short balls: pippa does paris

The royal box. Everyone’s favorite Middleton was in attendance at the French Open yesterday as Pippa attended matches on Philippe Chatrier with a gentleman that Busted Racquet hilariously ID’d as Parks and Recreation‘s Jean Ralphio. OK, we’re going to guess that’s not him. But that is Pippa. And in case you forgot, this was Pippa’s dress that stole the show (or at least borrowed it for a few minutes) at her big sis’s wedding.

British (tennis) royalty. While it’s rumored that Kate Middleton (that’s Duchess of Cambridge, to you!) is supposedly being asked to present trophies at Wimbledon this year, no one had to ask the storied folks of Birmingham if they wanted two tennis photo galleries to descend upon their historic community, which helped co-found lawn tennis way back in 1859.

Go fetch. We’re obsessed with this image that the Wall Street Journal ran last week of a pooch nabbing a flying tennis ball in the city. Perhaps our heart really got stolen by the two lookers-on, both of whom are decidedly jealous and couldn’t care less at the same time. | Blue’s blue on FO fashion: But don’t ask Blue Carreon of the Journal what he thinks of the fashion at this year’s RG. He’s. Not. Having. It.

Wheel of Tennis. While Blue isn’t loving the tennis threads of this year’s FO, Wheel of Fortune is giving the sport a whole week of love. The game show is promoting “Tennis Week” this week with tennis-themed prizes, appearances by well-known tennis faces and the best mixed doubles pair you’ve ever known: Alex Trebek and Vanna White, of course.

(Pippa image via Getty Images; Tennis Week image via WOF web site)

guerilla artist combines russian pols with tennis whites

Dear Anonymous (Guerilla) Artist,

We are obsessed with the fact that you concocted these illustrated posters — with the country’s most well-known pols dressed up in tennis whites — and hung them all over Moscow. Can you come and do that to Dubya and Obama, too?

We heart you like Beyonce loves the First Lady. Wanna come work for TSF? We pay nothing, but get rewarded with shirtless fellas and dramatic ladies. Please submit headshot, too. Seriously — you’re brilliant! And the Russian government called you out?! That’s so … Johnny Mac bad ass.

Xoxo,

TSF East

(Image by Monolog.tv)

this kid has no job (home?!) anymore

We know where you live (the streets). OK, so it’s not quite that dramatic, but this poor little fella isn’t thinking about how he pissed off Viktor Troicki — he’s thinking about how he won’t ever work Court Suzanne Lengglen again. How he might be out of a (summer) job. And how he probably doesn’t have a place to sleep tonight — or at least until some other ball-kid scandal pops up to make him forgettable. Oh, if you’re not sure what we’re talking about, see below.

But truthfully, Andy Murray should have volunteered the point. C’mon, Muzz. Where’s the sportmanship?

Result: Troicki won that game in the fifth set but blew a 5-2 lead, losing 6-4 6-4 3-6 2-6 5-7.

(screen grab via tennis channel)

sunday survey: week one’s 1-2 punch

Fabulous Franny: There’s been no stopping the Italian at this year’s French — so far. (Getty)

Era’s first. For the first time in the Open era the women’s no. 1 and no. 2 seeds are out of the tournament before the second week has even begun. For Kim Clijsters it was a dismal performance against unheralded Dutchwoman Arantxa Rus (who was promptly dispatched in the next round by Maria Kirilenko 1 and 1, thank you very much), in which she blew second-set match points. And for top seed Caroline Wozniacki it was an almost-as-bad showing against the always-lurking Daniela Hantuchova, bowing out 1-6 3-6.

But what was the biggest story line of the first week of the year’s second Slam? Novak Djokovic continued his impenetrable run through the men of the tour — a run not even 2009 US Open champ Juan Martin del Potro could stop. Roger and Rafa looked to be in all-right form thus far, though last year’s semifinalist Tomas Berdych continued his downward slide in a first-round loss to a French qualifier. And what about Francesca Schiavone? The defending champ that no one gave a chance was work-lady-like in her week one at Roland Garros, finding a spot in the QFs with a convincing 6-4-in-the-third win over Jelena Jankovic. And has everyone already forgotten about Sam Stosur??

What was the biggest story of week one? Your pick, below.

