Black Tennis Pros

I spotted this on Serena's official site today, you've just gotta love it! Too cute.

Although spring sprung rumors that Serena Williams and the rapper Common were an item, the tennis champ plays it coy when pressed for comment on the relationship.

"I think he's a great guy," Williams, 26, tells Ebony for its July issue.

"He's obviously a great artist who is timeless and classic. You can't beat that. But I have to focus on tennis because that's my goal in life."

Due to compete this summer in the Beijing Olympics, where she hopes to reclaim her title as the world's No. 1-ranked female player with the upcoming Grand Slam events – the French Open, U.S. Open and Wimbledon tournaments – Williams has also bought a home in Paris and is trying to learn French.

Beyond that, she says, her hot-weather plans include seeing the screen drama Wanted, based on the comic book and starring Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman and Common – whose very name brings a smile to Williams's face.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing that film," she says.

Where is Ricky Martin and "The Cup Of Life" when you need him?

Here we go!
Allez, allez, allez!
Go, go, go!
Allez, allez, allez!

I would never have imagined that by Wednesday of this week my whole focus would have changed this dramatically with Roland Garros, but I am so glad that it has.

Twenty-one year old Frenchman Gael Monfils has stepped up to the plate in a most fabulous way and has injected new life into Roland Garros. I don't know where it's going or how long it's going to last, but I'M HAPPY!

Spaniard David Ferrer was downed by Monfils 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 in a most wonderful effort. It was a pleasure to watch.

Yes, Yes, Yes! I told you all some good things were happening today.

Frenchman Gael Monfils took out Croatian Ivan Ljubicic to the tune of a 7-6(7/1), 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 win.

Gael now faces the probability of becoming the first Frenchman since Sebastien Grosjean in 2001 to reach the semi-finals of the French Open, the local crowd has been waiting 25 years for Yannick Noah's successor as a champion.

"It is fabulous, incredible, I am deeply moved," Monfils said in a courtside interview.

"What is coming next will also be beautiful."

Birthday girl Mashona Washington threw up her arms and let out a loud scream when the final ball finally sailed out. There was reason to celebrate: Washington would be spending the rest of her big day preparing for the women's final at the $50,000 USTA East West Bank Classic Pro Challenger.

"I did not want to lose on my birthday," said Washington, who turned 32 on Saturday. "After my first two matches in qualifying everything else was a bonus. I've just been trying to put matches together."

Houston's Washington went straight to the trainer's table after her 7-6 (5), 6-2, semifinal win over fourth-seeded Anna Tatishvili. She came back with ice on her surgically repaired left knee. "It's feeling pretty good," she said. "I actually had to get some treatment on my back. It's been sore since Monday. I don't know if it's the softness of the beds here or what. But I have been getting some great sleeps."

Washington will play No. 2 seed Alexa Glatch, an 18-year-old from Newport Beach in today's 10 a.m. final.

UPDATE: Mashona defeated Alexa Glatch 7-5, 6-5 to take the championship. Work it girl!!