This is all kinds of awesome! Roger Federer submits to a fit of giggles while being interviewed by CNN in Switzerland last week:

If Roger wasn’t so adamantly pro-WADA, I’d swear. . .

Roger Federer was interviewed by CNN in anticipation of next week’s ATP World Tour Finals. He chats about the twins, his rivalry with Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi’s recent drug-related confessions. I love Roger’s Scooby Doo imitation at the start: “Whuhhhhh?”

Thanks, Rog, for giving us the image of Mirka dashing around in the middle of the night. It’s all about the footwork!

Someone’s in a good mood – not too worried about Andy Murray, Rog? Click here for the WTF draw.

I love this video interview of Marat Safin, speaking in Paris after losing the last match of his career to Juan Martin del Potro. He says he realized during that match that he has a terrible forehand and maybe should have worked on it at some point during his career. I’m assuming he’s joking, but with Marat you never know:

Hey Marat – now that you have all this free time on your hands, how about working on the forehand. And coming out of retirement! Thanks to Judy for passing this along!

Here’s Marat’s terrible forehand in slow-mo (actually, it’s mostly just Marat in slo mo):

The backhand was always Marat’s glamour shot:

A nice rally form this year’s Shanghai tournament:

More nice shots:

Roger Federer and financial services company, Credit Suisse, announced today that they have formed “a long-term partnership agreement.” The AP is reporting that it’s a ten-year deal running through 2019 – presumably long-after Roger Federer has retired from the tour. The deal includes a “significant annual contribution” to the Roger Federer Foundation, though the bank is not disclosing how much the deal is worth or what amount is going to the foundation.

In the video, below, “Roger Federer discusses the importance of teamwork in his sport and what drives him to achieve excellence.”

The press release (via Roger’s website):

CREDIT SUISSE AND ROGER FEDERER ENTER LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP

Credit Suisse today announced a long-term partnership agreement with Roger Federer. The world’s top tennis player, Roger Federer has won 15 Grand Slam titles and 61 singles tournaments. In an exclusive video interview,  Roger Federer discusses the importance of teamwork in his sport and what drives him to achieve excellence.

As part of the partnership agreement, Credit Suisse will make a significant annual contribution to the Roger Federer Foundation, which is dedicated to helping disadvantaged children and to promoting education, sports and play, particularly in Africa. This commitment underscores the importance of corporate citizenship to both Roger Federer and to Credit Suisse.

Brady Dougan, Chief Executive Officer of Credit Suisse Group, said: “Credit Suisse is delighted and proud to be associating ourselves closely with Roger Federer – one of the greatest tennis players of all time, known and admired worldwide. Our decision to enter into a long-term partnership is driven by the fact that Roger represents the values that we embrace as a bank. He has a passion for excellence and is a great player. He has achieved this through a combination of hard work and determination. He brings all of his talent to bear in his play and raises the level of his game to meet the challenge in even the most trying of circumstances. At the same time he sets an example for responsible conduct both on and off the court. We also particularly share his passion for giving back to the community through his sponsoring of educational initiatives and look forward to supporting his charitable foundation.”

Roger Federer said: “I am excited about this opportunity to act as a global ambassador for Credit Suisse. They have been an important and trusted banking partner with me for a long time and I admire their passion for excellence. I also value Credit Suisse’s substantial support for my foundation. I look forward to our ongoing partnership and helping make a contribution to the bank’s continued success

This announcement follows last month’s news that Roger Federer has become the “global ambassador” for Lindt chocolate company.

FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images via Daylife

Better late than never! Novak Djokovic beat Gael Monfils, 6-2, 5-7, 7-6(3), in the Bercy final on Sunday, claiming his first (and last) Masters 1000 title of the year – in five attempts and on four surfaces. This is also Nole’s second trophy in as many weeks, following a nervy win over Roger Federer in the Basel finals last Sunday. He scored another major victory in this week’s semis, taking his rival and World No. 2, Rafael Nadal, out to the woodshed for a 6-2, 6-3 beat down.

Think Nole’s feeling up to defending his title at the upcoming World Tour Finals?

Here are highlights from Sunday’s final in Bercy:

And Djokovic’s post-match interview, where he declares himself “deeeelighted” with the win:

The match entertained me for two reasons:

1. Monfils’ hometown crowd refused to let him fold, encouraging him with chants and bongo drums even when he was being embarrassed in the first set and a half. This is the upside to the notorious French crowd.

2. Both guys know how to express themselves:

JACQUES DEMARTHON/AFP/Getty Images via Daylife

FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images via Daylife

After the match, I found myself happy for Djokovic and completely confused by Monfils. Is he a pusher with a big serve? A comet-quick shot maker or a defensive one-trick pony? A headcasey choker? A world-class ham? Jumping bean or Gumby? Maybe he’s still figuring it out, himself.

