TennisToday

Rafael Nadal & Novak Djokovic Play Bogota Exhibition

The day after that fun Indian Wells final that Novak won...

Team Rafa & Team Novak boarded a private jet to play an exo in Bogota.

Tho meaningless really, this time around Rafa took it 76 63.

Looks like a great time was had by the new besties of men's tennis.

I watched a little of the stream. I love that exo's are a touch more serious.

The two left for Maimi today for the 2nd Masters 1000 of the year.

With Novak moving up to #2 they can only meet in another final.

But first there is a soccer exo match to aid the Japanese tomorrow.

And there was some dancing too...

Novak will always be the bigger ham. ALWAYS:

Novak Djokovic 'SPEED WingTennis' Video

And I'm sure he won this match too. 19-0?

Novak Djokovic Wins Indian Wells ATP Title

Indian Wells ATP Masters Series 1000 Men's Final

3 Novak Djokovic d 1 Rafael Nadal - 46 63 62

Novak won his 3rd title on the year, his 2nd at IW's & his 6th 1000 trophy.

For his 21st career title he beat Rafa for the 1st time in a final.

And Novak remains undefeated on the year.

18-0 baby: He's now chasing Ivan Lendl's record of 25-0 to start a year.

He'll have to win Miami & a couple matches at his next tourney to break it.

But wait there's more: Novak took over from Roger Federer at #2 today.

But there is a scenario that flips them back after Miami.

BTW, Novak has beaten Roger in all 3 of his title runs this year.

Novak & Rafa jetted of to Colombia today for an exo - then off to Miami.

Novak's lil brother Djorjie just tweeted in jest: Rafa: Hello, is this Roger?

Roger:Yeah its me Rafa, what`s up? Rafa:Roger, I think we got a problem!

Roger:I know buddy..trust me I know :-D

Anyway, he is a video of the last of the match & trophy presentations...

Where Novak says for him that Rafa the greatest of all time.

I think Novak just got crossed-off someones Christmas card list.

Novak Djokovic and His 'WingTennis' Stunt

Or WingNut... Check out this video. It's very cute. Natch.

Ivo Karlovic Hits the Fastest Serve in History Today

Dr. Ivo hit a serve clocked at 156 MPH on Davis Cup play today.

Topping Andy Roddick's previous record of 155.

He and partner Ivan Dodig lost their match to Germany's Cas/Petzschner.

It was a 5-set thriller: 63 36 57 63 64.

Ivo tweeted: So close... But 251 kmh record serve felt good.

Here is the video clip:

ATP Uncovered: Alexandr Dolgopolov

Take a look - future big star folks.

Fernando Verdasco Takes In Some Acapulco Cliff Diving

If I were Fern I'd stay away from all forms of the word 'dive'...

Cuz if he isn't careful that's what's about to happen to his ranking.

Andy Roddick Wins ATP 500 Title at Memphis

Memphis ATP 500 - Final

1 Andy Roddick d W/C Milos Raonic - 76(7) 67(11) 75

This was certainly a thriller - but absent from this match was a rally or two.

I jest - some of the rallies toward the end of the match were quite fun.

But with 52 aces between them for awhile there it felt like a serving contest.

Andy collects his 3rd title in Memphis and his 30th ATP career title.

Only 2 other active players have 30+ titles: Federer (67) and Nadal (43).

He also extends his yearly title streak to 11 years - back to Atlanta in '01.

Andy may have hit the greatest match point ever - see video below.

Andy: That is the best shot I have ever hit.

As the #1 seed at Delray Beach next week he'll face Dudi Sela - H2H: 1-1.

***

As for Milos... this effort will take him to a ranking of #37 tomorrow.

Making him the highest ranked Canadian of all time.

Andy to Milos: Coming from an old guy who's seen a lot of players...

You have a very very bright future.

Something tells me Milos' face is gonna be all over Canada soon.

ATP Uncovered: David Ferrer

Next up for David is Acapulco next week where he is the defender.

Rafael Nadal Returns Home to Majorca

I don't speak Spanish so I have no idea what is being said here but there is a point in the video where he's walking rather briskly thru the airport. Looks like a good sign to me that the injury isn't too bad. So I am assuming that after a couple weeks rest he'll be good as new and heading to Indian Wells. Who knows, maybe even Davis Cup? So all you Rafantics can breathe again...

