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Nothing To See Here Folks, Serena Snags Trophy In 59 Minutes

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Black Tennis Pro's Serena Williams Australian Open FinalUnfortunately, I'm not the least bit surprised at the way things went for Russian Dinara Safina in the women's final of the Australian Open this morning. The new World No. 1, American Serena Williams, was going to bring far too much physical power and will power for Safina to mount anyBlack Tennis Pro's Serena Williams Australian Open Final type of credible challenge for the title. Safina was pulverized 6-0, 6-3.

For Serena, this is her 10th grand slam title earned in her 10th year of playing the Australian Open. Along with sister Venus, the two had already earned the doubles title yesterday.

For Safina, it was a sad sight to see. I just wanted to cry for that baby mid second set; she looked so defeated. She couldn't even muster a bravado for the crowd. Yet, it is these types of beat downs in life that generally raise your level...I hope that's what it does for her.

Black Tennis Pro's Serena Williams Australian Open Final

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Australian Open Doubles Trophy Goes To Venus And Serena

Friday, January 30, 2009

Venus and Serena Williams 2009 Australian Open Doubles ChampionsBefore a packed house in the Rod Laver Arena, Americans Venus and Serena Williams captured the 2009 Australian Open doubles title. The sisters played a high-powered match that gave Japan's Ai Sugiyama and Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova very little room for success.

This victory gives the sisters their third Australian Open doubles title and 8th grand slam doubles title overall.

During the presentation ceremony Venus said, "also, thank Serena for being the best partner, I would never play with anyone else; she' amazing, I'm sure you saw her."

Post match Venus said, "I think we compliment each other on the court because we're both extremely positive. We know, when the other one moves, what the other one needs to do to compensate for that or to add to it. I think that we're so good at putting the ball away, I think it helps us so much."

Love these two!

Venus and Serena Williams 2009 Australian Open Doubles ChampionsVenus and Serena Williams 2009 Australian Open Doubles ChampionsVenus and Serena Williams 2009 Australian Open Doubles ChampionsVenus and Serena Williams 2009 Australian Open Doubles ChampionsVenus and Serena Williams 2009 Australian Open Doubles Champions


Photos by Getty Images



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The Australian Open Women's Final Is Set

Thursday, January 29, 2009

The Australian Open women's final will consist of American Serena Williams and Russian Dinara Safina. Both ladies looked really good in their semifinals on Wednesday. Serena defeated another Russian, Elena Dementieva, whom she has been having all sorts of trouble with lately,
6-3, 6-4. Dinara had a bit more trouble defeating fellow Russian Vera Zvonareva, but it still resulted in a win for her coming in at 6-3, 7(7)-6(4).

I'm looking forward to this match, I really like both of these ladies. It's been nice seeing Dinara turn her game around and come into her own over this past year and more. Serena of course is the tried and true who's going to fight to the bitter end. We've seen a bit of that grit in Dinara too throughout this Open.

While my money is on Serena, Dinara is capable of putting up a formidable fight. Let the games begin.

Oh, and there needs to be some Clint Eastwood "High Plains Drifter" music playing when these two come out.


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Serena Moves On, Tsonga Moves Out

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

~~Australian Open Quarterfinals~~


American Serena Williams was overheated, playing poorly and going downhill fast during the first set of her match against Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, and then...they closed the roof. Much to the delight of Serena and the dismay of Kuznetsova, the lower temperature on the court allowed Serena to heat up and turn the quarterfinal match around.

At the time that the Australian Open officials decided to close the roof, the temperature on the court was a reported 107 degrees. As the roof was being closed, fans held up individual homemade signs that collectively said, "thank you for closing the roof."

Serena said later, "I was in like an out-of-body experience."

"I felt I was watching someone play in a blue dress, and it wasn't me, because it was so hot out there." "And I kept trying to tell myself that it's not hot, you know."

"But it got hotter ...."

After losing the first set, Serena was able to come back, take the second set and go on to win the match 5-7, 7-5, 6-1.

Serena is scheduled to play another Russian, Elena Dementieva, in her semifinal. When asked what she thought about being the only non-Russian in the semifinals Serena responded, "I guess it's me against the Russians."




