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(PHOTOS) 2009 Arthur Ashe Kids Day

Sunday, August 30, 2009

(l-r) Will Ferrell, Quudus, Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams
Photo by: Philip Hall/usopen.org


Singer Jordin Sparks

Kids from various National Junior Tennis and Learning programs (NJTL) on court at the 2009 Arthur Ashe Kids Day.
Photo by: Philip Hall/usopen.org

Former Miss USA Susie Castillo

Singer Mateo

One of the kids attending Arthur Ashe Kids Day Smash Zone.

Actor Kenan Thompson

James Blake

Will Ferrell as James Blake, hilarious.

Ana Ivanovic

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10th Annual BNP Paribas Taste Of Tennis: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga And Chanda Rubin In The Kitchen

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Black Tennis Pro's BNP Paribas Taste of Tennis Ariane Duarte, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Hannah Storm, Carla HallChef Ariane Duarte, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, TV personality Hannah Storm, Chef Carla Hall

At the W Hotel on August 27, 2009 in New York City, the BNP Paribas Taste of Tennis presented by Rums of Puerto Rico was a feast for the senses. This is the only event in the world where you can sample sensational food prepared by world class chefs, enjoy interactive lounges, sip signature rum cocktails, groove to great music, mingle with celebrities and rub elbows with world’s greatest professional tennis players! This is not just a tasting event; the BNP Paribas Taste of Tennis is a once-in-a-lifetime food and tennis experience!

Proceeds from the BNP Paribas Taste of Tennis benefit Food Bank for New York City. Thanks to funds raised at the 2008 Taste, Food Bank for New York City was able to provide 103,900 meals for needy New Yorkers.

Black Tennis Pro's BNP Paribas Taste Of Tennis Chanda RubinWhat a nice surpise! Chanda Rubin made an appearance.

Black Tennis Pro's BNP Paribas Taste Of Tennis Jo-Wilfried TsongaJo-Wilfried Tsonga, France

Black Tennis Pro's BNP Paribas Taste Of Tennis Roble AliRoble Ali, Roble Catering

Black Tennis Pro's BNP Paribas Taste Of Tennis Vera ZvonarevaVera Zvonareva, Russia

Black Tennis Pro's BNP Paribas Taste Of Tennis Andy RoddickAndy Roddick, USA

Black Tennis Pro's BNP Paribas Taste Of Tennis Carlos Delgado and wife BetseyMLB's Carlos Delgado and wife Betsey

Black Tennis Pro's BNP Paribas Taste Of Tennis Martin MaginleyMartin Maginley, Restaurant At Round Hill Chef

Black Tennis Pro's BNP Paribas Taste Of Tennis Nicolas KieferNicolas Kiefer, Germany

Black Tennis Pro's BNP Paribas Taste Of Tennis David FerrerDavid Ferrer, Spain



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2009 Arthur Ashe Kids Day

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Black Tennis Pro's 2009 Arthur Ashe Kids Day

US Open Kick-Off Event Set for Saturday, August 29


Kick off the 2009 US Open at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day Saturday, August 29, 2009, and see your favorite tennis stars along with the latest music sensations together on one stage!

This year’s lineup is guaranteed to rock the house with some of today’s hot young new talent. Fans will see funnyman Will Ferrell and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks singing her new hit “Battlefield.” Also performing are rising star boy band Honor Society and Usher protégé Justin Bieber. Plus see exciting tennis matches and contests with former US Open champion Andy Roddick and additional superstar players. The popular tennis and music festival, which includes interactive games, musical entertainment and tennis clinics, will be hosted by television personalities Susie Castillo and Quddus.

Be a part of this fun-filled day of tennis!


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U.S. Davis Cup: Fish Replaces Injured Roddick, Blake Ready To Rebound After 1st Round Wimbledon Loss

Thursday, July 9, 2009

James Blake, USA Davis Cup Press Conference
(Photos by Getty Images)


POREC, Croatia – Now that the sting of losing Davis Cup stalwart Andy Roddick is out of the way, the United States has re-grouped, come together as a team and begun its preparations to play in the 2009 Davis Cup Quarterfinals against Croatia.

The match-up took a dramatic turn on Monday when Roddick was replaced by Mardy Fish in the U.S. lineup. Roddick suffered an injured right hip flexor during his five-set loss to Roger Federer in the Wimbledon men’s singles final.

