Novak Djokovic denies dating Leryn Franco

Everyone is talking about Novak Djokovic so-called new love interest, Leryn Franco. And we're hoping to see her photos at the U.S. Open. Did she really attend the Grand Slam?

But guys, there are no such photos surface in tennis forums or websites. So, I'm would say that it's just all rumours. Perhaps there's something on between them at the Beijing's Olympic Village but that's it.

Djokovic himself brushed aside the romance rumours. Djokovic who has just defeated US qualifier Robert Kendrick 7-6 (10-8), 6-4, 6-4 will be booking a date with Croatian Marin Cilic in the third round. And the Serbian star says that's the only sort of date on his mind.

“I've heard this has been the main subject in the papers and they even showed it on the TV two days ago when I played my first match,'' Djokovic said.

“I'm denying this and I'm saying we don't have a romance like people call it already. I even heard she's here so it's kind of strange because I would be the first to know probably."

“The papers are trying to make another scandal of it. Another romance. This is part of my life and I have to accept it like this. “We know each other. That's true. We met and then she came to watch my matches. But there is nothing more than friendship.''

Despite the internet gossis Djokovic tries to ignore such things to focus on his tennis.

“You try not to pay too much attention because media can make you a star and bring you down in a day,'' Djokovic. “I accept it's part of my life. I have to be careful what I say and get used to it.''

Well said, Djokovic. I believe at this moment he is more interested to win another Grand Slam than a trophy girldfriend.

(Via Fox Sports, Image by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

US Open: What the tennis players' faces tell you?

Kinda busy with stuff yesterday and not able to blog much about the U.S. Open.

However I'm looking forward to this weekend (and I'm having a holiday on Monday 'cause it's my country's Independence Day). Hope to catch up with more matches and blogging too.

In the meanwhile I've found some interesting photos which I would like to share here.

Andy Roddick, the 'big brother' of the United States, received a big boost at the opening round by beating the Magician, Fabrice Santoro 6-2, 6-2, 6-2.

Most of the time, you look at the player's face and you are able to tell who's winning and who's not. Take a look at this:

But you know what kind of look that really scares their opponent? I would say this look:

Perhaps Andy Murray will make it to the final and take his first Grand Slam?

(Images by AP Photo/Elise Amendola/DON EMMERT/AFP/Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Who's at the US Open?

Actor Kelsey Grammer, from the show Frasier, and his wife Camille Grammer look on during Day 3 of the 2008 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

The legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin certainly don't want to give the U.S. a miss too. She watched the match between Alisa Kleybanova and Lindsay Davenport that saw Davenport posted a 7-5 6-3 triumph.

Look who did Franklin bump into? She was seen talking to another legend, Billie Jean King.

(Images by AP Photo/Peter Kramer/Andy Lyons/DON EMMERT/AFP/Elsa/Getty Images)

Wyclef Jean Writes & Records 'Venus (I'm Ready)' for Venus Williams

Wyclef Jean has recorded a track for Venus Williams that will serve as theme music for the tennis player throughout her appearance at the U.S Open tennis tournament.

The track, entitled 'Venus (I’m Ready)’was recorded as a tribute to Williams who recently won a gold medal with her sister Serena in the women’s doubles at the Olympic Games in Beijing.

The recording came about after the pair met during the taping of a fourth season episode of 'Iconoclasts'.

Williams said "I was so happy to meet Wyclef and work with him on our 'Iconoclasts' episode but not even in my wildest imagination, did I expect that such a beautiful song would be one of the outcomes from meeting Wyclef.”

"He is an amazing human being and it is truly an honour for me to be recognized in such a wonderful way by such a gifted musician and exceptional person."

Click here to go to Wyclef's website and listen or download the song.

(Via wyclef.com, mtv.co.uk)

Kei Nishikori at the US Open: The Interview

Kei Nishikori, 18, who is ranked 126th, had won his first match in a Grand Slam tournament beating no 29th seed Juan Monaco 6-2, 6-2, 5-7, 6-2.

Despite suffered a cramp in his legs in the fourth set, he's still able to get past Monaco.

In the last appearance in a Grand Slam, at Wimbledon, he was forced to retire after a stomach muscle injury.

Here's the interview with Kei after the first round match:

Q. I think there was a point at the beginning of the third set that there was a little dispute about, and you basically told your opponent that the ball was in and not out. Could you talk about that?

