Federer, Serena Williams shine at 2012 Wimbledon Champions' Dinner

Serena Williams was absolutely stunning! Roger Federer elegant, as always! Wimbledon's champions attended the Wimbledon Championships 2012 Winners Ball held Sunday night at the InterContinental Hotel Park Lane, in London. 

Serena and Roger are old pals at the Champions' ball. They've won Wimbledon in the same year three times - 2003, 2009 and 2012. Between the two of them, they hold 31 Grand Slam singles titles (Roger has 17, Serena 14), which includes 12 Wimby singles trophies. Not that bad for a couple of 30 year-olds!

Both singles champions made brief speeches at the Champions' ball. Serena joked about her powerful serve (she served more than 100 aces in the tournament). According to the Washington Post, Williams said: “If you guys want to buy my serve, you can get it. It’s only a million dollars per bottle. They’re available.”

Serena looking gorgeous in a yellow-mustard dress

Eugenie Bouchard, Girl's Singles Champion

Wildcards Frederik Nielsen and Jonathan Marray surprisingly won Men’s Doubles 

Images via Twitter and Tumblr

WIMBLEDON: Champions' dinner to honor tennis stars

In case you're in London and want to hunt for some pics and autographs of your favorite tennis stars, we remind you that players will arrive at Wimbledon Champions' Dinner in about an hour and a half. The Champion's ball will be held at the InterContinental Hotel Park Lane, in London, starting at 9PM (local time).

Image via A. Hlavackova's Facebook

Federer ties Sampras in Wimbledon titles and most weeks ranked No1

Photo via Wimbledon's Facebook

Roger Federer captures his seventh Wimbledon title, defeating Andy Murray in 4-sets by 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-4. The Swiss will become 1-ranked player tomorrow when ATP reveals the new rankings, tying Pete Sampras for the most all time weeks as world No1. Since he is guaranteed the number 1 spot for 2 weeks, he will break the American's record of 286 weeks on top of the ranking. He also equals Sampras record 7th Wimbledon titles. According to ESPN, Sampras said he is already used to Roger Federer breaking his records.

This is the 17th Grand Slam title for Roger Federer, an all-time record, that opens up the debate if he is truly the greatest tennis player in history. 

Federer was pure genius Today and overcome Andy Murray's resilience. The Brit, who had huge support from the crowd on Centre Court, end the match in tears, but still manage to come up with a  couple of jokes: "I'm getting closer", he said, making the crowd laugh. "Before the match I thought I had a good chance against Roger because he is 30 now, but he plays very well for a 30 year-old", he added.

Murray will continue to be world No 4 on Monday, ahead of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who he defeated in the semis. Novak Djokovic will be dethroned by Federer and will take the number 2 spot, while Rafael Nadal will become world No 3. 

Serena Williams captures her 5th Wimbledon title

Serena Williams gets her fifth Wimbledon title with a 6-1 5-7 6-2 win over Agnieszka Radwanska. The 30 year-old Serena wins her 14th Grand Slam title and will become world  No.4 on Monday (Radwanska will be No.2 behind 1-ranked Victoria Azarenka and ahead of  No.3 Maria Sharapova).

On her interview during trophy cerimony, Radwanska said she had the best two weeks of her life. "I'm just happy to have been here in the final", she said, while trying to hold her tears.

Serena, who will also play in a few hours the Ladies' Doubles final with sister Venus Williams, applauded her opponent: "It was really tough. Aggie played so well. That's why she's had such a great career so young." About her fifth Wimbledon title she stated: "OMG I can't even describe. I almost didn't make it a few years ago I was in hospital and now I'm here again. So worth it." As soon as she hit her winner match-point, she went running into the stands to hold her father, mother and sis. She now equals her sister Venus in Wimby titles. "I've always wanted everything Venus had", Serena joked. Later on, they will have the chance to win a Championships title together!

