Black Tennis Pros

Hello!

One year ago today, out of my sense of frustration with either the lack of coverage of Black tennis players, or the negative coverage, Black Tennis Pro's was born. I sought to create a one-stop shop, if you will, where you could get a good idea of the who, what, when and where on Black tennis players. Since that time a lot has happened in the tennis world as well as on Black Tennis Pro's.

One of the most significant things to happen here is my exposure to Black tennis players internationally. Overall, there's a tendency to think that Black tennis players consist of the few superstars that we have come to know and love i.e., Venus and Serena Williams, James Blake, and now Frenchmen Gael Monfils and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, while there are many more very interesting and talented Black players worldwide.

From simply posting the day-to-day happenings with the players and tournament information, I now have the wonderful opportunity to talk to various players, coaches and media personalities. Each experience has made me appreciate the players and their hard work even more.

The most personal experience that I've had is with those of you who were looking for a place like Black Tennis Pro's before it was ever created. From those of you who wrote to me within the first week that the site came online, to those of you who consistently comment, leave voice messages and share information that you think I may not have yet, it is so rewarding to know that there is such a large audience that feels the same way.

I have no clue where Black Tennis Pro's is going, I can't even believe that one year has already passed. However, I do know that I adore the sport of tennis and want those Black players within it to be as visible and positively presented as all of the other players. Until that happens, I'll probably be around...

~~Shelia