Serena Williams leads tennis players nominations for 2013 ESPYS

Serena Williams got two nominations for the 21th annual ESPY Awards, which recognizes last years major sports achievements, best moments and leading players and performances. World Nº1 WTA player, who brought home in 2012 a Gold Medal from London Olympics and two Grand Slam titles (Wimbledon and US Open), is nominated for Best Female Athlete and Best Female Tennis Player. Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka are the other nominees for Best Female Tennis Player.

Novak Djokovic is once again nominated for Best International Athlete alongside last year's winner football player Lionel Messi. Also competing for this prize are Cristiano Ronaldo, Usain Bolt and boxer Juan Manuel Marquez. Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal compete with the Serbian in the Best Male Tennis Player category, which Nole won for the first time in 2012. Roger Federer is a six-time winner of the ESPYs - from 2005 to 2010 - and Rafael Nadal got his first award in 2011.

Britain's pride and joy Andy Murray books a place in a special category: Best Moment. The Brit won his first major title at the Olympics, which were played at Wimbledon, but will have tough competition from other unforgettable events such as Alex Morgan's goal in the Olympics women's football semifinal.

Fans will determine the winners in all ESPY categories (except the Arthur Ashe Courage Award and other special awards) by voting online at ESPN. Voting ends July 17 9 p.m. ET.

The 21th annual ESPY Awards will take place at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, USA, on July 17, 2013. Mad Men's Jon Hamm will be the host and will be joined by Ben Affleck and Le Bron James who are confirmed as presenters of the Jimmy V Perseverance Award and the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.

Rafa Nadal forgets Wimbledon with Iglesias and Ibiza

How can you forget a tough week at the "office"? Rafael Nadal's answer is simple: music and sunshine. After his upset in the first round at Wimbledon, Nadal went back to Spain and was seen attending a Julio Iglesias concert in Barcelona with girlfriend Maria Xisca Perello. Later this week, Nadal sailed to Ibiza where he was seen with friends and family aboard a yacht.

MORE PHOTOS >> http://t.co/QhJCwCIq24. Rafael Nadal and his girlfriend Maria Xisca Perello: Julio Iglesias Concert. pic.twitter.com/Io2bRazgKQ
— Rafael Nadal Fans (@RafaelNadalFC) June 27, 2013

MORE PHOTOS >> http://t.co/nM1ZcSxDRG Rafael Nadal Having Fun At Ibiza pic.twitter.com/ZK4oXMT7VU
— Rafael Nadal Fans (@RafaelNadalFC) June 28, 2013

More pictures here. And a small video about Nadal's presence at Julio Iglesias concert (in Spanish):

Nike looks for Wimbledon 2013

Roger Federer

Serena Williams

Maria Sharapova

Rafa Nadal

Li Na

Juan Martin Del Potro

Photo Credit: Nike Tennis (more info about the looks here)

Roland Garros 2013 - Fashion hits and misses

Tennis action at Roland Garros is now a thing of the past, so it's time for us to talk about fashion and style! Who wore the most attractive tennis clothing? And what about the top fashion disasters?

Best Dressed

Sloane Stephens - Under Armour

Fun dress, fun colors. It looked gorgeous on live TV. 

Novak Djokovic - UNIQLO

Everyone loves this baby blue cute shirt and the jacket that comes with it.

Photo: Roland Garros/FFT

The big trio: Roger, Vika and Rafa - Nike

Azarenka, Federer and Nadal's outfits have the same type of design and vibe: kind of a minimalistic-hard-rock style with some hints of bright colors. It suits them well.

Photos: Roland Garros/FFT

Fashion Disasters

Flop nº 1  - Svetlana Kuznetsova

Was Svetlana Kuznetsova wearing her jammies on court?

Photo: Roland Garros/FFT

Flop nº 2 - Bethanie Mattek-Sands

Bethanie made this list last year and here she is once again. 2013 outfit is not that bad... just a little too Pippi Longstocking...

