Black Tennis Pros

Australian Open Draw

Friday, January 16, 2009

WOMEN'S SINGLES

Round 1

Venus Williams, USA vs. Angelique Kerber, GER

Serena Williams, USA vs. Meng Yuan, CHN

MEN'S SINGLES

Round 1

Gael Monfils, FRA vs. Martin Vassallo Arguello, ARG

James Blake, USA vs. Qualifier

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, FRA vs. Juan Monaco, ARG

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Posted by Shelia at 4:28 AM

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Awwwwwww S**t!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Just when I'm getting all sucked into the Jo-Wilfried Tsonga mania for the 2009 Australian Open, check this out:

SYDNEY, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Last year’s Australian Open runner-up Jo-Wilfried Tsonga could miss next week’s tournament after a back injury forced him out of the Sydney International on Thursday.

The Frenchman twice needed treatment to his lower back during his quarter-final win over Simone Bolelli on Wednesday and then pulled out of his semi-final against Jarkko Nieminen on Thursday after the problem deteriorated overnight.

“I decided this afternoon because the pain, it’s too much, I cannot play,” Tsonga told a news conference. “I saw my physio a lot yesterday. I saw the physio from the ATP. I saw the doctor and they told me it’s difficult to play like that.

Tsonga, seeded fifth for the Australian Open next week, has been troubled by back problems in the past and was unsure whether he would be able to take his place in the first grand slam of the year, starting in Melbourne on Monday.

“I hope it will not affect me for the Australian Open but I don’t know” he said. “I had a problem with my disc a long time ago and sometimes it happens.

“I just have to wait and come back on the court when I feel better. I can’t do anything for the next two days. I will stay maybe in my bed and hope I will be better.”

Tsonga, 22, was one favourites to win the Australian Open after beating Rafael Nadal to reach last year’s final, which he lost to Novak Djokovic, and winning the Paris Masters in November.

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Posted by Shelia at 5:16 PM

Labels: Australian Open, Jarkko Nieminen, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Novak Djokovic, Paris Masters, Rafael Nadal, Simone Bolelli, Sydney International Tennis Tournament

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Obama's Social Secretary Is, Shall I Say...Quite Fly

Vogue Magazine Presents Ms. Desiree Rogers

Barack Obama's new social secretary, Desirée Rogers, keeps an eye on tradition as she welcomes the next generation to the White House. William Norwich reports.

Photographed by Jonathan Becker

In Chicago on a Saturday before the Inauguration, Barack Obama taped a Meet the Press interview in which he described his vision for social life in the White House during his presidency, likening the place John Adams built to a "bully pulpit" he will use to inspire Americans, especially young Americans, with a renaissance of culture, poetry readings, concerts, and science lectures. "Our art, our culture, our science," Obama said, are "the essence of what makes America special, and we want to project that as much as possible in the White House."

In Washington that same Saturday, Desirée Rogers, the woman who will be responsible for every social event and ceremony—from a tea for two to a peace-treaty signing for thousands—in the Obama White House, was visiting Letitia Baldrige prior to officially stepping into her new job as special assistant to the president and White House social secretary, a position Baldrige held during the Kennedy administration.

Baldrige, now in the midst of writing her memoirs, When the World Loves You Back, kindly offered Rogers some helpful tips, like always having a backup plan if the First Lady is unable to attend a function or, for state dinners, checking whether any of the guests have children and, if they do, arranging for a signed gift from the First Family to mark the occasion—something special, like a book, that they will remember for a lifetime.

"Desirée is so poised and so charming, so substantial and capable, but nonetheless I told her how important it is to always stand up to the West Wing," Baldrige recounted later. "The West Wing is the men's side, and they will want to push you to put all those politicians on the dinner lists, and you've got to be strong and say no. Always represent what the First Lady and the president want. In the case of the Obamas, it's an exciting mix of people—not paybacks."

Rogers's appointment, in late November, did not come as a surprise to anyone in the Obama inner circle, including Valerie Jarrett, one of her best friends and a senior adviser to the new president. Days before the announcement, Rogers had hosted a small birthday party for Jarrett in Chicago attended by Barack and Michelle Obama, who rejoiced in being able to spend some downtime with a few of their closest pals, including Rogers, after the campaign's long haul. "My party was perfect," Jarrett told The Washington Post later, adding that Rogers "has extraordinary flair and exquisite taste."

