The 15th annual ESPY Awards hit Los Angeles’ Kodak Theater in scorching July heat that had the sizzling stars of sports running for cover inside the air-conditioned venue.
The awards, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and LeBron James this year, seek out and recognize the best athletic achievements in a variety of sports.
Football basketball, and extreme sports drew the most attention but tennis’ elite were on hand as well, turning a few heads. Andy Roddick paired up with pal James Blake, both of whom looked svelte in suits as they hit the after party with Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart. Serena Williams was solo in a flowy cream gown with matching headband; Maria Sharapova hit the red carpet in style with a nautically accented black leather vintage dress by Chanel and was escorted by friend, actress Camille Belle, who also presented her with an award on stage.
Sharapova took home the ESPY for Best International Female Athlete and presented another award alongside “Las Vegas” actor Josh Duhamel.
Roger Federer was the winner in the Best Male Tennis Player category (surprise!) and trumped Albert Pujols, Didier Drogba, and Dirk Nowitski for the Best International Male Athlete award. Federer, who was recovering from his record-tying fifth Wimbledon title, made his acceptance speeches via videotape.
While Serena did not take home any hardware that night, she did steal a moment of the spotlight when a comedy cartoon skit which included her was played on the big screen. The animated flick paid tribute to her curvy figure, most notably her infamous backside. Williams was the center of a similar serenade by Jamie Foxx last year about the very same bootylicious topic.
The stars were in no hurry to leave the West Coast. Sharapova and Roddick attended Leinart’s charity event the following evening and Blake prepared for the Countrywide Classic in LA. Blake was also be promoting his new book, Breaking Back, which made its first appearance on the bestseller list at No. 22.