Photos via Wimbledon's Twitter

Head-to-Head Serena Williams vs Agnieszka Radwanska

Less than 5 hours to the Ladies final, here's some stats that can help predict the winner. :)

Source: WTA

Wimbledon's finals: Ace Queen vs the Subtler # Grass King vs Proud Brit

And we have our 2012 Wimbledon's finalists!

On the ladies side, Serena Williams, who is hitting aces like there's no tomorrow, will play against Agnieszka Radwanska, a subtler player that relies on guile. The women's final will be played on Centre Court, tomorrow, Saturday, starting at 2PM (London time). 

Radwanska got an upper respiratory illness, just as defeated semifinalist Novak Djokovic. The first Polish since 1939 to reach a major's final cancelled today's press conference and is hoping to recover in time for the match. On the other hand, Serena is in turbo mode, and will play not only her seventh Wimbledon final but also the ladies double final with her sister Venus. 

Here are some statistics about the two finalists: 

To learn more about Radwanska's style and on-court manner you should read "The Subtlest Player at Wimbledon", a great article by The Wall Street Journal.

Murray, first Brit man in 74 years to play Wimby's final

The men's final is a first: Roger Federer, who is vying to equal the seven Wimbledon titles held by William Renshaw in the late 1800s and more recently by Pete Sampras, vs. Andy Murray, who becomes the first Brit man in 74 years to get to a Wimbledon's final. To get to the final, Federer defeated Novak Djokovic in four sets, 6-3 3-6 6-4 6-3 and Murray overcome France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga also in four sets 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5.

If the Swiss wins on Sunday he'll reclaim the world No.1 ranking and will equal Sampras victories on the All England Club grass. If Murray wins, it will be his first Grand Slam title and the first for a British male since Fred Perry in 1936.

Who will make history on Saturday and Sunday?:) Leave your comments and predictions!

Images via onesmartblackboy and Wimbledon's Facebook page

Novak vs Roger, Clash of the Titans

The Clash of the Titans begins in less than 12 hours. Novak Djokovic, 25, world nº 1, faces Roger Federer, 30, considered by many as the greatest player of all time. Wimbledon will be packed, Twitter will go mad, audiences all over the world won't miss a thing on television. This will be the 27th time they will play against each other: Federer leads with 14 victories to 12. 

Adding to all the build up that surrounds a Wimbledon's semifinal match, Today's clash has much more at stake than a simple win. Federer has a chance to become world no.1 again if he goes on to win the tournament. Djokovic won't be dethroned that easily, therefore we can expect a five-setter match and an intense battle on Centre Court!

Recent trends point to Djokovic's victory

Another interesting fact is that in 27 matches none happened in grass. It will be the first. The Swiss said to the New York Times: “We know our matches on clay, outdoors and indoors, on hard courts. But we don’t know what it’s like to play on grass.” While the Serbian explained to the Times of India that "maybe Federer uses the grass court better because of his slice". "He has a really smart game for this surface. But I have improved playing on grass in the last couple of years. I won the title here last year, got to another semi-final this year, so I’m feeling good about this surface, about myself on the court. I really have nothing to lose", added Djokovic. 
Another chapter to add pressure to this SF is Federer's chance (probably one of his last opportunities) to write his name in one more record. Fed said in the beginning of the season his goal was to become number one once again. If he accomplishes it and stays in the top for a week, he will break down another Pete Sampras record (the American was 1-ranked for 286 weeks). 

That said, tennis experts point to another Novak Djokovic's victory. Recent trends show that the Serbian has better chances since he won six out of the last seven matches between the two. Federer's only victory happened last year in Roland Garros semifinal. 

The Wall Street Journal has a very interesting article explaining "why the Swiss Maestro isn't going 'All In' to win his first Grand Slam title since 2010". "They have never played at Wimbledon or on grass, and they are meeting at exactly the wrong time for Federer. He turns 31 next month; Djokovic turned 25 in May. Djokovic won Wimbledon last year and has played more aggressively here this year without making more errors. Federer, meanwhile, is moving backward—literally", concludes WSJ's staff writer Tom Perrotta. 

