Whine & Cheese

King Of Clay

Since the last one was in January, I am pretty overdue for a Rafael Nadal post.

Last week kicked off the European red clay court season in Monte Carlo... and as has largely been the case for the past few years... the top 2 clay court players in the world met in the final with the best clay court player taking the title... Rafael Nadal defeating Roger Federer.

Of course, I have some pictures to share...

The left pic had me amused me since, if the photographer is anything like me, he/she probably kept waving Rafa over until he head was under the Rolex "crown" on the backboard.... and the picture to the right, is Rafa doing his traditional "bite" on the trophy... and well umm, it just got my attention.

Janko Very Much

I usually don't for guys with tattoos...
... or piercings
... or goofy glasses
... or facial hair
... or that wear black socks with shorts
... or that wear breathe-right nose strips in public

But then there's tennis player Janko Tipsarevic...

The 23-year old is part of the current Serb surge in tennis ... that includes highly ranked players like Novak Djokovic, Ana Ivanovic, and Jelena Jankovic.... this "vic" is currently ranked in the low 40s, but will likely be moving up as today he plays a quarterfinal match in the Sony Ericsson Open, often dubbed the 5th Slam in the tennis world.  (Update:  Janko got crushed by Davydenko in today's match, 6-2 6-1... ah, the W&C curse rears its ugly head!)

It's hard to see in the above pix, but Janko dos have an eyebrow piercing and I believe his belly button is pierce as well... not sure about anything else!   In the 2nd and 5th pic, you can sort of see a tattoo on his left forearm that reads "beauty will save the world" ... a quote from one of his favorite authors, Fyodor Dostoevsky!  He also has a pretty extensive tattoo on his back.

Like I said, not a fan of many of the "parts"... but the "whole" is pretty darn good!

Djok's On Me

As I said last week-ish, it is often hard to predict how the Australian Open will shake out.  It's the start of a new tennis year, so not a whole lot of momentum or match-toughness going on.

That said, my prognostications were more miserable than even I could imagine.

While both ranked in the Top 5, I had neither Ana Ivanovic or Maria Sharapova tagged for the finals.

Silly me thought Sharapova would go down to new mom Lindsay Davenport in the 2nd round.   What was I thinking?  Sure Davenport has had quite a bit success in her comeback but it was at lower level tournaments, so it's not like she had been knocking off top ranked opponents in the past few months. Still Sharapova's path was tough - through two higher ranked opponents,  #1 Justine Henin and #3 Jelena Jankovic (the alternative to Jankovic was the dangerous, but enigmatic, Serena Williams).  But Sharapova seems to have overcome her physical problems that played havoc with her serve in the past year or so and looks to be a Grand Slam contender going forward.

While Ivanovic is ranked higher, the Serb is the underdog going into the final.  Working in her favor is having defeated Sharapova on the way to her first Grand Slam final at last year's French Open. 

But I have to say this has got to be one of the most "beautiful" Grand Slam finals in the Open era... though unlike some other of the "pretty faces" that occasionally come onto the scene... these gals got game!

Two weeks ago, f you told me that the Aussie Open women's final was going to be Sharapova - Ivanovic, I would have believed you... however, if you then added that the men's finalists would be Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Novak Djokovic... well, I would have laughed in your face.

While the first letter of both their names are silent, this final match-up is certainly making a lot of noise in the tennis world!

Both eliminated the Top 2 players in exclamation mark-worthy straight sets... Tsonga dismantling Rafael Nadal and Djokovic in a slightly tighter scoreline vs. Roger Federer.... but still earth shattering ... I am sure the tennis pundit Federer "the sky is falling" hysteria will now commence... Federer had not lost a Grand Slam match in straight sets since 2004... and oh, had made the finals the last 10 Slams.

I'll forgive myself for missing Tsonga.  The Frenchman is ranked #38 and this is his first final at any tennis tournament, let alone a Slam.  Depressingly enough for me, Tsonga is the oldest of any of the finalists (both the men and women) at age 22!   I had predicted Tsonga losing in the first round to Brit Andy Murray.  But still, even if I had him past that match I am not sure I would have even placed this until now pretty undistinguished player into the second week.

I am kicking myself more over Djokovic.  I am in this on-going tennis prediction competition and I have certainly dug myself a hole for the rest of the year by not picking the #3 ranked Serb (Serbs are everywhere!).  It was a case of pre-Slam gullibility.  In an country vs. country team exhibition prior to the Open, "Nole" was flat on his stomach... trainers working on his bad back, etc., etc... it's happened before with him, so while I felt he could make it to the 2nd week, I figured he'd be toast at some point... certainly not having lost even a set going into the final.  Oh well!

It will be a first Grand Slam champion whoever wins... and for the first time in 3 years (the 2005 Australian Open), someone without the last name of Federer or Nadal... while I am a fan of both those players, it is still nice to finally see some new faces... perhaps it is the beginning of the end of the "lack of depth" complaint that had so often plagued the women's tour.  (Now there I go with the Federer "sky is falling" hysteria!)

Orange You Glad

I could go ahead and do the classic "knock, knock" joke... but it's just more pix of Rafael Nadal from the Australian Open

There's no missing Rafa with his bright orange attire... and he's blinding his opponents with his tennis as well... advancing to the 4th Round with relative ease. 

I went against my heart (yeah, ummm... my heart!) and predicted that Andy Roddick would beat Rafa in the quarters (and ultimately advance onto the Oz Open final)... but the American lost a 5th set heartbreaker early this morning tonight in Melbourne... so while a lot can still happen, Rafa's path is looking considerably clearer.

Oh, alright.... orange you glad I didn't say banana?

Go Fish

So I'm watching this morning's Australian Open matches last night (and if that's not enough of a time-warp for you, it's summertime Down Under!)...

American Mardy Fish has just dismantled the #11 seed (and apparently not shy/modest) Spaniard Tommy Robredo in a 2nd round match... and they mention that Mardy recently became engaged to a Deal or No Deal model adding... Case #2.

Case #2... Stacey?!?!   (I say to myself.)

Yes, I admit to having this odd, and decidedly non-homo, obsession with the 'Deal or No Deal' ladies... so much so, that I know many of them by name... even before Howie tells them to...

<dramatic pause>... Open the Case...

But Mardy and Stacey? 

Now, no offense to Fish (which, of course, only means I am about to be offensive)... he's a nice enough guy from all I can tell... but on the American male tennis player beauty pageant spectrum... he's certainly no Andy Roddick or James Blake (or heck, even what is increasingly appearing to be a washed-up Robby Ginepri)... but I guess I am only perpetuating all those outer vs. inner beauty myths. 

Heck, a little research shows that Stacey is not just a pretty face... a law degree/practicing lawyer!

