pretty boys

yeah right!

White Richard Williams

Prison guards escort Damir Dokic to the courtroom for the retrial, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009, in Ruma, northwest of Belgrade, Serbia. The father of tennis player Jelena Dokic, Damir Dokic was sentenced recently to 15-months in jail on charges that he "endangering the security" of the Australian ambassador in Belgrade and unlawful possession of weapons, but a retrial was ordered after a higher court annulled the first verdict.

Flavia Italia

Tennis player Flavia Pennetta of Italy displays a creation as part of Pin-Up stars Spring/Summer 2010 women's collection in Milan September 23, 2009.

Weiner Dog

Puppy love: That’s Mardy Fish with one of the Bryan brothers (can you tell which?!) presenting his new pup, Charlie. Mards, we love the pup, but please oh please, get a haircut boy! Good grooming skills are a must, even after the Open!

The Colony

Longboat Key, FL – (September 22, 2009) The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, long recognized as one of the Gulf Coast’s premier hospitality properties, has been forced to suspend hotel operations as a result of attempts by their Condominium Unit Owner’s Association Board over the last four years to paralyze operations by refusing to assess the unit owners to fund its operations expenses and repairs to the property. Therefore, effective September 28, the resort will suspend hotel operations indefinitely.

Despite The Colony’s venerable 40-year history, which includes being recognized as one of the first, and finest tennis resorts in the world, establishment as a premier fine dining institution, and serving as the chosen destination for millions of guests, Presidents and elite athletes, the condominium Association’s and their designated Board’s failure to meet their fiduciary obligations, has led to the decision by the resort’s management to cease operations. The suspension of services will be temporary until a mutually agreed upon plan for continued operations is developed between the resort and its owner’s Association to restore The Colony to its luxury resort condition.

Colony President and General Manager, Katherine Klauber Moulton states, “This is a very difficult decision my father and I have been forced to make. We were optimistic that the Association would have been more prescient about the possible ramifications to the operations as a whole if they decided to continue neglecting their fiscal obligations. As a result, an organization that is well-run, rich with heritage, potential and a talented staff is being forced to close.”

The 234 one- and two-bedroom villas suites, beach houses and specialty suites will close until further notice. Colony staff will be undertaking the effort to contact confirmed guests with existing reservations, and attempt to relocate travelers to Longboat Key and Sarasota resort properties.

Resort components such as The Colony Spa, The Monkey Room Patio, and The Colony Shops will also suspend operations. Le Tennique, The Colony’s retail shop featuring men’s and women’s fashions, accessories and gifts will be holding a progressive sale starting on Wednesday, September 23. Discounts on merchandise will start at 40% off and progress to higher percentages daily until Sunday, September 27.

The Colony Dining Room, however, will remain open permanently Tuesdays through Sundays, serving dinner starting at 5:00. The Restaurants’ famous Sunday Brunch will also continue from 10:00 – 2:00 weekly.

The Colony’s full-time hotel staff of over 80 employees, some who have served guests at the resort for over 30 years, will be placed on an indefinite furlough until the property can reopen for business. Employees will be provided assistance by appointing two human resources professionals to exclusively offer counseling and support in retraining services and job placement as part of a plan to aid in the transition process. Executive management will also be making efforts to personally assist in placing key staff members at comparable positions throughout the Sarasota and Manatee area.

The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, located off the coast of Sarasota on the Gulf shores of Longboat Key, was opened in 1969 by Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber, then a practicing orthodontist and entrepreneur from Buffalo and continues to be family owned and operated. Klauber is extremely proud of his 1988 Citizen of the Year award from Kiwanis and his daughter, Katherine Klauber Moulton, who serves as The Colony’s President and General Manager was the 2001 recipient of HOTELS magazine’s “Independent Hotelier of the World” award selected by more than 80,000 of her peers worldwide. She is also proud to have received the inaugural Tourism Leader of the Year from the Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2004 and as a Business Person of the Year from Sarasota Magazine, amongst other recognitions. Accolades earned by The Colony through its 40-year history include:
• Recognition as the #1 Tennis Resort in the U.S. by Tennis magazine for an unprecedented eight consecutive years
• Citation in 2006 and 2008 by Child magazine as “One of the Top 5 Family Resorts in the US”.
• Induction into the Nation’s Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame in 1985
• Florida Trend’s Golden Spoon Award for 13 consecutive years
• The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 23 consecutive years
• DiRoNA Achievement of Distinction in Dining since 1990
• “One of America’s Top Restaurants” by Zagats
• The American Express/Florida Hospitality & Lodging Association Extraordinary Achievement Award (2009)
• The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences - 5 Star Service and Leadership Award to Dr. Murf Klauber and Katherine Moulton (2009)
• Coastal Living magazine - The Colony's Stone Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival - "Top Seafood & Wine Festival in the US" (2008)