Photo: Roland Garros/FFT

2012 French Open Fashion hits and misses

Monsters Inc' Sulley joins Nadal for Champions pics at Disneyland

Instead of the usual Eiffel Tower background, Rafael Nadal's champions pictures were shot at Disneyland in Paris. Sulley from the movie Monsters Inc joined Nadal, who seemed very happy holding his 8th French Open trophy.

Photos: FFT/CS via Roland Garros Facebook page

Tennis pros favorite off-court action in Paris

Maria Kirilenko had a special concern with her make-up during some of her matches, as a Brazilian newspaper pointed out. She even went to Sephora in Paris and got a make-up session for free. Maria is gorgeous and definitely doesn't need any make-up, but ladies love their eyeshadows and lipsticks.

Fun time in #SEPHORA #Paris store. Staff recognized me and decided to make a show make up😜 twitter.com/mkirilenko/sta…
— Maria Kirilenko (@mkirilenko) 4 de junho de 2013

John Isner and Rafa Nadal spent a few hours shopping in the city of lights. Isner went to visit his sponsor Lacoste. Rafa also had his birthday party with family and friends.

One thing is for sure, Vika Azarenka was eating well and probably had a long trip to the supermarket in order to fill up that fridge. :)

Flavia Pennetta went for a classic Eiffel Tower pic.

Giornata finita ! Io e il mio psicoccolo vi salutiamo così 😘!@dxtes1 twitter.com/flavia_pennett…
— Flavia Pennetta (@flavia_pennetta) 31 de maio de 2013

Shopping seems to be a favorite on tour. Svetlana Kuznetsova bought some Louboutin tennis shoes.

And tried the subway with Dimitrov and Wawrinka :)

@stanwawrinka @grigordimitrov @svetlanak27 tries different transportation from RG. #Frenchopen twitter.com/GTGAcademy/sta…
— Good to Great Tennis (@GTGAcademy) 26 de maio de 2013

Meanwhile, Serena Williams and Sara Errani find out on Twitter that they are both addicted to the game Candy Crush Saga, available on Facebook and mobile (Apple, iPad and Android). Here's a bit of their online chat:

@saraerrani I see u are playing candy crush! What level are you on???
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) 30 de maio de 2013

@serenawilliams completely crazy for candy crush!!! Level 133!!! 💪 And you???? 😃
— Sara Errani (@SaraErrani) 30 de maio de 2013

Good luck!! Lol vs candy crush! Haha! 😄RT “@saraerrani: @serenawilliams completely crazy for candy crush!!! Level 133!!! 💪 And you???? 😃”
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) 30 de maio de 2013

Waiting for the match!!!!!!!@SaraErrani@fulvia_fognini 👍👍👍 twitter.com/roberta_vinci/…
— Roberta Vinci (@roberta_vinci) 30 de maio de 2013

Images via players Facebook, Twitter and Instagram 

Protester invades court, scares Nadal

The French Open men’s final wasn't the intense match one would expect at least when it comes to actual play. Rafael Nadal's victory was straightforward but in the stands a lot was going on with several protesters trying to get attention.

Photo: AFP, via newspaper Marca

A shirtless man, protesting against France's new same-sex-gay-marriage law, was able to invade the court and scare Nadal. Security guards immediately surrounded the intruder and both players hoping to avoid a serious incident. The protester carried a flare, a white mask and came really close to Nadal.

About 10 minutes before this incident, two spectators, who tried to protest against the same law, were escorted out of the stands.

Play was halted three times during the third set because of incidents caused by spectators. In court Suzanne Lenglen, other people protesting against François Hollande caused some stir during the Men's Legend finals. 

French Open director said to the media that 10 people were arrested and praised the security team for "controlling the situation". After the match in an interview with NBC's John McEnroe, Nadal admitted he felt "a little bit scared in the first moment". 