So when I say "Go Fish" it is the "You go girl guy!" spirit... certainly not in the "throw it out, try again" card game... and let me add... it looks like you made a very good deal! 

Andy, Cut Your Hair!

Now that the Australian Open is underway, there will probably be a flurry of tennis related posts... but I will try to not make it All-Rafa, All The Time (not that there's anything wrong with that!).

One of the big upsets of the first day was the 9th seed, Brit Andy Murray (below left), losing to France's "young Ali" look-a-like, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (below right).

The Oz Open is one of the first tournaments of the year, so it tends to be hard to predict/handicap... no one is "match tough" ... and throw in a new hardcourt-based surface this year and all bets are off! 

Nevertheless, I had Murray pegged for the semifinals... and the loss is officially screwed me on one of the tennis picking competitions (and thanks for nothing to Carlos Moya as well!).

Now, I know "big hair" is all the rage with "kids" today... but if the 20-year old Murray thinks his hair was providing him Sampson-like power... well Andy, given that 1st round loss I think it's time to get out the scissors!

What you say?   The above picture doesn't look that bad...

Oh, dear reader... do you know how much hair can fit under a cap?!?!  (Mind you, I don't know this from personal experience!)

That said, I am not sure how Murray does keep his cap from springing off his head given this:

Craziness!   

A Call To Arms

We interrupt regular programming to bring you this special weather alert...

Melbourne, Australia:  Hot hot hot... with an 90% chance of sweat.

It's a new year and you know what that means... a trip Down Under for the start of the tennis season!

Now, it did take me one extra day this year to post the first pix of Rafael Nadal here on W&C. 

Such restraint!

The "rafael nadal shirtless" pix (here Google, Google... and for even more, scan through my other Rafa posts) are Rafa warming up for the Australian Open, which kicks off Monday (Sunday night, here in the States).

Rafa-psody In Blue

After the verbosity of my earlier post, I'll cleanse the palette with some pictures of Rafael Nadal at the season-ending Tennis Masters Cup currently underway in Shanghai.

Rafa split his two opening round-robin matches at the TMC, so we won't know until tomorrow whether or not he makes it into the semifinals.  So, just in case, I figured I'd better post some pix before the holiday break... and then it starts all over again as the tennis world heads back Down Under for some sizzling summer-time tennis come January.

Express Lane: Issue 39

Laila Ali Steps in 'Gladiators' Ring - DWTS continues to get folks new jobs!   Last season's female dancing "star" stand-out is set to co-hosts (with Hulk Hogan), NBC's re-introduction of 'American Gladiators.' (11/9/07)

'24' Postpones Season 7 Due to Strike - And we have the first major casualty of the writers' strike!  With only 8 episodes in the can, Jack & Co. latest day has been postponed indefinitely until the show can provides its trademark uninterrupted run of 24 episodes. (11/8/07) 

ITF to investigate suspected poisoning of Tommy Haas before Davis Cup match - The German suspects the Russians of allegedly poisoning his 'dessert or a Latte macchiato' - with doping and match fixing allegations the tennis tour is sounding more like a spy novel everyday. (11/8/07)

Showtime Grows a Fourth Season of 'Weeds' - Though we're still waaay behind on Season 3 (and thinkin' it's not as good as S1 & 2), Mary Louise Parker & Co. will be back for another season (as will its 'partner' show David Duchovny's 'Californication). (11/5/07)

Sabrina Bryan Confirms 'DWTS' Romance - Although it seemed obvious and probably still will not squash folks wanting him to be gay, the Cheetah Girl confirmed that she is dating her dancing partner, Mark Ballas. (11/5/07)

Food Network's Giada Pregnant - Mamma Mia! Congrats to one of my FN faves (and her hubby Todd!) on their upcoming first child due in April... one thing's for sure the kid will eat good! (11/5/07)

HBO Sets Up 'Treatment' Program - Interesting premise and cast for this upcoming HBO series about therapy... but 45 half-hour episodes for 5 nights a week over 9 weeks seems like more than I (and our TiVo) would be able to keep up with.  (10/31/07)

Dovolani Takes on Dancing’s Inaba - Drama on the DWTS set as Carrie Ann Innaaaah-ba allegedly gives Tony the finger after he gives her a rulebook, highlighting what defines a "lift"... while I agree Inaba has been a bit cranky lately, sounds like Tony got what was coming to him. (10/29/07)

Big Brother 8's Eric and Jessica are still together - The show-mance lives on even outside the BB8 house, heck even Danielle & Nick still seemed cozy at the Fox Reality Awards. (10/29/07)

Viva Laughlin's cancellation moves Amazing Race 12's debut up to Nov. 4 - Well, that was a pretty easy prediction I (and many others!) made over a month ago. (10/22/07)

The ATP Tour Wants You To... Feel It

The men's tennis tour announced it's new "Feel It" campaign today.

I sense my mind is making "it" into something much more literal than "it" is intended to be...

But they are certainly helping by going on about Nadal and Federer in "a one-on-one gladiatorial battle, full of intensity and passion" ... like I need that image dancing around in my head?!   

I bet it's hot and sweaty too?!?  And Rafa grunting and...

Oh, are you still here?  For more info about the campaign, go here.

Czech It Out

This past tennis weekend it was Davis Cup.  For my non-tennis fan readers choosing to read on, this is best-of-five match national "team" competition that occurs several times a year amongst professional male tennis players (the women's equivalent is called Fed(eration) Cup). I won't bore you with too many further details... and just get to the pictures.

Due to clothing contracts, more often than not the players are not particularly coordinated with each ohter or  wear anything particularly special... usually it's just their country's name tacked onto their backs in "kick me" style.

However, the Switzerland-Czech Republic "tie" caught my eye with quite patriotic attire.

If you're Roger Federer, your clothing company tends to whip up something for you.

Above, Rog is nattily attired in the Swiss colors... right down to his feet (of course!).  My only quibble was no red swooshes on his socks.

While de rigueur for Fed, his ensemble was a yawn inducing compared to what some of his Czech opponents were wearing...   

Here Radek Stepanek models what has to be one of the most creative (and goofiest) tennis ensembles I have ever seen.  I'm guessing Roger would have vetoed this one had Nike presented him with something comparable. 

If you are not familiar the flag of what happens to be my ancestral homeland, here's the Czech cheering session:

Alas it was no laughing matter as the Czechs defeated the Swiss team 3-2.  Federer predictably won both of his singles matches, but couldn't eke out the win in doubles. 

Trophy Wife... and Mom

Quite the unusual sight on the tennis court this past weekend.

Yes, that's a trophy is former #1 women's tennis player Lindsay Davenport's right hand... but in her other hand... her son, Jagger ("I'm not named after Mick") Jonathan Leach.  (Married to Jon Leach since 2003, Lindsay has wisely retained her maiden name)

Now, there have been moms that have played on the women's tour... but I am guessing, Lindsay was the first player to win her comeback tournament. 

