The Legendary Marat

Y'all know that I j'adore (sic) Marat Safin. He is a legend in my eyes. Not only is he an adonis, but the tennis that he's graced us with was often surreal. Some say that his fiery attitude and mental break-downs on court prevented him from having a career on par with Roger Federer. I think his passion only made him that much more spectacular, and everyone knows that injuries were to blame in his struggle to win more than 2 grand slams.

I'm still in a tiny bit of denial that this may his last year on the ATP tour. But, since I have to realize that his retirement is a fact of life, I really wanted to see him in Indian Wells this year. And thankfully, I did!

Since I stayed in the Desert through Sunday, I saw him practicing (shirtless!) with Janko Tipsarevic that afternoon; HEY NOW!

Then, as Marat left the practice court, he was mobbed. But, I caught some good pics:


As I mentioned to my friend, Sophie, I don't know why I didn't just drop my camera and attempt to hug him.
Oh well. At least, I got this yummy torso shot:


Anyway, later that evening, I was able to catch Marat's second-round match against Nicolas Massu. Even though I was exhausted (and had to drive back to L.A. for work the next day), I hung in there, and the players took the court at around 7pm. The Chilean Massu fans were really rowdy, but most of the fans were there to see Marat in his last Indian Wells showing. Marat did not disappoint! He won it in 2 sets, showing us every bit of that talent and passion.

We'll miss you, Marat! Please don't retire!

The Re-Match!

Marat Safin and Roger Federer are set to meet in the third round of the Australia Open, a re-match of their EPIC 2005 semi-final! I can't wait! Vamos, Marat!

In other Aussie Open news:
1) Robby Ginepri unfortunately lost in the first round to Tomas Berdych. But, Gineps is still in the tourney on the dubz side, partnering with none other than Vince Spadea?!?

2) AND, what the hell is going on with Rafa Nadal's tennis ensemble?!?!? His shirt HAS SLEEVES! It's ungodly! Unless his guns are showing in a tight-fitting sleeveless shirt, I almost don't want to watch him play! Are you with me, Lady Lorelei?

LHK Sporting News

1) England takes on France today in an international friendly. David Beckham will earn his 100th cap for England in the game (yay!), but Rio Ferdinand will be given the captain's armband in place of John Terry (BOO!).

2) The Sony Ericsson Open starts in Miami (pronounced Mee-jamy) this week. Marat Safin meets qualifier Bobby Reynolds in the first round (potential yay!), but unfortunately Robby Ginepri won't be in the tournament due to a bicep injury he sustained in Indian Wells (boo!). Ahh, those guns... Get well soon, Robby!

Happy Birthday, Bill!

For my beloved FAUXancé, Bill, a gift with love:


(pic courtesy of Kenneth in the 212)

Gun Control

Happy 4th of July!



Picture courtesy of Lady Candy