Black Tennis Pros

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🧢 off, @serenawilliams! _ #TeamUSATennis #USOpen

A post shared by USTA (@usta) on Sep 7, 2020 at 12:10pm PDT

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She’s done it! _ #TeamUSATennis #USOpen

A post shared by USTA (@usta) on Sep 7, 2020 at 12:09pm PDT

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Hey @serenawilliams & @venuswilliams I don’t condone this disrespect. Let me know how ya’ll want to handle this. 🎾 🎾😂 #thebridges #homeschool

A post shared by @ ludacris on Aug 24, 2020 at 1:08pm PDT

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Serena Williams has been voted the AP Female Athlete of the Decade. Williams won 12 of her professional-era record 23 Grand Slam singles titles over the past 10 years. No other woman won more than three in that span. https://t.co/UROapQ1hFk

— The Associated Press (@AP) December 28, 2019

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American Serena Williams into 2019 U.S. Open to vie for 24th Grand Slam title.

What can you say??...  There's nothing new here.  American Serena Williams holds 23 Grand Slam titles, she just earned her 100th match victory at this event, and to top all of that, she's now a wife and a mother. #ThisMama  The elements of the journey that she is on are only satisfied when she achieves her best in all aspects.

On Day 10 of the 2019 U.S. Open, in the semi-final 6-3, 6-1 defeat of Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, Serena made her efforts look so common.  Elina Svitolina certainly made an attempt to overcome the strategies coming across that net, but her efforts were to no avail.

Watching Serena play in this year's Open you can practically see a return to the mental calm, focus and determination that had previously been frustrated by injuries and losses.  Tonight's win over Svitolina did one thing, open another door to a place where Serena enjoys excellence - a grand slam final.

"I don't think about it, I just come out here and, you know, do what I can."

"I couldn't have done it without this crowd, you guys are... literally.  Been with me for twenty years and I'm still here, so."

"Yeah, you know, I ahh, this is the biggest stadium for tennis period, in the whole planet, so... I, I think of it that way.  And if you think about it that way, it's such an honor for me and my opponent to be out here and play in front of these crowds. They come to watch us, and like, it's amazing. And so, I really enjoy it.  I enjoy the opportunity to be out here, and you know, just to do my best."

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That was quick!

On Day 9 in the quarterfinal round of 2019 U.S. Open, Serena Williams summarily dismissed Qiang Wang of China in 44 minutes, to the tune of 6-1, 6-0.  Ouch!

Wang clearly had a clinic run on her, however, it appears that she could use some additional weapons in
her game.  Her ability to defend Serena's tremendously offensive game was unfortunately very inept.  Given Wang's recent record, perhaps nerves or something got the better of her this evening.

This quarterfinal match acquired so much more than a spot in the semifinals against Ukrainian Elina Svitolina.  In front of a staggering crowd, celebrities and her family, Serena earned an incredible 100th match win at the U.S. Open.

"I love what I do, I love coming out in front with you guys. It's so special, I never want to let it go.

When asked if she felt like she should sing the Elton John song, "I'm Still Standing," Serena gave the interviewer a peculiar look, "Oh God, I thought you were going to ask me to sing. Listen, I'm not trying to lose fans, I'm trying to keep them on my side."

"Being American, and being able to play at your home grand slam is always interesting and fun. I grew up watching the U.S. Open and I grew up always wanting to get here and then I watched so many great champions come, and then Arthur Ashe Stadium opened and I played on it. It's like a dream come true, it's the first place I ever won one of my 23 grand slams, so it's always something special to come out on this court."

An interviewer stated, "As a parent, I've wondered if you have a new appreciation, or a deeper appreciation for what your father envisioned and the goals he set for you."

"Yeah, my Dad is amazing, personally I could never have done what he has done, not only with myself, but with Venus.  It's shocking, and as a parent, to do something every single day is very difficult, and, I can't do something with my daughter every single day.

"I remember being young, and everyday we went out and we trained and we practiced and we didn't miss a day, and to have that discipline actually makes me look at myself as a player, as a parent, and just really appreciate my dad so much more than I ever have in the past.  It just makes me see it totally different.  And, I love him to death, and he's watching all my matches, he's probably already texting me right now, like, you know Serena, you need to do this a little bit more', and I'm like okay dad I got this..."

"I'll see what he says today, but I always still take his advice. You know, he's my dad and I love him to death.

 

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On Thursday, August 22nd, day four of 2019 U.S. Open Fan Week, the Men's and Women's singles draws were announced. Through commentator and video presentations, each quarter of each draw was reviewed and analyzed.

Much attention was given to the fact that No. 8 seeded Serena Williams will compete against world no. 87 Maria Sharapova in the the first round.

The U.S. Open has broken down both draws completely by quarters.  All player information and related analysis can be read at usopen.org.

WOMEN'S SINGLES

Naomi Osaka, JPN(1) vs. A. Blinkova, RUS
WC Coco Gauff, USA vs. Anastasia Potapova, RUS
Sloane Stephens, USA(11) vs. Qualifier
WC Whitney Osuigwe, USA vs. Elina Svitolina, UKR(5)
Venus Williams, USA vs. Saisai Zheng, CHN
Madison Keys,  USA(10) vs. Misaki Doi, JPN
Serena Williams, USA(8) vs. Maria Sharapova, RUS
Taylor Townsend, USA(Q) vs. Kateryna Kozlova, UKR

MEN'S SINGLES

Christopher Eubanks, USA vs. Cristian Garin, CHI(31)
Gael Monfils, FRA(13) vs. Albert Ramos-Vinolas, ESP
Felix Auger-Aliassime, CAN(18) vs. Dennis Shapovalov, CAN
Frances Tiafoe, USA vs. Ivo Karlovic, CRO
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, FRA vs. Tennys Sandgren, USA

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Serena Williams during 2018 U.S. Open in disagreement with Chair Umpire Carlos Ramos after being accused of cheating.

(Associated Press) Almost a full 12 months later, with first-round play beginning Monday at Flushing Meadows, the ramifications of that 1-hour, 19-minute contest still reverberate, including this: Ramos will not officiate matches involving Serena Williams or her older sister, Venus, according to the Associated Press.

“We’ve decided that there are over 900 other matches and Carlos, for 2019, will not be in the chair for a Williams sisters match,” U.S. Tennis Association executive Stacey Allaster said in a telephone interview. “We want the attention of the competition to be on the athletes.”

Says Allaster: “I understand it’s polarizing, but ultimately, we have to look at how tennis competes and is relevant. ... Access is a key part of it; engagement with fans that want to hear from the players and coaches.”

Says Patrick Mouratoglou: “I have never understood why tennis is just about the only sport in which coaching during matches is not allowed.”  Mouratoglou, who acknowledged right after last year’s final that he was attempting to communicate with his player and also noted, correctly, that surreptitious coaching happens all the time and goes unpunished.   Full story here.

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2019 Rogers Cup finalists American Serena Williams and Canadian Bianca Andreescu post match after Serena retired.

The 2019 Rogers Cup Final experienced a historic win by Canadian Bianca Adreescu and a very disheartened retirement, due to injury, from the legendary American Serena Williams.

Though Serena was extremely disappointed, she got a lift from the new Rogers Cup Champion.  Andreescu walked over to Williams and paid homage to the legendary player and what it meant to play her.

Andreescu, the first Canadian since 1969 to win the home title, brought a smile to Serena's teary face,  truly lifting the moment.  Andreescu let her know, "I watched you your whole career, you're a f--king beast."

During the post match ceremony Serena could barely speak through tears, but let everyone know, "...It's been a tough year, but we'll keep going."

Andreescu continued her praise of Serena during trophy presentation stating, "You are truly a champion, I have watched you play so many times.  You are truly a champion on and off the court."

The moments could not be beat.   

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“I’ve been called every name in the book. I’ve been shamed because of my body shape. I’ve been paid unequally because of my sex. I’ve been penalized a game in the final of a Major because I expressed my opinion or grunted too loudly...And these are only the things that are seen by the public. In short, it’s never been easy. But then I think of the next girl who is going to come along who looks like me, and I hope, ‘Maybe, just maybe, my voice will help her.’” @SerenaWilliams goes unretouched on our August 2019 issue and gets candid in a personal essay on BAZAAR.com. Link in bio Photography by @alexilubomirski Styling by @menamorado Hair by @vernonfrancois Makeup by @tyronmachhausen #SerenaWilliams wears @ralphlauren, @bulgariofficial and @louboutinworld

A post shared by Harper's BAZAAR (@harpersbazaarus) on Jul 9, 2019 at 6:52am PDT

In this candid, first-person essay, @serenawilliams opens up about last year's controversial match at the US Open—and why she’ll never regret using her voice to speak out against injustice. https://t.co/ponD4BGMie

— Harper's Bazaar (@harpersbazaarus) July 9, 2019

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It's official.

After much anticipation, @Andy_Murray will team up with @SerenaWilliams for Wimbledon Mixed Doubles: https://t.co/f0bfSVqmLe

Can you say dream team?? 😍

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) July 2, 2019

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In 2001, Wheaties paid homage to a true champion and an icon by putting her on the cover of a Wheaties Box. Althea Gibson was the FIRST Black Woman tennis player to be on the box. Today, I am honored to be the second.

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on Jun 25, 2019 at 6:00am PDT

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Cover star Serena Williams is the 1st athlete ever to hit Forbes’ annual list of the World’s Richest Self-Made Women, with an estimated fortune of $225 million.
Stay tuned for the full #SelfMadeWomen list launching tomorrow https://t.co/GsRAR8PZm4 pic.twitter.com/0xIm3FNbrV

— Forbes (@Forbes) June 3, 2019

Full story here.

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#MetGala Co-Chair @serenawilliams sports a look that “kicks” it out of the park. #MetCamp pic.twitter.com/7GRvzn2oLp

— The Met (@metmuseum) May 6, 2019

🤩🔥👟@serenawilliams #MetGala pic.twitter.com/Fse8rwF8f9

— WTA (@WTA) May 6, 2019

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🔥🤩🙌 @serenawilliams #MetGala

A post shared by WTA (@wta) on May 6, 2019 at 3:36pm PDT

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Saturday, March 9, 2019 - Gladys Knight watches Venus Williams and Petra Kvitova play in the 2nd round of the BNP Paribas Open in Stadium 1 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California. (Jared Wickerham/BNP Paribas Open)

BNP Paribas Open - Empress of Soul and Williams sisters’ superfan Gladys Knight has long been a tennis devotee. Not only does the Midnight Train to Georgia singer, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and winner of seven Grammy Awards revel in watching the sport, she plays it often, too. BNPParibasOpen.com caught up with the Pips’ frontwoman in Indian Wells.


What is it about tennis that draws you to the sport?

I love the fact that it has the element of exercise, for me, because I need to keep it moving! [Laughs.] This game has helped me so much. The competition of it is something that I really respect. On top of that, what the players have to go through to get prepared, to get fit, the thought process. Am I going to hit it left, am I going to hit it right? All of those things are exciting to me. It’s just so fun to watch.

Can you relate to that? Because you’ve got to put in a lot of preparation when you’re recording, performing.

Absolutely. The preparation is just as strenuous in our industry. You’ve always got to be fit. As far as your material is concerned, you have to be very specific about who you’re performing for, where you’re performing. I’ve been blessed to travel all over the world. It’s been an amazing journey for me. Tennis, for some reason, brings all kinds of people together. When you look around at a tennis event, you wonder why the rest of the world can’t get it right. Nobody’s out there talking about this person, that person, where they’re from, how they look. That’s another thing I admire and respect about this sport.

I think I know the answer to this already, but who do you go out of your way to watch?

Now you know it’s got to be Serena and Venus. [Laughs.] I’ve been on those girls since they were knee high. The family connection that they have — it was the same in my family. My mom and dad, aunties and cousins, grandmothers. It’s a great thing to come together around that. They’re pushing you into higher plateaus because of their support. Their whole family is involved. Their mom was some player, too. She’s so laid back, Oracene. The public doesn’t know a whole lot about her. They know their dad, Richard. But they don’t know the strength of their mom. Ooohh, she’s got it going on. We’ve been doing this for many years, supporting each other. They come to my concerts, I go to their matches. That’s what it’s all about. Tennis is just an amazing journey.
Monday, March 4, 2019 – Serena and Venus Williams talk during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California. (Michael Cummo/BNP Paribas Open)

Is Venus and Serena’s story underplayed?

Let me tell you one thing as far as family is concerned. That’s one of the things I love most, even though they are amazing athletes, is that it was a family affair. That’s how I got to be what I am and who I am today. I’ve been singing since I was four. Like them. They were just toddlers playing around on a tennis court. My mom was right there to teach me. She didn’t speak the language, but she taught me to sing Ave Maria in Latin phonetically. That’s the same thing that Venus and Serena’s parents did. You do it like this, you do it like that. They were respectful enough of their parents to follow those rules. Look at them now. I love these ladies. I think that’s the one thing that so many artists and celebrities have missed, that their parents sometimes see things a lot better.

They overcame the odds coming out of Compton, California, climbing to the top of this sport.

Absolutely. The same with me. I lived in Atlanta, Georgia. People were still marching, trying to have freedom. As we grew up, we came to know about those things. Because of our culture, sometimes when we go outside of our genre, our communities, you get teased. I know I did. I’m sure they did, too. Like the way they wore their hair. They teased them about it. We ain’t trying to be you — we just want to play tennis. Don’t tell me about beads in my hair! They were strong enough, respectful enough, to move to where people could be comfortable without really giving up their culture. I love those girls.

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#CitiTasteOfTennis was bigger and better than ever this year! Check out our #recap video to relive the fun!https://t.co/dSlhmN46xd

— Citi Taste of Tennis (@TasteofTennis) September 7, 2018

.@Venuseswilliams pours the important ingredient to @RichardBlais dish @TasteofTennis. #TasteofTennis #BNPPO19 pic.twitter.com/3STEIBqibU

— Palm Springs Life (@palmspringslife) March 5, 2019

.@RichardBlais brings out his secret weapon for this tuna dish just for @Venuseswilliams @TasteofTennis. #CitiTasteofTennis #BNPPO19 pic.twitter.com/1sY24kQSZS

— Palm Springs Life (@palmspringslife) March 5, 2019

RT @ElinaSvitolina Great people, Delicious food = @TasteofTennis 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/03LG6dMN0o

— Tennis X News (@tennisx) March 5, 2019

Thank you @Tasteoftennis for a great night. Can’t wait for Miami! #cititasteoftennis March 18 pic.twitter.com/Ru4UuEfGeR

— Gael Monfils (@Gael_Monfils) March 6, 2019

Always a good idea to be part of the @TasteofTennis party👌😃
Thanks for having us 🙏 ! pic.twitter.com/uZT8gsoYvq

— Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) March 5, 2019

Quel plaisir meeting @Gael_Monfils and @stanwawrinka at @TasteofTennis. Classy guys at a classy event! ✨ pic.twitter.com/OIcci3VEnJ

— Amateur Tennis Hour (@thetennishour) March 5, 2019

Last night @TasteofTennis ♥️ pic.twitter.com/tFMFnWNuAD

— Sonya Kenin (@SonyaKenin) March 5, 2019

@geniebouchard always come out with great style every event👌😄 #fashun #extra @TasteofTennis pic.twitter.com/SWstyJKnuv

— #GenieBouchardLover❤ (@KarlGBLover) March 5, 2019

Fun fun fun @TasteofTennis #Woody pic.twitter.com/EYQjTPN4mt

— A. Pavlyuchenkova (@NastiaPav) March 5, 2019

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This time last year, the story unfolding in the 2018 WTA season revolved around the return of serve. Twelve months on and it's the serve that has set the current Top 10 apart from the field.

Current WTA Top 10

1. Naomi Osaka (9-2)
2. Simona Halep (10-4)
3. Petra Kvitova (17-4)
4. Sloane Stephens (5-4)
5. Karolina Pliskova (13-3)
6. Elina Svitolina (9-4)
7. Kiki Bertens (10-5)
8. Angelique Kerber (7-4)
9. Aryna Sabalenka (12-4)
10. Serena Williams (4-1)

In 2018, the start of the season was dominated by counter-punchers and aggressive counter-punchers. Caroline Wozniacki, Angelique Kerber, and Elina Svitolina swept the biggest tournaments in Australia, before Petra Kvitova tore through February. This season has been about the power players, highlighted by Naomi Osaka, Kvitova, and Karolina Pliskova picking up the big titles Down Under.

Champions at Premier or higher events: 2018 vs. 2019

Brisbane International
2018: Elina Svitolina (d. Sasnovich)
2019: Karolina Pliskova (d. Tsurenko)

Sydney International
2018: Angelique Kerber (d. Barty)
2019: Petra Kvitova (d. Barty)

Australian Open
2018: Caroline Wozniacki (d. Halep)
2019: Naomi Osaka (d. Kvitova)

St. Petersburg
2018: Petra Kvitova (d. Mladenovic)
2019: Kiki Bertens (d. Vekic)

Qatar Total Open
2018: Petra Kvitova (d. Muguruza)
2019: Elise Mertens (d. Halep)

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
2018: Elina Svitolina (d. Kasatkina)
2019: Belinda Bencic (d. Kvitova)

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Twenty years ago today, one of the greatest careers in tennis began in earnest as Serena Williams won the first of 72 WTA Tour titles to date at the Open Gaz de France in Paris. wtatennis.com looks back at how it all kicked off for the American champion.

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#TBT 20 years ago today, @serenawilliams! 🏆

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Full Article here.

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Back to making history...@SerenaWilliams continues to build on her record over active WTA players. pic.twitter.com/GaZW2e0AlN

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) February 19, 2019

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