 

fashion focus: adidas adiace (roland garros)

Stanislas Wawrinka needed to remind Jo-Wilfried Tsonga about who was seeded higher at this year’s French Open, and it wasn’t easy: it took Stan about four hours to log the 4-6, 6-7 (3-7), 7-6 (7-5), 6-2, 6-3 victory. And it doesn’t get any easier: up next is a Swiss-fest against Roger Federer. (Read up: Roger and Stan’s career head-to-head; Pt. 2: French Open Men’s Singles Draw)

Tsonga was the only ATPer clad in the Roland Garros-branded adidas adiAce line. On the men, they produced a slim-fit polo with flattering color-blocking (not that Tsonga needs help in that department). And you know how we love a popped collar, so the quarter-zipped stand-up collar on the polo is a nice touch. The colorways: Intense Green with white and Medium Lead; Medium Lead with Intense Green and Ice Grey.

On the women, they’ve used a maroon colorway on a scoop-neck dress with a pleated skirt. The accompanying wristband and warm-up jacket — accented with a neon (“Aero”) red — round out the collection. Also of note: a few graphic tees and a white, ruffled top for the ladies. See our picks below; browse (and buy!) everything here. What do you think of the adiAce goods?

(Tsonga photos by AP Photo/Michel Euler and Thomas Coex/AFP/Getty Images)

practice makes perfect: roger federer

Roger Federer has reached the fourth round of the 2011 French Open after brushing aside Janko Tipsarevic 6-1, 6-4, 6-3. Even from a different perspective — i.e., the buzz words these days are “Nadal” and “Nole” — it’s safe to say that this man can still play some good, clean ball: so far this week, he’s used his efficient serve to rack up only two break points after three rounds of play.

Nike Air Max Redux Men’s T-Shirt, $20, nike.com.

(photo by AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

happy, happy, joy, joy

For the curious: Steve Darcis is the tennis face for clothing brand J&Joy, whose logo is embroidered on the Belgian’s polos at this year’s French Open.

Gael force: Darcis couldn’t upset a second Frenchman — he took out Michael Llodra, the tournament’s 22nd seed, in the first round — in his match against Gael Monfils. Darcis lost in straight sets. (Draw: See how the rest of the guys are doing)

Lookbook: Just the basic stuff from this brand. Nothing to write home about visually, so let’s hope they make it up in fabric choice and quality construction. See more images from their Spring/Summer 2011 line

fashion focus: lacoste’s 40th anniversary with roland garros

Lacoste and Roland Garros put their heads together for a small collection in time to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Men’s and women’s pieces include polos with embroidered anniversary logos, screenprinted tees (two with photos from a 1973 ad campaign), and custom packaging.

The power of the Euro: Oh, that conversion rate… You can look at the goods at the Roland Garros Store

(images via storerolandgarros.com)

monfils wears k-swiss fading stripe in purple

Purple, please: Roland Garros 14th seed Gael Monfils booked a spot in the fourth round by taking out Belgian Steve Darcis in straight sets. He’ll go up against David Ferrer — the Spaniard we predict will go all the way to the semis. Yep, that means a potential win over Roger Federer. (Draw: RG Men’s Singles)

With the Nike men toning down their attire, Gael and K-Swiss have stepped up by using purple and showing off the Frenchman’s guns this spring. The color always reminds us of Serena‘s clay dress from 2007. More info: K-Swiss Fading Stripe Series.

More: A few more on-court pics of Gael going up against Bjorn Phau and Steve Darcis

kolyateral damage

Shirtless: Croatia’s Antonio Veic did his part to make a name for the qualifiers who reached the third round of this year’s French Open (the others: Leonardo Mayer, Lukasz Kubot, Lukas Rosol). In the process, Veic took down 28th seed Nikolay Davydenko 3-6, 6-2, 7-5, 3-6, 6-1. Veic next plays Nadal. (Draw: RG Men’s Singles)

More: A few more shots of Veic in (and out) of his Lotto gear, plus Kolya in his Dunlop kit. Nothing to see there, really. It’s just for my records…. See it all

goerges keeps it classy

No better way to dress up your Nike clothes than with some pearl studs and painted nails. Too bad Julia Goerges couldn’t run away with a first set win over Marion Bartoli, eventually losing 6-3, 2-6, 4-6 to the 11th seed.

