Down the Line: raw + uncut

(UPDATED) Abs, asses, kisses oh my - must be "Gypsy"

2010-02-25T17:37:00.009-05:00

Our Rafantasies have finally come true! Well, almost. We don't get to actually live them out but Shakira does for all the world to see. Ah, fuck me sideways.

Rafa's at his man-meat best in this video holding shirtless court as Shak gyrates her gypsy hips for his viewing pleasure. Plus we get a tight shot of his tight ass (and hers too for all two of you straighties out there) with the pair locking lips during a very intimate kiss that ends the video. I'd hate to hear Xisca's reaction after she sees that one - unless she's into swapping. Spit I mean sillies.

So what more can you ask for? It's a pretty sexy coupling that could only get any hawter if they actually had done the deed on screen. Ok, I don't think I can type anymore. I need private time. So, enjoy by clicking here. I will be.

*grabs kleenex*

UPDATE: Here's the English version of the vid...

COMMUNITY CORNER: First ever Ft. Greene Tennis Association Fundraiser y'all!

2010-02-23T09:22:00.008-05:00

I'm sure most of you don't know but I'm a founding member of the newly-formed Ft. Greene Tennis Association (FGTA) based in Brooklyn, NY and we're hosting our first ever fundraiser tomorrow!

The group is comprised of tennis enthusiasts - like yours truly - who play at the park and want to encourage health and wellness in the community through tennis-related activities. One of our first goals is to get the six courts at Ft. Greene Park renovated to make the playing experience more enjoyable and safer for all.

Here's an image showing the extreme wear-and-tear of our beloved courts:

Pretty nasty, eh? The city of New York has the repairs of these tennis courts on their long list of priorities next to, uh, noise and picking up your pooch's poop. Translation: it's not a priority. At all.

It's up to the tennis-playing community and those who love the game to get these courts repaired.

So, if you're in the area we'd love to see you there. It's taking place at The General Greene located at 229 DeKalb Ave. from 5:30pm - 8pm. There's a $15 donation at the door to support the efforts of the FGTA and raffle prizes will be given out every half hour (read: some tix to the BNP Paribas Billie Jean King Cup for instance.)

Click here to visit our website to learn more about our group. You can also sign the petition to help bring awareness to our efforts and offer support to the cause.

Also, if you're involved in any activities at a local level that help grow the game of tennis in your communities I'd love to hear all about it and share your experiences with other readers!!!

[Photo(s): FGTA]

Ivanovic hires Heinz Gunthardt as new coach

2010-02-22T09:17:00.005-05:00

Ana Ivanovic is hoping she's found the solution to her career free fall and his name is Heinz Gunthardt.

The Serb, who sits at No. 23 in this week's WTA rankings, made the announcement via her website today. The new appointment to Team NaturAna continues the coaching merry-go-round which included her time with the adidas Baller Development Program and Sven Groenefeld, a short, unsuccessful stint with Craig Kardon and a return back to the arms of adidas.

Heinz is a highly regarded coach who has worked with past Grand Slam champions, most notably with Steffi Graf and briefly with Jennifer Capriati.

Could this coaching switch do the trick for NaturAna? It remains to be seen but it can't hurt to try something new at this point especially with someone who's had great success coaching big forehands on the tour. If he gets her to toss the ball somewhere, anywhere other than the doubles alley then he's made his money.

[Photo(s): Getty]

(UPDATED) VIDEO VAULT: Behind-the-scenes with Nadal and SOBeFiT

2010-02-18T08:57:00.006-05:00

Here's some behind-the-scenes footage of Rafael Nadal's SOBeFit photoshoot. This is a nice tease but I think we're all waiting for the same thing: Gypsy. Am I right or am I right?!

Bring it Shak.

UPDATE: Here's a teaser clip of the Gypsy vid courtesy of Nadal News!

Looks like Venus is cheating on Wilson in Dubai (tsk, tsk)

2010-02-17T09:42:00.009-05:00

Thanks to reader Phillip who spotted Venus Williams in Dubai wielding a painted-over Prince racquet to look like Wilson during her match against Sabine Lisicki.

Could she be considering a switch?

(Edit: The screen grab was taken from this video. You decide.)

[Screen capture: SEWTA]

(UPDATED) Rafa + Shakira get all giggly for "Gypsy" music video

2010-02-16T15:38:00.008-05:00

On the heels of the New York Post mention about Rafael Nadal + Shakira sharing dinner in Barcelona that I tweeted about yesterday comes some raw footage from her new music video for "Gypsy" featuring the 6-time Grand Slammer. Apparently they shot the video last week.

We all know how much she loves watching the Matador play and now she gets to get all cuddly with him in this video. Nice moves Shak but make sure to keep those hands in check.

P.S. - Thanks to everyone who blew up my inbox!

UPDATE: Nadal News has the cover and link to a video from his SOBeFiT photoshoot.

[Photo(s): embellezia.com]

VIDEO VAULT: You know you wanna see their...

2010-02-16T09:11:00.008-05:00

Thanks to Sara I can bring you guys a teaser clip for Calvin Klein's X Underwear ad spot showcasing Fernando Verdasco, Hidetoshi Nakata, Mechad Brooks and Kellan Lutz talking shit while in motion.

I know I keep saying it but I seriously can't wait for the 3-D bulges. I wonder if those will talk too?

*grabs drool cup*

[Via INKling116]

PHOTO OP: The crowd is as stunned as you are

2010-02-11T18:00:00.004-05:00

"My head size is based on true measurements."

This is an actual person in an actual parade in Lucerne, Switzerland dressed as Roger Federer after a WWE match carting around a trophy and somethings resembling his daughters.

This is wrong on so many levels. Where's Mirka? Why do the mangoes look all Benjamin Button? Why is he about to beat the mangoes? What the hell is going on here?

Okay, I've scared myself. I'll stop now.

[Photo(s): Reuters]

We're like soul sisters, me and that Sveta

2010-02-11T15:05:00.005-05:00

WHAT?!?!

She said, eh, tweeted it not me. I may have thought it lots though. Fine, it's my mantra.

It's also a slow tennis news week. Sue me.

[Screen Grab: Twitter]

MEDIA MASHUP: Paying homage to Amelie

2010-02-11T11:49:00.013-05:00

The organizers of the Open GEF SUEZ paid tribute to Amelie Mauresmo during an emotional ceremony on Center Court of the Pierre de Coubertin Stadium. The former No. 1 officially announced her retirement on December 3, 2009.

Frenchies Julie Coin, Alizé Cornet, Nathalie Dechy stood along side Patty Schnyder, Francesca Schiavone, Tathiana Garbin, Alisa Kleybanova and Flavia Penetta while watching a video highlighting her many achievements. Elena Dementieva offered some special words for the 2-time Grand Slammer saying, "I feel sad today. Amélie, you're one of the very best, and you're leaving. Younger players will always remember 'the Mauresmo years.' And I'm not even sure that anyone can replace you here." You can hear the full speech in French here.

Franca, though, had the best line of the evening when she told Amelie, "You wrote part of tennis' history. You were my idol. So please, don't come back!" Nice.

I have to say it was great to see a certain someone who's been injured for what seems like FOREVAH make a special appearance during the ceremony:

LOVE the boots Tati - you still got it. But one of the most teary-eyed moments came when Amelie's mom, Françoise, walked onto the court carrying a bouquet of flowers for her now-retired daughter. *grabs kleenex*

A beautiful tribute to someone whose game and personality is sorely missed on the WTA tour. Here's some video from the ceremony. Enjoy!

CHECK IT:

[Photo(s): Reuters, Getty]