So let's see, she wins the title on September 16th 2007-- pretty much one year since she played her last match before announcing her pregnancy -- and giving birth (Caesarean!) on June 10th 2007... that's 98 days later!   

Now I am certainly no expert on the female body, but that seems pretty darn incredible to me... plus at 31 years of age is pretty much "old lady" status on pro tennis circuit.

Granted it was a Tier III tournament... which is fairly low-rung, but for some strange reason the Bali tournament always seems to be able to draw higher caliber players.  Could it be the tropical island setting?  Resort hotel?  Hmmm...  But, with match wins over the tournament's top two seeds, #12 ranked Daniela Hantuchova and #3 Jelena Jankovic, Davenport's victory was earned and certainly a surprise to many, including Davenport... even speculating her pregnancy gave her "magical powers."   With few points remaining on her computer ranking, the #234 ranked Davenport climbed 80 spots (to #154) with the win.

Lindsay plans to continue on... she is playing in Beijing this week, where she has a pretty favorable draw, and heading Down Under for the Australian Open in 2008.  Hope little Jagger has already signed up for a frequent flyer program!

Express Lane: Issue 36

Kanye: MTV exploited Britney for ratings - Too bad MTV didn't have a "No Shit Sherlock" Award... I think we'd have a winner. (9/11/07)

Davenport plays first singles match in almost 1 year ... 3 months after giving birth (!!!) ... and easily defeats a Top 40 ranked player!   Mamma Mia, indeed! (9/11/07)

Emmys will censor Kathy Griffin's "suck it, Jesus" speech - Kath must be loving this!  The AP won't even print what she said, E! will censor her speech when they televise the Creative Arts Emmys, and the Catholic League is demanding an apology!  (9/11/07)

Jennifer Hudson moves to "Sex and the City" movie - From 'Dreamgirl' to Carrie Bradshaw's assistant, sounds like a demotion... but probably not too bad of a gig for the Oscar winner. (9/11/07)

MTV Sets Broadcast Date for 'Legally Blonde' - Pretty unusual... a TV broadcast of musical currently on Broadway (and at a decent 80%+ capacity)... and someone other than PBS doing it.  (9/10/07)

Kathy Griffin wins Emmy - After last year's profanity-laced losing tirade last year, Kathy tells Jesus to "suck it" in this year's acceptance speech as the Queen of the D-List takes home the prize for Outstanding Reality Program (Non-Competition). (9/10/07)

Back In Black

It's past 8 a.m. local time and shockingly enough I am not experiencing any serious withdrawal symptoms with no U.S. Open tennis coverage to watch... yet!   

During these past two weeks, I watched an unusually high amount of tennis... even more than normal (which is really saying something)... work has been slow and in combination with my head cold (still lingering 7+ days later)... vegetating in front the TV proved to be a quite desirable behavior... or the only valid activity that required some state of consciousness.

Anyhow, yesterday afternoon was the men's final between Roger Federer and Serbia's Novak Djokovic... and Fed's all-black attire was contagious...

Tennis legend, Guillermo Vilas, was on hand for the coin toss... and prior to that, black headband and all, Liza Minnelli belted out God Bless America (why not New York, New York!?!)... starting out quite traditionally before launching into a Vaudeville-ish, Mr. Bojangles finale.

And life was indeed a cabaret for Fed as he, in his 10th consecutive Grand Slam final appearance...  won his 12th Grand Slam title (now just two shy of Sampras' all-time record)... his 4th U.S. Open title... which also made it the 4th time he has won the Wimbledon-U.S. Open double... and the 3rd time he has won 3 of the 4 Slams in one year.

In this Federer cabaret, yesterday's "old chum" was the 20-year old Djokovic... who seemed so close to making it a real match (though I am starting to suspect it is just part of Fed's "strategy" to tease opponents with break and set points).   But the talented Serb proved he's a solid #3 in the rankings and won over fans with a sparkling personality... an anecdote to the Federer's icy demeanor... having the flashiness of Nadal, but without all that seriousness.

You even had to love the Djokovic support box...

For Saturday's semifinal match they color-coordinated by row to form the Serbian flag (above left) and for the final they all donned the same Adidas shirt Djokovic wore during the match (above right)... the only exceptions being Maria "we're just (wink) friends" Sharapova (upper left corner)... and no that's not Djokovic's grandpa dressed in grey in the front row... but Robert DeNiro.  The story goes Djokovic & Co. accidentally met up and DeNiro invited the Serbs over to his Japanese restaurant.

And these pix just in... Roger's "on the town" pix in Times Square this morning.

I guess when you start hanging out with fashion designers and the editor of Vogue, it's no more t-shirt and jeans when it comes to these photo shoots.

The Man In Black

You know I love the guy, but it's turning into "Bash Roger Week" here at W&C!

It was Federer the Fashionista debuting an all-black ensemble for his first night match of the 2007 U.S. Open.

Pictured above is Oscar de la Renta chatting with Roger's girlfriend/manager, Mirka... while Vogue editor Anna Wintour is likely annoying the people by following cell-phone non-etiquette... informing the call-ee she is at the U.S. Open watching Roger Federer. 

But what were these fashion icons really thinking?!?

Roger was almost downright giddy about it... noting the black satin stripes down the sides of the shorts were "a little bit of the tuxedo look, it's something special."

Having recently caught The Devil Wears Prada on HBO, we found ourselves in a fairly dismissive "fashion" spirit.

The phrase "a bit silly" I am sure was uttered, along with "the only proper place to wear black socks and shorts is at a  retirement village."

...in the immortal words of Devil's Miranda Priestley (inspired by Wintour herself -- allegedly!)...

That's all.

Ok, So He's Not Perfect

Last night at the U.S. Open, the late Althea Gibson was inducted into Court of Champions on the ground.  50 years ago, Gibson was the first African-American, male or female, to win the U.S. Nationals.  The night featured a parade of African-American female "firsts."  Gibson is often thought of as "the female Jackie Robinson" (his widow was also in attendance), breaking tennis' color barrier just three years after Robinson did it in baseball in 1947.  After the tribute capped off by Aretha Franklin belting out "Respect"... it was a rare all-female nighttime double-header as Venus and Serena Williams played (and won) their first round matches.

As Roger Federer continues to re-write the record books (this week's record-breaker: passing Steffi Graf's longest consecutive streak at #1 -- 187 weeks), he has come across as a historian of the game... but perhaps, his knowledge is limited to the records he has broken or plans to break.  Check out this exchange in his post-first round match press interview on Monday.

Q. What do you know about Althea Gibson?
ROGER FEDERER: I don't know. You're putting me on the spot. I don't know what you're talking about.

