Court Six: New York Tennis Magazine’s Gossip Column (November/December 2013)
Djokovic Foundation hosts NYC event
The Novak Djokovic Foundation gala had the models mingling the day after the conclusion of the 2013 U.S. Open in New York City. Man of the hour Novak Djokovic had his fiancee Jelena Ristic by his side to host the dinner honoring his foundation, which aims to provide sports activities, nutrition and better education to the youth of his native Serbia. Despite losing the U.S. Open title to Rafael Nadal in the men's finals a day earlier, the event was a celebratory occasion for Novak, who had the support of a good-looking cast, which included Naomi Campbell, Camila Alves, Goldie Hawn and Nicky Hilton. A bevy of Victoria's Secret models, like Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Toni Garrn and Karlie Kloss were also in attendance. Anna Wintour and designer Donna Karan also took a break from their busy schedules at New York Fashion Week to round out the guest list for the charitable evening.
Happy 70th Billie Jean
Billie Jean King got a jump start on celebrating her 70th birthday (Nov. 22) recently at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas with her close friends Elton John, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf among the 200 attendees. Also in attendance were her partner Ilana Kloss, as well Tracy Austin, Lindsay Davenport, Rosie Casals, Pam Shriver, Bud Collins, Mary Carillo, WTA CEO Stacey Allaster, former WTA Chief and now Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott, and ABC’s “Good Morning America” host Robin Roberts.
Stephens takes part in NY Fashion Week
Sloane Stephens stepped out on the New York Fashion Week runway in support of brand Boy Meets Girl. Stephens, in a flirty purple skirt, joined actress Brittany Snow and designer Stacy Igel for the style bonanza.
Celebs at the 2013 U.S. Open
The U.S. Open always brings out tons of celebrities from all genres of the entertainment world. Here is a list of some of the celebrities who were seen at this year’s installment of the Open: Henrik Lundquist, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba, Spike Lee, Ralph Macchio, Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor, David Schwimmer, Olivia Wilde, Jason Sudeikis, Zachary Levi, Olivia Munn, Cuba Gooding Jr., Donald Trump, Sean Hannity, Robin Roberts, Sir Richard Branson, Sir Sean Connery, Sally Field, Judd Hirsch, Chuck Scarborough, Juliana Margulies, Kate Upton, The Iceman, Liev Schreiber, Fisher Stevens, David Duchovny, Josh Henderson, Paul Simon, Jason Biggs, Roger Goodell, Dylan McDermott, Naomi Campbell, Kaley Cuoco, Jim Parsons and Amanda Seyfried.
Gulbis calls out Djokovic
Ernests Gulbis and Novak Djokovic used to be friends; Ernests once even said Novak inspired him to work harder. The two used to hang out as juniors. Not anymore according to an interview Gulbis gave to a French TV station.
"I don't like Djokovic that much. We know each other since I'm 12. He was a normal guy then, but since his first big success he changed, his eyes changed. We never fought, but I felt he changed because of success. And I don't like people like that. I like strong characters that don't change because of success or money. That's why I be careful not to change myself".
Sharapova live on Larry King
Asked whether she is engaged she said: “No, not that I know of,” Maria Sharapova said on “Larry King Now.”
“Not that I know of. No, I’m not engaged. I am dating him. He is a good player. I’ve known him for many years on the tour. I’m not engaged, no.”
Sharapova discussed many other interesting topics during the interview. She said she avoids locker room friendships because she competes against the players and wants to have that edge against them. She also said she thinks she’s won a lot of matches because of her mental toughness.
And what about the rivalry with Serena Williams that seemed to flare up around Wimbledon? Sharapova says there is no grudge between them and that the media has overplayed things.
King also asked Sharapova about what happened with Jimmy Connors. Sharapova abruptly fired Connors as her coach after just two matches together, days after praising the legend. ”It was just not the right fit, wrong timing with my injury with everything going on,” said Sharapova. “It was just not the right time for it.”
Murray has back flare up
Andy Murray decided to have a minor operation to sort out a disc problem in his lower back that has been bothering him for most of this year. That means it is unlikely he will play again this year missing the last four tournaments of the season in Asia, Paris and the World Tour Finals in London.
Instead, he will aim to regain full fitness in time to begin his preparations for next year at his Miami base in early November.
After the surgery Murray posted on Twitter: "Thanks for all the well wishes, means a lot to me…" alongside the photo of him lying in a hospital bed with both thumbs up.
The 26-year-old added: "First thing I said when I came round was "did I win?" #somethingsneverchange."
Providing all has run smoothly with his surgery, Murray should be back on court and targeting the Australian Open in January, before returning to Davis Cup duty at the end of the month when Leon Smith's Great Britain team faces the United States.
Tweets from the pros
►Serena Williams (@serenawilliams): On my way to the Dolphins game. Let's go Miami!!
►Novak Djokovic (@djokernole): So grateful to have such a great team behind me all these years! And thank you #NoleFam for love and support! HAPPY
►Sabine Lisicki (@sabinelisicki): I simply have the best friends & fans!!! Got calls & messages from all over the world today! Thx for all the birthday wishes!! 🙂
►Daniela Hantuchova (@dhantuchova): I always have great memories especially playing doubles with one of my best friend Ai Sugiyama in her last tournament on the tour! :))
►Justin Gimelstob (@justingimelstob): Who is ready to watch football??!
►Petra Kvitova (@petra_kvitova): With the one and only Li Na in Istanbul 🙂
►Jesse Levine (@jesselevine7): Having a blast here in Toronto helping raise money for the kids of the @IsraelTC in Israel. Always great to #giveback.
►Caroline Wozniacki (@carowozniacki): Not good for your confidence when you go from being a small to an extra-large overnight! #japanesesizes #asia
►Andy Roddick (@andyroddick): Watching tennis channel … Why do some coaches take their racket w them to the players box to watch a match?
►Maria Kirilenko (@mkirilenko): Moscow!!! I'm at home!!! Happy!!!
►Maria Sharapova (@mariasharapova): I am not a fan of cold weather, but training in the middle of the forest with yellow and orange leaves all around, it's breathtaking!#Sweden
►Roger Federer (@rogerfederer): Switzerland made it to the World Cup, how happy am I on a scale 1-10? About a 25. Great effort and congratulations.
►Victoria Azarenka (@vika7): My warm up is your work out … Training! 😉
►Milos Raonic (@milosraonic): I am happy to see Mason Raymond doing well. He’s a great player but from what I have learned the last 2 years, even better person! #GoLeafs
►Eugenie Bouchard (@geniebouchard): Hey @justinbieber I'm in Beijing too!
►Sloane Stephens (@sloanetweets): My grandparents love to watch me play tennis, but I think they love watching me do yard work at their house more.
