Work: It's either fun or suck

While Jelena Jankovic is having a boring day signing autographs at the WTA Barclays Dubai, Ana Ivanovic is having a great time looking pretty for a photo shoot.


(Images by Blahar (Ana's forum) via tennisforum.com)

Roger Federer to sit out of Davis Cup and Dubai tournament

Is he still recovering from the Australian Open heartache?

Roger Federer said he’ll miss Switzerland’s Davis Cup matches against the U.S. next month and next week’s tennis tournament in Dubai so he can fully recover from a back injury sustained last year.

“As a precautionary measure, I will use the next few weeks to make sure the back injury is fully rehabilitated and I am ready for the rest of the 2009 season,” Federer said on his website yesterday.

“This was a hard decision to make as I am missing not only one of my favorite events on tour in Dubai, but I am also missing out on an opportunity to help my country try and move on to the next round of Davis Cup."

Recover soon, Roger!

(Via rogerfederer.com)

What the players said about Shahar Peer UAE ban

Dinara Safina: "It's pretty disappointing she's not playing here. She's a great player and a great athlete. I hope she will have many more chances. I think the WTA is doing its best for them."

Amelie Mauresmo: "It's not acceptable. I think sport should be above issues like that to do with religion and wars and whatever. I'm surprised."

Elena Dementieva: "I feel very sorry for her. She's a very good girl and very sensitive. I played her in Auckland and there was some kind of demonstration during the match. I just feel sad for her. She really cares about what's going on between Israel and Palestine and it's just a very tough situation. I think the tour takes it seriously and I wish she could play in Dubai."

Venus Williams: “All the players support Shahar. We are all athletes, and we stand for tennis.”

Ana Ivanovic: "It's very unfortunate, I feel very sorry for her. Shahar is a friend of mine and I feel sorry she's not here. It's always a pity to mix politics and sport. But the WTA is looking into it."

(Images via sports.sina.cn)

Rendy Lu Yen-Hsun is back as Asia's top-ranked ATP player

Rendy Lu has improved his ATP ranking again to no. 57 and overtakes Kei Nishikori as Asia's no. 1 ATP player.

Too bad for Kei, he becomes the biggest mover this week as his ranking dropped from no. 56 to 90!

In the meanwhile, here are some updates about Rendy.

He was at the SAP Open last week.

Although he did not play due to a knee injury, he was invited by the tournament director to attend several functions including an autograph session and meet the fans, participated in Kids' Day and spent the evening with fans (dinner and tennis matches).

Rendy will be playing in Memphis facing Mardy Fish in the first round. Kei will also be making his first appearance here.

Good luck to the both of them!

(Images via SAP Open website, Rendy Lu's official website)