On the other hand, over on the men's side, big Jo-Willy seemed to be out of gas from the very beginning of his match. Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga never was able to get a strong hold onto the match. Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, much to my surprise, was strictly business on the court last night. Verdasco ws energized and focused throughout the match and had an answer for nearly everything that Tsonga threw at him.

Verdasco defeated the 2008 finalist 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-3 6-2.


Photos by Getty Images


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James Blake Signs With Fila

Monday, January 26, 2009

Jame Blake Marquee BillingYou may have noticed American James Blake out of his Nike duds and into Fila clothing during the Australian Open, well it's because sportswear brand Fila has signed the tennis star to develop a collection of men's apparel and footwear, the company has announced.

Fila said Blake would collaborate with its design team to create a co-branded collection which would form the basis for the development of a long-term licensing business for Blake.

The collection, yet to be named, will encompass tennis, golf, fitness and lifestyle apparel, plus footwear and accessories for men. Other product categories will also be explored "as opportunities arise", Fila said.

The collection will be launched with a limited range of tennis and fitness apparel just before the U.S. Open in New York later this year, before its full launch for the spring/summer 2010 season.

Blake will also wear Fila-branded or co-branded apparel and footwear exclusively on court, and will be featured in the company's global marketing efforts.

He has been wearing Fila's Collezione Apparel Collection and the Fila Alfa shoe at the Australian Open.

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with an athlete of James Blake's calibre," said Gene Yoon, chairman of Fila.

"We are certain that through our collaboration with James, we will create a range of products that combines the rich style of our historic brand and James' active and sophisticated lifestyle."


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And Then There Were Four...Serena, Blake, Tsonga, Monfils

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Don't blink...the very small number of five Black tennis professionals is all that began the Australian Open 128 player draw. And with the fatal swing of a racquet, we're down one. Venus Williams had a rough second round and could not get the job done.

Oh well, moving on with those who did get the job done:

First up, American Serena Williams. Serena had to put up a good fight against what seemed to primarily be herself. Nonetheless, she's through to the third round after defeating Argentine Gisela Dulko 6-3, 7-5.

"It was a very tough second set, she started playing unbelievable, hitting winners left and right," Williams said. "She had a couple of opportunities but I always felt I wasn't going to lose.

"I feel I could play a lot better."


Another American, James Blake, accomplished his task of making it through to round three with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 win over French qualifier Sebastien de Chaunac. de Chaunac may have defeated his own purpose after having a heated discussion with a fan who appeared to be heckling him.

Blake, who will play Russian Igor Andreev, said he had not been aware of the problem until Keothavong addressed the crowd.

"I didn't even notice him till he said it," Blake told reporters. "We were going to wait for security but he said he didn't mind as long as I didn't mind when I was down that end.

"He was doing something that got under his skin.

"That can be very frustrating when it's just one person and you hear it constantly, especially when they're talking during a point.

"I just hope it was not intentional. People are entitled to have a few Heinekens but if they have one too many they may just forget how loud their voice can be."



In a much less eventful match against Austrian Stefan Koubek, Frenchman Gael Monfils played a very controlled match that puts him into round three. Monfils defeated Koubek 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.


And finally, the Frenchman who seems to be generating all kinds of excitement on the courts and in the stands, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga placed himself into the third round with a well fought win over Croatian Ivan Ljubicic. Tsonga defeated Ljubicic 6-7 (4), 7-6 (8), 7-6 (7), 6-2


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Venus Fails To Figure Out Navarro

Wow...all of that fresh face and healthy look had me pumped on the possibility of American Venus Williams etching this Australian Open in her win column, not so. As I watched Venus play this morning, I wasn't particularly excited about the difficulty that she was apparently having responding to the fairly impressive play of Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro, but I NEVER thought that she would not pull out the win, especially when she reached match point. Navarro not only saved that match point, she went on to defeat Venus 2-6, 6-3, 7-5.

The 46th ranked 20-year old Navarro did not present a game so daunting that Venus was just blown off the court, Venus just could not get it together. Major bummer.

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Venus and Serena Do Doubles Down Under

Wednesday, January 21, 2009


In round one of doubles action at the Australian Open today, a capacity crowd watched American powerhouse sisters Venus and Serena Williams very easily dispatch the Russian team of Svetlana Kuznetsova and Nadia Petrova. In just over an hour the Williams sisters defeated them 6-3, 6-1.