Fish, who had just returned home from England to Tampa, Fla., following the Wimbledon doubles semifinals with partner James Blake, received the news late on Sunday from U.S. Captain Patrick McEnroe that he was needed to play against Croatia.

“We are certainly disappointed that Roddick could not come to play,” said McEnroe at the team press conference on Tuesday. “He’s been a Davis Cup stalwart for many, many years, so we’ll miss him. We are certainly very happy and confident with the team that we have that we have a good chance to get a win this week.”

Last year, playing in his first Davis Cup match since the 2004 final, Fish filled in for an injured Bob Bryan and partnered with Mike Bryan to win the doubles, keeping the U.S. alive against Spain in the 2008 semifinals.

“Part of Davis Cup is being able to have other players step in,” said McEnroe. “That is what Croatia is doing in some way, and we’re doing the same. We have guys that have a lot of experience and have played a lot of big matches for us in Davis Cup.

“It is a great opportunity for these guys to do it without Andy. It’s a big challenge for us, but we’re excited about the challenge. We’re all a team. Everyone is going to pull their weight. They’re going to have to pull a little more weight this time.”

The 2009 Davis Cup by BNP Paribas quarterfinal tie between the United States and Croatia will take place from Friday, July 10, to Sunday, July 12, in Porec, Croatia, at the Zatika Sports Hall on a temporary indoor clay court.

Croatia is 2-0 against the United States in Davis Cup, making it the only country that the United States has not beaten and also the only country to have a winning record against the U.S. Davis Cup team.

Roddick had played in 18 consecutive Davis Cup matches, tied for the second longest streak in U.S. Davis Cup history with current teammate Mike Bryan.

“Andy has had a very tough recovery from Wimbledon,” said McEnroe. “He injured his right hip flexor a little bit during the match. He is pretty spent physically and emotionally.”

Coincidentally, the only other tie Roddick has missed since joining the U.S. Davis Cup team was the 2003 first round at Croatia after suffering a wrist injury during his epic five-set win over Younes El Aynaoui en route to the Australian Open semifinals.

Without Roddick, the U.S. will look to Blake to fill in as its No. 1 singles player. In a recent playing slump, including a first-round loss at Wimbledon, Blake is looking to rebound against the Croatians and carry that momentum into the Olympus US Open Series and US Open.

“I feel good about it now,” said the 17th-ranked Blake. “I put that first-round loss way behind me. Luckily I have had a couple of weeks to distance myself from that. Hopefully here will get me going on the right track going into the summer.”

Also missing one of their key players, former top 10-ranked player Mario Ancic, the Croatians will be led by Marin Cilic and Ivo Karlovic, both coming off excellent performances at Wimbledon.

“Mario Ancic is not here, and he is very important for us as a team leader,” said Croatian Captain Goran Prpic. “We will try as much as possible to take advantage of Roddick not being here, but I don't agree that we are favorites right now. It seems that many people now think we only have to walk on the court, and that's it. It is an open tie. We have quality, there's no doubt about it, but so does the U.S. team. We can win all four singles matches, and we can lose all four."

“Croatia has a great team,” said McEnroe. “(Marin) Cilic and (Ivo) Karlovic are very, very good players. Obviously, them playing at home, the home team always has a slight advantage. But we have a lot of experience playing Davis Cup and playing against their players. I think it is a pretty even match.”

Blake is a career 2-3 against Karlovic and 2-0 against Cilic. Fish lost to Cilic in the 2008 Pilot Pen Tennis final, their only meeting, and is a career 1-4 against Karlovic.

The order of play will be determined on Thursday at the draw ceremony, scheduled to be held at 1 p.m. local time at the Istrian Council House in Porec.

The weekend schedule consists of two singles matches on Friday (10 a.m. ET), the doubles match on Saturday (9:30 a.m. ET), and two reverse singles matches on Sunday (10 a.m. ET).

Tennis Channel will air live daily coverage of Friday’s and Sunday’s singles matches at 10 a.m. ET. Saturday’s doubles match will air live at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Tennis Channel will continue its Davis Cup primetime tradition and rebroadcast matches nightly at 8 p.m. ET.


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Roddick, Blake And Bryans Comprise U.S. Davis Cup Team

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Black Tennis Pro's 2009 U.S. Davis Cup Team(l-r) Andy Roddick, James Blake, Bob and Mike Bryan, Captain Patrick McEnroe



WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) — James Blake is joining Andy Roddick and the Bryan brothers on the U.S. Davis Cup team that will play Croatia in next month's quarterfinals.

