Showing posts with label Serena. Show all posts
Tennis Action This Week
Monday, October 1, 2007
After the U. S. Open, and as the year begins to come to a close, tennis action begins to dwindle. But it's not too bad this week:
In action at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany is Serena Williams:
Round 1
Serena Williams, USA vs. Elena Bovina, RUS
In action at the Open de Moselle in Metz, France is Jo-Wilfried Tsonga: 
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, FRA vs Stanislas Wawrinka, SUI
Round 1 - Doubles
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, FRA and Paul Henri Mathieu, FRA vs
Jaroslav Levinsky, CZE and Michal Mertinak, SUI
In action at the AIG Japan Tennis Open Championships in Tokyo is Venus Williams:
Round 1
Venus Williams, USA vs Jill Craybas, USA
Serena Workin' The Hell Out Of Fashion Week
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Serena Williams with a slight change up on yesterday's outfit by adding a trench coat and fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger.
Girrrrrl, you are workin' *snapping fingers* this look something fierce! Put that one in your "do this look again" part of your closet. You look absolutely sensational -- hair, makeup, jewelry, of course outfit, it's a lock!
Serena Looking Fashionable For Fashion Week
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Serena Williams at Bryant Park during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York on September 11. She is front row at the Zac Posen show.
Williams Sisters Back In Top 10
Monday, September 10, 2007
Both Venus and Serena have played there way back to being listed among the world's top 10 players. It's been a while, glad to see the sisters jointly up top again!
Serena Loses Her Way Today
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Unfortunately, my outlook was not that bright for Serena today. Of course I hoped that she'd win, but she really has not been in top form this entire Open. She's been able to pull wins out of the air as only Serena can, but it's been by the skin of her teeth.
During her last match she looked better, so I thought that she might bring that form to her match with Henin, but it didn't happen. Serena was defeated by a score of 7-6 (7/3), 6-1. The 6-1 ought to tell you something about just how out of form Serena was. Her fight was not up to snuff, and she had only 17 winners.
"I really don't feel like talking about it," Williams said. "I can't explain that [result] right now.
"I just think she made a lot of lucky shots, and I made a lot of errors."
When asked about being disappointed about the loss, "No," I'm very happy."
When asked about the lack of match plays, "No," she said. "I don't think it affected me. I mean, I don't think it did. Maybe it did. "You guys, I think, watched it. Maybe you can analyze it better."
I usually post the photo of both players cause I got love for all the players, but ever since Henin's lyin' behind has refused to admit that she held up her hand during the 2003 French Open, I have declared that she shall never disgrace the pages of Black Tennis Pro's. It's one thing to make a mistake, it's quite another to own an ongoing lie about it. You had to be blind in this and your next life to not have seen her hold up her hand. Yet she's the one the commentators are always calling professional -- yeah, a professional what.
Venus and Serena Have A Kick Ass Sunday
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Venus and Serena took no prisoners on the middle Sunday of the U. S. Open. The American sisters treated their opponents to some tennis lessons today!
Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli and Serbian beauty Ana Ivanovic looked in serious need of further practice when the Williams sisters were through with them today.
Both sisters convincingly dismantled the games of their opponents. The two young women looked more like target practice than learned opponents. I didn't have any expectations of Bartoli, but I did expect Ivanovic to put up much more of a fight than she did. I 
believe that she became intimidated and didn't know what to do. I guess not many people would the way Venus graced the court yesterday.
Serena's win came in at 6-3, 6-4, and Venus 6-4, 6-2.
Commenting after the match, Richard Williams said, “Serena reminds me of a pit bull dog and a young Mike Tyson, all in one. Venus reminds me of a gazelle that’s able to move, prance and jump. Venus looks as if she is really enjoying herself out there more than Serena is right now. If they get by everyone and meet each other, it will be an interesting match.”
Nadal takes out Tsonga
World No. 2 Raphael Nadal showed why he's world No. 2 even with a bad knee. He came out and put the pressure on a battle worthy Tsonga and barely won the first set in a tie-break. After that the Spaniard didn't look back. He moved well and took command of the court. eventually beating Tsonga by a score of 7-6 (7/3), 6-2, 6-1.
U. S. Open Scheduled Play for Sunday
WTA Tour Players
Serena Williams, USA vs Marion Bartoli, FRA
Venus Williams, USA vs Ana Ivanovic, SRB
ATP Tour Players
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, FRA vs Rafael Nadal, ESP
For additional U. S. Open schedule information, click here.