Photos By Getty Images

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Blake, Monfils, Tsonga, Venus and Serena All Through To AO Second Round...Today Was A Good Day

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

American Serena Williams appears to be willing cooler air onto the 100 degree court of the Rod Laver Arena. Regardless of the sweltering conditions, Serena defeated Meng Yuan of China 6-3, 6-2.


A very satisfied Frenchman, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, defeated Argentine Juan Monaco 6-4, 6-4, 6-0. He had good reason to celebrate that win. Now let's hope that back holds up.


Another satisfied Frenchman also enjoyed victory. Gael Monfils defeated Argentine Martin Vassallo Arguello 6-1, 6-3, 7-5.


The other half of the American Williams sister duo, Venus, made it through her first round with ease as she defeated German Angelique Kerber 6-3, 6-3.


Last, but definitely not least, American James Blake defeated Canadian Frank Dancevic in straight sets 6-4, 6-3, 7-5. Blake was hot! Dancevic gave as good as he got, but was unable to topple Blake.


Photos by Getty Images

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Venus Does Press and Practice As She Preps For AO Round 1

Monday, January 19, 2009

Venus is looking absolutely fabulous going into the Australian Open. She looks fit and in such good spirits. If any of this translates to the courts, whomever is across the net from her is in trouble.



Photos by AP/Getty Images

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James Blake At The Crown IMG Tennis Players Party, Melbourne, Australia

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USA TODAY: Richard Williams Sees A Big Year Ahead For Venus, Serena

Friday, January 16, 2009


PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Richard Williams grinned slyly recently when asked to discuss the offseason training of his daughters, Serena and Venus, the Nos. 2 and 6 seeds at the Australian Open, which begins Monday (Sunday night ET) in Melbourne.

"We don't do a lot of training," Williams says, after stifling an attack of the giggles. "We try to start a good regimen of training about 13-14 days before the Australian. Even then, they won't train every day because I believe you need a healthy mind, as much as you need a healthy body to guide you through it."

Williams says his daughters, the only siblings to be ranked Nos. 1 and 2 in the Open era, spent the offseason pursuing other interests, something he's always encouraged them to do.

"Venus is crazy about her design work, and Serena finished a TV movie and just got back from (Africa) a venture she was on," Richard says. " I wanted them to understand that there's life beyond the baseline, and it's good to work on that life while you're young, so when your tennis career is over, you just transition to something you've been working on all the time."

The Williams sisters pursued college degrees while competing on the women's tour. Despite a less-than laser-like focus on their tennis careers, Williams believes that his daughters again will become Nos. 1 and 2 in the world. This time, he says, Venus, not Serena, will finish the year at the top.

"I told Venus that she's only 594 points from No. 1, and if she wins the Australian Open, she can take No. 1," he says. "Right now, Venus is the best mover on the tour, and that's why I think she can win the Australian Open, be No. 1 again. The only one that can stand in her way is Serena, if her ankle is OK. And Serena needs a little more patience."

Though often criticized for decisions he's made throughout their training and development, Williams says he has no regrets about the path he chose for his daughters, who continue to rely on him and his former wife, Oracene, to guide their careers. In her 14-year career Venus Williams has won 39 singles titles, including seven majors (five Wimbledons and two U.S Opens), earned nearly $22 million in prize money and an estimated four times that amount in endorsements. In 13 years, Serena Williams has 32 singles titles, including nine majors (three Australian Opens, one French Open, two Wimbledons and three U.S. Opens), earned about $22 million and an estimated four times that amount in endorsements.

"I wouldn't let them get by without an education," Richard says. "The thing I realized that if you're out there playing a tennis tournament every week, you don't get to even know yourself. And if you don't know yourself, you can go out there and be hurt on the court and don't know how to pull back. You might keep running like a wild horse until you fall dead. I was not going to let them go out there and kill themselves because I think you should think about longevity, even if you don't play a long time."

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Australian Open Draw

WOMEN'S SINGLES

Round 1

Venus Williams, USA vs. Angelique Kerber, GER

Serena Williams, USA vs. Meng Yuan, CHN


MEN'S SINGLES

Round 1

Gael Monfils, FRA vs. Martin Vassallo Arguello, ARG

James Blake, USA vs. Qualifier

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, FRA vs. Juan Monaco, ARG

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Awwwwwww S**t!