U.S. captain Patrick McEnroe has picked Blake over Sam Querrey and Mardy Fish.

Blake lost in the first round at Wimbledon last week. Fish reached the third round, Querrey the second.

This is the 12th time in the last 13 Davis Cup contests that McEnroe is using the same quartet of players.

The best-of-five quarterfinal will be July 10-12 on an indoor clay court in Porec, Croatia.

Croatia has beaten the U.S. both times the countries have played in Davis Cup — the only country that has a winning record against the Americans.

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James Blake And Raquel Kops-Jones Into Finals On Sunday

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Black Tennis Pro's James Blake AEGON ChampionshipsJames Blake, USA
(Photo by Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images)


Black Tennis Pro's Andy Roddick AEGON ChampionshipsAmerican James Blake advanced to the championship match of the AEGON Championships at the Queen's Club in London when fellow American Andy Roddick retired from the match at 4-4 in the first set because of an ankle injury.

When asked about Roddick's injury Blake said, "I think he was hurt before, I saw him pull up."

"It was unfortunate, but Andy is such a great player and he doesn't want to endanger the injury anymore. He normally moves so well and you could tell this wasn't the same Andy Roddick."

For the title Blake will play Britain's Andy Murray. To a lot of crowd laughter and clapping Blake said, "I realize that the crowd probably won't be behind me, but I have to remind you that I'm half British."

When asked if he would ever consider a change Blake said, "I've been asked about that but they (Americans) have been so good to me, I can't turn my back on them."




Black Tennis Pro's Raquel Kops-Jones AEGON ClassicAmericans Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears
(Photos by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)


In women's doubles at the AEGON Classic, Americans Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears defeated Italians Francesca Schiavone and Roberta Vinci to advance to the championship match where they will play Zimbabwe's Cara Black and American Liezel Huber for the title.


Black Tennis Pro's Raquel Kops-Jones AEGON Classic

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I'm Still Officially On Chill, But There Are A Few Things Worth Mentioning...

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Black Tennis Pro's James Blake and Mikhail Youzhney 2009 Queens Club London

James Blake, USA (top) and Mikhail Youzhny, Russia
(Photo of James Blake by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
(Photo of Mikhail Youzhny by Julian Finney/Getty Images)



First off, Frenchman Gael Monfils is going to get some of these guys killed thinking they can fly, lol.

In today's semifinals of the AEGON Championships at the Queens Club in London, American James Blake will face fellow American Andy Roddick. Blake defeated Mikhail Youzhny 7-6 (5), 6-3 in 76 minutes in yesterday's quarterfinals.

Despite trailing their head-to-head 2-6, Blake has won his past two meetings with Roddick – including in the Queen’s Club semi-finals three years ago.



Black Tennis Pro's Mashona Washington 2009 Hunt Communities Pro ChallengerMashona Washington, USA


On the USTA Pro Circuit at the 2009 Hunt Communities USTA Pro Challenger El Paso, Texas, American Mashona Washington has advanced to the semifinals after defeating Canadian Heidi El Tabakh 6-1, 6-4 in Friday's quarterfinals.

Mashona will play Australian Monique Adamczak for a spot in the final.

At the same event in doubles, Americans Brittany Augustine and Jennifer Elie advanced to the semifinal round where their final hopes were halted by American Christina Fusano and India's Shikha Uberoi. They were defeated 6-3, 6-2.

At the 2009 Recoating West Inc. USTA Men's $15,000 Professional Tennis Tournament in Loomis, California, American Todd Paul, teamed with American Tim Smyczek, also advanced to the semifinal round but was defeated by Americans Austin Krajicek and Conor Pollock 6-1, 6-4.

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Monfils Treats Roddick To A Late Show

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Gael Monfils, France
(Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)



Black Tennis Pro's Andy Roddick 2009 French OpenAt Roland Garros Monday evening on Court Philippe Chartrier Frenchman Gael Monfils was on FIYYA!!

Monfils put on a shot making precision spectacle as American Andy Roddick spent more time getting a bad attitude than getting the job done. While Roddick was griping about not being able to see the ball, Monfils was amassing 45 winners and 17 aces. Roddick topped out at four aces which is, of course, sub-par for him.