The Colony and Dr. Klauber and Katie Moulton have made extraordinary efforts to provide support to the communities of Sarasota and Manatee, as well. Katie has served on the Tourist Development Board since the late 1980’s, has been a board member of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota since its inception, is a past board chairman of the Florida Lodging Association and also the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, was appointed by Governor Bush and continues to serve on the Florida Council of 100, is a board member of the prestigious Resort Committee of the American Hotel & Lodging Association and has served on a number of local human services boards. The Colony has made great efforts over the years to offer charitable contributions to many organizations throughout the region but, most importantly, those that serve our youth such as Girls, Inc. and Boys and Girls Clubs, education, those dedicated to the research and care of children and adults with terminal illnesses and especially cancer research and services through The Wellness Community. -TENNIS LIFE

Dolphins Bring Celebs But Not The Wins

The stars came out in force Monday night to support the Miami Dolphins in their season opener against the Indianapolis Colts at the Miami Land Shark Stadium.

In attendance were the Dolphin's new part-owners, the lovely Gloria Estefan and her hubby Emilio Estefan.

Also at the game was Jennifer Lopez accompanied by her hubby, Marc Anthony.

The couple also became a minority partner in the Dolphins back this summer and it seems they're taking their new role seriously. In fact, Skeletor told reporters they just purchased a condo in Miami.

Says Anthony, "I bought a condo today in Miami. When we are through decorating the condo, it will be the sexiest place in town! We are not selling our homes in New York or Los Angeles, we are just adding Miami. Now that I am involved with the Dolphins, I am busy working and see a different set of stresses than I experience being a father. So I want to be close by. And we love Miami."

Also in attendance was new part-owner Serena Williams, her sis Venus Williams, Tiger Woods, Jimmy Buffett, Dan Marino, T-Pain, and others.

Though despite all the star power at the stadium, the Dolphins still managed to lose 27-23.

We hope all the new part owners didn't invest too much!

Gorgeous

While searching for any tennis stars at the Emmys last night, we came across this adorb pic of actress Emmy Rossum (“Phantom of the Opera”; “Posideon”) at the U.S. Open player party a few weeks ago. We love when technology discovers hidden gems for us. Makes research that much easier…

THINK BIG!

TENNIS MAGAZINE

I just left BAM and came home to post about the new issue out this month. With fewer pages than I have ever seen before and lack of advertising and articles were astonishing. On top of that the company dropped the perfect bound sides that make the magazine look more professional but costs more. I was a little shocked at how bad the magazine was this month. In fact, Tennis Life Magazine I think even had more pages for the first time in history and there was another magazine on the shelves called Tennis View which was flashy and nice but had no style or grassroots feel to it. It just felt superficial, shallow, and published by someone who does not even care for tennis. I rushed home to come post this because I was so annoyed with TENNIS MAGAZINE. Unfortunately I had a bad experience with them recently so this merely enhanced my opinion of them. I think it is a matter of time before some changes are made with the company.

RAFA!!!

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is that jim brewer???

Coach Delpo

Marcelo Gomez (C), who coached Argentina's Juan Martin del Potrosince he was a child until 2007, is carried by friends as they celebrate Del Potro's victory against Switzerland's Roger Federer in the men's singles finals match at the U.S. Open tennis championship, in his hometown of Tandil, September 14, 2009.

ROOF ROOF

Here is Mike Tyson at the semi-finals of the US Open threatened to kill a line judge and as a result lost the match.