Identity crisis or no, Monfils does see himself as a Top 10 player:

“This end of season gives me really the desire to work hard so that next year maybe I will have a full season. I’m thinking if I was able to play all the year round, all the tournaments, how good it would be. Without doing that, I’m already Top 13. I don’t want to over-estimate myself, but if I had played a full year this year I would have been among the Top 10. I’m almost sure of that. I’m sure next year I will be able to get back within the Top 10.“

It’s time to get to work, Gael! Don’t be fooled by the “off” in off-season.

Any day that Marat Safin and Roger Federer are kicked out of a tournament is a bad one. And today Marat’s gone forever! Oh well, at least some people are happy after Wednesday’s Paris Masters. Julien Benneteau got his best win, ever. Rafael Nadal saved 5 match points. Marat Safin doesn’t have to play tennis anymore. Whoopee f’ing doo.

Here are the video lowlights/highlights:

Andy Murray is also through, taking out James Blake in three tight sets.

AFP PHOTO JACQUES DEMARTHON

The ATP All Stars, including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, paid tribute to the now-retired Marat Safin in this ATP video. It was shown after Marat lost to Juan Martin del Potro on Wednesday at the Paris Masters (click here for more on the ceremony.)

I was waiting for Radek Stepanek to add: “But I’ll always get more chicks than you!” Oh well, some things are better left for the lockerroom.

Love this class photo! What is Nole doing to Gilly?

JACQUES DEMARTHON/AFP/Getty Images

And some more scenes from this sad, sad day. (Why’s Marat have to look so dang happy – and hot?)

JACQUES DEMARTHON/AFP/Getty Images

JACQUES DEMARTHON/AFP/Getty Images

All photos via Daylife

Marat Safin played the last match of his professional career today at the Paris Masters in Bercy, losing in three sets to Juan Martin del Potro: 6-4, 5-7, 6-4. It was a “good” loss for him, the dignified exit he was hoping for. He could have won it, but didn’t “lose” it. He smashed just one racquet and hugged a friend and respected colleague over the net – a young gun who also made his name by beating a legend in the US Open final.

Fellow tour players and veterans were on hand to honor Marat after the match. Safin was given the “Bercy Key” and invited to come back anytime by Cedric Pioline. True to his personality, Marat didn’t shed a tear. But he made sure his fans welled up:

“This day will stand out for a very long time – until I pass through a different world. This is the day where all my memories will be in one box. Through my career all the defeats, all the losses, wins, all the new experiences that I had in tennis, all my money opened a lot of doors. This is a special day because I’m closing one door and hopefully another will open.”

“I know (retirement) is going to be difficult. . .We’re sportsmen and we overcome a lot of tough moments on the court. (This) will give me some perspective in future life and strength to continue.”

Here’s some video of Marat Safin’s retirement ceremony in Paris:

“A world class player and a world class guy,” said a commentator about Marat Safin today.

Yep, that about covers it. But let’s indulge a little. . .

Marat Safin won 15 ATP titles, including two Majors: the 2000 US Open (beating Sampras) and the 2005 Australian Open (beating Hewitt.) He was No. 1 in the world, twice led the Russian team to Davis Cup victory (2002 and 2006), and made the semifinals or better in all four Majors.

An impressive career, but considering that 7 of his 15 titles came in 2000, and that the 2005 Australian was the last title he ever won, could Marat Safin have done more? After losing to him in straights in the US Open final, Pete Sampras called Marat the future of tennis. Did Marat live up to that declaration? Did he achieve enough? Did he fulfill his massive potential? These questions came back to me recently when I read how Agassi swiped Darren Cahill away from Marat in 2002: “You can’t coach Safin,” Agassi appealed to Cahill. “He’s a loose cannon.” (via “Open, an Autobiography”)

But what if? What if Cahill had the silver bullet? What if Marat had focused? Been injured less? Worked harder? Wanted it more? The “what ifs” have dogged Safin for much of his career.

Safin tried to put these questions to rest after his match today:

“I don’t have a lot of them [titles] only 15, so not too many majors. But they were really special and very welcome. A lot of people [think] that I’m not really [a] hard worker, but you can ask all my coaches how I dedicated myself to tennis. I worked for it, and I worked very hard.” (via ATP)

That was his his official answer to “what if” today, but I prefer the answer he once gave to his buddy Svetlana Kuznetsova (via USA Today):

“Once I asked Marat this question, and I loved his answer,” Kuznetsova, the reigning Roland Garros champ, told a small group of reporters at the U.S. Open. “Maybe it’s not good for press, but he just says, ‘If grandma would have balls, she would be a grandpa.’ It’s an expression we say it in Russian: If? What would happen if? But ‘If’ didn’t happen.”

Marat Safin happened. And we’re grateful for it.