Roddick was also cut off at the knees with Monfils' drop shot. Monfils burned him time and time after time... ugly.

"He covers so much ground," Roddick said. He served really big, and he served really big at the right times."

Then there was the punk conversation from the commentators about the crowd support for Monfils, and that Monfils was inciting the crowd in an unsportsmanlike manner. What the hell? If the crowd goes off and terrorizes one of the players, blame it on the crowd, but don't act like Monfils is doing a damn thing wrong soaking up the support of his fans. What a bunch of whining!

After the match Monfils said, "The crowd did a good job supporting me. At times, I asked them to wake up and try to bury Andy. They responded, and I think he was a bit annoyed. As for Andy, I apologize for that."

Of the matter Roddick said, "It's certainly his right. It's his advantage to use."


Black Tennis Pro's Gael Monfils and Andy Roddick 2009 French OpenBlack Tennis Pro's Gael Monfils 2009 French OpenGael Monfils, France
(Jacques Demarthon/AFP/Getty Images)

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Confidence Reigns For French Favorites Tsonga And 'La Monf'

Monday, June 1, 2009

Black Tennis Pro's Gael Monfils and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 2009 French OpenGael Monfils and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, France


French 24 - Local favourites Gaël Monfils and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga have scored key victories to make it to the eight final rounds of the French Open.

Once believed out of the running due to persistent pain in his left knee, Monfils says he is hampered no more and is approaching the final full of confidence.

"One might call this the first step," said Monfils. "It is always a pleasure to spend a second week at a Grand Slam."

But Monfils, who made it only to the semifinals in 2008, says he is far from satisfied.

"Now, one must try to go much farther," he said.

In the next round, Monfils will face America’s Andy Roddick, the world number six, whom he has not beaten yet this season.

Roddick is "a great player, very strong," said Monfils. "I’ve lost to him twice this year. It would be a superb comeback, before my public, in France,” he said of a possible victory against his next opponent.

But Monfils wants first to savour his victory against Austria’s Jürgen Melzer. He will ponder a win against Roddick tomorrow, "but not now," he said.


"Wouldn't it be nice to win?"

On the Philippe Chatrier Court, Tsonga bested Belgium’s Christophe Rochus in three sets (6-2, 6-2, 6-2) and thus also qualified for the final eight. It was a result that might have surprised some, but not him.

“Nobody thought that I could evolve like that on the clay,” Tsonga said. "I was often asked, 'What are you hoping for? What would be good for you? To make it through an eighth of the final, a quarter?'"

Determined to put an end to this sort of speculation, Tsonga hit a volley back to the journalists: "And to win, wouldn’t that be nice?"

In the coming round, Tsonga will face Argentinean Juan Martin Del Potro, a player who is very at ease on the clay and who defeated Russia's Igor Andreev (ranked 25th) in an all-out match.

But when an Argentinean journalist asked del Potro who he expects to win in his match against the local favourite, the fifth-ranked player answered with no hesitation: “the local”.


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Tsonga's Maiden Win At The French Open Requires A Tie

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, France
(Photos by Bertrand Guay/AFP/Getty Images)



PARIS, May 26 (Reuters) - Jo-Wilfried Tsonga downed fellow Frenchman Julien Benneteau 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to record his maiden win at the French Open on Tuesday and celebrated the occasion by wearing a tie to his post-match news conference.

"This is my first victory here. I celebrate this victory like this," a beaming Tsonga told reporters while showing off his navy blue tie.

"I wanted to come in a tuxedo ... but my sponsor didn't really want me to. Now I've found a solution."

Asked if he would wear a bow tie if he ended up winning the tournament, Tsonga responded: "If I win, I will wear whatever you want but not a G-string."

Tsonga, who lost in straight sets to Andy Roddick in his only appearance at Roland Garros in 2005, prevailed after two hours 43 minutes on a windswept Centre Court.

The 2008 Australian Open finalist will next face Argentine Juan Monaco, who breezed past Cyprus's Marcos Baghdatis 6-3 6-2 6-4.


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Reversal of Fortune Between Blake And Federer

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Black Tennis Pro's James Blake Mutua Madrilena Madrid OpenJames Blake, USA
(Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)


Black Tennis Pro's Roger Federer Mutua Madilena Madrid OpenIn just 61 minutes Switzerland's Roger Federer turned the beat around on American James Blake at the Mutua Madrilena Madrid Open today.

