Rafael Nadal, Ana Ivanovic to play in Richard Branson's event this week

While Novak Djokovic is back to Belgrade to play in the Davis Cup final against the Czech Republic this weekend, Rafael Nadal is already in the Caribbean for Richard Branson's Necker Cup.

Nadal with girlfriend Maria Francisca and baby Kristian Kriek in a car ride to the hotel in Necker Island

The Necker Cup is an exclusive Pro-Am event held on Sir Richard Branson’s private island Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands held on November 12-16th. If the Necker Cup is not exciting enough for you, then it has to be Super Bowl to be held in February next year in New Orleans. To get yourself prepared for more winning moments, visit Super Bowl XLVIII Bets.

Cirstea and Ivanovic on a private flight to the Necker island

Back to the Necker Cup, some of us may not be too familiar with the event. Sixteen (16) ATP/WTA Tour Players/Legends are paired up with sixteen (16) amateur teams of all levels to compete in the fun tennis event. A handicapped scoring format is implemented to make it competitive for every player. Each team consists of one pro and up to two amateurs. Teams will compete to win their bracket and earn a chance to play in the Necker Cup Finals.

Of course besides playing tennis, participants also get to do a lot of island activities.

(Images via Facebook, Instagram)

Daniela Hantuchova and Maria Kirilenko in Pattaya

Daniela Hantuchova and Maria Kirilenko are happy to be back to Pattaya, Thailand.

Both players, who are known for their beauty, get to try out dresses together when they are not practising on the court.

Hantuchova won her second consecutive PTT Pattaya Open title last year after defeated Kirilenko in the final.

Personally, Pattaya is my favourite vacation place and I hope to be back there for the fourth time soon.

(Images via Daniela Hantuchova's Facebook)

Crown Melbourne's IMG Tennis Players' Party

Held on the eve of the Australian Open, the IMG Tennis Players' Party was attended by world class tennis professionals and entertainment industry heavyweights.

The event saw the appearances of Maria Sharapova, Li Na and Daniela Hantuchova among other tennis players. Also gracing the event were Elizabeth Hurley and Ian Thorpe.

Elizabeth Hurley and Shane Warne

Maria Sharapova

Ian Thorpe

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova

Heather Watson

Janko Tipsarevic

Sabine Lisicki

Daniela Hantuchova

(Images via Zimbio)

Australian Open 2013 official players party

Players attended the official Australian Open players party at the Grand Hyatt last night. Those who attended were greeted by some wildlife e.g. koala, snake and a joey. There's a video at the end of this post.

Stanislas Wawrinka

Lucie Safarova

Chen Ti

Jelena Jankovic

Michael Llodra 

Radek Stepanek

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Petra Kvitova 

Sania Mirza

James Ward and Anne Keothavong

Daniela Hantuchova 

Denis Istomin

(Images via Zimbio)

Daniela Hantuchova overshadowed by Maria Sharapova at ESPY Awards 2012

Daniela Hantuchova receives a lot of coverage recently after being featured in the latest ESPN magazine Body Issue. However she was overshadowed by Maria Sharapova at last night's ESPY Awards. 

With NFL player Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots

(Images via zimbio.com)

Daniela Hantuchova attends ESPN Body Issue party

Daniela Hantuchova arrived at the ESPN Magazine's Body Issue 2012 bash fully clothed. The event was held at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles. 

Yesterday, we reported that the lovely Hantuchova is the latest tennis player who has been chosen for the ESPN magazine’s signature Bodies We Want issue.

(Images via cozycot)

Daniela Hantuchova in ESPN Body Issue 2012

Daniela Hantuchova is this year's tennis star to make the annual Body Issue on the ESPN magazine.

The Slovak previously posed in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2009.

Other tennis stars who have been featured in the Body Issue are Wimbledon champion Serena Williams (2009) and Vera Zvonareva (2011). For online tennis betting odds for women's tennis, do visit some of the popular sports betting sites.

Click here for the full list of athletes who pose in the buff for ESPN magazine’s signature Bodies We Want photo portfolio.

(Images via tennisforum.com)