KEI NISHIKORI: Umm, I didn't know what happened just couple few seconds. I thought it was in, but I didn't see the ball, and so...

Yeah, I thought that was like crazy, stupid, so... I just called in.

Q. Can you just talk about the reason you called the trainer specifically?

KEI NISHIKORI: I just cramped. I couldn't moved. Just long points.

Q. How big a win was this in your mind?

KEI NISHIKORI: Sorry?

Q. How big a win was this in your mind?

KEI NISHIKORI: Oh, it was great win, I think because he's a good player, and seeded. And, yeah, I didn't think I was going to win, so I'm happy of it.

Q. You had some friends or your coach maybe at the south end, kind of the south baseline in the stands. You turned around at one point you were talking to them I think right after the second set. Was that your coach or friends?

KEI NISHIKORI: Yeah, my coach and my parents are there, yeah.

Q. How long have you been living at Bollettieri's?

KEI NISHIKORI: Almost five years now.

Q. Almost five years?

KEI NISHIKORI: Yeah.

Q. Are you liking it?

KEI NISHIKORI: Yeah, I love it. So many good players practicing there. Good coaches, and, yeah, I like it.

Q. And do you miss Japan at all?

KEI NISHIKORI: I do. But I've got to train there, so I can't go back.

Q. Can you talk about the Olympic experience at all?

KEI NISHIKORI: I wasn't playing great, but it was great. It's real different than like this kind of tournament. It's only once every four years, and I came back from 6‑3, 5‑0, something. So, yeah, there was good experience.

Q. Was that a first round match at the Olympics?

KEI NISHIKORI: Yeah.

Q. How often do you go back home?

KEI NISHIKORI: Only once or twice a year.

Q. And do you communicate? Are your parents here, or are they...

KEI NISHIKORI: No, they live in Japan, but they come ‑‑ they came Wimbledon and here, too.

Q. And how do you communicate normally? Telephone or text message or computer?

KEI NISHIKORI: E‑mail mostly, but sometimes telephone, yeah. But not so much.

Q. Have you made many friends at the academy?

KEI NISHIKORI: Yeah.

Q. Who are some of your buddies there?

KEI NISHIKORI: Jesse Levine. He's playing this tournament, too. And all the pros, Tommy Haas and Stepanek.

Q. Do you think it would be possible for you to develop your game if you weren't in that environment? Do you need to be there, or is it a choice?

KEI NISHIKORI: What do you mean?

Q. Could you develop your game this well in Japan, do think, or not?

KEI NISHIKORI: I think little chance, but there is not players in Japan. That's the only thing, I guess.

Q. Do you know Shuozo?

KEI NISHIKORI: Yeah.

Q. Have you spoken with him?

KEI NISHIKORI: Sometimes, yeah.

Q. Does he give you advice or some words of wisdom?

KEI NISHIKORI: Yeah. He send me e‑mails sometimes, like so many positive things for me, yeah.

Q. Do you remember him playing, seeing pictures of him playing?

KEI NISHIKORI: I haven't seen, but I know he was great player.

Q. How recognizable of an athlete are you in Japan like when you walk down the street? Are you pretty much known?

KEI NISHIKORI: No, no. I don't think so.

In a tennis tournament, yeah.

Q. When did you start to cramp in the match?

KEI NISHIKORI: 3‑2, the fourth set.

Q. 3‑2, fourth set?

KEI NISHIKORI: Yeah.

Q. And you retired at Wimbledon. Was that because of cramping, also?

KEI NISHIKORI: No, it was my stomach, the muscle.

Q. Stomach muscle?

KEI NISHIKORI: Yeah.

Q. You mentioned Shuozo. Were you familiar with him cramping here and how that became a very famous...

KEI NISHIKORI: Oh, I know, yeah.

Q. Did you think about that when you started cramping today?

KEI NISHIKORI: No. No, I couldn't think anything. I just thought now. (laughter.)

Q. Why the best Japanese tennis player doesn't play with a Yonex racquet?

KEI NISHIKORI: You mean me?

Q. Yeah.

KEI NISHIKORI: I used to use Wilson when I was 10, so...


(Script via U.S. Open website, images via menstennisforums.com)

Paradorn Srichaphan's wife on the Amazing Race Asia 3

The Amazing Race Asia is coming back for the third season!

I'm not so into this franchise reality show simply because it's filled with 'beautiful' contestants who are usually models, celebrities and gwai lous (caucasians).

