Rome Results: Spaniards Dominate in Rome; Fill 3 of the 4 Semifinal Spots

Spain has continued it's clay court dominance from Monte Carlo and Barcelona this week in Rome, as 3 of the 4 semifinal spots, which were decided on Friday, are occupied by someone from the country. Of course, one of them is Rafael Nadal, who advanced to the final 4 with a 6-4, 6-1 win over Stanislas Wawrinka.

Rafa's semifinal opponent will be Ernests Gulbis, who's surprise run to the semis has consisted of the Latvian playing the best tennis of his career. In the quarters Gulbis, who beat Federer in the 2nd round, defeated Feliciano Lopez 7-6 (6), 6-1.

On the other half of the draw lies David Ferrer, an easy 6-4, 6-1 winner against Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and Fernando Verdasco. The latter won his second consecutive match against Novak Djokovic in the quarters, outlasting the Serb in a thrilling 3-setter 7-6 94), 3-6, 6-4.

The semis will air on the Tennis Channel tomorrow morning for my fellow east-coasters.

Nole and Rafa Take Time out in Rome to Check out Some Football

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic proved that they don't let their rivalry effect their off-the-court friendship when the two attended a Champions league football match between Tribuna Roma and Sampdoria on a day off in Rome. They snapped a few photos of their fun experience at the match with their matching bberrys.

Rome Results: Nadal Crusing; Verdasco and Djokovic to Clash in Quarters

Sorry about the lack of Rome results postings. Things have been hectic!

We all have probably heard that Roger somehow lost to Ernests Gulbis, marking the Swiss' 3rd consecutive loss before the third round in ATP-level tournaments.

Rafael Nadal, of course, has been rolling through the tournament, most recently taking out Victor Hanescu 6-3, 6-2 to clinch a berth in the quarterfinals. For a chance to reach the semis the Spaniard will take on Stanislas Wawrinka, who also won 3 and 2 over Robin Soderling. In the same section as Nadal and Wawrinka, Gulbis and Feliciano Lopez will square off in the final 8 after Lopez got a walkover against Ivan Ljubicic. Gulbis continued his unexpected run with a 7-6 in the third win over Fillipo Volandri.

In the bottom half of the draw, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga won easily over Santiago Giraldo. Tsonga's quarterfinal opponent will be David Ferrer, a 6-3, 6-4 upset winner against 4th seeded Andy Murray. Fernando Verdasco ousted countryman Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 6-4, 7-6 (2) and will face Novak Djokovic, whom he beat in Monte Carlo, in the quarters. Djokovic comfortably beat Tomaz Bellucci 6-4, 6-4.

Get ready for some exciting quarterfinal action. I'll be watching Real Housewives of New Jersey marathons while stuffing my face with cold-eezing pills, covered in dozens of tissues!

Jelena's Mama Rips Ana a New One

Jelena Jankovic has always been one of the more entartaining wiomen on tour, always having a flare for the dramatic, but no one can doubt she works her ass off at the same time. She consistently goes far in almost all the tournaments she enters, and has played in almost every Fed Cup match for Serbia in recent memory. After her country lost to Slovakia in FC last weekend, Jelena's mother, Snezana, is PISSED that her daughter is carrying the team's weight while everyone else *cough* Ana *cough* is livin' the good life.

Jelena missed only one match for Serbia in the last 10 years. This time she flew 48 hours across half the world to play here, despite a serious wrist injury.

At the same time, somebody else had coffee somewhere while my child played hurting for her country.

Can't blame Mama JJ for her frustration. After all, it sucks to see your team lose when all you did was win.

Aussie Adam and Awful Ana Chill in Mallorca

Taking a break from her miserably collapsing tennis career, Ana Ivanovic was caught hanging out at a local cafe with her boyfriend, golfer Adam Scott, in Mallorca. Ivanovic decided to sit out of last weekend's Fed Cup ties, as her and her oblivious team clealy think that relaxing and stuffing your face with sugar is the key to a turnaround.