Q. She's being honored tonight.
ROGER FEDERER: Nothing, to be honest. It's before my time. Isn't much I can really say about it. I don't know, I'm sorry.

Now, I'm willing to cut Roger a little slack.  To say the Gibson tribute was overdue is an understatement.  In its 5th year of existence, Gibson becomes the 15th inductee into the Court of Champions.  Last night's ceremony also marked the 10th anniversary of the dedication of Arthur Ashe Stadium.  While not knocking Ashe's status as one of the sport's most beloved figure and the first African-American male to win a Grand Slam and the U.S. Open, Gibson pre-dated him by over a decade... and prior to the civil rights movement.

So while I don't think Gibson's story is out there/known as much as it should be in this country (heck, before last night I admit to not knowing much beyond the very basics) let alone Europe and beyond, I still would have thought that Federer could (or would) have danced around this one a bit better.

Frothy Federer

Todd becomes a tennis widower The U.S. Open starts Monday... while 127 out of 128 chances seem like pretty darn good odds... if you are gambling on the men's field this year, my guess is that you would make more $$$ placing a bet on "the field" rather than Roger Federer.

A cyber hat-tip to Kenneth for alerting me to Roger's "ambassador" status with Jura-Capresso, a Swiss company that makes "the finest super automatic coffee and espresso centers." 

Here are the four tennis-themed print campaigns (available for closer inspection here).

Now, Kenneth thought it a bit ridiculous the image of Roger serving up a couple of cappuccinos...

... but I will shamelessly admit to finding the ads to be quite dreamy... ok, even sexy.

Now what this says about me... fantasizing about Roger Federer and premium coffee beverages (not necessarily in that order)... that I will leave up to you, my dear readers.    

Bending Over For Beckham

The post title is a bit misleading... as a gay man, I am well aware I am supposed to be in a perpetual state of tizzy over David Beckham.  While I can admire his bod (that is, what I can see of it through the tatts)... as one of his fellow countryman once wrote, for me, it's much ado about nothing.

While I am fully aware that tennis is on the D-list of the sports world, this magazine cover still got my goat...

It couldn't wait another week?  I guess the country's premier sports magazine can't be outdone by W Magazine... though this is some serious journalism... Becks is fully clothed and Posh is no where to be seen (well, at least on the cover).   I guess I shouldn't be too upset... if you look really close... up in the corners are this year's Wimbledon champs.   

Roger Federer continued his charge into the tennis history books with a 5th consecutive Wimbledon title. It was one of those seemingly unbreakable records, accomplished just once in Open era by Bjorn Borg nearly 30 years ago... and he did it in a thrilling five-set match he probably should not have won vs. his nemesis, Rafael Nadal.  In an article I read this past week comparing Roger and his new BFF Tiger Woods, it mentioned that Roger has never made the SI cover... not sure if this corner shot "counts"... but that just seems so wrong.

Venus Williams captured her 4th Wimbledon crown. Despite her history at the All England Club, it was yet another unlikely title. Riddled with injuries and lack of match play, she became the lowest ranked woman to win (outdoing her previous "record" of being the lowest ranked player with her 2005 title).

Back in 1993, SI published an infamous cover story "Is Tennis Dying?" ... is it a question worth asking again in 2007... or not. 

If Roger and Venus get pushed aside for a pretty-boy Brit, getting paid an insane amount of money to play soccer (no less, in America!??!?!)... who will likely find his (and his wife's) picture more on the cover of tabloid magazines than the sports page as they host backyard BBQs with their neighbors, and fellow scientologists, Tom and Katie... well, some 14 years later after posing that ominous question, this cover may just be tennis' unofficial obituary.

But, as usual, tennis will get its due here at W&C.  Here are some shots of Roger and Venus looking all snazzy at this year's Wimbledon Ball.

Who Wears Short Shorts

Wimbledon starts Monday...

... and here's a pic of Rafael Nadal competing in a warm-up exhibition match today...

Is Rafa going to dare to show us (gasp!) some knee at the conservative All England Club?

... and fans of other Spanish male tennis players... you might want to head back to my Tommy Robredo post.  I just stumbled upon a larger version of the picture that ever so nicely shows off his backhand!

Emphasis on "See Me"

Thank to my friend Beth for directing me to this photo!

Yowza!  Tommy we can see you ... and I won't get into the "feel me, touch me, heal me" part just right now.

Not that many of you may care, but the guy in the photograph is Top 10 ranked tennis player Tommy Robredo.

This very nice display of his backside backhand is from the July issue of the UK edition of Cosmopolitan magazine.

...and all for a good cause to boot... it is part of an Everyman Male Cancer Campaign, which raises awareness of, and funds research into, testicular and prostate cancer. 

And yes, I think it will do a good job raising awareness... wink, wink.

The Spaniard is quoted saying: "When Cosmo first asked me to get naked, I thought 'No Way!'  But when I heard it was for charity I was like 'Okay, it's for a good reason.' "

Well, good enough reason for me too... and I know my other half will like it too, this is one tennis player he tends to pay attention to! ;-)   

Apologies for the size of the picture, its the only one I could find... but I have a feeling this one may start circulating around.

UPDATE (6/22/07): No surprise, I managed to stumble onto a larger version of that pic... so CLICK HERE and it pop up! ;-)

Stop, Drop, and...

... ROLL !?!!

At least we can take some comfort in knowing that the 3-time French Open champion, Rafael Nadal, would know what to do in case he caught on fire and...

Much like his fetish tradition of biting down on his trophy, this form of celebration seems to be part of his repertoire... over and over again!   No complaints here.

French Filler

Work is not cooperating today... so I'll just allow newly 21-year old Rafael Nadal provide some French Open eye-candy filler for me...

As the middle photo suggests, and to the surprise of no one, the Spaniard advanced to the quarterfinals... and hopes to bite down on a third straight Roland Garros trophy this coming Sunday.

Andy Gets Pumped Up

Since I semi-regularly blog about tennis, this one was just too good to pass up.  First, thanks to Kenneth for being my source on the latest "news" as well as being the first place that I ever saw this now in question magazine cover below... also, this breaks one of personal blogging cardinal rules... if it's been on Towleroad, everyone has seen and/or read about it already... so that usually means you don't have to blog about it (and the guy certainly doesn't need more traffic via you measly link).

But anyhow... here is tennis player Andy Roddick on the cover of this month's issue of Men's Fitness.  As mentioned, I first caught a look at it over on Kenneth's blog...

I did just a quick glance... despite being the apple of many a gay man's eye...  Roddick just isn't my favorite tennis player or person in the world...

(probably undeserved... but I find him to be annoyingly cocky and a whiner... which, for me, cancels out any cuteness factor.. and then there was the whole Mandy Moore break-up...)