One of the contestant in the new season, scheduled to be on TV this September, is a familiar face. She's Natalie Glebova, former Miss Universe in 2005 and also Thailand’s highest ranking (and once world #9) tennis player Paradorn Srichaphan.

Natalie & Pailin team on TARA 3

Paradorn and Natalie, the husband and wife team

Naturally, Paradorn was her first choice for a teammate. "But during the application period, he was busy with his tennis training as he's hoping to go back on tour next year," she explained.

As Natalie was gagged by the show's confidentiality clauses, she said Paradorn discovered her participation only two weeks ago, when it was officially announced.

So how did she keep it from her hubby?

"I travel a lot, hosting and presenting TV shows. It's been like this ever since we started dating, so he thought I was just going for work again."

"He was shocked when he found out (I was on the show). We had a good laugh about it."

She gushed that married life is 'really good' and Paradorn is a 'great husband who cares for her'.

The couple are planning to start a a family soon.

Awww... isn't that sweet?

(Via asiaonenews, The Amazing Race Asia AXN, t-pagent.com)

Rafael Nadal new look put on hold

When I posted Rafael Nadal's new Nike gear in fans Facebook group, everyone seems aren't ready for his that preppy look.

Hours before his first U.S. Open match against Bjorn Phau, Nadal decided that his game was more important than his wardrobe, telling his advisers and corporate sponsor Nike Inc. that he wasn't ready for an image makeover after all.

Cheers for the fans!!!!!

"Frankly, Nadal is on a roll," said Kilee Hughes, a spokesman for Beaverton, Ore.-based Nike, which designs Mr. Nadal's clothes. "We listen to the voice of the athlete."

And you listen to the fans too!

Nike had unveiled Mr. Nadal's new look after months of careful planning that began with a trip by Nike's design team to the star's home in Majorca, Spain.

The new lightweight shirt supposed to ensure that it wouldn't hinder Nadal's performance, and it created shorts designed to "move with him -- from baseline to net -- without chafing or bunching up."

But perhaps no one is more resistant to change than an athlete on a winning streak.

However, Nadal is still committed to switching to the new gear, perhaps at one of the smaller tournaments after the U.S. Open.

Now that he was the top player on the planet, Nadal was ready to bid farewell to the adolescent muscle T-shirts and Capri-style pants that had garnered nearly as much renown as his lightning strokes and adopt a more traditional tennis look.

"I am excited about evolving my on-court apparel with Nike to a polo and shorter-length short," Nadal said in a statement Monday afternoon.

"For the U.S. Open, however, we collectively decided I would continue wearing the apparel I've been competing in all year. It's a decision we made based on the limited time I've had to practice in the new apparel between the Olympics and the U.S. Open."

(Images via Yahoo! Sports, U. S. Open website, news via The Wall Street Journal)

US Open honours champions from the past in Opening Ceremony

The Unisphere and the grounds of the 2008 US Open.

Probably this is the grandest U.S. Open ever. This year’s Open is special as it marks the 40th Anniversary of the tournament and the first tournament of the Open Era.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg ushered in this year’s tournament by addressing the crowd, “On behalf of the city of New York, welcome to the one and only US Open."

Forest Whitaker

The host of the evening's festivities was Oscar winning actor Forrest Whitaker, who spoke about the history of the tournament.

Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, left, and her daughter, Camera, walk into Arthur Ashe Stadium, the facility named for her late husband, Arthur Ashe, during opening ceremonies at the U.S. Open tennis tournament.

In honor of that special moment in tennis history, Whitaker introduced a procession of 25 past champions of the tournament including Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe and her daughter Camera Ashe as well as Virginia Wade, the first women’s singles US Open champion.

Former U.S. Open champions Rod Laver, left, and Virginia Wade greet each other during opening ceremonies.

The Champions entered the stadium in chronological order of when they won their titles. Rod Laver, the only man to complete a Grand Slam in the history of tennis followed Wade. Billie Jean King, the winner of the US Open in 1971, 1972 and 1974, the winner of 39 Grand Slams and revolutionary figure for women’s sports entered Arthur Ashe Stadium at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center to rousing cheers from the crowd.

Chris Evert and John McEnroe were also hometown favorites as they took the stage. Martina Navratilova, the winner of 59 career slams, was present as was Ivan Lendl, Mats Wilander and Monica Seles.