Flush

No Rain

RUNNER

For me its flashbacks of Monica Seles getting stabbed. This was a really bad incident when someone ran onto the court to kiss Rafa. Major security breach and very sad in my opinion.

BELIEVE

I believe in you Melanie, see you in the Australian!

Fila Terra Rosa Polo

this shirt is hot -- which color do you like better?

Is He on the Juice?

Sam Querrey and Melanie Oudin. Winning Feet of Color.

Americans Melanie Oudin and Sam Querrey will showcase their tennis AND artistic talents at the U.S. Open this year. Pictured top is Oudin's one-of-a-kind Barricade V design and bottom, Querrey's. Both players designed their new foot candy online at miadidas.

Oudins' shoe says "BELIEVE" on the heel, Querrey's "Sam Querrey." There are a myriad of possible color combinations on the miadidas site -- team players (with big wallets - they are $140 each) may want to design a custom team shoe. You can add a country flag to the tongue. So cool and really easy to do.

Just Because Justin Gimelstob Doesn't Like Her, It Doesn't Mean He Can't Stare Intently

Here's a photo from Down The Line that shows Washington Kastles hard-on Justin Gimbelstob admiring Anna Kournikova's newly-inflated kaploogas at a recent World Team Tennis match in Washington D.C. Gimbelstob, as you may remember, not-so-famously said that Kournikova was a "bitch" and that he "despised her."Now, he's apologized for those comments, but Kournikova still thinks he's a (paraphrasing) classless cock-faced demon.

Good Times!

so charming

Brian

Melanie was overlooked as a junior, but here she is having more success than anyone in her age group. Why is that?
Brian de Villiers: You don't want to go there with me. The problem with American tennis, number one, is they don't dream big enough, they're not sold the dream, and then they don't believe in themselves. You have dream big, and you have to aim to be the best. I think people are afraid to put themselves on the line and say, “Hey, I want to be number one.” Dream big, and then try and make your dreams come true. And that's exactly what this child is doing. She dreams big and she believes. There are a lot of talented girls out there, tons of them. But I'll leave it at that.

Unseeded American teen takes U.S. Open by storm

NORCROSS, Georgia (CNN) -- Beneath seven flat-screen TVs and one large pulldown screen, members of the Racquet Club of the South gathered Monday to watch and celebrate one of their own.

Melanie Oudin, 17, of Marietta, Georgia, has been taking the tennis world by storm at the U.S. Open.

The 70th-ranked female has been handing out upsets to some of the sport's biggest female stars, including Russian aces Elena Dementieva (No. 4 seed) and Maria Sharapova (No. 29 seed, who has been ranked No. 1 worldwide in the past). And on Monday, she beat 13th seed Nadia Petrova in three sets.

Her latest win has made her the youngest American to move into the quarterfinals since Serena Williams in 1999.

"It's still so surreal," said Anne Keeton, player liaison at the club, before the match started. "She sort of wins no matter what happens. She's there going for it and not giving up."

At this suburban club, co-owned and co-directed by Oudin's longtime coach, Brian de Villiers, articles about the local tennis phenom dot the walls. In the Grill, on a Bud Light message board above drink specials, are the words "Congratulations Melanie!" And a photo of her mixed in with other young players is posted near a downstairs fitness room.

Blending in with others and not retreating to "a Melanie court" is part of what makes her special, Keeton said. When there was a flood on some indoor courts this year, she was down there squeegeeing with everyone else.

"She so lovely and so accessible," Keeton said. "It couldn't happen to a nicer kid."

The restaurant buzzed as tables filled with more than 80 onlookers who were courtside in spirit. They feasted on a spread laid out to mark the special occasion as the match started.

When Petrova took the upper hand, and the first set, fans erupted into applause with each of Oudin's hard-earned points and offered encouragement like "There we go!" When she pumped her fist in celebration, they did the same. And when a play didn't go her way, they groaned in unison.

Her skills were apparent from an early age, said Turhan Berne of Norcross, a coach and tournament director who's known Oudin since she was 9. He watched her rake in wins, beating older kids and snagging No. 1 junior rankings in the country and world.

"But you know when I knew she was going to be something?" he said. "She would play with anybody her coach had her hit with. ... She always gave back. She's very grounded. Her parents and coach did a great job not letting her fame and success change her into a different person."