The second semifinal will be between France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Britain's Andy Murray. Playing with the crowd on his side, and enjoying the fact that Rafael Nadal is already out of the tournament, Murray has an incredible chance to be the first British tennis player to reach a Wimbledon final in 74 years!

Schedule for Djokovic vs Federer semifinal: 

1 PM (local time) London (UK) and Lisbon, Portugal 5 AM Los Angeles (USA), Vancouver (Canada) 8 AM Miami, New York (USA) 9 AM Argentina, Chile, Brasil, Uruguay 2 PM Central Europe (Spain, France, Switzerland, Serbia, Italy) 8 PM Perth (Australia), China, Philippines 9 PM Japan 10 PM Melbourne (Australia)

Second semifinal starts not before 4 PM, local time. 

Photos via Tumblr; Federer's quote via Loveequalsnotthing

Wimbledon inspires Middleton Mania

Photo: Reuters

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton and Prince William, made their first Wimbledon appearance on Day 9 of the Championships and watched Roger Federer and Andy Murray advance to the semifinals. 

All over the internet, from social media to newspapers, Middleton love spread like wildfire. Maybe it was "her cream knit Alexander McQueen dress that looked as if it could have come straight from a Wimbledon kit list from the roaring Twenties", as the Daily Mail points out, or her funny tennis expressions, or, who knows, her charming Prince sitting by her side... the fact is the royals and the Middletons create a stir when they arrive at Wimbledon. 

Tennis Boulevard selected some of the funniest and cutest "Middleton love" posts and headlines for you. Enjoy!

Nice catch - Akomuzikera

Wimby 2008, 2011 and 2012, same expression - World of Windsor

Kate illuminated! - Katie Becketts

telegraph.co.uk

Two years in a row in funny faces -  dukeandduchess

Trolling Kate and Will - Tennissimo

Kate's derriere - My Dreams

Smile! -  royallykate

Diana and Will/Kate and Will, both photos at Wimbledon - Never Forget

Alma Nadal cancelled due to Rafa's injury

Alma Nadal exhibition match scheduled for July 14th at Real Madrid's Bernabeu stadium has been cancelled. Rafael Nadal was advised by his doctors not to play or practice for the next 15 days due to his knee tendinitis. 

Rafa was going to play against Novak Djokovic in the football field, hoping to break the record of public attendance at a tennis event and, at the same time, raise money for Rafa Nadal Foundation and also for Real Madrid Foundation. 

In a press statement released on Tuesday, Nadal apologizes to all and "in particular to the fans that had already purchased a ticket to such a good cause". "The doctors have been checking my knee and i suffer a tendinitis which will have me away from any practice or matches for 15 days, which makes it impossible to play with Novak Djokovic as we'd expected and announced. I was with my doctors on Monday and started already my treatment with the goal to be ready for the London Olympic Games and represent Spain once again", says Nadal in his statement to the media. 

Nadal will start rehab and hopes to recover in time for 2012 London Olympics, which will start in just 22 days. 

For more information about refunds for Alma Nadal tickets visit Real Madrid's website here. 

Wimbledon 2012 Semifinals

Semifinals matches start Today, 5th July.

Women's Singles:
The ladies play on Thursday, 5th July, at 1PM (London time), at Centre Court. Order of play is:

Angelique Kerber (GER) [8] - Agnieska Radwanska (POL) [3]
Serena Williams (USA) [6] - Victoria Azarenka (BLR) [2]

Men's Singles:
Friday July 6, Centre Court, 1PM Start Time (London Time). Order of play is:

Novak Djokovic (SRB) [1] - Roger Federer (SUI) [3] 
Andy Murray (GBR) [4] - Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) [5]

WIMBLEDON: Kate and Will watch Federer's quarters match

Will and Kate arrive at the royal box (Photo: Matthias Hangst/AELTC)

The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge are in Wimbledon watching the quarterfinals match between Roger Federer and Mikhail Youzhny. Prince William and Kate Middleton were given a loud ovation as they took their seats in the Royal Box ahead of the match. 