.... but something just didn't seem right.  While he is a professional athlete and the body to go with it... something still seemed out of whack.  Since tennis players need to be fast, they tend not to be really built... sure Rafael Nadal has the biceps, but his chest is not  as proportionally huge... but Andy seemed strangely bulky on the cover.

Sure enough... even the cover boy agrees... he released this honest and good-humored statement on his website:

"I spent the last few weeks in Austin really focused on my training and getting back into shape, but pretty sure I'm not as fit as the Men's Fitness cover suggests... little did I know I have 22 inch guns and a disappearing birth mark on my right arm.  I saw the cover for the first time when I landed after Rome, it was pretty funny. I walked by the newsstand in the airport and did a total double take. I can barely figure out how to work the red-eye tool on my digital camera... whoever did this has mad skills...  maybe Rafael Nadal wants his arms back?  If you can manage to stop laughing at the cover long enough, check out the article inside, the photo shoot on the boat was pretty cool and I recognize the person in those photos."

I'm not sure what magazines think they are accomplishing by such obvious (i.e. bad) photoshopping ... and it is even more egregious since it is a "fitness" magazine. 

I guess "5 Easy Moves" to "How To Build Big Arms" just involves a fews clicks of a mouse?!

Nadal Wins Dual Duel

Just a few more pictures from the half-grass, half-clay court match between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal that took place earlier today on the Nadal's home island of Mallorca, Spain.

If I didn't know that this was really real, I would swear the below picture was just a cut-and-paste Photoshop job...  and a not very good one at that... haha.

The players did switch sides and surfaces as they would in a normal tennis match... but the changeovers also entailed a change of shoes... the pros have different footwear for grass and clay.

Nadal took the victory 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (10-8)... so it was a thriller of a match... or cynically, the players were nice enough to justify the expense and their paychecks (as mentioned in yesterday's post, these matches don't count for or against them... so, often times, the scoreline is quite competitive looking).

Here's a full article about the match: Nadal beats Federer on half-clay, half-grass court

Grass or Clay?

I don't know if this is silly or cool... ok, it's both.

No, your eyes are not deceiving you... it's a tennis court that is half grass, half clay... and the site of a big exhibition match (translation: big paychecks and doesn't "count") tomorrow.

Any guesses who's playing?

Who better than the man who is currently on a 48-match, 4 year win streak on grass vs. the man who is currently on a 72-match, 2+ year win streak on clay?!

Yes, it's Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal.

The court took 19 days to create at a cost of [cough, cough] $1.63 million... yikes!

So it should be interesting and fun... Nadal will certainly have the crowd advantage since the match is taking place on his home turf/dirt of Mallorca, Spain.

Roger gets to play on some cool and extreme tennis courts, that's for sure!

UPDATE: Here are some pre-match promo pics... the guys are looking good

Ah... only to have a nice head of hair... and a tan... and be 20-something... and be rich... and...

Roger & Jimmy

I first caught this picture on the discussion boards over at JD's Tennis Stock Market contest (and then traced it back to Roger's official site)... and thought it was just too cute not to share...

Jimmy Connors posing with a Roger Federer, recipient of an award for the best "under 14 years old" junior in Basel, Switzerland.

Connors likely never dreamed that this kid (or perhaps anyone!) would break one of his most impressive records - 160 consecutive weeks at #1 (from July 1974 to August 1977).

The top-ranked player since February 2, 2004... Federer notched consecutive week #161 last week.

If that's not enough, Federer is on the verge breaking yet another 30-year old record... longest win streak. 

Undefeated since August, Federer has won 41 matches in a row... a title next week in Indian Wells (where he is 3-time defending champion) would put him beyond Guillermo Vilas' all-time match win streak of 46 matches from 1977.

Serena On Her Humps

Over Friday night dinner, Todd asked me what I expected from our post-dinner activity... that being, of course, watching the women's final at the Australian Open.  I said that Maria Sharapova should (and likely would) win, but that you just never know with Serena Williams.  I added that it was a testament to Serena's talent that she even reached the final given that to me (and many others, including "professionals") she did not appear in great physical shape.

Fast-forward... Serena demolishes Sharapova 6-1, 6-2 in just over an hour, ending a two-year title drought after winning the 2005 Aussie Open.  During the match, I admit to re-evaluating my "fitness" comment.  Let's just say, Serena looked a whole lot better when she was trouncing the soon to be #1 ranked player off the court vs. the matches where she struggled against some non-household names.

I couldn't help but smile when I read her response to this particular criticism... it is classic Serena...

"I'm definitely in better shape than I get credit for. Just because I have large bosoms and I have a big ass. I swear my waist is 29-30 inches. I swear I have the smallest waist. And just because I have those two 'assets' it looks like I'm not fit. I was just in the locker room staring at my body and I'm like, 'Am I not fit? Am I really not fit? Or is it just because I have all these extra assets that I look not fit.' I think if I were not to eat for two years I still wouldn't be a size 2. No matter how slim I am, I always have this [points] and that [points]. We're living in a Mary-Kate Olsen world. I'm just not built that way. I'm bootylicious and that's how it's always going to be."

(The above quote was shamelessly borrowed from SI's Jon Wertheim Parting Shots from the 2007 Australian Open column)

The Heat is (Back) On

Good news... the heat is back on in the house!

Now, I have to admit I felt pretty stupid about yesterday's post after watching the national news last night.  They had reports all about the big Midwestern winter storms... with tons of people losing power, deaths, injuries, people going to shelters, etc... and here I was merely sitting in somewhat chilly house drinking a vanilla-caramel Keurig coffee and watching the Golden Globe Awards.  Whoops!

Just keep in mind this blog is Whine & Cheese, so I do have a free pass for a "woe is me" post every so often!

So, one half of the house did not have any problem at all!   Silly me!  Apparently when it gets really cold outside, your heat doesn't work as well.  I know, common sense... right?!?

On the side of the house, where we really did not have anything happening... the culprit was a busted capacitator that was preventing the blower/fan from starting inside the house.

Total cost... $174.   Unbelievable. I figured the labor alone would be more than that!

However, the technician said that we should probably think about replacing our two heating/AC units.  I asked them what their typical life span was and he said 10-12 years.  The age of our units: apparently 12 years.  And how much do those run?   Umm.... around $4,000 each!    Yikes, but we'll just think about that another day (and hope that this one doesn't bit us on the butt).

Anyhow, speaking of heat (translation: any excuse to post the picture below).... it is mighty hot down in Australia.  The first Grand Slam of the tennis season, the Australian Open, started on Monday and temperatures in Melbourne are over 100 degrees... as you can see, my own personal space heater, Rafa Nadal, got a bit schweaty:

And speaking of Aussies and weather, another segue to one of my new blog finds (something that has been sorely lacking of late!)... Craig at Outside the Box.  Craig recently stumbled on this blog and quite nicely left a few comments.  I have since been checking out his blog (the have yet to break my commenter shyness).  An Aussie transplant now living in the Pacific Northwest, Craig is discovering all fun things about life in the U.S. and the joys of a Northern hemisphere winter and new stuff like snow!   