Petkorazzi: Andrea Petkovic & Novak Djokovic

Wacky meets zany. They are sooo a natural fit. More please.

Rafael Nadal & Roger Federer Cross Paths on the Practice Courts at the Australian Open

Imagine how Melbourne would've imploded if they practiced together?

Andre Agassi Selected for Hall of Fame Induction

Aptly, Andre will join wife Steffi Graf as an honoree in Newport.

The first time I saw him play live was a thriller at Indian Wells in 1988.

He was a brash punk-ass kid in demin shorts and rock star hair.

He was 17 and just making his name on the tour.

Andre found himself in tight semifinal tangle against Boris Becker.

And he took the 1st set. The stadium was rocking.

After all, Boris was the current 2-time Wimbledon champion.

And most hadn't ever seen Andre yet.

Boris took the 2nd set and then a trhiller ensued in the 3rd.

Final score that day: 46 64 75 for Becker.

Obs, I had no clue I was watching two future Hall of Famers...

Or that an 11 year rivalry was being born: H2H - 10-4/AA.

Oh, and I also remember the sunburn I absorbed that day.

***

Later that year he would advance to the Sf's at Roland Garros & US Open.

His storied career includes 8 Slams: 4 AO, 1 RG, 1 W, 2 US.

And an Olympic title won in Atlanta.

He & Pete Sampras gave tennis an historic rivalry - 20-14/PS.

But, Andre will tell you that his best work has come off of the court.

Tennis allowed him to open his prep school. That's his baby.

Andre tweeted today: Thank you everyone for all your support,

I'm truly honored to be recognized alongside the greatest players of tennis.

Well done Andre. And well deserved.

Dead Spot: And Now for My Next Trick...

No audio here, but it's a visual anyway. The magic starts at 0:35.

Scared of Brad Gilbert knowing how to fix the damn thing!

Agnieszka Radwanska Loses Her Racket at the Australian Open in 1st Round Win

This is hilarious. Tho if we're honest...

She cracked the racket a few points earlier smashing on the court.

Australian Open - Women's First Round

12 Agnieszka Radwanska d Kimiko Date-Krumm - 64 46 75

Ok, let's just give the 40 year-old Kimiko major props.

Unbelievable effort. So close.

Roger Federer CNN Interview: Pressure for Breakfast

Roger speaks with great insight on his rivalry with Rafa here too:

Strip Tennis Anyone?

You know I 100% love that kooky Michael Llodra! Like, big time.

Looks like Henri Leconte has watched in a lot of Jerry Lewis over the years.

And poor Ryan, doesn't quite know how to play along.

Two Frenchmen & a New Yorker - its bound to get a little crazy.

Roger Federer Gets Practice in at Australian Open

The 4-time champ got a hit in today on Rod Laver Arena.

One of two things will happen by the end of the Aussie Open:

1. He will leave winning the title 5 or more times at 3 different Slams.

-OR-

2. It'll be the 1st time since Wimby '03 he won't be the holder of a Slam.

Both scenarios make for facsinating headlines.

Dmitry Tursunov: Brisbane 2011 Interview

I like the player insight we can gleam from this nice chat:

As mentioned Dmitry had been sidelined with 3 ankle injuries.

He is busy clawing his way back up the rankings.

While he was recovering he watched his ranking slip as low as #514.

He played decently upon his return last year as he finish '10 at #197.

It should continue to climb through the course of 2011.

No quallies: He has a protected injury entry into the Aussie Open.

And he's very fun to follow on Twitter as he spins his @TursunovTales.

Roger Federer Wins Opening Match in Doha

Doha ATP 250 - 1st Round

2 Roger Federer d Thomas Schoorel - 76(3) 63

Stats of the match: 13 aces and 0 double faults.

He will next play good pal & qualifier Marco Chiudinelli - H2H: 1-0/RF.

Great start to the new season for the #2 player.

Y'all wanna see a practice video shot by a courtside fan yesterday?

Yea, thought so:

Photo: Getty Images