trophy watch: winners, coast-to-coast

How are these for awkward? If last week was the week of the amazingly awkward trophies, this week it’s the humans who take their turn at awkwardness. We love the trio above, as finalist Gael Monfils and winner Radek Stepanek pose with a parks official after their Legg Mason Classic title match. Stepanek upset Monfils, the top seed, 6-4 6-4. Meanwhile, below, Agnieszka Radwanska and Vera Zvonareva look o-v-e-r it in San Diego following Radwanska’s 6-3 6-4 win over Vera at the Mercury Insurance Open. Are these two friends? We can’t tell. But oy! Isn’t Aggie’s bandage an ugly sight?

Oops! He did it again. Stepanek celebrates another US Open Series title with “The Worm”

(Images via Getty)

stepanek plays munich doubles with haas

How refreshingly non-abrasive is this Alea polo currently on Radek Stepanek? Perfect complement to the clay courts in Munich at the BMW Open, definitely. The Czech’s is still in the running for singles, taking out Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, 6-0 in the quarters and will next play Kolya (!!). The other semi will be all-German, pitting Petzschner against Mayer. Draw: BMW Open Singles.

It was also good to see Tommy Haas back in action after a long recovery from shoulder and hip surgery. (Haas went under the knife back in February 2010). He teamed up with Stepanek (Tommy’s neighbor in Florida) for doubles; they lost in the first round to Simon Aspelin and Paul Hanley. Looking forward: Haas is eyeing Halle, the French, and Wimbledon as tournaments to play this year.

(images by CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP/Getty Images)

eureka: gold in miami

No Aravanes were hurt in the making of these clothes: Even with Aravane Rezai out early at the Sony Ericsson Open — the 20th seed got upset by Peng Shuai in her opener — golden fashion lived on via Maria (Nike); in that flattering Sergio Tacchini dress on Dinara Safina; in the simple details of Radek Stepanek‘s normally eccentric clothes from Alea; and on Marcel Granollers‘ crew, by Joma.

(images via Getty Images)

radek stepanek: the dragon, pt. 2

Radek Stepanek‘s reptilian Alea kit for the fall continues its showcase with this version in the black/orange colorway, appearing at this week’s Kremlin Cup in Moscow. There’s also a hoodie, seen in the gallery below at an autograph session.

Bracket: The Czech, fifth seed at the event, was upset by the spot-on Pablo Cuevas, who also took out top seed Kolya Davydenko in the round prior. The final four are set, with Cuevas playing Troicki and Baghdatis vs. Istomin. SRO in the stadium? We think so! (Draw: Kremlin Cup Men’s Singles)

(images, as always, by the almighty Getty)

radek stepanek: a study in scales

Novak Djokovic might be getting all the buzz for his avian- and dragon-themed polos from Tacchini, but let’s not forget about veteran Radek Stepanek in Alea. Save for a little bland hiccup for the 2010 US Open Series — where he wore mostly white with some gold detail — the Czech’s been playing in eye-popping kits, including his patriotic Davis Cup uniform, his purples from earlier this year, and now this orange/black scaley polo that’s giving Nole’s current take on reptilia a run for its money.

Tourney time: Stepanek’s playing at this week’s Rakuten Japan Open in Tokyo. He goes up against Jarkko Nieminen in the quarters. (Deets: Visit the tourney site.)

More: A few other shots from Radek’s match against Marco Chiudinelli

stepanek couldn’t step it up

Even with a tired Novak Djokovic anchoring the Serbs, Czech workhorse Radek Stepanek couldn’t continue his winning ways at the Belgrade Arena for this weekend’s Davis Cup semifinal tie, losing the fifth rubber against Serbia’s Janko Tipsarevic 6-0, 7-6 (6), 6-4.

Serbia’s 3-2 victory will pit them against France in the finals this December (likely to be played on French soil).

More: See all the tie details here.

Radek’s rags: Meanwhile, check out Stepanek’s Alea kits — a polo with graphics (vintage Radek) for his singles rubbers and a more muted version for his doubles match with Tomas Berdych — all

do not sit idly, berdych

It looks like the Serbians really want to get to the Davis Cup final. As if having 2010 US Open finalist Novak Djokovic on their roster isn’t enough, they brought the Langoliers along to nip at the Czech team’s heels.