Billie Jean King

Martina Navratilova

Mats Wilander

Boris Becker

Tracy Austin

Chris Evert

Gabriela Sabatini

Ivan Lendl

John McEnroe

Champions still in the game – Lindsay Davenport, Marat Safin, Serena and Venus Williams, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova and Roger Federer, the only man to win four consecutive US Open titles – were all introduced to the fans at Arthur Ashe.

Marat Safin

Maria Sharapova

Lindsay Davenport

Serena Williams

Venus Williams

Roger Federer

Andy Roddick

The fans were treated to the music of Earth Wind and Fire. Just as the ceremony closed, red, white and blue fireworks erupted atop the stadium.


(Images and text via Yahoo! Sports, U.S. Open website)

The Business of Tennis: Forbes Special Report

Check out the latest special report by the guys at Forbes.com in conjunction with the U.S. Open.

One of the articles named the 10 top-paid tennis stars in the world. Roger Federer is still no.1, at least on their top earning tennis players list.

Top Paid Tennis Stars:
1. Roger Federer
2. Maria Sharapova
3. Rafael Nadal
4. Andy Roddick
5. Venus Williams
6. Serena Williams
7. Justine Henin
8. Novak Djokovic
9. Ana Ivanovic
10. James Blake

Check out other interesting articles featured in this special report:

I Was A Teenage Champion
Tracy Austin
The life of a tennis phenom is never simple.

Embrace Pressure
Michael Chang
The ability to perform under pressure separates the best tennis players from the rest.

The Rough Business Of Coaching
Brad Gilbert
It's a tough road with no safety net, but I wouldn't change it for the world.

Why Is Tennis Writing So Bad?
Bruce Schoenfeld
For a sport that attracts its share of literary luminaries, the vast majority of tennis prose is sadly insipid.

Secret Life of A Tennis Pro
Vince Spadea and Dan Markowitz
A journeyman player survives on the professional circuit.

Make Some Noise
Tom Van Riper
It's time for tennis to stop shushing the fans.

Building A Tennis Career From The Bottom Up
Jeff Pyatt
Making a career when the prize money is just enough to get by.

Economics of the US Open
Peter Hoy
Running the numbers on the nation’s biggest tennis event.

US Open By The Numbers

How To Become A Chair Umpire
Eric Arnold
Think you have what it takes to make the calls at a US Open match? It's tougher than it looks.

No More Tennis Elbow
Matt Woolsey
A new treatment could heal damaged tendons and muscles without the need for surgery.

Can Videogames Help Your Tennis Game?
Mary Jane Irwin
For beginners, yes. But don't expect to become Roger Federer.

In Pictures: Virtual Tennis Through The Ages

Map: Top Tennis Players By Country, 1978-2008
Peter Hoy
The distribution of top players has changed significantly over 30 years.

Video: Martina Navratilova
The tennis legend shares some of her top career moments.

Video: Federer vs. Nadal
Is an epic rivalry between tennis' two greatest players enough to draw U.S. viewers?

Video: Business On The Court
Pandora.com CEO ranks nationally in men's singles tennis.

Forbes Autos: Cars of Tennis Stars
Tamara Warren
Buying cool cars isn't the problem for top tennis pros, it's finding the time to drive them.

Forbes Traveler: Top Luxury Tennis Resorts
Jennifer Rosini
Hitting the courts in high style.

(Via Forbes.com)

Heidi Klum Designs US Open T-shirt

Heidi Klum has designed an official US Open t-shirt to be sold at the 2008 US Open.

The limited edition Heidi Klum t-shirt is part of the USTA’s wide-ranging green initiatives at the 2008 US Open and will be sold at the Octagon, the US Open store located in Louis Armstrong Stadium, on USOpen.org and at US Open SoHo.

The design will be printed on a 100% organic cotton t-shirt. Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment.

Klum – who, along with husband Seal, is an avid tennis fan -- used her children’s crayons to sketch colorful butterflies, turning the body of each butterfly into a tennis ball. Instead of designing hard lines or using digital art, she made her designs feel organic and home-made, leaving her scraggly lines.

Once the butterflies were complete, the creative team at the USTA took the 11 versions of butterflies Heidi drew and placed them into Heidi’s intricate template. The front of the t-shirt was later polished off with Heidi’s handwritten “US Open 08,” using a heart in place of the zero. The use of a drawn heart is a trademark element of Heidi’s signature.

“I think it’s important to keep our environment healthy and I really believe everyone, even in small ways, can take a proactive approach to keep the environment in the best shape possible,” said Heidi Klum, supermodel, executive producer and host of Bravo’s series Project Runway.

"I was so honored to be asked to design this shirt. I hope people will like it and, by purchasing it, do something positive for the environment.”

A portion of the profits from the Klum t-shirt will benefit Unisphere, Inc., the non-profit organization that maintains and preserves Flushing Meadows Corona Park, home of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

(Via U.S. Open website)

US Open Soho Store Opens in Downtown Manhattan

New Yorkers or those of you heading to the U.S Open this week can look forward to get your hands on the U.S Open branded apparel at the USTA first-ever pop-up store in New York City.

Through a multi-platform partnership with Team Retail Solutions, a leading event merchandise management company, US Open Soho will build awareness for the US Open and provide access to exclusive US Open merchandise for fans who cannot attend the event.

US Open SoHo will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, beginning August 22 through September 10. The store will be located at 129 Prince Street, on the corner of Prince and Wooster, in New York City’s SoHo shopping district. One of the featured products at US Open SoHo will be the new US Open Breakpoint DVD board game which includes footage and images from some of the most memorable moments in US Open history.

Additionally, the store will carry a vintage Tad Davis clothing line capturing the spirit of the 40th anniversary of the Open Era and co-branded US Open products by Under Armour.

Heidi Klum, as part of the USTA’s wide-ranging green initiatives at the 2008 US Open, has designed a limited edition official US Open t-shirt that will also be sold at US Open SoHo.

In conjunction with the store’s opening, two special appearances and autograph signings are scheduled featuring Hall of Fame tennis journalist Bud Collins on Sunday, August 24 at 5 p.m., and American tennis star (recently featured in the Playboy magazine) Ashley Harkleroad on Tuesday, August 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Other autograph signings will be announced throughout the week.

(Images via U.S. Open website)

Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Celebrates 35th Anniversary

The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour marked the historic 35th anniversary of its founding on Sunday evening at a star-studded benefit celebration at the Billie Jean King International Women's Sports Center at the Sports Museum of America in New York City.

The event, co-hosted with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), featured current and past stars of the game, with proceeds benefiting the Women's Sports Foundation, a groundbreaking organization dedicated to equal play and inspiring girls to be active and take part in sports.

Billie Jean King, Peachy Kellmeyer, Chairman and CEO of Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Larry Scott, Chairman and President of the United States Tennis Association Jane Brown Grimes attend the WTA Anniversary Party.

The evening included a special lifetime achievement award to Peachy Kellmeyer, Senior Vice President of Tour Operations, who played an integral role in the growth of the sport from its beginnings as the Tour's first employee in 1973.

Bethany Mattek (L) and Jelena Jankovic attend the WTA Anniversary Party.

Nadia Petrova attended the party too.

Larry Scott, CEO of the Tour, said: "It has been wonderful to host this fantastic event that has brought the best of women's tennis together to celebrate the historic achievements on the past 35 years in our sport. For the Tour to be able to host this celebration in a building dedicated to the advancement of women in sport, the Billie Jean King International Women's Sports Centre, named after the pioneer of women's tennis, is fitting and telling of how far the sport has come."

It's been some time since we seen Mary Joe Fernandez.

King said: "Thirty-five years ago we had a vision and today, because of the hard work, dedication and compassion of many women and men, we are celebrating a reality. The Women's Tennis Association has grown from a dream that came to life at a meeting in a London hotel to a major force in sports and entertainment."

Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion and former world No.1, said: "As a player it's inspiring to think about all of the amazing women who were not only incredible athletes, but also social pioneers for women's rights and equality. As athletes we are proud of how far the sport has come both on and off the court, and feel a responsibility to carry the mantle of our founder, Billie Jean King."

From 1973, when 63 players met in the Gloucester Hotel, London to form an association seeking equality, recognition and respect, with King anointed as President, there have been a number of significant milestones in 35 years:

1973 - WTA founded. US Open offers equal prize money. "Battle of the Sexes" between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. 50 million watch the game on TV. King wins in straight sets.

1977 - Season-ending Championships are held in Madison Square Garden for the first time. They remain there for the next 23 years.

1982 - Martina Navratilova passes $1 million in prize money in a single year, the first woman to do so. She jumps ahead of Jimmy Connors as the sports all-time money leader.