I guess it's worth a try since everything else has failed miserably.

The two were later seen shopping, but I would make the cautious suggestion to them to be careful with their money, considering not much is being made by either off tennis or golf, and the endorsements are falling like domino blocks.

Ana's next event is this week's Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, where Dinara Safina will also be making her return to the game after a long injury layoff.

Rome Results: Giants Berdych, Ljubicic and Isner Advance; Ferrero Falls

The year's first mandatory clay-court Masters event has kicked off in Rome and all but one of the ATP's top 10 is competing. Roger Federer is entered in the doubles tournament with fellow Swiss Yves Allegro and the two earned a victory in the first round on Monday.

For a look at the Rome singles draw click HERE. Ps. for those of you who haven't heard the horrible news, Rafael Nadal and Federer are on the same side of the draw.

Anyways..on to the results.

John Isner dropped the first set of his match against Horacio Zeballos but recovered to take the next two sets and ultimately the match. Ivan Ljubicic was also pushed to 3 sets against Frenchman Paul Henri Mathieu, but the Croatian prevailed 7-5, 6-7 (1), 6-0. Phillip Kohlschreiber and Michael Llodra were also 3 sets winners.

In the tournament's first real shocker, clay-court specialist and 12th seed Juan Carlos Ferrero was easily defeated by qualifier Santiago Giraldo 6-0, 6-3 while Ernests Gulbis handled Marcos Baghdatis, also with ease, defeating the Cypriot 2 and 2 to get a crack at Roger Federer in the next round. Tomas Berdych, 10th seed, was a quick winner as well, joining others such as Juan Monaco, Potito Starace and Julien Benneteau in the 2nd round.

Federer Claims He's Not the Favorite in Roland Garros

Roger Federer's results outside of the majors have not been stellar recently, but when it's time for the big ones, the Swiss is always at the top of his game, as he has won 3 of the past 4 Grand Slams. But despite his consistent results in the majors, Federer still claims he's not the favorite at next month's French Open. And if it's not him, it's obviously his nemesis, Rafael Nadal.

Fed told the press:

"I would love to say I'm the big favorite but I don't think it's quite right, even though I won the French Open last year. Rafa has just proven again in Monaco how tough he is. He's been on an absolute tear on clay for the last five years. He's hardly lost any matches. You can almost count those on one hand, and he's only lost one match at the French Open. So I would think he's still the favorite."

Who is shocked at Roger's graciousness. If it were Andy Murray we know it would NOT have come out like that. JK.

Liezel Huber is PISSED at the Williams'

The Williams sisters have been skipping the Fed Cup for a long time now, and most of the time their U.S. teammates are too intimidated of them to voice their opinions on Serena and Venus' controversial decisions, but not Liezel Huber. Girlfriend is pissed at the sisters' for skipping this past weekend's Fed Cup match against Russia.

“We want this trophy and we want them to play,” Huber, a loyal Fed-Cupper, told the Birmingham press. “But if they don’t play, it’s very tough for me to be supportive of their decision. Come Olympics time and they want to play, they have to understand the people that [are] going to be loyal, I would hope, are going to go ahead of them. Because we are loyal. We want to bring the Cup home

Obviously Huber has a point, but is it really her business to be judgmental at Serena and Venus' tennis priorities?

Let me know what you think in the comments!

Clijsters Out a Possible 6 Weeks with Torn Foot Ligament

Much to the dismay of tennis fans around the world, Kim Clijsters could possibly be forced to miss next month's French open due to a torn ligament in her left foot, an injury she sustained in her country's Davis Cup match this past Saturday.

Her doctors have told her she could be out for up to 6 weeks, and if it takes that long the Belgian could be forced to miss the year's 2nd slam in Paris, and could set her preparation back for Wimbledon in June. Clijsters told the press she "heals reasonably fast" and will be on crutches for the next few days. Tests showed liquid built up in her foot and severe bruising, and it is still unclear when she will be able to resume her complete training again.

Heal quick, Kimmie! We don't want you missing Roland Garros!