Tie: Most of the Belgrade Arena (capacity: 16,842) will probably root for the home team. Nole and Radek Stepanek are up first; Janko Tipsarevic and Tomas Berdych will follow. Nenad Zimonjic and Viktor Troicki will play Jan Hajek and Ivo Minar in the doubles rubber, and the singles players will switch opponents. More info here.

(image via daviscup.com)

short balls: what’s your britney moment?

Leave it to Andy Roddick to make a head shave seem hilarious and semi frightening all at once. The top American, who lost in shocking fashion to unknown Yen-Hsun Lu in the fourth round at Wimbledon, told the ATP that “There was no deep reasoning. I had a Britney Spears moment after Wimbledon.” No deep reasoning?! Andy! Didn’t you follow the 12 months of Brit’s life before that head shave?? Her reasoning couldn’t have been deeper. It seems as though Roddick was mightily bummed by his disappointing performance at the All England Club, capping off a topsy turvy 12 months himself. Southern refreshment: Andy has taken his new hair (and new game?!) to the Atlanta Tennis Championships with a wildcard into the new event. See the draw here.

While Roddick may be into head shaving, Serena is into nail-doing and Nicole is into marrying. In a recent Vogue online feature, writer Marina Rust, interviews Williams while she gets her nails done – by Serena! The manicurist (Serena aka Kandse) chatted about life outside of tennis while the two breathed in polish fumes, Rust making a good point when she said it was a better way for them to chat then trading a few groundstrokes. Meanwhile, former (yes, former) pro Nicole Vaidisova traded vows with Radek Stepanek over the weekend. Who knew that Vaidisova, who was locked in a tough semifinal battle with Serena just three years ago at the Australian Open, would be retired and married at age 21. Such is the life of a WTA superstar, we suppose.

Martina Hingis is no WTA superstar anymore (nor is she involved with Stepanek… though she once was), but the Swiss Miss is continuing her post-tennis life by exploring the different pleasures of life. Her most current obsession? Polo. Hingis was spotted in Florida getting some polo lessons last weekend. Maybe Britney will cast her (or Andy?!) in her next video.

After the cut: two online screen grabs that grabbed our attention this week plus a full (and plentiful!) version of short(er) balls, the best never-ending paragraph you’ve ever come across.

mo’ mono: radek stepanek

The funky clothing of Radek Stepanek goes to the next level with this monogrammed polo from Alea with a slight graphic print on the front — tame compared to the Czech’s usually outlandish outfits. (Read up on other players in the monogram club.)

Shanghai’ed: Stepanek looked on track to win the head-to-head against Nikolay Davydenko before this quarterfinal match at this week’s Shanghai ATP Masters (they were 4-4 previously). He frustrated Kolya by attacking second serves and coming in constantly as part of his serve-and-volley game. Alas, the Russian eventually prevailed 6-1, 4-6, 6-1. “He destroyed me in the second set,” Davydenko said during the post-match presser. “In the third set, I find my game and play better and better, good concentration, and he start again to do mistakes from the baseline.”

Browse: See the other Alea goods on their website. omg that czech flag bathrobe is craaaaaaazy.

A few more: A few more shots of Radek and his clothes

trophy watch: llodra keeps his clothes on, venus makes her case, roddick hits back, etc.

Robredo rolls: Spaniard Tommy Robredo has been slowly compiling a successful 2009 (he’s 15-3 in match wins so far), adding to last week’s Brasil Open title a trophy from the Copa Telmex in Buenos Aires. As a part of a nine-match winning streak, Tommy took out 2007 champ Juan Monaco 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 (5).

Roddick’s revenge: Early bird got The Worm this week when Andy exacted revenge on Radek Stepanek‘s title win over the American at last week’s SAP Open. This time around, at the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships, the top seed only needed two sets to take out Stepanek: 7-5, 7-5.

As you may have heard, Roddick is skipping this the ATP Dubai stop in support of Shahar Peer. Good for him.

Teenage triumph: And on the women’s side of this combined tournament, Belarusian Victoria Azarenka upset top seed Caroline Wozniacki in the finals of Memphis 6-1, 6-3. This is Victoria’s second title of the year (and of her career). She was merely playing catch-up to Wozniacki, whose breakout 2008 produced three titles.

Venus and Virginie: Speaking of Dubai, a gracious (and henna-free) Venus Williams addressed Shahar’s situation during her trophy ceremony after beating Virginie Razzano 6-4, 6-2.

“I am not here to rock any boat or upset people, I am just here to do things that are right,” Williams said. “And I think right things are already happening next week and right things will happen next year.”

