Jelena Jankovic impersonates Rafael Nadal; aiming for #1

In her blog, Jelena Jankovic posted some pictures from Stuttgart of her celebrating the China Open win with her parents Snezana and Veselin Jankovic.

There are champagne, strawberries, chocolates and lots of love!

This is a crucial week for the Serbian sensation.

Not only that a luxury Porsche is at stake, but this Porsche Tennis Grand Prix will determine who's the world no. 1; Jankovic or Serena Williams.

If one of the two loses second round and the other goes further, the one who goes further will be No.1; if they both lose in the second round, Jankovic will be No.1.

If Williams wins her second round match, Jankovic's chances of becoming No.1 diminish significantly - Jankovic would have to do two wins better than Williams, so she would have to be either runner-up (with Williams losing in the quarters) or champion (with Williams losing in the semis).

If Williams reaches the final, No.1 is safe, win or lose.

(Via www.jj-jelenajankovic.com)

Kei Nishikori's ramen endorsement deal

Kei joined other players to crack the Sake barrels to wish for the happiness and the success of the tournament at a party during the AIG Japan Open Tennis Championship 2008 at Ariake Colosseum yesterday in Tokyo, Japan.

Kei Nishikori has signed an endorsement and patch contract with Nissin Food Product Co.

Nishikori will wear the "Cup Noodles" logo on his Adidas shirt at the AIG Open at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, Japan.

Nissin manufacturers the popular Ramen instant noodle mix.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"I am glad to announce that I have signed a contract with Nissin Food Products Co., Ltd., Japan’s most famous food manufacturer," Nishikori said in a statement.

"I have loved Ramen since I was a little boy."

Here's Kei when he was that little boy!

"Even now that my life is based out of the United States I continue to spend a lot of time traveling around the world and often enjoy Nissin Noodles."

"Instant noodles is a food culture that Nissin Food Product Co., Ltd. has spread all over the world and always reminds me of Japan."

"Diet is a very important aspect of my life as a professional athlete and will be a key factor to my success as a tennis player. Through my relationship with Nissin Food Product Co., Ltd., I will be able to receive great nutritional advice and strong support regarding my diet."

Well said, Kei! Nissin definitely has picked up the right man to sell their noodles. This endorsement deal comes 4 months after Nishikori signed a three-year global sponsorship pact with Sony.

Things is certainly looking bright for Nishikori.

In the meanwhile, at the AIG Japan Open, Nishikori beat Robert Kendrick in the first round to win 7-6, 6-7, 6-2.

(Via tennisweek.com; Image via Yahoo! Sport, JTA Tennis Online)

Elena Dementieva shopping in Stuttgart; minus the pressure

Elena Dementieva certainly does not have the kind of pressure that Jelena Jankovic and Serena Williams are having now. Read about the race for the no.1 WTA ranking here.

Instead, Dementieva took some time out during her tour of Stuttgart to browse some stores and do some shopping yesterday.

She also stopped at a city park and posed for a photo whilst touring the beautiful city.

On the day before, Dementieva wore something different from the black leather jacket you see here though; she donned a Bavarian dirndl, traditionally worn in southern Germany and Austria.

The entire Top 4 - including current No.4 Dementieva - are among eight Top 10 players in the hunt for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix trophy this week.

(Images via sports.sina.com.cn, sonyericssonwtatour.com)

Maria Sharapova found her love match in Charlie Ebersol?

Love is in there air, everywhere, in the tennis world!



We have new couples like Rafael Nadal and Xisca, Jelena Jankovic and Mladjan Janovic, Novak Djokovic and Jelena Ristic.

Not forgetting the unofficial hook up between Ana Ivanovic and Fernando Verdasco!

And yesterday we celebrated the love of newlyweds, Mardy Fish and Stacey Gardner.

And now Maria Sharapova is said to be dating a wealthy young American, Charlie Ebersol.

Ebersol, who once survived a plane crash, and his dad, Dick, was one of the wise brains behind Saturday Night Live.

The green dress that Sharapova wears in the picture above shows that the couple attended the same charity event which is initiated by the Bryan brothers called All-Star Tennis Smash.

Now I believe there must a cupid out there who are into tennis as much as you and I do. I wonder, who will he strike next ;)

(Image via tennisforum.com, politeapplause.com)