Serena Williams was honored on Monday evening as one of Glamour Magazine’s “Women of the Year.” She shared the Carnegie Hall stage with Maya Angelou, Stella McCartney, Rihanna and others (click here for the list.) She is a Woman of the Year because:

“When most people would falter, she is able to raise her game a level, and that’s what you look for in champions. I feel confident she will win more major singles titles than my 12. And that makes me very proud.” —Billie Jean King, tennis champ and 2006 Woman of the Year (via Glamour)

The magazine says that this nude-ish photo of Serena accompanying the magazine story was taken a week after Wimbledon. Did the Glamour folks consider taking Serena off the list after her US Open tirade?

It’s a little awkward to watch Serena being honored for her achievements when the Grand Slam Committee is reportedly poised to announce her punishment sometime this week. (The ITF President was quoted over the weekend predicting that the Committee will issue Serena a hefty fine, but no suspension – click here for more.)

Serena  was introduced by Tyra Banks at the Glamour ceremony. Here are some highlights from the evening:

Serena was also featured on the Today Show, talking about the award and her achievements. “Young girls can say ‘She did that and I can do that too.’ “ Well. . .yes and no.

Interesting to hear Serena’s comment that the hair-pulling soccer player will accept whatever punishment comes her way.

In my Serena search, I also found this sassy interview with Jonathan Ross in London.

And Part 2:

Marat Safin almost played the last match of his career yesterday, fighting past three match points to beat the 168 ranked Thierry Ascione at the Paris Masters. After that close call, Marat told the ATP that he wants “to retire with dignity.” He also said that it won’t be “too painful” to lose to his next opponent, Juan Martin del Potro. You know it’s time to retire when your interviews start to sound like appeals for euthanasia. Oh, Marat:

Marat was also featured in L’Equipe this week, reminiscing as only Marat can on the various high/lowlights of his career. Thanks to the folks at Mens Tennis Forum for posting and translating – I’ve posted some snippets below, click here for more.

Photo via L’Equipe via Mens Tennis Forum

On beating Pete Sampras in the 2000 US Open final:

“The match changed my life. Everything was new for me. It allowed me to become world number 1 a few weeks later but I wasn’t ready to handle the pressure. In the evening at the bar, I was still nervous. I had to drink a few vodkas to calm down, to come back down. I was too young. Nobody could guide me. Such a big thing engages your secret feelings, your own weaknesses. It’s not the kind of thing you can share with anyone. I didn’t feel good in my own skin. I didn’t enjoy myself as much as I should have.”

“Vodka!”

Part 2, just for the heck of it:

Whisky! Marat on his 2007 mountaineering misadventure:

“I was tired of tennis. I want to escape the circuit. Some of my friends were going to hike in Tibet and I asked if I could go with them. We managed to reach Cho You (at about 4000m), that was our camp, but I had headaches. They went on to reach the summit but I gave up. I had not taken any pills with me. I thought myself an athlete but I never had thought I could feel so bad. The only thing that helped was whisky. When you take a sip, you feel better for a couple of hours. The pressure and the headache go away. But it comes back, more painful. How much whisky would I have needed to drink in a month?“

Marat-the-Mountaineer via TennisInfoBlog

On retirement:

“I think that I am at the best age to retire. I have no family, no kids, I’m still young and I can discover new things. When you are older, there are many things you can’t do anymore like studying. He has a family, a daughter. We all have our way to deal with life. I would like to study law, just the basics to have the keys to do well in the business world, to have a better understanding of the working world.”

Here’s Safin trying out some of his amateur legal skills on a chair umpire – the famous “cigar and two chicks” argument:

On nemesis and fellow-retiree Fabrice Santoro:

“Fabrice, it seems he’s been around since 1800!”

On breaking his racquets:

“I must have broken 500 or 600 rackets in my career. When you think about it, many players who used the (HEAD) Prestige broke their rackets. Alonso, Ivanisevic, Arazi… These racquets are too fragile.”

Here’s an 8 minute long video of Marat and his racquets, if you have a racquet abuse fetish:

Marat Safin, who sided with Gasquet in his recent recreational drug troubles with the ATP, has taken a hard line against Andre Agassi and his drug test cover-up (via tennis.com):

“OK, so he feels guilty? Then he should give back his titles, his money and his Grand Slams. If he’s about fair play, he should go all the way. You know, the ATP have a bank account, he can pay them back if he wants to. I’m not defending the ATP, but what he said puts them in a bad position. The ATP allowed him to win lots of tournaments and lots of money and kept his secret, so why be bad to them?“

“Me, I don’t need money,” he said. “The question is: Why did he do this? What is done is done. Does he hope to sell more books? It’s absolutely stupid.“

Here’s Marat winning a “classic” against a post-meth Agassi at the 2004 Australian Open:

Safin plays Del Potro tomorrow in an afternoon match in Paris.