Props to Virginie and Asics for maxing out her airtime. They had her in another colorway of her separates, this one in black with pink trim.

French fracas: We’re a little sad that the French smorgasbord in Marseille has come to an end (Arnaud Clement, Youzhny, Tursunov, Dimitrov, Vliegen, Seppi, Safin, Chardy, Bolelli), and even sadder that Jo-Wilfried Tsonga denied us a post-win striptease from runner-up Michael Llodra. But thumbs-up to Tsonga for bagging his second title of the year.

Maria’s maiden title: In Bogota, Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez beat Gisela Dulko 6-2 6-3 for her first SEWTA title at the Copa Colsanitas tournament.

(images via Getty Images)

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>>archives: trophy watch

I’ll let you in on a secret

I have a thing for people who can breakdance.

But I think I will draw the line at the Worm. Put it back in the hole, Radek!

Here’s the Czech celebrates after defeating top seed Roger Federer in the quarters of last week’s Masters Series Rome. (Stepanek’s fiancee, Nicole Vaidisova, was there to cheer him on.)

In his press conference, Roger cut short any questions about the loss, making sure to point out that the straight-set match was close — two tiebreaks — and that he had led in both before losing 7-4 and 9-7.

The extra days of rest will hopefully get him revved and ready to defend his title this week in Hamburg.

trophy watch: a lady on a harley

Vroom: Russian Maria Sharapova proved that her Australian Open title was no joke, backing it up with her second title of the year at the $2.5 million Qatar Total Open. The Under Armour of opponent Vera Zvonareva was no match for Masha — she took Vera out 6-1, 2-6, 6-0.

Vera takes home a nice trophy.

The men: Andy Roddick — who looks a little… chubby? weathered? (Does he look different to anyone else? Is it facial hair?) — continued to wow the San Jose crowd with a winning performance, besting Radek Stepanek 6-4, 7-5 in the final. (FYI, Andy’s won this event twice before, and made the semis two other times.)

Meanwhile, David Nalbandian‘s back troubles disappeared this week during the Copa Telmex in Buenos Aires. He beat compatriot Jose Acasuso 3-6,7-6 and 6-4. I’m soooo ready for the next Yonex colorway. Yellow and red are too intense for the clay. Unless you’re Guga Kuerten.

In Rotterdam, Michael Llodra and his mouth continue to build on their early-season confidence with a second title in 2008. Llodra beat Robin Soderling 6-7 (3), 6-3, 7-6(4).

And this streaker, who made a statement at the Rotterdam final, is exactly why I am not vegan. Improper nutrition would lead me to do redundant things like writing “Vegan Streaker” on myself — as if the crowd could confuse me as a linesman. When he gets out of jail, can someone get him some beef?

short balls: maria is bootylicious, mamiit wins medals, and wedding announcements galore!

Nole has some homework: Now that Masha has a bootylicious serve (to accomodate a right shoulder injury), funnyman Novak Djokovic will have to adjust his impersonation of the Russian. Get to work, Nole. (WTB)

Dear Harold: In the latest column by Harold Solomon for ZooTennis, he answers a question about choking.

Chris Evert engaged: Golfer Greg Norman and Chris Evert are now engaged. If you haven’t been following the drama surrounding these two sports icons, read up. (DTL)

Keeping it in Czech: Almost a year after getting engaged to Martina Hingis (and four months after calling it off), Casanova Radek Stepanek has applied for a marriage license with 18-year old compatriot Nicole Vaidisova. May-December, much? We’re waiting to get the “April Fool’s!” follow-up in our inbox. (BH via WTB)

Sorry, Yonex: While this dress from Yonex might be a welcome surprise to some, I think it’s safe to say that loud prints shouldn’t have a place on the court. Too distracting, no? (WATR)

Mammiit’s medals: Cecil Mammiit cleaned up in the tennis events at the SEA games. He won gold in singles (beating a well-dressed Danai Udomchoke) and came up 2nd in both men’s and mixed doubles. Congratulations! (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Sharapova on Ellen: Ellen Degeneres, who’s been taking some heat for crossing the WGA picket line, will have Masha on her show this Friday.

Year-end thoughts: Chris Clarey offers his own, with the most memorable event being the five-set Wimbledon final between Roger and Rafa. (IHT)

Mathieu made whole: Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu, who had coach Thierry Champion taken away from him by the French Tennis Federation, is now working with Mats Wilander. Wilander’s most recent project was Tatiana Golovin.

this is how you do it: radek stepanek

Now, wouldn’t this have been a much more tasteful Davis Cup outfit for Czech Radek Stepanek instead of that flag? He should keep this shirt handy for next year’s World Group competition.