Tennis: Balls & Groin Pulls

To counteract my book-related post from earlier today, thought I'd share a couple of borrowed photos.

Over the holidays, this Wimbledon streaker suddenly showed up.  A bit strange since Wimbledon is in the middle of the summer... but I am guessing it was thought to be one of the "pictures of the year" (not a good thing for tennis, when there's not a tennis player in the frame!).  I generally don't post nudity here on W&C, but while this is a bit balls-y... no kibbles & bit is showing, so I figured what the heck!   If a co-worker is looking over your shoulder right now... my sincere apologies!

I think it's a pretty cool and fun picture, and actually pretty artistic... the "pose" and the timing of the photographer to catch it while it was PG-13.  If my memory serves me correctly, this "show" was during the Maria Sharapova and Amelie Mauresmo semifinal.  Usually these streakers are not the most attractive gents out there, but this guy looks to be in fairly decent shape.

And, in case you haven't noticed, the 2007 tennis season is already underway Down Under. 

Here is a little montage of what W&C mascot, Rafael Nadal, is looking like these days...

Yep, it looks like he totally slacked off on the workouts over the holidays!  Not. 

Anyhow, not good news today for Rafa.  After reaching the semifinals of his first tournament of the year, he had to pull out of his first round match in Sydney with a groin pull.  Hopefully, a few days rest will be good enough to get him in gear for the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open starting on Monday.

Now... to enjoy avoid a groin pull of my own.

Federer Strikes A Pose

First off... Happy Thanksgiving!   There will be an Express Lane "update" posted sometime over the long weekend, but otherwise I'll be kicking back... likely recovering from a overeating, wine-induced haze.

Last week, Roger Federer capped off another remarkable year by capturing the season-ending Tennis Masters Cup.  We'll take a look at his 2006 accomplishments in a bit...

But first, a little eye candy.  Now, while the #1 tennis player may not be a drop-your-jaw "hunk"... there is still something quite appealing about him... People Magazine agreed, including him the latest edition of their "Sexiest Man Alive" issue... but, today I am borrowing sharing these pix from Roger's recent spread in Vogue. I think it really shows off his classic (and classy) good looks.

... and just not another handsome face... here are some of his 2006 on-court accomplishments...

• First player to earn $8 million in prize money in one season
• Most ever ranking points in a season (8,370 ... some perspective, #2 ranked Rafael Nadal has 4,470 points, #3 ranked Nikolay Davydenko has 2,825 points).
• Has already ensured himself of breaking Jimmy Connor's record of 160 consecutive weeks at #1 next February
• First man to win 10 or more titles in three consecutive years
• First man in 11 years to win 12 titles in one season
• First man in 24 years to win 90 or more matches in one season (92-5, 2006 w/l record)
• First man to ever reach 6 consecutive Grand Slam finals
• First man in 37 years to reach all 4 Grand Slam finals in one season
• Only second man to ever win 3 Grand Slam titles in two different seasons
• First man ever to win both Wimbledon-US Open three years in a row
• Extended the all-time win streak on grass to 48 matches (last loss on grass was in 2002)
• Since the beginning of 2004, has compiled a 246-15 win/loss record.

Pretty amazing!

tags:  roger federer

Hot Davis Cup Action

Davis Cup is underway this weekend... this is the team country-vs.-country men's tennis competition.

This pic caught my eye... act of terrorism?  Nope.  The real reason was just so mind-boggling I included the caption since I doubt you would have believed me if I told you!

But they guys were heating up the court as well...

From left to right...

Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka demonstrates my personally preferred method of wiping sweat from one's brow ...

Novak Djokovic gets some ... ahem... some pretty personal treatment from the trainer...

And, as usual, Rafael Nadal maintains his cool and calm on-court demeanor.

Satisfying Close to US Open

It was quite the satisfying close to the 2006 US Open over the weekend... after Andre Agassi's farewell last weekend, I thought the final weekend might pale in comparison... but there were still some great stories to be played out...

First off, we have our women's champion Maria Sharapova...

What I love most about Maria is her work ethic/drive... with sponsorships in the tens of millions of dollars it would be easy for her to view her on-court appearances as merely a second job.  But you sense, all Maria cares about is tennis... and most importantly, winning.  Now, I could do without the overbearing dad/coach and banana-gate... but it was nice to see her sincere joy in winning her 2nd major title... particularly when she flipped the lid of the trophy... it reminded me that she's still a teenager.  And yes, just a few photographers showed up the next day to take pictures of the new US Open champ.

Next up, the 3-peat men's champ, Roger Federer...

Despite being the dominant player in the world, I was cheering Roger on during the final vs. American Andy Roddick.  Now I may get kicked out of the gay blogger club, but I am really not a big fan of Mr. Roddick... at all.  Sure he is cute, but his on-court personality just drives me nuts... whether its overly whiny... or puffed-out arrogant (just my humble opinion).  And the addition of Jimmy Connors as his "coach" as done nothing to improve that.  I started following tennis back in the Jimbo-McEnroe era... but I never really liked either of them (it was the Chrissie-Martina rivalry that drew me in)... so I was going bonkers when the match was tied 5-5 in the 3rd set.  I don't know why I was worried? Roger did his usual thing... broke to take the 3rd set at 7-5, and kicked some Roddick butt winning 6-1 in the 4th.  Roger wins his 9th Major... and continues his march into the tennis history books.

Finally, the most amazing of all Martina Navratilova...

Martina who has been competing on the doubles circuit for the last couple years... but announced that the U.S. Open would be her final professional tournament appearance.  She made it to women's doubles quarterfinals... but ended up going all the way in mixed doubles, with half of the cutie identical Bryan men's doubles team... Bob Bryan.  It was her 59th Grand Slam title... and she did it just about one month short of her 50th birthday... incredible!

tags:  us open, maria sharapova, roger federer, martina navratilova

US Open Thriller

If the most compelling thing you watched on television last night was the Big Brother double eviction... well, you missed something special...

The "you just can't make this stuff up" 2nd round US Open match between Andre Agassi and Marcos Baghdatis

Pictured: Jaden Agassi, wife Steffi Graf... Agassi and Baghdatis

As you may (or may not) know, after 20+ years in the game 36-year old Andre Agassi is retiring from tennis after the Open... so every match could be "it."   Andre was seriously tested in his first round match vs. Andrei Pavel... so much so, that he had to receive a cortisone shot in his bad back just to be able to continue on.

So last night, the signs were not looking good for Agassi as he faced the 8th ranked player in the world Marcos Baghdatis... a 21-year old charismatic shotmaker from Cyprus.