During the last big meeting between these two at the Beijing Olympics, James Blake took a very big win off of Federer 6-4, 7-6(2). Unfortunately that single win out of their now ten meetings is going to have to last for awhile.

Blake didn't look quite as finely tuned as he has over the last week and a half. Alternatively Federer sailed through the match with ease as he defeated Blake 6-2, 6-4.

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James Blake Upset By Qualifer In Rome

Monday, April 27, 2009

Black Tennis Pro's James Blake Rome MastersJames Blake

Black Tennis Pro's James Blake Rome MastersROME — James Blake struggled with the windy conditions and lost to Romanian qualifier Victor Crivoi 7-5, 6-3 Monday in the first round of the Rome Masters.

Blake lost the opening five games against the 112th-ranked Crivoi, rallied to make it 5-5 - saving three set points along the way - then was broken at love to end the first set.

With intermittent rain falling in the second set and the wind swirling on the makeshift secondary stadium court at the Foro Italico, Blake wasted a 2-0 lead and handed Crivoi his first victory on tour this year.

With sixth-ranked Andy Roddick taking a break from the tour following his wedding, the 16th-ranked Blake was the top American in the draw. Blake has now lost both of his matches on clay this year, falling to Guillermo Canas in Houston at the beginning of the month.



Source: The Canadian Press
Photos by AP


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A Tale Of Two Frenchmen: Tsonga In... Monfils Out

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Black Tennis Pro's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Sony Ericsson OpenJo-Wilfried Tsonga, France


Both Gael Monfils and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France have become very captivating players on the ATP Tour. Knowing that they have an upcoming match always gives me great anticipation to see the power and flair that I know each of them will bring.

Today was a split decision on all fronts.

Up first, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga's opponent was one of his very own, Frenchman Gilles Simon. Tsonga seemed to be a bit rocky at first. It is my understanding that he felt ill before the match. I thought he looked a bit ill during the changeovers in yesterday's match. Whatever the matter, after dropping the first set, Tsonga was able to pull himself together sufficiently to take the next two sets and defeat Simon 6-7(4-7), 6-3, 6-2.

Now in the quarterfinals, something no other Frenchman has done in Miami in the last ten years, Tsonga will face Serbian Novak Djokovic. Tsonga has had Djokovic's number over their last several meetings, we'll see if the trend continues.


Black Tennis Pro's Gael Monfils Sony Ericsson OpenGael Monfils, USA


Up next, Gael Monfils and American Andy Roddick. I am still so traumatized that it's difficult to speak on the match.

Monfils beautifully broke Andy Roddick at 5-5 in the first set to go up 6-5. He previously held serve relatively comfortably for every other game, but what does he do after breaking Roddick? He drops serve, gets into a tiebreak and forgets how to play tennis.

The balance of the match was an uphill battle for Monfils. A battle he lost to Roddick 7-6(2), 6-4.

I have a headache.



Photos by Getty Images

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Monfils And Safin Take It To The Limit!

Monday, March 30, 2009

Black Tennis Pro's Gael Monfils Sony Ericsson OpenGael Monfils, France

On Sunday Frenchman Gael Monfils and Russian Marat Safin played the best match of the Sony Ericsson Open thus far hands down. Okay, of all the matches I've seen - which has been most.

Monfils and Safin took fans through damn near every emotion possible - joy, pain, anger, elation, anticipation, and on and on and on. I was so glad when it was over, I couldn't take any more.

To achieve the victory Monfils rallied from 2-5 down in the third set, and saved two match points on his way to a win that concluded the only way that it could have... in a tiebreak. Fortunately for Monfils and very unfortunately for Safin, Safin's serve went way south during the tiebreak.

After nearly three hours Monfils defeated Safin 5-7, 7-5, 7-6(3).

Of his performance, Monfils said, “It wasn't a good match for me today, I played very badly. I mean, I just survived. I never give up on the court. I had luck because he missed two shots on his match point, but purely tennistically [sic] it was very empty today. Nothing. Maybe I have a good serve sometime.”

And you drove those of us watching nuts!! But congratulation nonetheless.

Next up for Monfils is American Andy Roddick in the round of 16.


Black Tennis Pro's Marat Safin Sony Ericsson OpenMarat Safin, Russia



Photos by Getty Images




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