Verdasco Takes Advantage of Rafa's Absence; Hoists Barcelona Trophy

Fernando Verdasco suffered an embarrassing loss to Rafael Nadal in Monte Carlo last week, but thanks to his conqueror's decision to sit out the Barcelona Open this week, Verdasco was able to one-up his runner-up performance at the season's opening clay event and go the distance in Spain. Verdasco earned a 3-set victory over Robin Soderling in Sunday's final, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.

'Nando's win ensured that the Barcelona title stay with a Spaniard, as it has the past 8 years. Both Verdasco and Soderling will travel to Rome for the Masters event this week.

I wasn't planning to play this week so you can imagine my feelings right now. It's incredible, "said the Spaniard, seeded 5th entering the 500-point tournament.

Myskina Pregnant with 2nd Child

Anastasia Myskina (remember her!?) is reportedly preggers with her 2nd child, as she already has a son who is almost 2 years old. She retired in 2007 with foot injuries after a successful career that consisted of a career-high ranking of 3rd and a French Open championship. She now works in television and has completely shot down any possibilities of a comeback.

Rog Strikes a Pose for ESPN

Tennis' number 1 player in the world, Roger Federer, channeled his inner supermodel on the cover of ESPN the Magazine. The title reads "Who's the World's Greatest Atlete? Roger Federer Looks the Part."

In the issue we recieve deets about life with the twinnies and his plans for the future (playing til 35?!). Click HERE to see a video of the photo shoot.

And don't forget to go get your copy of the issue, on sale now!

Could a Career in Tennis be Next for Vogue's Anna Wintour?

No, not a playing career, dummy.

Fashion's most powerful force, Anna Wintour, Editor in Chief at Vogue Magazine, has always taken a liking to tennis. Specifically, Roger Federer. In an interview at the Pratt Institue a few days ago, Anna was asked what her plans are post- Vogue and her answer may surprise you.

"I'd like to run the Tennis Channel."

This won't get too great of a response, but I can assure you one thing if this ever came true: The tennis world would be that much more chic. That means the extermination of peacock dresses.. *cough* Maria Sharapova *cough*

Roddick and Brooklyn Frolic on the Beach for Anniversary

For someone who works so hard, and who has produced stellar results of the years, a break is essential, and no one deserves a tropical vacay more than Andy Roddick, the 2010 Sony Ericsson Open champ. The American is in Hawaii celebrating his anniversary with wife Brooklyn Decker, while she shoots scenes for the rom-com Just Go With It, starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston.

Relax and enjoy yourself, but make sure you go to Europe ready for the grind of the red dirt, Andy!

Rafa Blitzes Verdasco; Makes History with 6th Straight Monte Carlo Title

Losing just an astonishing 14 games en route to the title, Rafael Nadal made Open Era history when he thwarted Fernando Verdasco in the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters final, 6-0, 6-1. It was the Spaniard's first title since May when he won the clay-court title in Rome, and Verdasco now knows better than anyone else that Rafa Nadal is not joking around this Spring. With a display of ostensibly effortless brilliance, Nadal extended his win streak in Monte Carlo to 32, putting him one Masters title shy of Andre Agassi's record of 17.

“Last year I didn’t play well but won; this year the level is completely different,” said the world number 3. “I have been playing well since the start of the season.” He went on to call the match "one of my best performances on clay."

Verdasco found the humor in defeat, telling the crowd in his speech, “If he plays like this, no one can beat him. He beat everyone in six years here and I’m just one of them. I hope one day Rafa gets tired of winning here."

Rafa has decided to stray away from his usual clay-court swing, as he has pulled out of the Barcelona Open, where he is the 5-time defending champion. Nadal cited exhaustion as his reason, but will be back to continue his clay-court domination in Rome.

They Don't Have a F***ing Clue!

Funny how Twitter imitates life, right?

Victoria Azarenka clearly does not have a filter, whether her crazy antics come from racquet abuse or speaking her mind on the social-media website. And guess what, we LOVE it!