Last week, Prince Charles returned to Wimbledon for the first time since 1970, and got to watch Roger Federer defeat Fabio Fognini. Kate's sister Pippa Middleton has also been at the All England Club during the Championships. 

The Duchess is wearing the same Alexander McQueen's dress (Photo: Matthias Hangst/AELTC)

Next on Centre Court, Will and Kate will cheer for Britain's Andy Murray who is set to play against Spain's David Ferrer. They were also in Wimbledon last year to applaud Britain's number 1 tennis player.

Tennis legends couple Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf are also at Centre Court to check out Today's matches. England football manager Roy Hodgson, Rod Laver and Richard Krajicek are some other guests attending Federer's match.

Richard Krajicek and Rod Laver watch Federer (Photo: Matthias Hangst/AELTC)

Roy Hodgson chats in the Royal Box ( Photo: Matthias Hangst/AELTC)

Two Wimbledon Champions, Agassi and Graf (Photo: Thomas Lovelock/AELTC)

All images via Wimbledon's Facebook and Twitter

Djokovic and Sharapova get three nominations for 2012 ESPYS

Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova received each three nominations in key categories at the 20th annual ESPY Awards, which will take place at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, USA, on July 11, 2012.

Djokovic was recognized for his stunning run in 2011 with a nomination for Best Male Athlete. "The Serbian won three Grand Slam titles and a record five ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crowns en route to finishing the season ranked No. 1 in the year-end South African Airways ATP Rankings", says ATP Tour on its website. NBA Finals MVP LeBron James, NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers and MLB MVP and Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander are competing with Djokovic in this category, which was never awarded to a tennis player. 

Vote for Best Male Athlete!

Fans will determine the winners in all ESPY categories (except the Arthur Ashe Courage Award and other special awards) by voting online at ESPN. 
World number one is also nominated for Best International Athlete, along with footballers Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, and golfer Yani Tseng.

Vote for Best International Athlete!

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal compete with the Serbian in the Best Male Tennis Player category. Roger Federer is a six-timer winner of the ESPYs from 2005-2010 and Rafael Nadal got his first award last year.

Vote for Best Male Tennis Player!

Maria Sharapova also gets three nominations: Best Female Athlete, Best Comeback Athlete and Best Female Tennis Player, along with fellow nominees Victoria Azarenka, Petra Kvitová and Samantha Stosur.

Help Sharapova win Best Female Athlete and/or Best Comeback Athlete!

Vote for Best Female Tennis Player!

The 2012 ESPYS will be hosted by actor/comedian Rob Riggle and will be televised live Wednesday, July 11, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPNHD from the Nokia Theatre at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles.

WIMBLEDON: Federer gives signed shirt to Benneteau

Roger Federer gave his shirt from the fourth set, signed and dated, to Julien Benneteau, the Frenchman who almost made the Swiss exit early from Wimbledon. For five times, Benneteau was two points away from a historic victory. The 30-year-old player (same age as Federer) got himself ahead by two-sets-to-none, but then the "great" Roger staged a comeback and left Centre Court with a win by 4-6, 6-7 (3), 6-2, 7-6 (6) 6-1. It was one of the best matches yet at this year's SW19.

Benneteau is going to frame the white Nike shirt, in which Federer wrote (in french): To Bennett, what an amazing match! Roger Federer, Wimbledon, 29.06.2012

Image via Roger Federer - Official Fan Club

Watch highlights of the third-round match Federer vs Benneteau:

John Isner, we're coming over!

John Isner opened the door of his new place to ATP World Tour Uncovered - "Cribs" edition. The house is located in the Avila Golf & Country Club in Tampa, Florida. Take a look: 

Bye, Bye Wimbledon, Hello Holidays!