Thursday, January 15, 2009


Just when I'm getting all sucked into the Jo-Wilfried Tsonga mania for the 2009 Australian Open, check this out:


SYDNEY, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Last year’s Australian Open runner-up Jo-Wilfried Tsonga could miss next week’s tournament after a back injury forced him out of the Sydney International on Thursday.

The Frenchman twice needed treatment to his lower back during his quarter-final win over Simone Bolelli on Wednesday and then pulled out of his semi-final against Jarkko Nieminen on Thursday after the problem deteriorated overnight.

“I decided this afternoon because the pain, it’s too much, I cannot play,” Tsonga told a news conference. “I saw my physio a lot yesterday. I saw the physio from the ATP. I saw the doctor and they told me it’s difficult to play like that.

Tsonga, seeded fifth for the Australian Open next week, has been troubled by back problems in the past and was unsure whether he would be able to take his place in the first grand slam of the year, starting in Melbourne on Monday.

“I hope it will not affect me for the Australian Open but I don’t know” he said. “I had a problem with my disc a long time ago and sometimes it happens.

“I just have to wait and come back on the court when I feel better. I can’t do anything for the next two days. I will stay maybe in my bed and hope I will be better.”

Tsonga, 22, was one favourites to win the Australian Open after beating Rafael Nadal to reach last year’s final, which he lost to Novak Djokovic, and winning the Paris Masters in November.

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The Australian Open Qualifying Rounds Have Begun, Is The Economy Keeping Some People At Home? I'll Double Check

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

WOMEN'S SINGLES

Round 1

Alexandra Stevenson, USA vs. Stephanie Foretz, FRA


MEN'S SINGLES

Round 1

Josselin Ouanna, FRA defeated Kevin Kim, USA
7-6, 2-6, 6-3

Scoville Jenkins, USA vs. Marco Chiudin Elli, SUI


The singles main draw will be released on Friday, January 16. The doubles draw will be released the week of January 19.

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Venus Williams In Hong Kong For AO Tuneup Exhibition

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

HONG KONG (AP) — Despite watching some of her biggest rivals hang up their rackets in recent years, five-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams says she still has plenty of goals in tennis.

"I love my job. I love hitting balls, running, jumping, chasing after that ball. I love what I do, so that's what keeps me motivated," the 28-year-old said Tuesday in Hong Kong ahead of a tuneup exhibition tournament for the Australian Open.

While many of her contemporaries, like Belgians Justin Henin and Kim Clijsters, and Switzerland's Martina Hingis have left the WTA Tour, the elder of the two Williams sisters said she's still hungry for more.

Williams has won at Wimbledon five times and the U.S. Open twice, but has had less success at the two other Grand Slams. She reached the final at the French Open in 2002 and the Australian Open in 2003.

"I haven't won the French or the Australian (Opens), although I've come pretty close, so those are definitely on my list," Williams said, adding that reclaiming the No. 1 ranking this year is a realistic goal.

Williams, ranked No. 6, enjoyed a strong season in 2008 with wins at Wimbledon and the season-ending WTA Championship in Doha, Qatar and said she's feeling healthy after a four-week break from tennis.

"Nothing to complain about right now," Williams said.

The American is playing in Hong Kong starting Wednesday in her only preparation for the Australian Open, which begins Jan. 19.

She will captain the Americas squad in a team-format which also features Serbian and world No. 1 Jelena Jankovic, Russians Vera Zvonareva and Anna Chakvetadze, Hungarian Agnes Szavay, China's Zheng Jie and India's Sania Mirza.

Williams also said she will sparingly use new WTA Tour rules that allow on-court coaching starting this year.

"I'll probably call the coach if my opponent calls the coach ... I'll be watching to see what she does," she said.

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Didier Tsonga Talks About His "Ali"

Monday, January 28, 2008


Whether being called "Big Jo", "le mome" (which translates as "the kid"), or "Ali" because of his resemblance to the former boxing champ, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is having to answer everybody. He is the hottest ticket in France with everyone still amazed at his magnificent performance ascending to the final of the 2008 Australian Open.

Yannick Noah, the last Frenchman to win a major title, described his straight-sets mauling of world No.2 Rafael Nadal as "beautiful".

