(March 11, 2013) NEW YORK, NY – Kourtin’ Karen takes brief look at the week that was week in the offbeat world of tennis.
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BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden in New York City
March 4 was World Tennis Day. BNP Paribas sponsored two showdowns – in Hong Kong and the other in New York City.
Highlight of the Madison Square Garden event – Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro were in the middle of the second set of the showdown whe Nadal pulled out Ben Stiller to play with him. Del Potro brought out 9-yeear-old left Rebecca Suarez who proved to be the best player on the court for the “doubles” match
BNP Paribas Showdown Debuts in Hong Kong with Wozniacki, Radwanska, McEnroe and Lendl
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Jelena Jankovic’s Fila Heritage Carwash tennis dress at Indian Wells
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BNP Paribas Open Players’ Party
On the Green Carpet – Photos from the 2013 BNP Paribas Open Players’ Party
Many of those in the tennis media are not really fans of these type of events and exhibitions, but it draws people who are not normally fans of the game. I’m for whatever draws people to watch tennis.
All of the majors should have a “red carpet” event like this. It’s all in good fun and fans and journalists alike can play “Fashion Police.”
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No American Men in the Top 20?
With John Isner’s loss to Lleyton Hewitt in his first match at the BNP Paribas Open, depending on how Sam Querrey and Mardy Fish do, there would be no US men in the top 20 of the rankings – this has never happened since the rankings began in 1973.
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TMZ Alert
TMZ as well as other media outlets were reporting that there was an arrest warrant out for Jennifer Capriati in conjunction with an alleged assault on her ex-boyfriend Ivan Brannan. Capriati’s publicist denied reports that a warrant had been issued for her arrest.
“What happened has been over-exaggerated. When the full story comes out Jennifer will be vindicated of these charges,” said the spokesperson in a written statement.
Deuce
Redfoo sightings
Let’s face it, pop singer Redfoo is here to stay. Not only is he a big tennis fan, he supports a USTA Pro Circuit event – the Party Rock Open and is now the significant other of No. 2 Victoria Azarenka.
Advantage exhibitions
Tennis was back in Los Angeles with the LA Tennis Challenge featuring, Novak Djokovic, Pete Sampras, Mardy Fish, James Blake, Bob and Mike Bryan.
Djokovic, Sampras, Fish and the Bryan Brothers Among Those to Particpate in LA Tennis Challenge
Deuce look-a-likes
Separated at birth, the hair anyway – Redfoo and Thing 1 and Thing 2 of Dr. Seuss fame.
Advantage Karaoke
In the post-match news conference at the BNP Paribas Showdown, Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka announced that they revealed that they will be shooting a karaoke video to Rihanna’s “Stay.”
Deuce
The Rumor Mill
“Austin Powers” and Caroline Wozniacki
Caroline Wozniacki put to bed rumors that she and her boyfriend golfer Rory McIlroy had split.
A British tabloid speculated that the reason the golfer had pulled out of the Honda Classic was due to relationship problems with Wozniacki. Meanwhile, why did Wozniacki attend the BNP Paribas Open Players party with Austin Powers. (See above photo)
Advantage news
Tennis will introduce biological passports this year and increase the number of blood tests.
Nadal Returns to Hardcourt with Indian Wells Win; Still Unhappy with 25-Second Rule
Game, Set and Match – Welcome back Mardy Fish
Mardy Fish has returned to the tour from a heart ailment, his first event since the US Open.
Photo galleries from the past week
Photos by Curt Janka, Jennifer Knapp, Maria Noble and Karen Pestaina.
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