Winners of 2008 ATP World Tour & Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Player Awards

While Ana Ivanovic is still not done with the "kickoff" party last night (clue: look for a tennis ball), let's take a good look at the nice rundown of winners of the 2008 ATP World Tour and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Player Awards.

2008 ATP World Tour Player Awards
Player Of The Year - Rafael Nadal
Doubles Team Of The Year - Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic
Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Of The Year - James Blake
Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award - Roger Federer
Most Improved - Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Newcomer of the Year - Kei Nishikori
Comeback Player of the Year - Rainer Schuettler
ATPWorldTour.com Fans’ Favorite (Singles) - Roger Federer
ATPWorldTour.com Fans’ Favorite (Doubles) - Bob & Mike Bryan
Ron Bookman Media Excellence Award - Alan Trengove

2008 Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Player Awards
Player of the Year - Serena Williams
Doubles Team of the Year - Cara Black and Liezel Huber
Most Improved Player - Dinara Safina
Comeback Player of the Year - Zheng Jie
Newcomer of the Year - Caroline Wozniacki
Humanitarian of the Year - Ana Ivanovic
Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award - Elena Dementieva
Player Service Award - Liezel Huber
Favorite Premier Tournament - Porsche Tennis Grand Prix (Stuttgart)
Favorite International Tournament - Commonwealth Bank Tennis Classic (Bali)

(Images by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Tennis chicks at Sony Ericsson Open Kickoff Party

This is the continuous from the previous post here.

Check out the girls on the red carpet at the kickoff party, at the Fountainbleu Hotel in club LIV prior to the 2009 Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, Florida.

Fyi, I've filtered out the bad ones and leave the hot ones here ;)

Dominika Cibulkova is like the Eva Longoria of tennis. Looking at her picture here, I can't help but imagine her in a sexy nurse outfit.

Agnieszka Radwanska maybe out of the WTA top 10 in the latest but she's in my top 5 favourite WTA ladies.

Dark-haired Russian hottie Anastasia Pivovarova is chic and glam in that green dress.

Caroline Wozniacki injects some cuteness on the red carpet.

Double thumbs up from Nole!

(Images by Marc Serota/Getty Images for Sony Ericsson)

It's official! Kim Clijsters returns to WTA

Kim Clijsters announces her return to professional tennis at a press conference at the De Boneput tennis centre, in Bree, northern Belgium today.

After two years in retirement, Clijsters said she has regained the competitive hunger that led to the No. 1 ranking.

“I still have that craving,” the 25-year-old Belgian said.

"I look forward to the challenge.”

Clijsters retired in May 2007 to get married and start a family with hubby American basketball player Brian Lynch.

Earlier this week she asked for a wild card into the 2009 U.S. Open, along with WTA hard-court tournaments in Cincinnati and Toronto earlier in August.

The U.S. Tennis Association confirmed setting aside a spot in the main draw for Clijsters.

“I want to be back at my peak as soon as possible, but I know that is not logical to ask that,” Clijsters said.

“I will have to take it match by match.”

However, Clijsters refused to commit herself beyond the U.S. Open.

(Via AP; Image by Yorick Jansens-Michel Krakowsk/AFP/Getty Images)

Sony Ericsson Open Kickoff Party: From fashion faux pas to fashion (not so) fabulous

The players arrived on the red carpet of the kickoff party, at the Fountainbleu Hotel in club LIV prior to the 2009 Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, Florida.

According to Butch Buchholz, chairman of the Sony Ericsson Open (note: read the linked article), what impresses him most about Rafael Nadal is how deceptive the world no.1 is. I agree! Nadal might look like a slob and out of place here but I hope you won't be surprised if he comes out on top in this tourney.

Maria Sharapova is trying to revive MC Hammer pants fashion trend again. I'm not joking because harem pants are really making a comeback this spring. I hope Sharapova too.

We've seen this dress a thousand times. Next!

Love that dress and love that new hairdo even more! But Venus Williams still lack of fabulosity.

If only Nadal dressed like James Bond minus the bow tie. I mean James Blake.

(Images by Marc Serota/Getty Images for Sony Ericsson)

Serena Williams serves up "Signature Statement" at Sony Ericsson Open press conference

Serena Williams unveiled her Signature Statement exclusive fashion and accessories collection for Home Shopping Network (HSN) yesterday.

And it was actually done during the pre-tourney press conference at Tennis Center at Crandon Park, Miami.

Blame the credit crunch!

Serena said, “I always want to make a statement, both on and off the court."

"One of my dreams has always been to share gorgeous gifts of fashion and luxury with the world. Off the court, my passion is fashion."

"Signature Statement is my own line of accessories and fashion, complete from jewelry to dresses.”

By collaborating with HSN, Serena joins the likes of Iman and Paula Abdul, who have also developed their own line of accessories.

And like Iman and Paula Abdul, Serena is totally involved in designing the collection.

The collection will be officially launched at HSN on April 30th, 2009.

(Via celebrityclothingline.com, Images by Al Bello/Getty Images North America)

Fernando Verdasco gets touchy-feely with Camilla Belle (and proud of it!)

Great Tennis Photos and JustJared revealed more photos of Fernando Verdasco and Camilla Belle at Indian Wells recently.

Updates: Apparently Camille and Joe Jonas are still together and rumoured to be hunting for a love nest!

(Images via Great Tennis Photos, JustJared)

Kei Nishikori in Miami but not hitting the court

Kei Nishikori paid a visit to Baptist Children's Hospital in Miami yesterday.

However the Japanese tennis star is not playing at the Sony Ericsson Open due to an elbow injury.

According to nikkansports.com, Kei saw an elbow specialist in New York after losing in Indian Wells. At the doctor's recommendation, he decided to take at least weeks off to focus on rest and rehabilitation.

Now bad news aside, Kei's appearance in Miami could mean something good.

He is one of the five candidates for the ATP Newcomer of the Year Award alongside Jeremy Chardy, Marcel Granollers, Philipp Petzschner and Eduardo Schwank.

The winner will be announced today. Kei has a good chance of grabbing this award!

Updates: As predicted, Kei has won the ATP Newcomer of the Year Award. Congrats!

(Via bunny@menstennisforums.com; Images via Sony Ericsson Open website)

Feliciano Lopez: Nando, I've got a new squeeze too!

The Spanish media and tennis tabloids/blogs must be very busy these days.

Fernando Verdasco aside, the latest Spaniard who recently got himself a new girlfriend is pretty boy Feliciano Lopez.

Feli is reported dating 18-year-old model Belén Aveledo who posed topless in Interviu magazine.

Last year, Feli broke up with Maria Jose Suarez and their age difference were said to be the issue.

Feli was 26 then while Maria Jose was 32.

No wonder Feli settled for a younger lover this time.

(Via queenieyuen@menstennisforums.com; Image via guanabee.com)

How could they miss out Gilles Simon at the Miami Seaquarium?

Fernando Gonzalez, Jo-Wilfred Tsonga and Nenad Zimonjic were at the Miami Seaquarium earlier today prior to the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne, Florida.


(Images by Marc Serota/Getty Images for Sony Ericsson)

Did Camilla Belle dump Joe Jonas for Fernando Verdasco?

Looks like Fernando Verdasco has got himself a new squeeze.

Great Tennis Photos (GTP) reported that Nando is dating Camilla Belle!

After his match with Federer last week at Indian Wells, Nando and Camilla were spotted with Nando’s coach, his father and couple of friends while heading for a late dinner in a sports club.

According to Pacific Coast News as quoted by GTP, after the dinner the couple went to a resort La Quinta where Camilla was staying.

And then the next morning they were spotted in front of the Fernando’s hotel! Check out more photos here.

I thought they were friends and I was wrong!

But I predict that as soon as the Sony Ericsson Open is finished, I think we'll be hearing a different story.

Updates: Apparently Camille and Joe Jonas are still together and rumoured to be hunting for a love nest!

(Via Great Tennis Photos)

Rafael Nadal and Ana Ivanovic tee off Sony Ericsson Open

Thank goodness they didn't think of changing the golf ball to a mini tennis ball or use a tennis racquet to make the putt.

Earlier, Andy Murray and Venus Williams were on another promotional event for the Sony Ericsson Open playing traffic tennis.

I'm sure Rafael Nadal gave Ana Ivanovic some handy tips on how to make some accurate putts.

This event took place on the 11th green at Crandon Golf, Key Biscayne, Florida prior to the tournament.