After retiring from her Family Circle Cup match against Chrisina McHale with an injury, the press stirred up rumors that the Belrusian tanked it, and this did not sit well with Vika.

She tweeted, "Who think I tanked the match or whatever they certainly don't have a fucking clue...and rules of WTA tour."

You tell 'em, Victoria. Let's hope you channel this into something positive and kick some ass next time you hop on court. And not to mention, keeps the LOLs coming.

Fed is Ready for the Dirt

Roger Federer may not be hitting the clay courts (officially) until the Rome Masters, but the Swiss is totally ready for the dirt and apparently really pumped for parisparisparis.....

He posted the above picture on his Facebook yesterday, captioning it "Back on the red clay, been practicing fitness and tennis and I am really excited for the upcoming stretch of tournaments!"

The world number 1's clay court will travel to Rome, then Portugal for the Estoril Open, then Madrid, where he is the defending champ. And lastly, of course, the tour goes to Paris, for the French Open, which begins on May 23rd.

Monte Carlo Results: Nadal and Verdasco Dominate; To Meet in Finals

Few expected Fernando Verdasco to take pout Novak Djokovic in the Monte Carlo Masters semis, as the Serb is one of the most consistent clay-courters on tour, but 'Nando did more than just beat Novak. He outright crushed him, surrendering just 4 games in the victory over the tournament's top seed. “Tactically, I played really good all match,” said the 6th seed. “I am so happy to be in (a Masters) final for the first time, and to beat a player like Djokovic with a score like it was today.”

Rafgael Nadal also turned in another masterful clay performance..but what else is knew. The Spaniard easily defeated David Ferrer 6-2, 6-3 to punch his ticket in the finals, where he will be going for a 6th consecutive Monte Carlo championship, an Open Era record.“It’s very important for me to be in this final,” Nadal said. “I played a very good match today. I was a little bit more nervous than usual because I lost two semifinals in a row."

Monte Carlo Results: Rafa, Djokovic Reach Quarters, Tsonga and Cilic Out

Rafael Nadal may have been going through a slight drought in his tennis career lately (for his standards) but the Spaniard is back on the clay, his favorite surface, and is crushing every opponent across the net in his return to the dirt. Thursday in Monte Carlo was no different, as Michael Berrer fell victim to the clay-court mastermind 6-0, 6-1. Nadal's quarterfinal opponent will be 9th seeded Juan Carlos Ferrero, an outstanding clay-courter himself, who took out Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-1, 3-6, 7-5 for a shot to play his compatriot. David Nalbandian reached the final eight with a straight-set win against Tommy Robredo, while Phillip Kohlschreiber beat fellow German Phillip Petzschner 6-3, 6-4.

Monte Carlo's number 1 seed, Novak Djokovic was up against a tricky opponent in Stanislas Wawrinka in his 4th round match, but the Serb prevailed 6-4, 6-4 to book a quarterfinal spot. Albert Montanes upset 4th seeded Marin Cilic 6-4, 6-4, while two other Spaniards David Ferrer, 6-0, 7-6 (4) and Fernando Verdasco, 5-7, 6-3, 6-3, also prevailed, giving Spain five of the eight quarterfinal spots.

Roger's New Spot for Jura

Roger Federer's off-court schedule is often just as busy as his on-court one. Besides being endorsed by Rolex, Nike, Wilson and others, Federer is also the Brand Ambassador for Jura. Above is the Swiss' new spot for the coffee brand.

Yeahhhh...going to make a cappuccino now!

Monte Carlo Results: Tsonga, Cilic and Nando Earn Round of 16 Bids

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga earned a tough 2-set win over Nicolas Almagro on Tuesday at the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters, 7-6 (5), 7-5. In another France vs. Spain matchup, Fernando Verdasco dominated Julien Benneteau 2 and 1, avenging Almagro's loss. 12th seeded Tommy Robredo, Michael Llodra and Albert Montanes all won, surrendering just 6 games. Thiemo de Bakker of the Netherlands advanced over Edwardo Schwank 6-3, 7-5.

4th seeded Marin Cilic got off to a very shaky start, losing the opening set to Igor Andreev 7-6 (4) before recovering to win the last 2 sets 6-1, 6-4. Tomas Berdych made the switch to red clay look easy, crushing Richard Gasquet 6-2, 6-0, continuing his stellar play from Miami. Stanislas Wawrinka, seeded 13th, and Jurgen Melzer, 15th, each won in 2 sets to reach the 2nd round, while Florent Serra and Victor Troicki had to go the distance to earn their victories.

The Big Question: Will A-Rod Win a 2nd Major?

I know. You're all probably sick and tired of going to every tennis website and seeing either an article or a survey on this same question, but I would love to know what you all think.

Will Andy Roddick win another Grand Slam?

Sports Illustrated's Jon Wertheim wrote a spot-on piece on the American and the legacy he will leave behind:

[Roddick] is someone who has spent almost an entire decade residing in the top 10. He is a limited player who has done everything in his power to improve. He is a fighter. He is a professional who takes his career seriously and ambitiously. He is a mensch — the most recent evidence being his participation in the Champions for Chile fundraiser on the eve of the Key Biscayne final. He is also a 27-year-old playing perhaps the best ball of his career. After reaching the Indian Wells final, he went one better in Key Biscayne, taking the title and beating both Nadal and the surgingTomas Berdych along the way. Roddick may or may not ever win that elusive second Major. But it’s worth remembering that players with a lot more native talent have achieved a lot less.

If there is one thing that's for sure, it's that no one wants to win more than Andy. Like Wertheim said, he works just as hard if not harder than any of his peers and continually see's himself come up a little short. Will that trend continue or is Roddick primed for one more major, either in Melbourne, NYC or Wimbledon? (Let's be honest, it won't happen at the French)

Let me know what you think in the comments section!

Djokovic and Todd Martin Go Their Separate Ways

Novak Djokovic has called off his short-lived pairing with coach Todd Martin. This comes as no surprise, as the Serb's results since he started his campaign with Martin have not at all reflected his talent. Djokovic, ranked 2nd in the world, will now work full-time with Marian Vajda, who was sharing the coaching position with Martin.

“I tried to work with two coaches, but it didn’t work,” said the 2008 Aussie Open champ. “You always will have problems like that when you have two coaches. Even though they understood each other very well. Todd faced a lot of difficulties to work on and off the court. It’s not an easy job definitely. He just didn’t have enough time to understand what I need what I do and how I am at the end, so life goes on.”

Clearly Djokovic and Martin weren't on the same page, as the American tried to change Nole's service motion and strongly encouraged him to play with greater aggression. Good thing Novak ended things before they went the Ana Ivanovic way, which is where he seemed headed, because that would have been ugly.

The two are still cordial, though, as Djoko said, "Todd is a fantastic person, and he shared a lot with me, but it just didn’t work out."

The Boys Hit the Carpet for the Monte Carlo Players Party

The men of the ATP Tour hit up the Monte Carlo Masters players party last night to officially kick off the Spring clay-court swing. 5 of the tour's top 10 are competing, including Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

Usually Rafa attends these player parties and fails to make much of an effort. For example, his typical ill-fitting button down with some sort of embellished design and baggy jeans. Last night, though, the Spaniard put more time into his look, sporting straight dark-wash jeans and a blue blazer over a white button-down. Nice work Rafa!

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is usually the best dressed at the player events, and last night was no different. The Frenchie suited up in black and added a pop of color with a plaid tie.

Novak Djokovic attended with his GF, Jelena Ristic. The Serb sported a black trench coat and jeans while Jelena was in a white dress with an off-white shaw.

Tomas Berdych, finalist at last week's Miami Masters, sported a leather jacket, standing out among his peers.

And, of course, Andy Murray looked frumpy and unhappy with an unshaven beard and a three sizes-too-large shirt.

