As reported by Reuters earlier today, world No. 1 Rafael Nadal remains upset with UEFA’s decision to exclude Real Mallocra from competitive play this season.

Becoming a shareholder of the organization earlier this year, Nadal told IB3 TV that his hometown club had been treated inappropriately.

“It’s a hell of a blow because playing in Europe fills you with excitement and the players have earned it,” said Nadal.

Reportedly topping the $110 million mark in current debt, Real Mallorca will appeal UEFA’s decision.

Original story here.

As always, Nadal and Federer have gone with a light color palette for their day matches, and a dark tone presence for their evening contests.

Serena Williams will once again look stunning in her fitted one piece dress, which will be highlighted by contrasting piping alongside the garment.

Nike’s full US Open collection will be available on TennisWarehouse.com. To access the new fall range, click the banner to the right.

Double click on the photos for a larger view. Enjoy.

Photos from: www.karstadt.de

Reigning US Open champ Juan Martin del Potro will make his much anticipated return to Tour action at the upcoming Thai Open in Bangkok. Sidelined since the Australian Open, del Potro will join world No. 1 Rafael Nadal during the week long 250 point event.

Del Potro, who crushed Nadal at the US Open last year, remains doubtful for an Open defense in early September.

Nadal will return to Bangkok after missing the event last year due to an abdominal injury he sustained in New York.

Resting his battered knees after his second career Euro Slam, Nadal posed with his fans on the beach, while kicking around a multi-colored soccer ball.

With no tennis racket in sight, Nadal displayed vivid memories of his Nation’s World Cup victory with his futbul skills.

For a full gallery of Nadal at the beach, click the link below.

Nadal Vacationing Pictures in Formentera.

Photos from socialitelife.celebuzz.com.

He may not have the physique of Rafael Nadal, or the sex appeal of Fernando Verdasco, but Spaniard Albert Montanes continues to turn heads on the ATP World Tour.

Capturing his second title of the season on Sunday, the 29-year-old from Barcelona proved that his success on the second tier of the circuit was no fluke.

Defeating Roger Federer in Estoril earlier this year for his fourth career title, Montanes benefited from an ankle injury to Gael Monfils in Stuttgart over the weekend for his fifth career title.  Using his deceptively powerful one-handed backhand, Montanes’ off the apex hit serve is always difficult to read.

In a day and age where Tour success in Spain has hit legendary proportions, Montanes has proved that just because he’s entering the twilight of his career, there’s no reason to slow down.

Picking up 80 percent of his Tour hardware after the age of 28, Montanes’ fit and efficient game has taken him to a career high rank of No. 24 this week. Reaching the third-round of every Major thus far in 2010, Montanes may not push for his maiden Grand Slam title anytime soon, but he’s certainly one to watch when the draws are released.

There’s always been an endearing quality about players who enjoy maximizing their talents. It’s not so much about winning Wimbledon or topping the rankings as the longest standing No. 1—it’s more about the experience of respecting their profession and understanding that their day job is to travel and rip a forehand.

With all of the hoop la that’s surrounded the Dennis Rodmans and Cristiano Ronaldos of the world, Montanes has upheld and surpassed what a role model in sports should be: A hard-working, dedicated athlete who wakes up every morning with the sole purpose of improving.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Montanes looks forward to tournaments such as Estoril, Umag, and Bucharest. The fields are usually not top heavy, and Montanes can let his shots fly with a greater degree of confidence. It’s not that Montanes doesn’t want to be challenged by the towering fields in New York or Australia—more than anything, the Barcelona native has accepted that his time to shine will likely come at 250 point events.

That to me is a wonderful quality for a Tour player to have. Let’s be honest here, how many players who are slogging it out in the Futures and Challengers events wouldn’t sign up for a chance to hold a top 25 ranking, and two Tour titles on the year?

You probably wouldn’t have Nadal or Novak Djokovic stand in that line, but there’s no doubt that the Taylor Dents and Janko Tipsarevics on Tour would be more than adamant on filling that position.

Saluting Montanes for his efforts, it’s once again a pleasure to witness a player who is not looking for billboard status, but merely to enjoy the wonderful experience of traveling the globe and telling a ball person that he needs a towel.

There may only be one Rafael Nadal, but the sport in general would greatly benefit with more Albert Montanes’ around.

In this short promotional clip, Nadal reveals the secret to his Tour success.

It’s that time of year again folks when the good people over at ESPN have announced their ESPY award nominees.

This year tennis nominees include:

BEST MALE TENNIS PLAYER

Roger Federer
Juan Martin del Potro
Rafael Nadal

BEST RECORD-BREAKING PERFORMANCE

Usain Bolt, 100 and 200-meter World Records
Brett Favre, NFL record for consecutive starts
Roger Federer, Most Grand Slam singles titles
Connecticut Women’s Basketball, Longest winning streak in Women’s NCAA Basketball History
Isner vs. Mahut at Wimbledon, Longest Match in Professional Tennis History

Best INTERNATIONAL ATHLETE

Kaka, Football
Manu Ginobili, Basketball
Cristiano Ronaldo, Football
Rafael Nadal, Tennis

BEST FEMALE TENNIS PLAYER

Kim Clijsters
Serena Williams
Venus Williams

Nadal, who had traveled to South Africa to support his native team, was ecstatic to celebrate Spain’s first ever World Cup victory.

“I cried like a baby,” said Nadal. “We have to celebrate for a whole year, because this is unbelievable. It is very difficult to repeat this.”

Nadal will now return to Spain where he will continue to celebrate with the team’s players.

For a picture of Nadal with the World Cup trophy, click here.

Decked out in his national colors, Nadal’s face was also painted in support of his team.

I’m not sure, but I think Nadal really enjoyed his face painting experience.

A picture of Nadal celebrating after Spain’s victory can be found here.