(Images by Marc Serota/Getty Images for Sony Ericsson)

Rendy Lu to help launch Rafael Nadal's perfume L'Homme Sport in Taiwan

Asia's no.1 player Rendy Lu Yen-Hsun will be back in Taiwan next month to help launch Rafael Nadal's new perfume L'Homme Sport.

Here are the details of the product launch event:

Date & time: April 5, 2009 at 2 p.m.
Location: California Fitness Centre, Chung Hsiao East Road, Section 201
Special guest appearance: Rendy Lu Yen-Hsun
Free admission - Open to public

There will be door gifts given to the first 100 people who attend the event so be there early.

Also you could be walking away with prizes signed by Nadal if you take part in activities at the event.

(Via Rendy Lu's official website; Image by Jason via Rendy Lu's Facebook Fanpage)

Pakistan wants Davis Cup tie to be played in Malaysia or Singapore

The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has protested the decision of the ITF to move its Asia-Oceania Zone Group II tie against the Philippines for same reason why the event was moved from Lahore to Manila – security risk.

In an apparent dig to the latest kidnapping in Mindanao where three Red Cross workers were held hostage by Abu Sayyaf, PTF president Dilawar Abbas questioned the security situation in the country and suggested that the event be held at a neutral venue.

"We have written to the ITF that the security situation in the Philippines is also a concern to us," Abbas was quoted as saying.

"Killings take place routinely there and our players will be threatened to tour that country. They cannot give their best in such circumstances."

Abbas suggested that the game be played instead in Malaysia or Singapore.

The RP-Pakistan tie was initially set in Lahore but Philippine tennis officials requested to transfer it to Manila citing security risk after 12 gunmen ambushed a Sri Lankan cricket team last March 3 on their way to the Gaddafi Stadium.

(Via mb.com.ph)

Mirka shows off her baby bump

Mom-to-be Mirka Vavrinec was spotted in a perfect flowery maternity dress and showing off her growing belly at Indian Wells last week.


(Images via menstennisforums.com)

Venus Williams and Andy Murray stop the traffic in Miami

Andy Murray and Venus Williams appeared at an impromptu game of traffic tennis on Ocean Drive prior to the Sony Ericsson Open earlier today in Miami, Florida.

Sometimes I don't really understand all these promotional events. I don't mind seeing them play on a rooftop or on the beach but from the car roofs?

Can't they be more creative like this last year or like this?

(Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Sony Ericsson)

Fernando Verdasco stands for hope

While at Indian Wells, Fernando Verdasco did his part for charity by attending Eva Longoria's Stand for Hope! 5K Charity Run/Walk held at LA Memorial Coliseum on last Saturday.

A day earlier, Nando was spotted walking with Camilla Bella to her car. It looks like they are merely good friends.


(Images via blogografia.com; menstennisforums.com)

Rafael Nadal overcomes Murray-complex; Vera Zvonareva beats Ana Ivanovic

Rafael Nadal overcame Murray-complex and powered his way to a 6-1, 6-2 victory at the BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells final this morning!

This championship not only avenged a loss to Andy Murray in the Rotterdam final this year but also shows that Nadal has already mastered the hard court surface.

“I felt I played really good,” Nadal said.

“Maybe I was a little bit more prepared. I think I accepted the conditions."

“I tried to play inside the court, go to the net some, move all the time. It’s important that you know you don’t have to find the lines all the time, but hit the ball inside, not so close to the lines.”

Murray said, “Rafa dealt with it well."

"He hit the ball cleaner and just seemed to get himself in better positions than I did. You want to be in the best position possible to hit each ball and I wasn’t."

"That’s why he managed to dictate most of the points.”

In the women's singles final, Vera Zvonareva defeated defending champion Ana Ivanovic 7-6 (5), 6-2.

“After a couple of games, I knew that the conditions were very difficult and it’s not going to probably change and I have to fight for every point, have to adjust my game,” Zvonareva said.

“Even though I had some mistakes and some frustrating points with the wind, I was still trying to put as many balls as I can in the court, try to concentrate.”

Ivanovic said the conditions were the worst she’s played in.

“It wasn’t much about the game plan. It was just who can handle the conditions better, and who can stay probably mentally tougher through it,” Ivanovic said.

“Today, she did. “Yeah, she played really well.”

The victory evened Zvonareva’s record against Ivanovic to 4-4.

(Via AP; Images by Matthew Stockman/Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images)