F1: Kimi Raikkonen wins Australian Grand prix...

Kimi Raikkonen got off to a perfect start in the 2013 F1 season by winning the Australian Grand prix in Melbourne last weekend. Riding on a 2 pit-stop strategy, the Finn Raikkonen preserved his car and drove an impeccable race and scored a victory for his Lotus team.
Fernando Alonso of Ferrari and reigning F1 champion Sebastian Vettel for Red Bull Racing completed the podium at the Australian Grand Prix F1 race.

Finn Kimi Raikkonen with the Australian Grand Prix 2013 F1 title for Lotus

Pic courtesy: Kimi Raikkonen (Twitter)

F1 2013 Season - Race 1 round-up
Race  - Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne
Date  -  15-17 March, 2013

Pole Position after qualification: 
1. Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull Racing-Renault
2. Mark Webber of Red Bull Racing-Renault
3. Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes

Podium Finishes: 
1. Kimi Raikkonen of Lotus-Renault
2. Fernando Alonso of Ferrari
3. Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull Racing-Renault

2013 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix Podium winners - Kimi Raikkonen, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel 

Pic courtesy: www.grandprix.com.au

Kimi Raikkonen, Alonso and Vettel celebrate podium finishes at the Australian F1 Grand prix

Pic courtesy: Getty Images

Kimi Raikkonen in his Lotus racing car at the 2013 season of F1 Australian Grand prix in Melbourne

Pic courtesy: Getty Images

Australian Grand Prix Pole positions for Vettel, Webber and Hamilton

Pic courtesy: www.grandprix.com.au

A good start for the F1 season.. seems Lotus, Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes all have good speeds and will compete to win races this F1 season... would be interesting to see what happens in the next race... 

Nadal and Sharapova - Winners of BNP Paribas Open

Rafael Nadal won his first major tournament after his comeback from a long injury layoff... in a tournament which fared the entire fab four group of Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray. It is an amazing comeback by Nadal and looks like he is a force to reckon with again...

Rafael Nadal staved off quite a challenge by the tall Argentinian Juan Martin Del Potro beating him 4-6 6-3 6-4 in the finals of the BNP Paribas Open 2013 men's championships.

Rafael Nadal with Indian Wells BNP Paribas trophy celebrating his big victory after a long injury layoff...

Pic courtesy: Getty Images

Rafael Nadal wins Indian Wells Open beating Juan Martin Del Potro in a hard fought victory

Pic courtesy: Getty Images

In the BNP Paribas Open women's championships, Maria Sharapova beat Caroline Wozniacki in straight sets 6-2, 6-2 for an easy victory. This is the Russian’s first title of the season and 28th overall.

Maria Sharapova with her BNP Paribas trophy after beating Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark in the finals at Indian Wells

Pic courtesy: Getty Images

Russian top seeded Maria Sharapova with her Indian Wells BNP Paribas trophy poses for a photograph in front of WTA 40 Love campaign

Pic courtesy: Getty Images

A good start for both Sharapova and Nadal.. hope they continue their form for the rest of the season too!
The men's season looks quite promising with Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray in the race... plus Del Potro, Berdych and Tsonga giving a good fight too.. tight and fighting tournaments ahead for the mens :) 

Laureus World Sports Awards 2013 winners....

Usain Bolt and Jessica Ennis were the big winners at the Laureus World Sports Awards for 2013 which got over a few days earlier on March 11th, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

Sprinter Usain Bolt of Jamaica poses with the award for Laureus World Sportsman of the Year 2013

Pic courtesy: Marc Serota/Getty Images

The Laureus World Sports Awards are awarded annually to sportspeople who have been outstanding during the previous year. And last year 2012 has been the year of London Olympics.. so, some names from the winners there too.. 

Here is the list of winners of the Laureus World Sports Award 2013. 