But perhaps thrown off by the highly partisan crowd, Baghdatis lost the first two sets 6-4, 6-4... he bounced back and won the 3rd set 6-3... but fell to a usually insurmountable 4-0 deficit in the 4th... it seemed as Andre's final US Open run would continue in fairly short fashion.  However, the night was only just beginning.

Baghdatis would rail off the the next 4 games to even the set at 4-4... and break Andre's serve to take the set 7-5... the match would go the distance.  It seemed as if Agassi's fortunes would be reversed from last year's Open where in the "match of the tournament" he defeated fellow American James Blake after dropping the first two sets.

Baghdatis broke Agassi's serve in the very first game of the 5th set... Agassi clearly looked dejected, but with the momentum in hand... Baghdatis stopped play to receive treatment for a left thigh sprain.  The Cypriot would spend a good portion of the final set reeling in pain, often dropping to the court, as both of his legs cramped up... it was truly painful to watch... but still amazing the 36-year old had worn down the 21-year old.  Agassi would hold on to his serve in a marathon game... and with his legs weakened Baghdatis would lose his serve ... giving Agassi the 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 7-5 victory.   Although terribly cliche, the match which ended just past 12:30 am ... was "one for the ages."

Now, I wasn't thrilled about the crowd.  I know Agassi was the sentimental favorite but cheering Baghdatis' serve faults... or boo-ing when he questioned calls, showed any signs of positive body language, and even when he was writhing on the court in pain was more than unnecessary.  Baghdatis said after the match "I wanted to just die on the court. I wanted to do anything to win"... and you just have to respect that kind of heart.  But the crowd did lighten up... with Agassi safe... they gave Baghdatis a rousing ovation during his gracious on-court interview and exit from the court.

Agassi next faces B. Becker from Germany... not Boris, but an unheralded 25-year old Benjamin. Agassi will be the overwhelming favorite in this match... but you just never know, it is hard to know how much Andre will have left in the tank after these first two matches.  However, if he gets through that one... it would most likely be a tantalizing 4th rounder vs. Andy Roddick.

tags:  andre agassi, marcos baghdatis

Blow A Gasquet

Ok... so when you are a little light on blog topics...  always safe to use pretty boys as a fall back... right?

So I'm watching some of the Rogers Cup tennis tournament up in Toronto this afternoon... the featured afternoon match is James Blake vs. Richard Gasquet.  The American Blake, now the #5 ranked player in the world, was the easy odds-on favorite going into the match... so what happens?

The Frenchman wins the match 6-4, 6-3... though Richard (oh, if you're practicing your French that's... Ree-shard Gas-kay) should have won the second set in far more impressive fashion...

But on a purely surface level and throwing away any blind patriotism for Blake, I don't have a problem with the 20-year old Frenchman sticking around for another round.  As they say in France (or likely don't!)... ooo la la!   And besides, once I got that "punny" blog post title in my head I couldn't let it go... (though the "bonus"/naughty double entendre didn't initially hit me... honest!  I know... bad, bad boy).

Now don't get me wrong, James is a hot guy.  Blake, being the wonderful guy he is, shaved his head for charity a couple of years back... but I still find myself pining for his former dreadlock days.  Not that I am a big fan of dreads (I don't think it quite works as well for his brother Thomas, who still sports a full head of hair)... but James worked all that hair just right.   

So any dissenting, pro-bald opinions out there with regards to Mr. Blake?

tags:  james blake, richard gasquet

Rafa: Sex Sells

A shoutout to Towleroad for the tip-off to these pix (he has a few more shots, so click on over when you're done here) from Rafael Nadal's latest Nike campaign....

Ummm... talk about your morning wake-up call!  This certainly worked a whole better than my first cup of coffee!

Rafael is back in action this week playing at the Rogers Cup up at Toronto.  Nadal is the defending champ... and all eyes are already on yet another meeting with #1 Roger Federer in the finals... but there are a few more matches to go (both players have their 1st round matches today)... neither man has played since Wimbledon. 

To see a video ad of Rafa from this shoot... head on over to Nike Pro... the highlight being a artsy kind of shot of the Spaniard putting on one his trademark (and very tight) sleeveless shirt.

For more Rafa... just click my Rafael Nadal Category listing.

Tags:nike, rafa, rafael nadal

Hall of Fame Beauty

This past weekend were the latest inductions in the Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island.

These year's honorees were Gabriela Sabatini and Patrick Rafter.

Now if I were comparing these HoF selections to the Time Warner family of publications, this year it was definitely less Time and more People's "Most Beautiful" issue.

In the big picture, and given the thousands of professional players that have ever taken to the courts, these two players are in the upper echelon.  That said, I wouldn't call them A-listers... but given the Hall usually nominates a male and female player each year, it is a pretty limited pool...  so some years are going to be higher quality than others.

So what's my beef with Sabatini?  Well, while she certainly had a consistent and quality results, I think, despite 27 singles titles, there is a lot of underachievement.  1 Grand Slam singles title (1990 US Open) and two other Slam final appearances ('88 US, '91 Wimbledon)... but a slew of Slam quarterfinals (10) and semis (13).  Her career is largely defined as foil to Steffi Graf (who was at Newport to induct Gaby)... she managed to win 7 of 8 matches vs. Graf in the early 90s, but Graf still dominated the rivalry 29-11.  I was surprised to see her top ranking was #3, figured she'd made it to #2 at some point... but guess she was bumped by the likes of Navratilova and Seles.

Ok, what's up with Rafter?  He gets in thanks to 2 U.S. Opens ('97 and '98) and a pair of Wimbledon finals ('00 and '01).  But otherwise, there is not too much to round out his HoF resume. 11 titles (including those US Opens) and the #1 ranking... for one week.  Other than the forementioned, I was shocked by his lack of Slam credentials -- 3 semis,  0 quarters.

Both have tennis careers to be very proud of ... and certainly were fan favorites...  so while they are certainly not among the all-time greats, it was still nice to see them again... and they are still looking good!

2006 Wimbledon Champs

I could not have been more pleased with this year's Wimbledon champions...

Since we so rarely see them in formal attire, I thought I'd share a couple of pix from last night's Champion's Ball Dinner

For those non-tennis fans, they are Roger Federer and Amelie Mauresmo.

It is somewhat unusual that I would be rooting for the current #1 players on their respective tours... but both Roger and Amelie had something to prove this past fortnight at the All England Club...

It is difficult to ever consider Roger Federer an underdog at Wimbledon... especially, the morning after winning his 4th consecutive Big W title.  But there were some doubts floating about as he faced his achille's heel, Rafael Nadal, in the final.  Much to the surprise of the tennis knowledgeable (I humbly include myself), Nadal made it to the final and there was very much an "anything can happen" feel to the match.  Federer had lost 6 of 7 matches against Nadal... including 4 meetings this year.  So while Fed certainly had the edge on grass, there was some doubts.  If Roger lost, the sports media were ready to transfer the "king of tennis" crowd quickly to Nadal... though the official rankings would have said otherwise (Nadal was/is still considerably behind Federer after missing the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne).

