner and live auction. Wanna know what was up for grabs? The exclusive items included a Porsche Cayenne from the Sopranos signed by James Gandolfini and Edie Falco; Robin Williams' movie premiere and after-party; a Dale Chihuly chandelier; an in-home food and wine pairing for 12 with Emeril Lagasse; a special Victoria's Secret fashion show, concert and trip; an evening at a Six Flags park for 500 friends; a Malibu beach adventure and Kreiss backyard furniture; and a state-of-the-art Dellacasa kitchen, Paula Deen cooking lessons and a trip to Sicily, Italy. Other vacation packages included a Costa Rican getaway with private tennis lessons from Agassi and Stefanie Graf, adventures in South Africa and British Columbia; and a Geneva, Switzerland trip to the House of Harry Winston, along with a custom designed Harry Winston watch.

We're not stingy - we'll just take the private tennis lessons with Andre & Steffi, pleassssse!

The continued growth of the Justine Henin brand

(images courtesy of Justine-Henin.be)

After some much needed time away from the courts, Justine Henin has begun preparations for her assault on the North American hardcourts and her second US Open title. Her last match was, of course, the shocking semifinal loss to Frenchie Marion Bartoli at Wimbledon.

During her break, Justine not only showed off her new fashion smarts. The World No. 1 also had a chance to work with her charity, 20 Hearts Foundation, where she spent 3 weeks in the Swiss Alps at a therapeutic holiday camp. If that wasn't enough, the feisty Belgian and her long-time coach, Carlos Rodriguez, launched an elite tennis player development program, JUST iN TEAM, an extension of their tennis academy 6th Sense. Recently, Justine and Carlos held a press conference and spoke about the program and its goals:

JH: "I am very happy that JUST iN TEAM was born. It's begun and ready to go. All the necessary things needed to launch this project enables us to start quickly, but we also think it's a good moment to do it now. We answer to the desires of many people in our tennis academy. From the adults who wish to play one hour a week to a young person's tennis lessons. I feel that this project is the logical extension of our academy."

CR: "The goal is to integrate these players into the professional tennis career environment. We know how difficult it is in the transition from junior level to the full time pro circuit. Its especially tough for young males because the differences between boys and men are extreme. [...] Justine and I have learned so much, and it's our turn to teach what we know. We do not see the performance as the end in itself, but a state of mind. The matches won, and the rankings become the results. It is this approach which we want to give our academy and JUST iN TEAM. We want the parents and young people to realize that the goal in fact is to give your best all the time, and nothing else."

JH: "We have two great people joining us. There's Andres Bruno, he worked previously at the Juan Carlos Ferrero tennis academy. He has vast experience as a coach, and toured with Juan Carlos Ferrero and Guillermo Lopez at tournaments. In addition, we have Philippe Dehaes, who was the coach of Kristof Vliegen, Christophe Rochus, Xavier Malisse, and Gilles Elseneer."

ROUND ROBIN: Serena still partying, Gwen Stefani visits the Hewitts, Maria signs dress for charity

Plenty o' parties: Serena "ReRe" Williams continued her party-hopping ways this past week. After pulling out of this week's Acura Classic because of the thumb injury sustained at Wimbledon (her fourth withdrawal in a row), she joined her boyfriend, actor Jackie Long, to watch singer Fergie live from the Pearl at the Palms' VIP Sky Lounge in Las Vegas. Serena was also joined at the party by singer Macy Gray. Looks like Macy is admiring ReRe's new hairstyle they way we have been lately... (via Bossip)

Hewitt's House: The Hewitts - Lleyton, Bec, and their daughter Mia - entertained special guests at their Sydney home this weekend. Gwen Stefani, currently on tour in Australia, her rocker husband (and tennis fanatic) Gavin Rossdale, and son Kingston visited the Hewitts for a playdate with their kids. Gavin no doubt played a few sets with the fiery Aussie. Can this family be MORE blond? (via The Daily Telegraph)

Maria gives: Maria "Shriek"apova loves to give. After bowling for charity, Maria has decided to donate one of the turquoise/black Nike dresses that she she wore at Roland Garros in Paris for her online auction. The dress has been personally signed by Maria and all proceeds from the auction support Maria's Foundation. The auction will end on Friday 10th August at 3.00ET. To make a bid, click here. (via MariaSharapova.com)