1987 - Steffi Graf takes the No.1 ranking from Navratilova. She holds it for 187 consecutive weeks, more than any man or woman in the history of tennis until the emergence of Roger Federer.

1988 - Graf achieves the "Golden Slam", winning all four Slam titles in a single year and winning gold at the Seoul Olympics.

1990 - With 60 events in 18 countries, the Tour offers $23 million in total prize money. The season-ending Championships boasts the first ever $1-million tournament and the first women's five-set match in 89 years between Monica Seles and Gabriela Sabatini.

1991 - Monica Seles becomes the youngest player to take the No.1 ranking, aged 17 years and three months.

1997 - Martin Hingis becomes the newyoungest player to take the No.1 ranking, aged 16 years and six months.

2002 - Venus and Serena Williams become the first sisters to be No.1 and No.2.

2003 - Kim Clijsters becomes the first woman to earn $4 million in a season.

2005 - The Tour signs a landmark $88-million, six-year sponsorship agreement with Sony Ericsson, the largest sponsorship in the history of tennis and women's professional sport. Record sponsorship deals are also announced with Whirlpool and Dubai Duty Free. Equal prize money is agreed at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami and the Dubai Duty Free Open in Dubai.

2006 - Landmark global partnership struck with UNESCO to further gender equality and promote women’s leadership.

2007 - With Wimbledon and Roland Garros' historic decisions to award equal prize money, an over 30 year campaign for equality comes to a successful conclusion, and there is equal prize money at all four Grand Slam events for the first time in the history of tennis. The Tour passes its landmark Roadmap plan bringing the most sweeping reforms to the Tour's circuit structure in the sport's history. The Tour signs historic back-to-back $42 million deals with each of Doha, Qatar and Istanbul, Turkey to host the year end Sony Ericsson Championships for each of 2008-2010 and 2011-2013 respectively.

2008 - The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour opens an Asia-Pacific HQ in Beijing, China.

(Images by Brad Barket/Getty Images for WTA, Text via sonyericssonwtatour.com)

Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony

The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games finally concluded yesterday. If you still haven't know the results, here are the list of winners for the tennis event:

Men's Singles Gold Medal Match
Spain (Rafael Nadal)
Chile (Fernando Gonzalez)
Serbia (Novak Djokovic)

Women's Singles Gold Medal Match
Russia (Elena Dementieva)
Russia (Dinara Safina)
Russia (Vera Zvonareva)

Men's Doubles Gold Medal Match
Switzerland (Roger Federer & Stanislas Wawrinka)
Sweden (Simon Aspelin & Thomas Johansson)
United States (Bob and Mike Bryan)

Women's Singles Gold Medal Match
United States (Serena and Venus Williams)
Spain (Anabel Garrigues & Virginia Ruando Pascual)
China (Yan Zi & Jie Zheng)

Let's look forward to watch the next Olympic Games at London in 2012!

(Images via Beijing Olympics official website)

Friends John Mayer & James Blake at the Men's Vogue party

Again we see James Blake at another party. This time it's the Men's Vogue party together with lifelong friend, John Mayer.

Instead of talking about Jennifer Aniston, Mayer explained that Blake and him grown up together in Fairfield, Connecticut.

“I’ve known him forever,” Blake confirmed. “We were in my basement, and I was hitting tennis balls against the wall and he was playing the guitar, and now we’re both doing it for a living. It’s a little crazy,” he added.

Older (and equally freakishly good-looking) brother Tom Blake explained that his parents and Mayer’s were friends.

“John’s got an older brother that’s my age and a younger brother that’s James’s age. We used to all take the school bus together, and they used to come to our house after school because his parents both worked, and our grandmother used to take care of us all. So they would just come back there; their parents didn’t want them in an empty house.”

So who was the bigger nerd, his younger brother James or Mayer? “It depends how you define nerdy,” Tom told us. “John kept to himself a lot more than James did, but I mean, James went to Harvard, so that’s got to count toward some nerdy points.”

Did Mayer's brooding cause him to predict his future as a rock star? He laughed. “Absolutely not. I never would have thought that.”

(Text and image via nymag.com)

Tennis players at the US Open Wilson Party

Here are more pictures from parties before the U.S. Open. The U.S. Open Wilson Party were taken place at Mansion, New York. Some of the players seen at the party are Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Novak Djokovic and Jonas Bjorkman.


(Via Yahoo! Sports)