Black Tennis Pros

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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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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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American Madison Keys takes out Romanian Simona Halep and sets up quarter-final match with fellow American Venus Williams.

WOW!! If you missed American Madison Key's 6-1, 3-6, 7-5 win over Romanian Simona Halep tonight, you truly missed a match!

This evening's round of 16 match featuring Keys and Halep at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, Ohio definitely increased the value of every ticket purchased!  It goes without saying that both women are top players, Halep currently ranked at #4 and Keys at #18.  Even though Halep has been having a more progressive year of play than Keys, it was Keys who very confidently entered tonight's match after a 6-4, 6-1 win over Russian Daria Kasatkina.

Though the match entailed ups and downs for both players, Keys never let up - from her 10 aces to some exquisite shot making, she remained focused throughout the match, and pulled out of every tight spot in the final games of the third set.

Madison raised the roof  in the stadium tonight.  During her post-match interview she stated "...Really happy that after losing my lead in the third set, I was able to get it back. I'm incredibly happy to be able to play tomorrow."

When asked, "What does this kind of win remind you about your level of play right now?" Keys responded, "It definitely reminds me that  when I'm in the right mindset and playing some good tennis, I can compete with anyone, and really happy that I was able to play some of my best tennis tonight."

Up next for Keys in the quarterfinals, fellow American Venus Williams!

Madison Keys began delivering balls to fans post-match with a throw instead of her racquet.

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We've witnessed something special.#Wimbledon #JoinTheStory @CocoGauff pic.twitter.com/TOj7vuzAEC

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 1, 2019

What a day 🤩😴@Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/8O3vjMT9oi

— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) July 1, 2019

Last week, 15-year-old tennis prodigy Coco Gauff became the youngest tennis player to qualify for Wimbledon in the Open era.

Venus and Serena Williams were the reason Gauff picked up a tennis racket.

Gauff just defeated Venus Williams (6-4, 6-4) in the first round. pic.twitter.com/BC5kjbPKkQ

— The Undefeated (@TheUndefeated) July 1, 2019

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Venus Williams played Angelique Kerber in the quarterfinal round of the BNP Paribas Open.

Venus Williams was enjoying a very spirited and competitive run at the 2019 BNP Paribas Open. Unfortunately, in her ninth meeting with Germany's Angelique Kerber, Venus was eliminated from the quarterfinals 6(3)-7, 3-6.

Venus is currently scheduled for the upcoming Miami Open March 18-31.

"I want to thank you for everything you gave me this week"

Thank you, @Gael_Monfils 👊#BNPPO19 pic.twitter.com/tjCw4J1snv

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 15, 2019

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Venus Williams into the quarterfinals at the 2019 BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells.

Venus Williams proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that she remains a fierce competitor on the WTA Tour at 38 years old. The legendary one went toe-to-toe and then some with Germany's Mona Barthel who also had some impressive moments during the match. Venus defeated Barthel 6-4, 6-4.

Venus has reached the quarterfinals at this event 3 times, and was into the semifinals in 2018.

Next up for Venus is the winner of the match between Angelique Kerber and Aryna Sabalenka.

Time and time again, @Venuseswilliams proves age ain't nothing but a number 👊 #BNPPO19 pic.twitter.com/EHSfpELfPm

— WTA (@WTA) March 13, 2019

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2019 BNP Paribas Open 3rd round contender Venus Williams takes out fellow American Christina McHale.

The 2019 BNP Paribas open becomes more watchable with every match in which the legendary Venus Williams prevails. There will never be any forgetting of the power, precision and dedication that she brought to the game when she originally hit the pro circuit, and to see her effect any measure of her tremendous talent in 2019 is pure joy.

In a relatively balanced match against American Christina McHale, Venus exercised a level of shot placement throughout the match that lead her to a 6-2, 7-5 win.

Next up for Venus is World No. 97 Mona Barthel of Germany.

Keep it movin' Venus!!

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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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Venus Williams in 2019 BNP Paribas Open post-match interview.

Great match Venus Williams!!

Having been one of the 2018 BNP Paribas Open semi finalists, here at the 2019 tournament Venus Williams has maintained her fight and prevailed over World #3 Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic with a 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 win.

In a 2 hour 27 minute match, with not one single ace, Venus managed to either keep Kvitova at bay, or come back from a single and double break down.

In her post-match interview she stated, "I think everybody felt those ups and downs with me, I could feel the collective sigh, or the collective roar, it's unbelievable, I never want to let you down".

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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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17 years ago today, @VenusesWilliams became the first African American player, male or female, to be ranked No. 1 in the world.

Venus is the 11th player to hold the top spot in the @WTA computer rankings. pic.twitter.com/p8sLXYqZvy

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) February 25, 2019

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Excited to announce that 7 time Grand Slam Champion @Venuseswilliams will be participating in an exciting cooking demonstration with @RichardBlais at #TasteOfTennis Indian Wells! pic.twitter.com/QPwIKy1puB

— Citi Taste of Tennis (@TasteofTennis) February 26, 2019

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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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You have to play every round out here. People remember the finals, but it’s the early rounds that are the backstory. I’m looking forward to round 2! @australianopen

A post shared by Venus Williams (@venuswilliams) on Jan 16, 2019 at 12:27pm PST

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Survival of the fittest:@Venuseswilliams eventually finds an answer, outlasting Kuznetsova in a 3 set tussle...https://t.co/JWPqEEwn3C#USOpen pic.twitter.com/cogymE4vj6

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 27, 2018

American Venus Williams and Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova took to the courts for round one of the 2018 U.S. Open wherein the two went toe-to-toe with Venus eventually prevailing.

In all, it was a high-quality affair from both competitors, Venus striking 48 winners to 45 unforced errors while Kuznetsova struck 40 winners to 38 unforced errors.

"I'm most pleased I won the match. I think I stayed pretty aggressive throughout the match, and that's how I want to play the tournament" Venus stated post match.

"It's wonderful when the crowd is behind you. I experienced that much later in my career than I guess is typical. But I guess it's wonderful to have people on your side. You have to do it for yourself as well, but if the crowd is with you, it's wonderful to do it for them, too."

 Up next for the seven-time Grand Slam champion is Wimbledon quarterfinalist Camila Giorgi.

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