What's Wrong With Umpire Steiner?": Serena Wins Anyway
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Over the years we've all seen Serena Williams sit down during the changeover and consult her notes to either stick to, or modify her game. In yesterday's match with Russia's Vera Zvonareva she did the same thing and pulled out her pink notebook for a quick study. What happened next, that was a surprise.
Chair umpire Damian Steiner told her to put it away. Even scolded her!
"He told me I couldn't use my notes," Williams said after a 6-4, 7-6 (4) win that put her into the fourth round. "I was like, 'Well, it's not like I'm Harry Potter and my dad can magically give me notes to read.'
"It's something that I write myself. Just little things. What if I were to take a paper on the court and write something, what's the difference?" she said.
Shortly thereafter, Steiner relented.
Hmmmm, somebody had a very itchy bug up his butt yesterday. We'll let him slide just this once, perhaps he needs more fiber in his diet.
Serena moved on to the round of 16 at the Open regardless.
U. S. Open Scheduled Play for Friday
Friday, August 31, 2007
WTA Tour Players
Serena Williams, USA vs Vera Zvonareva, RUS
Venus Williams, USA vs Alona Bondarenko, UKR
Ahsha Rolle, USA, vs Dinara Safina, RUS
ATP Tour Players
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, FRA vs Tim Henman, GBR
For more U. S. Open schedule information click here.
Dumb Analyst Commentary
Thursday, August 30, 2007
I'm keeping a laundry list of dumb statements that I hear from the commentators during this year's Open. I get so sick of it, especially because so much of it is geared toward the Williams sisters that I've decided to keep tabs. It is my desire to post this list of stupidity at the close of the Open, but I have just got to mention tonight's.
Prior to tonight I would mute the sound on my television at the mere sight of Tracy Austin and Ted Robinson, but not tonight. Have any of you ever seen that old cartoon about those two mouth-running birds Hekyll and Jekyll? Well that's just who they remind me of. Always bitchin' about the Williams sister to no end. When they got started tonight Hekyll (Ted Robinson), gushed for damn near ten minutes over Jekyll's (Tracy Austin) red dress and wedding ring. Shortly thereafter Jekyll bitched about not getting enough Cobb salad and she was still hungry, and how high the food was. What happened Jekyll? Run through all of your money already? And then, to top it off in their usual fashion, they spent 30 minutes "not criticizing" Serena Williams and what she has "not" done this year and what she "could" have done. And my favorite, Jekyll stated "and her two Australian's Open titles, they weren't easy". Talk about a jealous magpie! I am too sick of them and their lambasting of the Williams sisters over the years and how it is accepted by the network. You don't hear this kind of bitching about any other player. And the same crap that they bitch about the Williams sisters for, they praise Maria Sharapova.
Get a grip yard birds. You're commentators not movie critics. Do your damn job and call the game fairly for the Williams sisters as you do the other players. I don't know what the problem is, ignorance, racism, bias, envy, what? Whatever it is get over it cause you ruin the game for those of us who just want game commentary and not your fair weathered opinions.
Oh, Hekyll and Jekyll, "I'm not criticizing the two of you," just making note of where you could do better.
Serena Caught Up In The Night Games
Serena Williams fashioned her way into her evening match last night and took out Maria Elena Camerin of Italy 7-5, 6-2. It wasn't pretty, but it did what? It got the job done. That beautiful serve of hers helped her out a bit. She served 7 aces to Camerin's 0. Simultaneously she served 5 double faults to Camerin's 0.
"I'm definitely getting a lot stronger, I'm definitely feeling a lot better. I'm happy to be out here.''
"I just want to play a little better each round, as each match goes on."
"My return of serve is usually unbelievable," she said. "So I'm just waiting on that to come back. I would like to see that go a little better. Just a little bit of everything."
U. S. Open Scheduled Play for Wednesday
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
WTA Tour Players
Venus Williams, USA vs Ioana Raluca Olaru, Romania
Serena Williams, USA vs Maria Elena Camerin, Italy
Asha Rolle, USA vs Karin Knapp, Italy
Chanda Rubin, USA and Jamea Jackson, USA vs
Agnes Szavay, Hun and Vladimira Uhlirova, Cze
ATP Tour Players
Jo-Wilfried, Tsonga, France vs. Oscar Hernandez, Spain
Venus and Serena Earned a Lil' More R-E-S-P-E-C-T as They Continued the Tribute to Althea Gibson With Match Victories
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
After the festivities both Venus and Serena Williams played their first round matches.
