Top seeds gone with the wind in Miami

Can I just say this again, Kim Clijsters could not have picked a better time to make a comeback.

The “top” players of the WTA tour have left the grounds early in Miami. (2) Dinara Safina, (3) Jelena Jankovic and (7) Ana Ivanovic could not find themselves out there. Jelena lost again in her opening match to Gisela Dulko 6-4, 7-6(5). I swear, I’m starting to think she’s just trying to avoid paying fines for withdrawing at Premiere events- she really does not want to be there. Dinara and Ana both lost in their third round matches to Samantha Stosur 6-1 (breadstick?!), 6-4 and Agnes Szavay 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 respectively. Apart from the weather, what is going on down there? That was probably the worst opening weekend for the top women’s seeds in quite a while!

Altogether now, SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGH.

Images via Getty

Maria Sharapova keeps it busy and stylish

Maria Sharapova might have pulled out of the Sony Ericsson Open but that doesn’t keep her from causing a ruckus in Miami. Since she is a spokesperson for Sony Ericsson, she put her million dollar contract to work. Maria was at the kick off party last night at the Fountainbleu Hotel. I love the whole outfit- high waisted bottoms look good on her because she’s tall and is all legs but the make up was not working out.

Sony Ericsson and Maria also unveiled their ad campaign to promote the new T707 phone. Maria says the phone is her “ultimate new accessory…I love the fact that I can just wave my hand to mute a call using the gesture control. I can also use my practical and stylish Bluetooth Headset HBH-PV715 to take my calls, check my emails and blog to my website from the phone!”

Today she is scheduled to have an autograph signing session at the tournament grounds. On The Baseline snapped a photo of the crowd that was forming earlier. Photos should come around later in the day. Photos here!

Maria was also at a signing for another sponsor/business partner, Cole Haan, yesterday. They were promoting her new line of bags and shoes at Coral Gables. This new line for Spring 2009 is rooted in sport and remixed with fashion. Nice tag line there.

Everything from and then some more at Maria Sharapova’s official site.

Kim Clijsters confirms comeback

After much speculation about her comeback, Kim Clijsters has officially announced it today at a press conference in Belgium. She has requested wild card entries to the Rogers Cup in Toronto, Canada and Western & Southern Financial Group Women’s Open in Cincinnati, OH as well as the US Open in Flushing Meadows, NY. Everyone gladly obliged and I’m pretty sure are quite excited to have her. The WTA Tour needs someone like Kimmie right now, a solid champion who can actually handle the pressure and not lose her  mind after winning big.

“I am not coming back to lose in the first rounds,” she said. “Otherwise, I might as well go on holiday.”

She also spoke about how crazy the WTA Tour has been.

“I am amazed how many players I don’t even know,” she said. “There are even many names I do not know how to pronounce.”

Her name is not the easiest to pronounce either.

Kim will also be participating at several exhibition matches. First, she will be testing out the new roof on Centre Court in Wimbledon with Andre Agassia, Steffi Graf and Tim Henman on May 17.  Then, she will be playing an exhibition match with Michaella Krajicek in Netherlands on June 14. Finally, she will be playing in the World Team Tennnis for the St. Louis Aces in July.

Image via Getty | Source

Fernando Verdasco is quite fond of girls

Ladies man, Fernando Verdasco, is at it again! And really why wouldn’t he? He’s hot, young, rich and famous. After being spotted with Ana Ivanovic late last year and early this year, the couple had apparently split before the Australian Open. About eight weeks after the break up, Nando was reportedly dating another tennis player, Caroline Wozniacki. He was spotted watching Caro’s match against Urszula Radwanska in Indian Wells. Nando’s not stopping there though! Camilla Belle was seen watching his match against Richard Gasquet. What’s she doing there? Isn’t she with Maria or wait.. a Jonas brother? Oy. Now, during Nando’s match against Roger Federer, both ladies, Caro and Camilla, were seen sitting in his.. box.

It was all so confusing until today. Seems like he’s picked Hollywood! I don’t know about you but I think Nando made the hot right choice. Caro is a tad too young to handle Mr. Verdasco here. I don’t want to see her little heart get broken to pieces, if it hasn’t been already.

Fernando and Camilla were seen going out to dinner in Indian Wells on March 20 then brunch (?) the morning after.

via Great Tennis Photos

Whoops, I apparently stole those photos.

Rafael Nadal claims BNP Paribas Open title

World number 1, Rafael Nadal, claimed his second title of the year at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. He easily defeated Andy Murray (who for me is the second best player at the moment) and the wind in the finals 6-1, 6-2. Rafa continued to prove that he is now a major threat in the hard courts.

This is his second title in Indian Wells, his thirteenth ATP Masters Shield and thirty-third career title. Rafa also improved his winning record this year to 21-2.

Image via Getty