Usain Bolt and Pau Gasol stand out at French Open

The fastest man on Earth Usain Bolt and Spain's basketball star Pau Gasol were two of the celebs attending the Roland Garros final on Sunday. Gasol was supporting his friend Rafa and Bolt was invited to hand out the trophy to the winner.

Here are some of the highlights of their visit to court Philippe Chatrier:

@rafaelnadal chats with @usainbolt and @paugasol after historic 8th win @rolandgarros #RG13 twitter.com/Nicarzani/stat…
— Nicola Arzani (@Nicarzani) 9 de junho de 2013

8 times winning the French Open..#remarkable rafaelnadal instagram.com/p/aWE3g7Icde/
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) 9 de junho de 2013

Great to have NBA star @paugasol on hand today for the men's final! #RG13 twitter.com/rolandgarros/s…
— Roland Garros (@rolandgarros) 9 de junho de 2013

Grande @rafaelnadal !!Simplemente el mejor. Great Rafa!! Simply the best. vine.co/v/bLxlhT31WDl
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) 9 de junho de 2013

Photos via Bolt's Instagram and Nadal's Facebook page

Nadal is first player to win the same Slam for eighth time

Rafael Nadal is the first player in tennis history to win for the eighth time the same Grand Slam title. Sunday, Nadal beat David Ferrer, who played at 31 years old his first Grand Slam final. The match was played for two hours and 17 minutes in three sets 63 62 63.

Nadal's eight titles are not consecutive, since Roger Federer won Roland Garros in 2009. The Spanish took the trophy home in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and from 2010 to 2013. 

The eight title was delivered to Nadal by the fastest man on Earth, Usain Bolt. The King of Clay has now 12 major titles, 57 career victories, including 42 on clay. 

Quite emotional, Nadal falls to the ground after his victory #RG13 twitter.com/rolandgarros/s…
— Roland Garros (@rolandgarros) 9 de junho de 2013

All smiles from @rafaelnadal with another RG trophy. How happy are you, Rafa? #RG13 twitter.com/rolandgarros/s…
— Roland Garros (@rolandgarros) 9 de junho de 2013

#UNST8PPABLE RT @rolandgarros: Nadal and another one here at #RG13 twitter.com/rolandgarros/s…
— Babolat (@babolat) 9 de junho de 2013

Rafa posing with the ballkids#RG13 twitter.com/rolandgarros_F…
— Roland Garros (@rolandgarros) 9 de junho de 2013

Photos via Roland Garros Facebook and Twitter/ Credit: FFT 

French Open: Nole's worst moment in the "battle" against Nadal

Former tennis player Carlos Moya tweeted that despite all of Novak Djokovic's career victories there will be one point he will never forget. Nole touched the net in a crucial point in the fifth set in the semifinal match against Rafael Nadal last Friday at Roland Garros. The point was awarded to Nadal because the rule says that the play must be over (second bounce) before a player can touch the net. The match was tied 40-40 in the eighth game of the fifth set and Nadal eventually won the set and the match. 

Mats Wilander, in his Eurosport show Game, Set & Mats, pointed out that touching the net is a rare event and in his entire tennis career he had never, ever touched the net during a point. 

Relive the unforgettable moment: 

A pesar de todo lo q ha ganado en su carrera, creo q djokovic nunca olvidara este punto youtube.com/watch?v=3GoEvv…
— Carlos Moya (@Charlymoya) 7 de junho de 2013

Nadal's reaction was quite funny and pretty memorable too:

Image via The Telegraph

Tennis players and celebs thrilled with semifinal Nadal vs Djokovic

Tennis legends, active WTA and ATP players and other famous people and athletes reacted on social media to what is now called the best tennis match in Roland Garros history: Nadal's win over Novak Djokovic in the semifinals at the 2013 French Open. The match lasted for 4 hours and 37 minutes with five sets 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7 (3), 9-7.