Venus kicked it off by whipping the snot out of her opponent (all kinds of ugliness) Kira Nagy of Hungary in straight sets 6-2, 6-1. Ms. Kira was hearing 120 something mph serves whiz by her head all night. Venus lost focus for a bit after she slipped and fell in her snazzy new "EleVen" sneakers that matched her really cute outfit, and gave up 3 games during the match. Other than that, it was a fairly uneventful match. 
Up next, baby sis' Serena's match was another story. Her opponent, Angelique Kerber of Germany came to play. She put up a real scrape in the first set, giving Serena all kinds of trouble. She continued it into the second set and made our girl work. Serena got so frustrated during the match that she tore off a cute little blow that was attached to her dress. Now we all know that Serena has a second gear that none of the other players have, so of course she shifted into it and won the match in straight sets 6-3, 7-5.She too had on a great looking black with pink accessories ensemble. Very dainty.
The U. S. Open Has Officially Begun: A Tribute to Althea Gibson
Monday, August 27, 2007
I've always loved the written word, whether I've been reading or writing it. It is on nights like this that I'm reminded why I love it so much. When the visual is not available, or when our ability to be present is not an option, it is the written recording of events that allow us to mentally transport ourselves to that time and place, and be present at any given moment in time. And what a moment in time we witnessed last night, the opening events of the 2007 U. S. Open. Okay, here's the blow-by-blow.
First up a great marching band from Brooklyn, New York called the "Brooklyn Steppers." They were very good, had a lil' bit of that Grambling thang working.
Up next New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg thanked a few folks and eventually introduced the NYPD Cadets and the U. S. Open's procession of flags representing all of the countries taking part in this year's tournament.
In celebrating Althea Gibson being the first African American player to win a grand slam title, the USTA honored other African American women who have had the privilege and pleasure to celebrate other firsts. The announcer introduced honoree and host Phylicia Rashaad, the first African-American woman to win a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Broadway Play. Ms. Phylicia flowed out looking as beautful as ever. What a gracioius lady. I love the words that she opened with, "What a night! It's awe inspiring to stand here in this place where dreams have come true, lives have been changed and history has been written........" She then told us that "Althea Gibson was the first American of African descent to win the U. S. Nationals, now known as the U. S. Open. One of sports unsung heroes, her victory paved the way for some of the games finest players and she was an inspiration to women everywhere. To celebrate this milestone, let's take a look at why the Althea Gibson story must be told."
At that point sportscaster Mary Carillo narrated footage that had been put together on Althea Gibson's life. A number of celebrities and athletes spoke during the footage, to include Serena Williams, Bill Cosby, Billie Jean King and James Blake. At the end of the footage, during which the theme music to Jurassic Park music was playing (?) Yeah, it's great music, but it's too linked to the movie, anyway.......I saw this statement that Althea Gibson made and thought it so fitting, "If I have made it, it's half because I was game enought to take a lot of punishment along the way, and half because there were a lot of people who cared enough to help me.
At that point sportscaster Mary Carillo narrated footage that had been put together on Althea Gibson's life. A number of celebrities and athletes spoke during the footage, to include Serena Williams, Bill Cosby, Billie Jean King and James Blake. At the end of the footage, during which the theme music to Jurassic Park music was playing (?) Yeah, it's great music, but it's too linked to the movie, anyway.......I saw this statement that Althea Gibson made and thought it so fitting, "If I have made it, it's half because I was game enought to take a lot of punishment along the way, and half because there were a lot of people who cared enough to help me.