Meanwhile, Radek lost to Janko Tipsarevic in the quarterfinals of this week’s Kremlin Cup. The score: 4-6, 6-3, 3-6.

More Janko pics later.

(photo by Getty Images)

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>> more on radek’s davis cup outfit
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dc: switzerland vs. czech republic

Radek Stepanek and Tomas Berdych are hometown heroes after taking down the Swiss team (including Roger Federer) 3-2 in this weekend’s World Group Play-offs.

See full results here.

But while the Czech Republic might have won a spot in next year’s World Group, they lost the fashion tie. Berdych wore his usual Nike kit while Stepanek came out as a flag. And in case you were’nt sure which country he was playing for, he wrote it on the back.

And Roger Federer didn’t miss a style beat, dressing in a Nike kit themed to Swiss colors (red, white) — everything down to his shoes.

The Swiss warm-up jackets were pretty cute, too.

And even their fans dressed well. See the pics

DC mishit: stepanek takes patriotism too far

World Group Play-offs: Czech Republic vs. Switzerland in Prague

Poor Radek Stepanek. Why is no one from the Czech Davis Cup team telling him that he should dress in the theme of the country’s flag, but not as the country’s flag itself?

(In his defense, Stepanek gets brownie points for trying. Y’all know how much TSF loves it when players wear their country’s colors.)

FYI: Click here if you don’t know what the Czech flag looks like.

Scoreline: Stepanek fell to his much better dressed Swiss opponent, Roger Federer, in four sets: 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (4), 6-7 (5). Berdych won his rubber against Wawrinka, which puts the tie at 1-1 after the first day of play.

(photos via DC gallery and Getty Images)

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>> TSF’s davis cup coverage

JNP’s day five wrap

Well Day Five at the U.S. Open was an awesome day for Novak Djokovic. The Serbian outplayed Radek Stepanek in an ESPN Classic-style 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (2) battle.

On the women’s side, Venus, Dinara Safina, Ana Ivanovic, Serena, and Henin all won their matches, Jankovic defeated Alize Cornet in three sets.

Tommorow John Isner and Donald Young both play, so that should be interesting. By the way, in case you’re wondering: it’s Donald Oliver Young, Yes, his middle name is Oliver; I asked him today.

P.S. On my way home I got a small Cherry Berry float from Burger King… kinda awesome.

the scud’s not a playboy, lleyton fails to prove he can beat roger, roger still doesn’t like hawk-eye

Isner-mania continues: The Western & Southern Financial Group Masters in Cincinnati awarded giant(-killer) John Isner a wildcard for this year’s tourney. (The Cincy Post)

The Scud’s not a playboy?: Age of Love runner-up Jennifer Braff, a 48-year-old executive assistant to Lakers owner Jerry Buss, talks about Mark:

“(The producers) kept saying he was a little dense and kept trying to get me to say it. I think in a lot of ways he’s not as socially conditioned to be out there dating. He’s been playing tennis since he was 8 years old, and was trained by his father.

“It seemed as though he’d been more sheltered. NBA players seem to kind of get thrown out there when they’re young. The girls approach them and are always around. That’s a big difference, socially.” (LAT)

Lleyton got his chance: The new and improved Lleyton Hewitt has been dying to prove his worth by playing Roger Federer. He got his chance at this week’s Rogers Cup. Yep, he has a lot more work left before the U.S. Open. (Tennis News)

R-Fed and Hawk-Eye not a match: The World No. 1 continues to speak about not trusting the line-calling system. And he copes with close calls like a true champion. “Well, what other choice do you have? Can’t go drink coffee with the guy and say, ‘Let’s discuss this line call.'” (transcript via Tennis News)

Shaking it off: Czech Radek Stepanek leaves behind injury and wedding engagement to play his best tennis in a long time. The results: he makes the semis at Gstaad, wins L.A., and loses to Federer in the Montreal semis.

trophy watch: pan-am games, mercedes cup, countrywide, etc.

This week’s trophy watch.

fashion: florida oranges

How fitting that orange showed up everywhere in Miami this week, with Venus Williams, Daniela Hantuchova, Maria Sharapova, and (oddly enough) Radek Stepanek all sporting cute outfits with the bright color. It even appeared on visors, headbands, earrings, and tennis rackets.