Here's a sample of some Twitter "famous" reactions to another intense battle between the Spanish and the Serbian stars: 

Yeahhhhhhh , amazing effort from these guys! My bloodpressure is too high right now :-)
— Kim Clijsters (@Clijsterskim) 7 de junho de 2013

What an incredible match between @djokernole and @rafaelnadal ! Rafa never gives up on any ball. #VamosRafa #Admiration
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) 7 de junho de 2013

AMazing
— Patrick McEnroe (@PatrickMcEnroe) 7 de junho de 2013

Match of the year so far?
— Janko Tipsarevic (@TipsarevicJanko) 7 de junho de 2013

Que Jogo!!! Que Espetáculo!!! Congrats Nadal and Djoko,,, simply AMAZING!!! #RolandGarros
— Gustavo Kuerten (@gugakuerten) 7 de junho de 2013

What an amazing ending to the match,unfortunately I was not able to watch the whole match because of travel. #GoodForTennis
— Milos Raonic (@milosraonic) 7 de junho de 2013

los huevos de rafa nadalmama
— mariano zabaleta (@zabala7) 7 de junho de 2013

Sin palabras...q increíble batalla y q grande es @rafanadal
— Carlos Moya (@Charlymoya) 7 de junho de 2013

Grandioso @rafaelnadal. Idoloooooo!!!
— Flavia Pennetta (@flavia_pennetta) 7 de junho de 2013

Guys have been playing for over 4 hours and a time violation. Gross...
— Mardy Fish (@MardyFish) 7 de junho de 2013

One of best matches I've ever witnessed..well done rafa! #champ
— Ross Hutchins (@RoscoHutchins) 7 de junho de 2013

Tremendo @rafaelnadal!! Que capacidad!!! Otra final en @rolandgarros Felicidades crack!!
— Feliciano López (@feliciano_lopez) 7 de junho de 2013

Amazing game @rafaelnadal #DJokovic... This is the real final... #emotions #rolandgarros #tennis
— Laura Barriales (@Lbarriales) 7 de junho de 2013

Murray being ironic:

Any good tennis matches today?
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) 7 de junho de 2013

Forbes: Federer becomes second highest-paid athlete

Roger Federer is now the second highest-paid athlete in all of sports and the first in tennis. According to Forbes newest list of the top 100 highest-paid athletes, Federer earn $71.5 million in 2012, including prize money and appearance fees. Tiger Woods is the biggest earner of all sports.

Federer at Roland Garros 2013 (Photo © FFT, via RG Facebook)

Forbes says the Swiss "has the most impressive endorsement portfolio in sports, with 10 sponsors that collectively pay him more than $40 million annually, including long-term deals with Nike, Rolex, Wilson and Credit Suisse". Moet&Chandon joined his list of sponsors in November. (See “How Roger Federer Makes $71 Million A Year”).

Maria Sharapova is the second tennis player to make Forbes Top 100 list, making the 22nd position, before Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. The Russian is the world's highest-paid female athlete for the ninth straight time. In 2012, Masha earn $29 million, including around $23 million only in endorsements. 

Other tennis players included on the list are Novak Djokovic (28th position, $26.9 million), Rafael Nadal  (30th, $26.4 million), Serena Williams (68th, $20.5 million) and Li Na (85th, $18.2 million).

Forbes Top 100 features six tennis players, three of which are the only female athletes in all sports making the list. 

Crowd at Roland Garros sings Happy Birthday to Rafa Nadal

Crowd at Court Philippe Chatrier sang Happy Birthday to Rafael Nadal just moments ago, after his win against Kei Nishikori 64 61 63.

Photos via Roland Garros FB/©FFT/CS/CD/PM/ST

The Spanish player turns 27 today and seemed surprised and happy with the crowd's nice gesture. Roland Garros staff came in court with a huge birthday cake featuring tennis motifs but Nadal didn't stay in court to eat it, although British Eurosport commentators kept saying he never missed a chance of trying his RG cake.

Maybe the match wasn't that tough and he just wasn't feeling the need for extra sugar, maybe he will eat a piece of the gorgeous cake away from cameras and everyone's eyes :)

Image: Caption from Eurosport.