Rafael Nadal's mini vacation before Wimbledon

Rafaholics.com posted some pictures of Rafael Nadal having a blast at the beach with girlfriend Xisca and friends in Mallorca prior to flying to Wimbledon.

The 7-time French Open winner is on his quest for the 3rd Wimbledon and 12th Grand Slam title.

In another (good) news, Nadal said that he was honoured to be asked to carry the Spanish flag at the London Olympics opening ceremony.

(Images via Rafaholics, Rafael Nadal's Facebook fan page)

Li Na's photo shoot for China's Olympic team

Recently Li Na did a photo shoot for the Chinese Olympic team. Others who took part were China's hero hurdler Liu Xiang and Dallas Mavericks' Yi Jianlian. 

Li Na has been very busy with life outside of the tennis court after her triumph at the French Open last year receiving many invitations to events and of course sponsorship deals. Speaking of sponsorship, I wonder if the many online poker rooms sponsoring football clubs will also move into tennis. After all, poker and sports are quite synonym to each other. 

Coming back to Li Na, time is running out for her as this could be her last chance to win an Olympic medal.

(Images via Sina Sports)

Roger Federer and wife Mirka out in London

Roger Federer and his wife Mirka (minus the kids) were spotted strolling on Bond Street in London while doing some afternoon shopping ahead of the Wimbledon tournament starting next week.

(Images via Zimbio.com)

Maria Sharapova celebrates victory at Juan Carlos Ferrero's Equelite tennis academy in Villena

Instead of moving on straight to the grass court after her triumph at the French Open, Maria Sharapova spent some time at Juan Carlos Ferrero's Equelite tennis academy in Villena and stayed at Ferrero's luxury hotel in Bocairente.

The academy organised a dinner specially for her. Juan Carlos Ferrero and Nicolas Almagro also attended the event.

According to the academy's website, Sharapova has been training there since young and last year has trained under the guidance of Antonio Martínez Cascales, Juan Carlos Ferrero's coach.

In case you want to know, there was a rumour between Sharapova and Ferrero dated back in 2005 but it didn't get anywhere because Ferrero had a girlfriend back then.

Sharapova is heading to London to prepare for the next Grand Slam, the Wimbledon.

In another news, Sharapova has been chosen to be Russia's flag bearer at the opening of next month's London Olympics, she announced on Facebook.

(Via Equelite.com)