Afterwards, Ms. Rashaad introduced a personal friend of Althea Gibson's, fomer New York City Mayor David Dinkins. He spoke with conviction about what was really going on in America with civil rights struggles for Black people from lynchings to segregated WWII barracks, and a ten years to come Brown vs. The Board of Education. It was hard times when Althea Gibson was growing up trying to make her mark in the world. Phylicia Rashaad returned and introduced an incredible group of women and noted their firsts:
Dr. Mae Jamison,
1st African-American Female Astronaut, Space Shuttle Endeavor
Dr. Debi Thomas
1st African-American Female Olympic Medalist, Figure Skating
Ms. Sharon Pratt
1st African-American Female Mayor of a Major U. S. City
Ms. Yolanda Adams
1st African-American Female AMA Contemporary/Inspirational Artist Award
Ms. Vonetta Flowers
1st African-American Female Olympic Gold Medalist, Two-Woman Bobsled
Ms. Ella Bully-Cummings
1st African-American Female Chief of Police, Detroit Police Department
Ms. Sheila Crump Johnson
1st African-American Female Ownership in 3 Pro Sports Teams, Sole Owner of PGA Tour Championship Golf Courses
Ms. Traci Green
1st African-American Female Head Coach, Harvard University
Ms. Nikki Giovanni
1st African-American Female to Win The Rosa Parks Woman of Courage Award
Ms. Loretta Claiborne
1st African-American Female to Win The Arthur Ashe Courage Award
Ms. Susan L. Taylor
1st African-American Female to Win The Henry Johnson Fisher Award
Ms. Lynette Woodard
1st African-American Female Member of The Harlem Globetrotters
Ms. Cynthia Cooper
1st African-American Female To Score 2500 Career Points in WNBA History
Ms. Roberta Flack
1st African-American Female Student Teacher in a Predominately White School and the 1st Musician Ever to Win Back-to-Back Grammys for Record of the Year
Ms. Zina Garrison
1st African-American Female Olympic Medalist, Tennis
Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun
1st African-American Female Elected to U. S. Senate (Democrat, Illinois)
Ms. Jackie Joyner-Kersey
1st African-American Female to Win Back-to-Back Olympic Gold, Heptathlon
What an incredible group of women. I cried more each time one of them and their achievements was announced, it was incredible. The honorees seemed very happy, which made it even better.
And then...and then....the final honoree, 18-time Grammy winner Aretha Franklin came out and demanded some R-E-S-P-E-C-T. She rocked the house. Read the rest of this post...........
Venus, Serena Williams to Play on Opening Night
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Venus Williams and Serena Williams will play back-to-back matches on Opening Night of the US Open. They will compete following a historic tribute to Althea Gibson that will celebrate the 50th anniversary of her historic title victory at the U.S. Nationals (formerly the US Open).
Serena Williams was the first black woman since Althea Gibson to win the US Open.
Venus Williams was the first black woman since Gibson to win Wimbledon. Together, Serena Williams and Venus Williams have won 14 
Grand Slam titles. Each has won the US Open twice.
“Opening Night will be one of the most historic nights in US Open history,” said Arlen Kantarian, Chief Executive, Professional Tennis, USTA.
“We can’t imagine a more fitting way to commemorate Althea Gibson’s achievements than seeing these two great champions -- and pioneers in their own right -- take the stage on Opening Night.”
“Althea Gibson opened the door," said Zina Garrison, U.S. Fed Cup Captain. “Venus and Serena knocked it down.”
The Opening Night Ceremony, entitled “Breaking Barriers,” will feature more than 15 African-American female pioneers from the fields of sports, entertainment, politics and the arts in a special on-court celebration of Althea Gibson’s life and career.
Serena Williams is scheduled to play Angelique Kerber of Germany. Venus Williams drew a qualifier for her first-round match-up.
Source -- USTA
Opening Round of the U. S. Open
WTA Tour Players:
Serena Williams, USA (8) vs. Angelique Kerber, Germany
Venus Williams, USA (12) vs Kira Nagy, Hungary
Jamea Jackson, USA (WC) vs Nicole Pratt, Australia
Note: Angela Haynes attempted to enter the main draw through the qualifying rounds, but was defeated in the 1st round by Pauline Parmenter of France, 6-1, 4-6, 6-4.
ATP Tour Players:
James Blake, USA (6) vs Michael Russell, USA
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, France vs Oscar Hernandez, Spain
Donald Young, USA (WC) vs Chris Guccione, Australia
Scoville Jenkins, USA (Q) vs Roger Federer
Note: Scoville Jenkins entered through the qualifying rounds. He defeated the following players:
Round 1: Oliver Patience, France 6-3, 5-7, 5-7
Round 2: Harel Levy, Israel, 5-7, 6-4, 6-3
Round 3: Aisam-UL-Haq Qureshi, Pakistan 6-7, 6-2, retired
Excellent work Scoville Jenkins! And your reward? Roger Federer as your first round opponent. I am already in prayer. Bless you son.