As Oudin came back for the second set, the crowd held its collective breath. With every point she earned, they hooted, hollered and exchanged high-fives. They booed when they saw Petrova losing her cool, banging her racquet against the net after losing a big point.

"C'mon, Melanie!" people screamed as the tiebreaker began in the second set. When Oudin took that set, they rose to their feet, screamed, did happy dances and shared hugs.

"It's awesome," said Kathleen Brady of Norcross. "We are so glad her opponent double-faults."

"Bless her heart," Lisa Wells chimed in with a laugh, offering the Southern tagline to downplay any insult.

Earlier in the day, John Sklare joked that the young pro learned something from him. Over the winter, the Alpharetta psychologist often played on the indoor court beside her.

"I knew she was good, but I didn't know she was that good -- and that's what we're all finding out now," he said.

He spoke about what a "great kid" Oudin is but then added that what he likes best about her is how quiet she is on the court.

Sklare, a former writer for Atlanta Tennis magazine, said he called Sharapova "Screamapova."

Oudin, on the other hand, is "like a stealth fighter," he said. "She's quiet, but you know she's there."

Her overall attitude is as inspiring as her play, said Jeannette Latimer of Decatur, Georgia, whose 11-year-old daughter, Kelsey, has been playing for five years.

"She shows the kids not to get upset on the court," Latimer said. "She's always so positive. If the kids learn nothing else from her, it's her mental toughness."

But Kelsey has been more intent on studying Oudin's moves on the court. "I think she has a nice top-spin forehand," Kelsey said. "I think it's better than mine."

With Oudin up 5-2 in the third set, anticipation hung in the air.

"Both of them are pressing each other, but to see the 70 [ranked player] outplaying 13, that takes heart," Ernie Jensen of Woodstock said.

Going into the match point, some rose to their feet. Together, the hordes clapped, carrying Oudin to the win. When she took the match, earning her first quarterfinal seat in a Grand Slam, the room exploded.

They stood by and watched, smiling widely and some wiping away tears as Oudin gave her victory speech.

"It's like something so big happening to all of us all at once," said Jennifer Silverberg of Alpharetta. "Watching her, it's like watching your own little girl. ... My heart's still going crazy."-CNN

Tennis Bums?

Movie Star

Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman and her musician hubby Keith Urban were spotted swapping spit during Roger Federer's imminent destruction of Tommy Robredo, who is currently down 2 sets and o-4 in the third set of their fourth round match at the US Open.

Clearly this boring match hasn't captured the couple's attention - or mine. Take me to Yawnsville.

Ripped

WHO AM I?

BEATLES - Russian Roulette

Well, she was just seventeen, and you know what I mean, and the way she looked, was WAY beyond compare. No I couldn't dance with another (Oh!) Since I saw her Standn' there.

This girls is the real deal. The reporters must be having a field day with this girl and her magic. Serena was the last american to make it this far since 99 and look at Serena now. This is a great story for American tennis and really puts the stamp on Georgia Tennis producing star after star. This girl really made it happen beating top ten players, grand slam winners, and beastly veterans who should just not be beaten by a 17 yr old 5'6 girl. Its really amazing and great to watch her grit. This girl is a top ten player with a big future. Good for her!

GREAT COMMERCIAL

Giant Upsets

Dinara Safina used up her last lifeline at Flushing Meadows late last night. After scraping through her first two matches, the top lady baller was unable to close out her third round match against Petra Kvitova andfell 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (5). Dinara even held three match points in the decider and couldn't seal the deal. The Sisters Sledge are the only ladies in the Top 5 to still be alive at the Open. Color me NOT shocked.

Clearly, this result is not surprising based on her recent results and sketchy serve of late. I feel for her, though, after her match was movedto Louis Armstrong so James Blake could play his on Arthur Ashe. Plus, all the talk of not D not deserving the WTA Penthouse keys has taken its toll but I think even she will have a hard time defending that stance now.

OOOH DAN

this girl is sick! beating janko, dement, and sharap all in one month...suburban georgia girl at age 17 is killin it. american tennis what?? she will win it all!!!!

