May 2008 Articles (158)

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.…

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Added by tennis baller on May 19, 2008 at 10:20am — No Comments

WEEKEND WINNERS: Rafa, Jelena

Hamburg - Rafael Nadal

So Rafa defeats Roger Federer 7-5, 6-7 (3), 6-3 in an epic… Continue

Added by tennis baller on May 19, 2008 at 7:20am — No Comments

As Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal get ready to play their quadrillionth (actually 16th) match against each other, this time in Hamburg, something kind of came to mind: Is Rafa a true rival or just a roadblock? You're probably thinking, "Van, what are you talking about? Look, Rafa's won more than he's lost against Federer. What else do you want?" Well, let me tell you! And since I'm all about democracy, have your vote here on the… Continue

Added by Van Sias on May 18, 2008 at 12:00am — 2 Comments

THE LOW DOWN: Rafa + Nole to battle for no. 2 ranking - who wants it more?

Okay tennis heads, the stage is set for a blockbuster showdown in Hamburg! Rafael Nadal will face Novak Djokovic in the semifinals with nothing on the line but the… Continue

Added by tennis baller on May 16, 2008 at 2:18pm — 4 Comments

FASHION FIX: Fun in the sun for Tipsarevic + Men's Vogue

The fashionistas are really soaking up the Serbians these days.

We all know their love for Ana Ivanovic and … Continue

Added by tennis baller on May 16, 2008 at 11:18am — 1 Comment

VIDEO VAULT: Has Serena lost her mind? You be the judge.

Serena Williams sent a video message from Rome - more evidence, clearly, that ReRe has lost her marbles:

*VIA DOWNTHELINETENNIS.COM

(via… Continue

Added by tennis baller on May 16, 2008 at 6:30am — 6 Comments

PHOTO OP: Kiefer returns to form, shares joy (and abs) with the world

Nicolas Kiefer continued his renaissance (not to mention his disrobing) in Hamburg today.

The German giant-killer earned his second top-10 scalp of the week… Continue

Added by tennis baller on May 15, 2008 at 3:02pm — 2 Comments

Quote of the Day: Sharapova

The ranking has never been a big deal for me. Whether I'm No. 1 or 5, my main goal is just to keep winning tennis matches and the ranking will take care of itself if I keep winning.

- Maria "Shriek"apova on taking over the…

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Added by tennis baller on May 15, 2008 at 11:36am — No Comments

A-Rod pays tribute to Agassi for TIME's 100 most influential people

Tennis legend Andre Agassi made TIME magazine's 5th annual list of 100 of the world's most influential people this year and Andy Roddick was given the honor of writing his… Continue

Added by tennis baller on May 15, 2008 at 8:53am — No Comments

FASHION FIX: Uninspired Sharapova still regurgitating looks - is she bored by fashion?

Maria "Shriek"apova, the almost world no. 1 after Justine Henin's shocking retirement yesterday, played a rematch of the Amelia Island final defeating… Continue

Added by tennis baller on May 15, 2008 at 6:58am — No Comments

THE LOW DOWN: Gasquet may skip French Open - did he read my open letter?

Sometimes it's fun to think that you write these posts, blogging about things you think you know about and maybe, just maybe, some of the ballers are actually reading them. Fine - not likely but weirder things have happened (right … Continue

Added by tennis baller on May 14, 2008 at 3:00pm — No Comments

Looking for 4.0 - 4.5 players for All Women's Team

Our roster is far from being full, so we are looking for two or three more ladies for the CPDTA summer season starting in June. League is a Team Tennis format played Saturday Mornings at the 4.0 to 4.5 Level. If you're looking to play against good singles and doubles players in Chicago HIT ME UP. If you have the tennis skills and want to hit some balls or check out the situation before making a commitment, you may want to attend one of our practices in the coming weeks.

post a… Continue

Added by Am on May 14, 2008 at 2:00pm — 1 Comment

Behind-the-scenes of infamous WTA marketing campaign

So finally we get to see what all the hype was about...

Here are some behind-the-scenes images and video from the infamous WTA Tour "Superheroes" marketing campaign photoshoot that Maria "Shriek"apova made a… Continue

Added by tennis baller on May 14, 2008 at 10:00am — 2 Comments

BREAKING: Henin to announce retirement today according to Belgian newspaper

Is Justine Henin retiring from professional tennis? Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad is reporting the world no. 1 will announce her retirement today. Justine has been struggling of late… Continue

Added by tennis baller on May 14, 2008 at 7:00am — 9 Comments

VIDEO VAULT: Venus gets personal for Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel

Venus Williams sat down with Bryant Gumbel for Real Sports to give a rare glimpse into her inner world and off-court life. The 6-time Grand Slammer discusses her need for… Continue

Added by tennis baller on May 13, 2008 at 5:02pm — No Comments

BREAKING: Perry Rogers removed from ATP Board of Directors

Tennis Week is reporting that Perry Rogers, who managed Andre Agassi throughout his career, was voted off the ATP Board of… Continue

Added by tennis baller on May 13, 2008 at 3:14pm — No Comments

PHOTO OP: Anna + Jelena get pretty for Whirlpool

The now-infamous Maria "Shriek"apova photoshoot wasn't the only sponsor obligation for the lady ballers in Rome.

Anna Chakvetadze and… Continue

Added by tennis baller on May 13, 2008 at 2:33pm — No Comments

THE LOW DOWN: Hewitt struggling with hip injury - could his career be in jeopardy?

Bad news for Lleyton Hewitt.

The Aussie hot head, who suffered a hip injury during last season's US hardcourt swing, may not be fully fit in time for the French Open or even… Continue

Added by tennis baller on May 13, 2008 at 1:59pm — No Comments

Quote of the Day: Federer

The more you lose, the more they believe they can beat me. But believing is not enough, you still have to beat me.

- Roger Federer on his challengers…

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Added by tennis baller on May 13, 2008 at 9:16am — No Comments

Twins peaking

A step closer to history was made at the Italian Open this past weekend as the Bryan Brothers picked up their eighth different Masters shield. This got me to thinking, are they two of the greatest male players of all time? They have a wider range of major titles than almost anyone. I think so, and here's why. I'm taking a poll, too: Feel free to vote if you agree or disagree.

Added by Van Sias on May 12, 2008 at 4:30pm — 2 Comments