I cheered for Federer... who now joins Borg and Sampras as the only players to win 4 consecutive Wimbledon titles.  Likewise, I also was thrilled that this FedEx/Rafa "rivalry" received the life support it so badly needed... though Nadal still dominates, at least a 6-2 advantage is a move in the right direction.  It should make for a very interesting US Open and summer as these two battle it out on the more neutral hard-courts.  However, in the battle of "shirtless" search hits here on W&C ... Rafael is demolishing Roger.

But after being blown out 6-0 in the first set, I was happy to see Nadal battle back and make it a match.  It is pretty much impossible not to like Nadal... no matter what the score, he is so positive and spirited on the court.  So many players, both male and female (including those at the very top of the rankings), suffer from such poor body language when behind, that Nadal's attitude is truly refreshing.

While having less to lose, France's Amelie Mauresmo had more to prove with a win.  Despite holding the #1 ranking for a good part of this year, Mauremo's first ever Grand Slam title in Australia earlier this year was a bit tarnished.  First, there was the highly criticized withdrawal of her opponent, Justine Henin-Hardenne, in the final... but her total campaign was "asterik-ed" with two earlier opponent withdrawals earlier in the tournament.  So while deserved, there were many who viewed her trophy more for being the "last woman standing."

So, it was ideal for Amelie to meet Justine in the Wimbledon final.  There was a lot on the line for both.  The Belgian was looking to complete a career Grand Slam, while Amelie was hoping for some respect (and, okay, revenge over JHH for denying her a championship point celebration). Often dubbed a choker, Mauresmo had to win the mental battle vs. her gifted athleticism that should have won her many Slams over the past few years.

So, during the post-match interview, one couldn't help but smile when a teary-eyed Mauresmo hugged the winner's plate and said "I don't want anybody to talk about my nerves anymore."

Finally, it is nice to have "one of our own" succeed at such a high level... and have it be such a non-event.  Mauresmo came out (arguably she was never "in") as a lesbian during her first big splash on the tennis circuit - a run to the finals of the 1999 Australian Open... and she has never been dubbed as the "gay" tennis player (or if she has, ironically enough, it has only been by gay media)... she is beloved in France (who can take Mauresmo's win as small consolation to finishing as the World Cup runner-ups) and her endorsements (most notably Nike) have never been lacking or serious jeopardized.

Wimbledon Fashion Do's & Dont's

For the most part, it is the ladies that make the fashion statements on the tennis courts... but on the first "real" day of the 2006 Wimbledon tournament... it was the guys that caught my eye.

Now, Roger Federer is always pretty classy.  But...

This is taken it a bit too far.  I was kinda okay with the golden sneakers of a last year (or the year before that?), but the cream-colored blazer that Nike made for the 3-time defending champion is bordering on the dorky... I guess it fits the whole All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club stodgy, snooty, pompous, elitist... ok, you get the point... stick-up-your-butt attitude... but I guess it comes in handy for schmancy post-match dinners where it's "jacket required."

Now "kid stuff" usually makes my eyes rollback into my head, but this one even warmed my heart...

Andre Agassi's necklace was a Father's Day gift from his 4 1/2 year old son Jaden Gil.  If your eyesight is as bad as mine, the homemade block necklace reads "Daddy Rocks."   With a gift like that, I guess it is easy to determine at least one reason Agassi announced he will be retiring following this year's U.S. Open.

Rafael Nadal Shirtless

Bad News
Rafael Nadal had to retire with a shoulder ailment in his quarterfinal grass-court match (vs. Lleyton Hewitt) at the Stella Artois Championships at Queen's Club today.

Good News
We finally get some quality shots for the long overdue and eagerly anticipated...
Rafael Nadal Shirtless post!

Now... ahem... you'll have to excuse me... Enjoy!

Roger & Rafa: French Open '06

No matter who won the French Open men's final yesterday ... there was some history.  Roger Federer was going for a non-calendar year Slam... something that has not been achieved in men's tennis in over 30 years... while Rafael Nadal was looking to win back-to-back French titles and extend his win-streak on clay to 60 matches.

Though you can't tell by their facial expressions, it was Rafa who took home the title (clue #1: a cup is always better than a plate).  Roger pretty much would have cemented his place in tennis history with a win... but boy, the press can be rough.   CNN/SI's Jon Wertheim usually gets it right, but I thought this was a bit harsh:

"Through the quirks of the rankings, Roger Federer actually increased his points lead by reaching the final of the French. Still -- his protestations to the contrary -- it's hard to imagine him leaving Paris a contented man. His oddly neutered play in the final provoked a vexing question: How do we anoint a guy the best ever when it's no longer clear he's even the best in his era?"

C'mon Jon, you know how the tennis rankings work?!?  It is all based on defending points.  Last year, Roger lost in the semifinals (to Nadal)... while Nadal won the tournament.  So, Roger improved on his result from last year, while it was a "wash" for Nadal.   So what quirks do you speak of?

And now with a loss in a Grand Slam final (something 97% of tennis players can only dream of), he is now no longer in the "best ever" race... but now, he's not even the best player out there today?!?  HUH?!!   

In the latest rankings, Federer has 7035 points to Nadal's 4545 (#3 Nalbandian is at 3360)... and Nadal has two more tournaments in his point total than Federer. 

Now, I will certainly agree that Federer has a real problem with Nadal.  If someone watched these two for the first time on Sunday, I fully admit one would wonder what all the fuss is about Federer.  Nadal has won 6 of their 7 meetings... and probably should have won the one match that Roger (though on the other hand, there are a couple of matches in their that should have been won by Federer).  So with that kind of record, it is hard to speak of this as a rivalry.   But just because, Player B beats Player A doesn't make Player B the better (or best) player (this is the same faulty logic that was attempting to be used above re: the rankings).

But outside of Nadal, over the past two years Federer has an outrageous 95%+ win against all other players.. and he has not lost a match this year... again, outside of Nadal.  While Nadal's dominance over Federer is wildly impressive, I still do not think it diminishes any of Roger's accomplishments.  Heck, Federer's nearest "best ever" contemporary, Pete Sampras, never even made it to French final!

So, yes, the pause button was hit for "best ever" status for Federer on Sunday, but I certainly believe there is not an iota of doubt that he is the best player out there today.

And speaking of Nadal, is he tennis' version of Clark Kent/Superman, or what?

Check out this little photo montage:

Put him in street clothes and he's a long-lost member of the pre-pubescent boy-band Menudo... but get him in his Nike tennis attire and the 20-year old turns into a super-hero!!