• Laureus World Sportsman of the Year - Usain Bolt of Jamica 
• Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year - Jessica Ennis of England
• Laureus World Team of the Year - European Ryder Cup Team (Golf)
• Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year - Andy Murray of Great Britain
• Laureus World Comeback of the Year - Felix Sanchez of Dominican Republic
• Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year - Felix Baumgartner of Austria
• Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability - Daniel Dias of Brazil

Track and field athlete Jessica Ennis of United Kingdom receives her award for Laureus Sportswomen of the Year 

Pic courtesy: Ian Walton/Getty Images

Scottish tennis star Andy Murray of Great Britain poses with the award for Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year

Pic coutesy: Getty Images

Skydiver Felix Baumgartner of Austria won the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year

Pic coutesy: Getty Images

Athlete Felix Sanchez won the award for Laureus World Comeback of the Year

Pic courtesy: Jamie McDonald/Getty Images For Laureus

Michael Phelps receives his Laureus Academy Exceptional Acheivement Award which is a first from Laureus

Pic courtesy: Ian Walton/Getty Images

Actress Eva Longoria didn't win any award :) but graced her presence at the Laureus Sports awards event at the Theatro Municipal Do Rio de Janeiro in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

Pic courtesy: Buda Mendes/Getty Images

Daniel Dias receives his award for Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disablity at the Laureus Sports award event

Pic courtesy: Ian Walton/Getty Images

Usain Bolt in his usual Bolt pose with his Laureus World Sportsman of the Year 2013 award. The Jamaican sprinter won the World Sportsman of the Year award for third time. 

Pic coutesy: Getty Images

Jessica Ennis who won heptathlon gold in London 2012 Olympics was awarded the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award

Pic courtesy: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Dominican athlete Felix Sanchez won the World Comeback of the Year Award

Pic courtesy: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Skydiver Felix Baumgartner poses with his trophy for Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year

Pic courtesy: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Olympic multiple gold medal winner Michael Phelps with his Laureus Academy Exceptional Acheivement Award

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images 

Caroline Wozniacki's Rolex association

Caroline Wozniacki has been associated with Rolex since 2010 when she entered into an endorsement deal with the popular and traditional tennis time keepers Rolex. 

Caroline Wozniacki's Rolex watch print ad

Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki's Rolex endorsement

Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark and Agnieszka Radwanska visited the Rolex hospitality prior their match as part of the Hong Kong Showdown at the Asia-World Expo on March 4, 2013 in Hong Kong, China. Some of the pictures of that Rolex event and other Wozniacki's Rolex print ad shared below. 

Caroline Wozniacki and Agnieszka Radwanska visit Rolex hospitality in Hong Kong

Caroline Wozniacki standing infront of her print ad for Rolex watches

Caroline Wozniacki poses for the camera infront of her Rolex print advertisements

Caroline Wozniacki's Rolex watch endorsement deal is on since 2010

Denmark's tennis player Caroline Wozniacki poses for a photo shoot for Rolex watches

Pretty Danish tennis sensation Wozniacki in a Rolex print advertisement

Rolex watches endorsement by Caroline Wozniacki

Pictures courtesy from the numerous internet sites and some from Caroline Wozniacki's own website too.. 

WTA 40 Love Campaign launches...

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) will honor four decades of growth and achievements throughout 2013 with a season-long integrated marketing campaign named 40 LOVE, which was launched on Wednesday 6th March at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

Sharapova launching the WTA 40 Love campaign celebrating WTAs 40 years success

Pic courtesy: Sharapova's facebook page

As part of the celebrations a special logo was been launched and there will be a one-time gathering of former world No.1s in London later this year.

"The WTA has a storied history that is both inspirational and empowering," said Stacey Allaster, chairman and CEO of the WTA. "Billie Jean King's vision has become a reality, and 40 LOVE is a celebration of the world's No. 1 sport for women."

Here is a video from WTA's youtube channel launching the 40 LOVE campaign.

Showcasing the pioneers of the game and the current stars that all contributed to the ongoing success of women's professional tennis, 40 LOVE is an international marketing campaign that utilizes multiple platforms, with a focus on increased fan engagement around the world. Leveraging the WTA's 54 tournaments in 33 countries and the game's global icons, the WTA will honor historic milestones, headlined by a celebration of women's tennis and the champions of the WTA at an event that will include the gathering of former World No.1s in London.