Nole

Novak Djokovic praised the heavens after being pushed by qualifier andToni Nadal look-a-like Jesse Witten in their US Open third round match today. The fourth seeded Serb lost the first set in a tiebreak but his quality and a fatiguing foe pulled him through, closing out with 6-7 (2), 6-3, 7-6 (2), 6-4 win. He'll face Radek Stepanek for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Nole seems to be playing well but well enough to take his second major title? The jury's still out on that one.

American Tennis

I need to put this out there because American tennis getting bashed in commercials, articles, commentators, by everyone. I am SICK AND TIRED of it. What is the point of bashing american tennis? I think everyone is a fool for thinking it is not strong. We won the Davis Cup last year and Roddick was just in the Wimbledon final. Oudin is knocking off the top ten one at a time and Querrey is slowly moving up the rankings with a huge run on the US tour this summer. Remember when Del Potro had a great run last year on the US Tour, and now look at him. A contender in every tourney which Querrey is following in these footsteps with a great summer and will crack the top 10 for sure. I am sick and tired of american tennis this, american tennis that, american tennis is on the decline, american tennis sucks. I am furious with it and fed up! John Isner is a force to be reckoned with in any match against anyone on the tour. Mardy Fish has the best combined rankings for doubles and singles. Lauren Embree just came out of the gates, and Christina McHale is looking sharp and can play. James Blake fell off the face of the earth since his loss last year at the Open but this is his time to regain his confidence and hopefully get deep into the tourney. He has the skills, just needs to concentrate, and I hope you are reading this James because you are not focused enough on the court. Stop smirking and stay focused. Seriously, stop bashing American Tennis and give us some freakin respect because I am just going to start bashing the Argentinian's or the Czech's or the Brit's. Give it a rest!

Lookin Sharp

Mr. Federer

Arghh

you cannot be serious!

The Best Time of Year for Sports

Now that I am back in the States for a while, I can actually relax and watch some sports right in time for the best part of year sports year. September and October has the baseball final weeks and World Series. The US Open has just begun and college and pro football start within the next two weeks. Hockey is only a few weeks away and the European soccer season is in full swing. It’s like a sports heaven for me and by the time the World Series ends, college basketball is just around the corner. However, right now I am focused on the US Open and baseball.

I am not in New York and will miss the US Open for the second consecutive year so I am a little bummed about that but will be watching as always and hope that Roger Federer can win his sixth straight title. That would put him at 16 total grand slams and become the first man since the twenties to win 6 straight.

Everyone keeps talking about Andy Murray breaking through but I don’t quite think he’s ready for primetime. He faded in the semifinals at Wimbledon and although he reached the finals last year, he was easily handled by Federer who has never lost a grand slam final to anyone besides Rafael Nadal. Nadal is seeded third and opens today against Richard Gasquet in a very interesting match in the first round. I don’t think Nadal has it in him for the US Open as he isn’t quite back to his old self yet but he probably has enough to get to the semifinals where I imagine he’ll get knocked off by either Murray or Andy Roddick whose motivation level has to be sky high.

On the women’s side, everyone keeps saying the Elena Dementieva can break through but I digress. There is nobody who can beat Serena if she wants to play. I imagine after getting beat in recent warm up tournaments she is pretty motivated and besides she lives for the majors. She has already won Australia and Wimbledon this year and is the defending US Open champion. My money is on the great one. All the Ova’s and Eva’s have to show me they can beat her in a major first before I get all excited about any of them. Svetlana Kuznetsova and Maria Sharapova are the only ones that have actually won a major and they along with Dementieva face a difficult road to the final. I am clearly not sold on the puppet number one, Dinara Safina who almost lost yesterday.

On a personal note, I hope to attend the 2010 Australian Open in January in Melbourne. I have previously been to the complex and Rod Laver Arena but in March so I really want to get to see my favorite tournament to watch in person.

-Anonymous (unless he wants me to give him credit for it)

finally

finally came up with a big win...give anyone 98237498273492 chances and i guess they will eventually win a match...

Where's Brooklyn At?

What would we be surprised to find in your kitchen?

Whole Foods is actually based in Austin [Texas, where Roddick lives], so pretty much everything we have is from there. Brooklyn actually has all the candy. She likes the sweets and the junk food.