Nicolas Escude, the last Frenchman to play a match of such significance at Melbourne Park, when he anchored France's 2001 Davis Cup triumph, said Tsonga had "walked on water......It is one of the most enormous things I have ever seen. He made Nadal look like a little boy with no clue."

With all that is being said, it is Didier Tsonga, Jo-Wilfried's father, who has not only a very interesting story of his own, but very endearing words for his son.

"It is somewhat odd," Didier said of the fact he wrestled his way close to ringside to see Ali fight 33 years ago and now has a son who is likened to the great champion, albeit in a very different sport.

"It's not just the physical resemblance and his physique, but it's his temperament and the way he handles himself on court, he's a showman, he likes the crowd. It's a great honour that he is compared with Ali."

Didier joked, however, any similarity is pure coincidence.

"We see the resemblance, but he has no parental link with Muhammad Ali," he said after his son's defeat.

As a 20-year-old in Congo's steamy capital Brazzaville, the lure of seeing Ali and Foreman fight for the heavyweight title of the world only a couple of kilometres across the river in Kinshasa was irresistible, so Didier crossed the Zaire River on a leaky ferry.

"Everybody was crossing the river to see the fight," Didier said. "I got very close to the ring and could see Ali."

Didier joked, however, any similarity is pure coincidence.

"We see the resemblance, but he has no parental link with Muhammad Ali," he said after his son's defeat.

Tsonga's manager, Morgan Menaham, said he was working on trying to arrange a meeting with Ali.

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Tsonga's Australian Reign Brought To An End

Sunday, January 27, 2008

It's been a dream ride for Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, but he had to wake up at some point, and tonight's final was it. Tsonga was defeated by world no. 3 Serbian Novak Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7-2).

With his father Didier and mother Evenlyne looking endearingly on, Tsonga came out strong in the first set, won it, and looked as if he was ready to take this tournament on to the finish line. In sets two, three and four, Tsonga had bursts of that blazing speed and produced some of those amazing shots, but you could see that he was fatigued and a bit rattled by that incessant ball bouncing of Djokovic's. He complained to the umpire several times, but to no avail.

The electricity that preceded this final had a lot more voltage, and with good reason. Both of these young men have fought long and hard to reach this point and they have taken a lot of wear and tear. Djokovic took an injury timeout and received treatment. Regardless, they continued to put as much into this final as they had left to give, and it was worth seeing.

In accepting his trophy Tsonga apologized for his English and said "I am sorry for my English, I think I play better than my English." Tsonga also thanked Djokovic and said "for me it was a good moment." He ended speaking to the fans, and to a rousing applause, "and the last one is you, thank you very much. See you next year."

The Australian Open comes to an end and the dream run of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at this grand slam is over. At the same time, it is only the beginning of the 2008 tennis season, which means that we will be seeing a lot more of the magnificent Tsonga.

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Tsonga Into Final In Australia, What A Match!

Thursday, January 24, 2008


As if he had done it a hundred times before, Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga walked into Rod Laver arena and pummeled Spaniard Rafael Nadal into submission to win the 2008
Australian Open semifinal 6-2, 6-3, 6-2.

After sprinting to the back of his side of the tennis court subsequent to the coin toss, nothing else looked familiar to Nadal. As opposed to running his opponent's tongue out with the left-handed spin he usually puts on the ball, Nadal was the one chasing blazing shots from the other side of the court.

France's latest delicacy commanded last night's semifinal match with the prowess and calm of a seasoned veteran. The difference is that this is the first time Tsonga has ever played this deep into a grand slam event. The 22-year old world no. 38, which he obviously won't be after this event, came into Australia totally under the radar and took out experienced opponents round after round after round. And today, he awaits the winner of the Roger Federer Novak Djokovic semifinal match to set up the final.

"It's unbelievable, three sets, it's just amazing," Tsonga said.

"I don't know what to say. Today I played unbelievable, and nothing can stop me and I am just happy.

"It's like a dream. Every day, this like a dream. I can't believe it's true, just amazing."

At this point I just want to see what he will do in the final. He has totally dismantled each and every opponent to date. Could Roger Federer be looking at destiny? Could Djokovic? We'll find out in a few days, I'll be on pins and needles waiting.

Lions and Tigers and Tsonga, Oh My!

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