Maria Sharapova showcases 40 LOVE logo

Pic courtesy: Sharapova's facebook page

Russia's Maria Sharapova shoots for WTA 40 Love Campaign

Pic courtesy: Sharapova's facebook page

The WTA also launched a new, special anniversary 40 LOVE logo to celebrate four spectacular decades of women's tennis. This new mark is an extension of the current WTA logo, a distinctive and modern reminder of the captivating athleticism and excitement that has driven the international popularity and growth of women's professional tennis and placed it firmly at the nexus of sport and entertainment. The 40 LOVE brand mark will be fully integrated throughout the WTA and women's tennis, including through on-court net signage, in television graphics, print materials, tournament branding, advertising, promotion, and digital and social media throughout the 40th Anniversary season.

Tennis star Sharapova launches WTA 40 Love Campaign logo

Pic courtesy: Sharapova's facebook page

Fans can follow 40 LOVE throughout 2013 at wtatennis.com, facebook.com/wta and twitter.com/wta.

"It's the 40th anniversary of the WTA this year and I am helping them launch a cool new campaign called 40 Love. Here are some fun images we shot yesterday to celebrate," said Sharapova via her Facebook fan page and sharing some of these pictures from the photoshoot.

Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Azarenka & Ivanovic at Indian Wells expansion program

Getting Roger Feder, Rafael Nadal, Victoria Azarenka and Ana Ivanovic all under one frame is pretty rare. But, it did happen earlier this week at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, the home for BNP Paribas Open.. which is a pretty popular tennis event outside the four grand slams. 

Top tennis stars came to lay the foundation for the expansion of Indian Wells tennis garden with Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle and co-owner of the BNP Paribas event....

From left - Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Larry Ellison, Ana Ivanovic, Victoria Azarenka and Novak Djokovic at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden expansion event

Pic coutesy: Nadal's facebook page

Some of the expansion ideas shared by Larry Ellison includes a court-side Sushi and a new 8,000 seat stadium. 

Take a look at some of the pictures taken during the ground breaking ceremony of the expansion program at Indian Wells Tennis Garden headed by Raymond Moore, the CEO of BNP PARIBAS Open.

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Ana Ivanovic, Victoria Azarenka and Novak Djokovic serve during the Indian Wells expansion program ground breaking ceremony

Pic courtesy:  Azarenka's facebook page

"How cool is this!? Roger, Rafa, Ana, me and Djokovic serving at the photographers!! Sorry guys ;)," said Vika Azarenka on her facebook page

Ivanovic, Nadal, Federer, Azarenka and Djokovic does the ground breaking formalities at the Indian Wells expansion site with Larry Ellison, the CEO of Oracle and partner at the BNP Paribas Open

Pic coutesy: Nadal's facebook page

Azarenka shares a light moment during the photo shoot of the BNP Paribas Indian Wells event expansion program

BNP Paribas Open expansion ground breaking ceremony conducted at Indian Wells and attended by the tennis stars Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Azarenka and Ivanovic

Pic credit: Billie Weiss/BNP Paribas Open

Formula 1 2013 Season Schedule

Formula 1 2013 season is about to start in a few days... March 17th, 2013 to be precise with the Australian GP.

Formula 1 2013 season to have 19 races... starts on March 17th with the Australian GP in Melbourne. 

This year the F1 season is to have a total of 19 races as opposed to the initial plan of 20 races. This decision was confirmed by the Formula 1's governing body and the F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone. The inaugural Grand Prix of America that was planned to happen in New Jersey on June 16th is postponed to 2014 due to a financing problem as mentioned by the organizers. Hence, the total race for the 2013 F1 season is 19.