Draw: Things are all kinds of crazy in that top section of the draw, with both Caro out (upset by Dani Hantuchova) and Stosur going down to Dulko. See how it’s all playing out.

Clothes: Julia wore the Nike Maria Sharapova separates from this season.

(photo by Alexander Klein/Getty Images)

practice makes perfect: andy murray keeps it real

French Open: 4th seed Andy Murray is through to the third round with wins over qualifier Eric Prodon and Italian Simone Bolelli. Up next is Michael Berrer. (Draw: RG Men’s Singles)

Buy: adidas Originals Stan Smith Printed T-Shirt, $46.16, asos.com.

(image via Getty Images)

in los angeles, tennis for the masses

Psst! You get to see more of this!

The Farmers Classic — the ATP’s tour stop in Los Angeles — will have a different sched for 2011: the early rounds (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday) will start at 2 p.m., allowing more fans to go about their days before heading to UCLA for the tennis. The tourney organizers have also combined the day/evening sessions for those three days, which means you only pay once. Loves.

TSF’s very curious to see how this’ll pan out.

More info: The Farmers Classic site. FYI, Delpo‘s already committed to playing the event.

(photo by TSF)

shirtless: novak djokovic

ATPer Novak has stopped tearing off his clothes (literally) after match wins — and thank god for that; otherwise we’dve had 40+ casualties (and counting!) in 2011 — but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t found other outlets for his ham.

Speaking of ham, someone get this guy some food.

flashin’ the pearly whites

Just as we were scratching our heads to figure out what the eff happened to Arnaud Clement, the scowly Frenchman (he and Kolya Davydenko should start a club) showed flashes of smileyness after beating Italian Filippo Volandri in four tough sets to open his 2011 French Open campaign. Unfortunately, Clement’s wildcard didn’t do him so good: he fell to Michael Berrer in the subsequent round. (Draw: RG Men’s Singles)

Clothes: The Lacoste kids are still wearin’ the same Striped Tennis Polo that they’ve been using all clay season long.

(photos by Alexander Klein/AFP/Getty Images)

sharapova survives scare

Maria Sharapova‘s trying to consolidate that title win in Rome, but not without trouble: she had a slight hiccup in second round while facing French wildcard Caroline Garcia, going down a set and 1-4 before grinding out the 3-6, 6-4, 6-0 victory. Up next for Masha is Yung-Jan Chan of Taiwan. (Draw: RG Women’s Singles)

Meanwhile, her eponymous accessories collection at Cole Haan dropped a blue nubuck version of the Air Bacara flats. (Flashback: Maria’s Cole Haan Spring 2011)

Buy: Air Bacara Ballet by Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan, $138, colehaan.com.

And speaking of her off-court dealings, one of TSF’s favorite writers, Eric Wilson, sates his Masha fa(n)scination with this article in the NYT Style Section.

(match photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images; Air Bacara image courtesy of Cole Haan)

stylistically french

Style lady. While she barely escaped unknown Frenchwoman Caroline Garzia today on the tennis court (3-6 6-4 6-0), Maria Sharapova is easy to find on any newsstand in New York: she’s plastered on the front of the New York Times Thursday Style section. The article, a lengthy feature, talks about the brand Maria has grown (herself) and her work in fashion — Cole Haan being the highlight. | Draw: Maria survives

Is that a black eye? While Sharapova’s quarter was blown wide open with Kim Clijsters’ loss, American Bethanie Mattek-Sands sits on the top half of the draw and next has to deal with the always-testy Jelena Jankovic. The talk, however, has been less about BMS’ play (it’s been rather good lately) and more about her ever-famous face make-up (seen above). Everyone seems to be chatting about BMS’ face, and less about her game. Though, after her hard-fought second round win, the Times gave her this headline: “A Rising American Now Has a Game as Bold as Her Style.” Touche, folks. But what about in a few weeks’ time when BMS dons her Wimbledon players’ party Gaga-inspired dress? There will be no talk of her tennis, we predict. Or can she have her cake and eat it too? Either way, she’s happy.