Saturday Activities at the U. S. Open Arthur Ashe Kids Day
Serena Williams
Chris Rock and daughter
Kat DeLuna
Quddus
Sean Kingston
Lil Mama
Read the rest of this post...........Have You Seen Serena's HP Commercial? I Love It!
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Posted by Shelia Labels: Serena Email this postSerena Williams at USTA/Heineken Player Party
Last night in New York City, Serena walked the red carpet to attend the US Open Official Player Party hosted by the USTA and Heineken at Ono in the Hotel Gansevoort.
Why Do Venus and Serena get Blamed for the State of the WTA?
Monday, August 20, 2007
Articles and headlines like those that I read today are part of the impetus for my starting this blog. It absolutely infuriates me that 99% of the WTA is comprised of non-Black players, yet that less than 1%, namely Venus and Serena catch hell every time the WTA is suffering from poor television ratings, tournament withdrawals or injuries. "Dangerous When Interested" and "Serena has our Attention, but Does Tennis Have Hers"? The assumptions and backhanded allegations being thrown piss me to no end. It never stops. As long as Venus and Serena show up, invigorate the crowd, haul in those television ratings and kick ass on Sunday, it's all good, no matter what the other players are doing. But the second that they don't, the state of the WTA is in jeopardy and the the names Venus and Serena negatively fall from sportscasters lips 24/7, no matter what their reasoning.
When Maria Sharapova, women's tennis "great white hope" recently withdrew from last weeks East West Bank Classic 20 minutes before her semi-final match with Nadia Petrova, all you heard at the time and ever since is "concern" for her health. NOBODY questioned or questions the legitimacy of her injury or how long she'll be out (nevermind that she's been out for a substantial period just recently with "injuries"). The only concern is how soon she will be well again. But the second that Serena or Venus withdraw from an event, every word that they utter is questioned. Today, during the Roger's cup final you could hear all type of inuendo from Ted Robinson and Mary Jo Fernandez regarding Serena's withdrawal from the Pilot Pen Tournament because of her lingering thumb injury.
When Maria Sharapova defeated Serena Williams and won her one and only Wimbledon title in 2004, you could hear the glee in all of the tennis voices that be, "a star is born". They thought for sure that tournaments and ratings would no longer be so dependent upon the presence of the Williams sisters. Much to their chagrin it hasn't worked out that way. Neither has the dominance that they believed/hoped Maria Sharapova would have over tennis.
I've read that John McEnroe has stated that withdrawals in the WTA are "epidemic".
Did you know that world No. 7 Amelie Mauresmo has pulled out of the Pilot Pen Tournament also? You certainly don't know this because of the multitude of headlines questioning her dedication to tennis day after day. That's because they don't exist. Ms. Mauresmo gave her reasoning, withdrew, and that's the end of that.
I constantly have to wonder, is this a sport within which it's difficult to be a Williams sister? Or a Black sista?
Read the rest of this post...........
When Maria Sharapova, women's tennis "great white hope" recently withdrew from last weeks East West Bank Classic 20 minutes before her semi-final match with Nadia Petrova, all you heard at the time and ever since is "concern" for her health. NOBODY questioned or questions the legitimacy of her injury or how long she'll be out (nevermind that she's been out for a substantial period just recently with "injuries"). The only concern is how soon she will be well again. But the second that Serena or Venus withdraw from an event, every word that they utter is questioned. Today, during the Roger's cup final you could hear all type of inuendo from Ted Robinson and Mary Jo Fernandez regarding Serena's withdrawal from the Pilot Pen Tournament because of her lingering thumb injury.
When Maria Sharapova defeated Serena Williams and won her one and only Wimbledon title in 2004, you could hear the glee in all of the tennis voices that be, "a star is born". They thought for sure that tournaments and ratings would no longer be so dependent upon the presence of the Williams sisters. Much to their chagrin it hasn't worked out that way. Neither has the dominance that they believed/hoped Maria Sharapova would have over tennis.
I've read that John McEnroe has stated that withdrawals in the WTA are "epidemic".
Did you know that world No. 7 Amelie Mauresmo has pulled out of the Pilot Pen Tournament also? You certainly don't know this because of the multitude of headlines questioning her dedication to tennis day after day. That's because they don't exist. Ms. Mauresmo gave her reasoning, withdrew, and that's the end of that.
I constantly have to wonder, is this a sport within which it's difficult to be a Williams sister? Or a Black sista?
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