Formula 1 2013 season schedule

17 March	Australia (Melbourne)
24 March	Malaysia (Sepang)
14 April	China (Shanghai)
21 April	Bahrain (Sakhir)
12 May	Spain (Barcelona)
26 May	Monaco
9 June	Canada (Montreal)
30 June	Britain (Silverstone)
7 July	Germany (Nurburgring/Hockenheim)
28 July	Hungary (Hungaroring)
25 August	Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)
8 September	Italy (Monza)
22 September	Singapore (Marina Bay)
6 October	Korea (Yeongam)
13 October	Japan (Suzuka)
27 October	India (New Delhi)
3 November	Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)
17 November	United States (Austin)
24 November	Brazil (Interlagos)

So, whom do you think will take the 2013 Formula 1 championship? Which team has the edge to take the constructor championship?  Tough one isn't it? My money on Alonso and Ferrari.... probably its Ferrari's season  - From an optimistic hardcore Ferrari fan :)

Caroline Wozniacki and Rory McIlroy backing each other

Rory McIlroy, the World Number 1 Golf player and Caroline Wozniacki, a top tennis women player used to be the hottest couple in the town when both of them at their top of the games came together and started dating since the summer of 2011. But, all of a sudden the whole world is talking about these two stars whose form has taken quite a slump since they started seeing each other.

Northern Ireland's golfer Rory McIlroy and tennis girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark taking a hit in their careers but not in their relationship

Caroline Wozniacki's struggle to win a grandslam has tough been widely talked about, she was still good at her game but last year her ranking slipped further and she is currently ranked 10th and hasn't been doing well of late.
On the other side, Rory McIlroy has yet to make a cut this year, and last week he stormed off the course in the middle of an awful round and withdrew from the Honda Classic citing a silly reason too (a tootache!)

Danish tennis star Caroline Wozniacki with boyfriend Rory McIlroy during a vacation

Pic courtesy: McIlroy's twitter

Many predicted they might part ways but Caroline Wozniacki replied to a small group of reporters at the BNP Paribas Open, “We’ve been in the media spotlight for so long separate as well, you know, so it’s not like it’s something new. I think we’ve gotten used to that part of it. We don’t really pay attention to it anymore. Unless it’s a rumor like the there was the other day that we’ve broken up and I was like ‘Oh really? I didn’t realize that. Thanks for letting me know.’”

Rory McIlroy playing tennis with girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki

Pic courtesy: UPI/John Angelillo

Madly in love - Rory McIlroy and Caroline Wozniacki dating

Golfer Rory McIlroy with tennis superstar Caroline Wozniacki sharing Christmas 2012 pictures with all the fans

Pic courtesy: McIlroy's twitter

Rory McIlroy and his girlfriend, tennis star Caroline Wozniacki, pose with his trophy (left) for winning the Europen Tour money title and his trophy (right) for winning the DP World Tour Championship

Pic courtesy: Michael Casey, Associated Press

Caroline Wozniacki supporting boyfriend Rory McIlroy at the golf circuit in Dubai

Cute couples Caroline Wozniacki and Rory McIlroy share a laugh

But seriously guys.... give these wonderful couple a break... Given the amount of scrutiny that goes into all these celebrity sportstar's lives, its tough to live upto expectations... heck.. its tough to even have a private life. I'm sure Rory will regain his form and come back strongly, though he should accept the blame himself and work on his game rather than finding excuses. As for Wozniacki, what can I say.... this pretty Danish star has got a good game but need to have the fire power to win grandslams.. She is still young.. so, lets hope she works on that and comes back to win a grandslam.
As for the couple, Rory McIlroy and Caroline Wozniacki... enjoy your time together.. thats what I'll say :)

Players with Legends - Djokovic with Pete Sampras

Another one in the Players with Legends series - World Number one tennis player Novak Djokovic met the legendary Tennis star Pete Sampras... one of all time bests in tennis...

Novak Djokovic shared this picture with his fans in facebook... was so happy to see these two players in one frame...

Legendary tennis star Pete Sampras of US with Novak Djokovic, the current World No.1 tennis player

Pic courtesy: Novak Djokovic's facebook