TSF Vault: All about Bethanie

Soft core porn? And leave it to the eds at the Huffington Post to come up with this headline, teasing out the WTA‘s new “Strong is Beautiful” campaign: “Is This Ad Campaign ‘Soft Core Porn That Has Nothing To Do with Tennis’?” The headline itself was from a blog post from back in September, when the original Times photo shoot ran that inspired the campaign. The Post asked readers in a poll about the campaign, an overall response (through Thursday afternoon) is below:

(BMS image via the AP; Huffington Post screen grab)

nole’s spring tacchini kit in action

Novak Djokovic switched to a new Sergio Tacchini uniform as he hit the clay in Rome earlier this month. We thought that it’d be hard for him to top that black/orange kit — we consider that the best of that season, btw — but this current Serbia-inspired design is playful but not too juniors. From what we can tell, a coat of arms appears on the front lower-left corner of the polo and of course “Nole” printed on the back. The mass-market version has his initials where the coat of arms would be.

Rolling through Roland Garros: Nole’s still undefeated this year, having beaten Thiemo de Bakker and Victor Hanescu (ret) in the opening rounds of the French. He will face 25th seed Juan Martin del Potro in the third round. Draw: RG Men’s Singles.

Browse: Polo (“Nuell”), crewnecks (“Nur”), and warm-ups (“Nettuno”) from this collection available at Tennis Express.

We also hadn’t posted a pic of the “night” colorway (in black). Here’s a few looks of both versions

loup spring/summer 2011

Reminder: The Spring/Summer goods by NYC-based Loup are now available for the taking. We previewed them back in October and TSF had a chance to see the clothes up close at Loup’s showroom last week.

Naturally, our current obsession with soft jackets led us to Loup’s Soft Trench, made with a silky machine-washable fabric and available in pale army green. Turns out it’s a limited edition piece (our momma raised us well); get it for $105.

Browse the collection here; buy here.

(image courtesy of Loup)

short balls: good photos, gays and serena sings (!!!)

Snuggly and warm. One of our favorite parts of Majors is that there are photographers — everywhere. It’s like the worlds of Kim Kardashian and President Obama have combined into one, and these photogs aren’t missing a thing! While the on-court shots can be dramatic and story telling and gripping all at once, there is something about the around-the-grounds photos that you really can’t match. Check out today’s batch from Roland Garros here. | More: All RG photos

Not Herstory, Queerstory. A new book, A Queer History of the United States, looks at the last 500 years of gay Americans. Didn’t think gays stretched beyond Bill Tilden and the roaring ’20s? Not the case. Michael Bronski pens the book which documents gay Americans at every turn of history. One misstep he says the gays made/are making? A push for marriage equality.

USA takeover. No, we’re not talking about the Americans in Paris! (Though, with what we had to start the tournament, wouldn’t you say we’ve had a fine showing so far? BMS, Mardy Fish, John Isner, Ryan Harrison and others have turned in a fine performance.) We mean the fact that USA Network (you know the one — is used to run the U.S. Open!) has taken over a special issue of the New Yorker, eating up the mag’s entire advertising space. The newsstand-only issue (when was the last time you heard such terminology?!) came out on Monday.

She is. Serena Fierce. Sometimes you just have to sit back and let Serena do her thing. We’ll never completely understand her, but we don’t think she wants us to. That would just un-glamorize ReRe. It’s been an active month for the inactive player: To start, a man was arrested for allegedly stalking Serena. Then, a week later, Serena posted a revealing Avatar on her Twitter account, only to take it down a week later after online outcry. But Serena has saved the best for the beginning of the French, where we know she would much rather be. How to ring in the third straight Slam that is Serena-less?? By singing Beyonce‘s (OK, Destiny Child‘s) “Survivor.” At karaoke. And putting it up on YouTube. ‘Nuff said. Click the image to watch.

More power ballads: Remember Justine’s musical musings?

Find a ladder and climb it. We’re digging the new site, TennisLadders.NET — and not just because the NET is in all caps. The site caters to recreational players per their geographical location, pairing you up with a player in your area who is willing and wanting to play. Want to climb the ladder? Work your way up. While the site has a California-heavy following right now, it will eventually be national. Says the TennisLadders team: “We are home of the ‘quick challenge’ where users can challenge each other at the click of a button and report their score back on the site.  Your ranking is automatically adjusted as you report your scores and climb the ladder.” We love good, old fashioned competition. Join up, y’all.

(Ball kids image by FFT via RG.com; Serena vid screen grab via YouTube)