Rafa and Xisca Are Off to Monte Carlo

The Federer's Bring Along the Kiddies for a Lunch Date with Elin

The papparazzi caught the world's top tennis player lunching poolside with his 9 month old twin daughters, his wife Mirka and her mother, and Tiger Woods' wife Elin Nordegren in Miami.

While Elin is still coping with the collapse of her marriage, the culprit, Tiger, is at the Masters working REALLY HARD to repare his marriage. Riiighhhttt.

ps.. Roger- when Nike gives you multi-colored short-shorts to wear, kindly decline!

Sharapova to Miss Family Circle Cup with Bruised Elbow

Maria Sharapova is still recovering from a bruised bone in her right elbow and has withdrawn from next week's Family Circle Cup, held in Charleston, South Carolina. Since shoulder surgery in October 2008, the Russian's play has been sporadic and inconsistent, as she has proved herself extremely injury prone.

Her last match was a 3 set loss to Jie Zheng at the BNP Paribas Open.

Martina Navratilova Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

One of tennis' resident GOATs, Martina Navratilova, a 9-time Wimbledon champion, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite the shock, which Navratilova calls her "9/11," the prognosis is very positive, as the cancer is noninvasive and was discovered at an early stage.

In a phone interview the Czech says a lump was spotted in January, followed by the conduction of a biopsy, which concluded Navartilova had DCIS, or ductal carcinoma in situ. Next month she will start a 6-week radiation program.

Navartilova also said she wanted to keep the cancer quit initially, but then decided she wanted to help others, and released the news on Wednesday.

She will continue her duties as a Tennis Channel commentator while undergoing the radiation at the French Open.

Sharapova Cameos in "The Secret Behind Nike Air"

Check out this new hilarious Nike ad, featuring Maria Sharapova and many more of the brand's top athletes.

Serena Williams: Superwoman

I've already posted the pics from the numerous trips to the beach, but Serena Williams did much, much more than get a tan and splash in the waves in her two week vacay in Miami. She supported older sis Venus every step of the way, but also didn't miss her shot to get photographed by the paps.

Above, Serena attended Telemundo's gala for the Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program. She oozed sexiness in her black skin-tight jumpsuit and strappy heels.

Serena also attended her good friend Kelly Rowland's "I Heart my Girlfriends" launch event for the singer's new charity. Serena and bffs La La Vazquez and Kim Kardashian all went to a club afterwards.

The world number 1 wore a white top with a body-con black laced skirt. Black pumpps completed the look.


Next, Serena hit up an Alicia Keys concert.

In tennis-related news, it is rumored that Williams is planning to skip next week's Italian Open, again, because of her knees. The media has questioned her devotion to the sport due to her numerous recent withdrawals, but I think we should be lucky she is still around, and better yet, the best in the world. Girlfriend can do whatever the hell she wants as long as she is still being her diva self. And, of course, winning tennis matches here and there.

Roddick Ousts Berdych in 2; Wins a Masters for First Time Since '06

After coming up one match short in Indian Wells a few weeks ago, Andy Roddick proved he is a force to reckon with in Miami, blasting through the draw and losing just 1 set to take the title over Tomas Berdych, 7-5, 6-4. En route to the championship match, things weren't easy for the crowd favorite. A tough match with Rafael Nadal had the American hanging by the skin of his teeth, but in the finals, we knew he wasn't going to falter for a second straight week.

The title, won with smart points from the baseline and a continually over-powering serve, is Roddick's fifth Masters 1000 and first since the summer of 2006. The win is his second on the year.

“The last month has been real good for me,” the sixth seed said. “I’ve played well on the big moments. I’ve been able to have a game plan and execute it, regardless of what kind of shots it takes. So it’s all good. It’s all encouraging.”

Along with the $605,500 paycheck comes loads of confidence at the start of the daunting clay-court season, a time when momentum is key. Things look to be headed in the right direction for A-Rod, though, as Larry Stefanki, his coach puts it, “He works as hard or harder than anybody else on this tour. He could be similar to Andre Agassi, where his best years are from 27 on.”