It's Middle Sunday at Wimbledon - rest day for everyone! In week 1, there were some major upsets, specially the historic Nadal's defeat to 100th ranked player Lukas Rosol in round 2. Except for Venus Williams, who still is competing with her sister Serena in women's doubles, everyone else is back at home or elsewhere enjoying a well-deserved break. Let's find out what our tennis stars have been up to. 

Feliciano Lopez

Ladies beware! Beach body alert! Feliciano Lopez left for Ibiza after his defeat in the first round at Wimbledon. The Spaniard is taking some time off to relax and enjoy the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. 

Gorgeous Feliciano in Ibiza (Photo credit: Europa Press)

Caroline Wozniacki

Caroline Wozniacki joined boyfriend Rory McIlroy at the golf Irish Open after her first-round Wimbledon's upset. She tweeted to Danish golfer Thorbjorn Olesen and Denmark's former goal-keeper Peter Schmeichel about the awful weather: "Nice?? Lol .. I got soaked and was so cold and windy out there!" Weather wasn't great but the Danish tennis star had a good time with her boyfriend and his family, judging by her lovely smile. 

Photo via Caro's Wrist

Photo via El Fell

Fernando Verdasco

The Spanish hunk is in Lake Como, Italy. He wrote to his fans on Facebook today: "Look where I woke up today! Lake Como! First time here. Love it". Tonight he is celebrating Spain's victory in the Euro 2012. He left a message on Twitter to share his joy: "Viva Españaaaaaaaaa! My heart is wrapped in the Spanish flag. How beautiful this all is...hope it never ends!"

Photos via Verdasco's Facebook

Samantha Stosur

World Nº 5 is back home, in Gold Coast, Australia. Stosur is taking some time off between Wimbledon and the Olympics to "rest and recharge". "Going home for some R&R then to return for the greatest sporting event on earth", she posted on her Facebook, along with a nice photo next to the strawberries signs at Wimbledon. 

Rafael Nadal

Rafa is the major disappointment of 2012 Wimbledon by far. Six months of intense competition, with a historic seventh Roland Garros title just a few weeks ago, was too much for Nadal. The Spanish megastar is back home in Mallorca. Tonight, just like his fellow countryman Fernando Verdasco, he is celebrating Spain's victory in the Euro 2012. Just a few minutes ago, Rafa posted on Facebook that he was feeling "mad" for not going to Kiev, where the final against Italy was held. "Amazing! I don't think none will ever do the same as we did!!! [win three major football cups in a row]. Congratulations Spain!!"

Here's a funny music video Nadal shared yesterday with his fans, featuring uncle Toni Nadal:

Stanislas Wawrinka 

The Swiss crashed out of Wimbledon in the second-round. He is back home in Saint-Barthélemy and tweeted a photo of what we guess is Lake Geneva, near Lausanne. A nice place to relax and recharge energies in  time for London 2012 Olympics. 

WIMBLEDON: Yaroslava Shvedova wins historic "Golden Set"

Shvedova got a wild card for Wimby (Photo: Billie Weiss/AELTC, via Wimbledon's Facebook)

Wimbledon's unseeded Yaroslava Shvedova is the first woman in Open Era to claim a Golden Set - winning an entire a set in a grand slam without conceding a single point. The historic set was played yesterday against French Open runner-up Sara Errani on Wimbledon's Court Three. Shvedova won the match 6-0, 6-4, and will now face Serena Williams in the fourth round.

Kazakhstan’s 24-year-old player got a main draw wild card to compete at Wimbledon. She was very pleased with her achievement and wrote a funny message to her fans on Facebook: "Today I laid a golden egg!". The player admitted she wasn't aware of her record until the match was over. According to the Wikipedia, the first golden set belongs to Pauline Betz in 1943 (non-Open Era). In the men's singles the record goes to Bill Scanlon, in 1983 at Delray Beach.

Watch the set in fast-forward: