Black Tennis Pros

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:

Personally, prior to reading reports of Venus possibly having been ill during her semi-final match at the U. S. Open, I thought that she was looking a bit sluggish the entire match. She seemed to be making mistakes and not calculating returns as she had been earlier during the tournament.

Yesterday there were a number of reports stating that Venus was possible suffering from the return of an anemic condition that she had been dealing with, and that her health was not what it should have been for her to even be playing in the Open.

An hour after the semi-final match, Venus was seen leaning on her boyfriend, PGA Tour golfer Hank Kuehne, hobbling to the women's locker room. Venus's mom, Oracene Price was there, obviously very concerned about her daughter. She revealed that Venus had been diagnosed with anemia when she began to experience dizzy spells during a tournament in San Diego three weeks after her Wimbledon victory.

Instead of Venus returning to her home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Venus's mom insisted on an immediate series of extensive medical tests at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

“Today I guess the anemia came back,” said Price. “Venus feels like the ground is moving beneath her feet. Things aren’t right and we have to find out what’s wrong.”

I hope that Venus feels much better soon and I'm glad that her mom is around. Short of God's blessings, mama love is the next best cure.

WTA Tour Players

Venus Williams, USA vs. Justine Henin, BEL


USTA Jr. Girls Doubles

Asia Muhammad, USA and Kristy Frilling, USA vs
Ksenia Milevskaya, BLR and Urzula Radwanska, POL


For further U. S. Open schedule information click here.

WTA Tour Players

Venus Williams, USA vs Jelena Jankovic, SRB

For further U. S. Open schedule information click here.

WTA Tour Players

Venus Williams, USA vs Jelena Jankovic SRB

For further U. S. Open schedule information click here.

Note: Somebody at the U. S. Open jacked up the schedule today, Venus did not play. The correct schedule included:

Serena Williams, USA vs. Justine Henin, BEL

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.

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.

Decked out in yet another ensemble from her new 'EleVen' line of clothing, 27-year old American Venus Williams took her high-power game to Alona Bondarenko of the Ukraine and easily defeated her by a score of 6-1, 6-2. Venus now advances to the round of 16. In her post match interview, Venus had a few things to say.

"I just want to take that experience from Wimbledon and bring it here."

"I've done it a couple of times here before and I want to do it again."

"I definitely would like to have a higher first-serve percentage, but it's not something I'm worried about," she said. "I still feel like I can get my serve in. My second serve nowadays has a lot of kick. So it was a good day."

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.

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.

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.

Venus Williams shed her more fashionable designer 'EleVen' duds from opening night and put on some stylish work clothes from her 'EleVen' line -- look out ladies! She also brought a new male with her, and she's got him in the bag. I'll tell you about him in a sec.

Poor Ioana Raluca Olaru of Romania probably new that her chances were slim from jump street. She definitely found out once the match started. While Venus did not begin the match with the precision that she played with in Monday night's match, she was still relentless. Venus wrapped up her victory in 69 minutes with a score of 6-4, 6-2.

In her post-match interview, Venus used fightin' words. She stated, "I have to work hard to keep my weight on. I'd be even thinner if I wasn't playing tennis. Probably be modeling somewhere. . . ." Grrrrr. She didn't have to say it out loud.

Continuing the interview when asked what she might be doing if she were not playing tennis, Venus stated, "At least if I wasn't even doing anything super special, I would feel special. I've always felt really good about me. So that's what really counts."I like my style. I just like who I am. I'm comfortable with that. So whether or not I was working at a desk job, I would feel like I was a special person." You are a special person Ms. Williams and we think you're pretty great too!

Now, on to this Harold fella. Oh, did I forget to mention that Harold was a five-month old Havanese puppy? Just after her win, she walked toward the locker room carrying a big purse. It was a doggie bag -- for real. Venus received Harold after her Wimbledon win this year. Harold's got the good life in the bag.

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

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.

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

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.

Venus just before her appearance on David Letterman.

Not surprisingly, Venus Williams has been signed by Steve & Barry's and has agreed to create 'EleVen', an exclusive range of sports and loungwear for the US retailer. The 120-piece range will include a variety of sneakers, velour tracksuits, fleece jackets, graphic tees, sports socks, bras and accessories. Once again, all items will be priced $20 or less with Venus expected to preview her collection during next week's U.S. Open tournament. To preempt its official launch in November, Steve & Barry's is producing 100 pairs of EleVen court shoes ($14.98) which will be available this Friday from their Manhattan Mall on a first-come, first-serve basis. Steve & Barry’s unveiled EleVen at a promotion today at their Manhattan Mall store in New York, with Williams in attendance. Once launched, the line will have a dedicated EleVen section within Steve & Barry’s locations.

Venus will appear in marketing and make personal appearances; a dedicated web site will link from http://www.steveandbarrys.com/

Based upon the few pieces on display with Venus in the above photo, the line looks rather stylish to me and the price certainly is right. My only concern would be fabrics at such a low price. However, if fabrics are complimentary to the styles and with the low cost, Miss "V" and Steve & Barry's may have a hit on their hands.

The genesis of the brand name "EleVen?" It was selected for two reasons, Venus explained: Her childhood address in Compton, California included 11, plus the number means going beyond the classic "top ten. Eleven can be better than the best."

Venus has been preparing herself for just such a moment. Over time she has attended fashion classes. She's on track to receive a degree from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale at the end of the year. That education has positioned her for the development and vision of EleVen, she said. "It's helped me understand style, color, design history, putting seams in the right place."

In an interview Howard Schacter, Steve & Barry's chief partnerships officer stated, "Venus brings to us an ideal combination of characteristics that we know will result in a grand slam--pun intended. It was about an opportunity to tap into her fashion passion and education and apply it to a line of clothes which will also be affordably priced."