Rogers never really had any serious hesitation about accepting the job, but before telling the Obamas yes, she discussed the decision with Washington insiders, including the philanthropist Ann Jordan and Ann Stock, a social secretary in the Clinton White House, to make sure her view of the job was "in sync" with the Obamas' vision. Knowing for sure that "it is," she told me when we met on a day she was visiting Manhattan for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's opening night at New York City Center, she hasn't looked back. How could she? There isn't time.

Shuttling between Chicago, Washington, and New York before the Inauguration, Rogers had already visited the White House, invited by Amy Zantzinger, the most recent social secretary for the Bush administration. Rogers—whose credentials include Wellesley College and a Harvard MBA—was delighted to meet Rear Admiral Stephen W. Rochon, the White House chief usher, who will be her closest East Wing ally. He got things off to a great start by presenting her with a package of pralines, a Louisiana specialty.

"Admiral Rochon is from New Orleans, my hometown, and he knew my dad [the celebrated City Councilman Roy Glapion, Jr.], who is deceased," said Rogers, whose first big task after the Inauguration will be to organize the swearing in of the new Cabinet and, in February, the annual Governors Dinner at the White House. "Talking to him about my father, and then receiving those pralines—well, we instantly bonded."

Although her father was immersed in political life, Rogers herself always aspired to a career in business. Her first job out of Harvard Business School, in her 20s, was turning a chain of office-building newsstands into chic shopping destinations by redesigning their facades and adding affordable impulse items. Her early success made her a star in Chicago's business world. Rogers went from strength to strength, as president of the utilities Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas, a more than $2 billion concern she ran from 2004, and last year creating a social network of consumers and clients for Allstate. As a high-profile civic and business leader, and a longtime Obama supporter and fund-raiser, Rogers became a local celebrity: tall, best dressed—she favors American designers, with direction from Chicago boutique owner Ikram Goldman—and photographed around town.

But of all her jobs, the one she says has prepared her best for her new role is running the Illinois Lottery in the early nineties, during which she "met a true cross-section of people. The common thread among them never was just getting rich, but being able to do something wonderful—like adding a room to the house for an elderly mother, or paying for the grandkids' tuition," Rogers said. "If I can re-create that kind of enthusiasm at the White House, then I'm doing my job."

During her tour of the White House, she was greatly relieved to find a ready solution for one of her main worries—"those seating charts." Rogers was given a preview of "a huge computer screen, programmed with all the tables, so you can drag the names of guests around until you get it right." She also saw the extensive archives of social events from prior administrations, material that she and Michelle Obama can study. "There is a history and tradition to these events," said Rogers—the Christmas-tree lighting, for example, and the Easter-egg hunt. "Yes, we are about change and about finding a new way, but 'new' doesn't mean that we walk away from history."

Many observers have compared Michelle Obama to Jacqueline Kennedy, and I asked Rogers how closely she and the First Lady are looking to Jackie's White House. "It is definitely an inspiration for us because we hear people talk about it all the time," she answered. "We would be remiss not to study those years carefully, not in order to duplicate them but to be inspired by them."

The mandate the Obamas have given her, Rogers said, "is about instilling pride." Her job "is helping people visualize what the Obama presidency is about, the feelings Americans voted for—inclusion, transparency, embracing people you might never otherwise learn about—and also translating the splendor, that sweetness, that comfort of the White House to everyone." She paused and smiled. "Enormous task."

Indeed, in these troubled economic times, how exactly will the Obamas revitalize the White House? "Using the assets already there," Rogers said. "We have to be balanced. People think that being 'social' means hosting a lavish party, but that's not true. We all thrive on social interaction, and we must continue to," despite the economy.

One of the great assets, of course, will be the Obama daughters, Sasha and Malia. It's been decades since young children have lived in the White House. "The wide-eyed amazement of the Obama children will draw in the enthusiasm of other children and families, I am sure," Rogers said.

Another asset is the First Puppy. Would Rogers be open to hosting an annual dog show on the White House grounds to compete with the Westminster Kennel Club's in Madison Square Garden? "That dog is going to be something else," Rogers said, mindful of the phenomenal interest in the pet. "I am not certain what the girls have in mind, but we'll think of something." Rogers also commented on the possibility of instituting an Internet lottery to become a guest at a White House event, akin to the ones Obama ran during the campaign in which winners got to attend the presidential debates. "It would be fun," Rogers said, "but we've got to work all the details out"—including, in the spirit of transparency, Internet video coverage of these and other White House happenings.

"Will the president have impromptu pickup basketball games?" I asked.

"Probably," Rogers answered.

"With videos of the games posted on the Internet?"

"Why not?"

"What about celebrities? They seemed to have been banned during the campaign. Will celebrities be invited to the White House?"

She laughed. "Of course. Why not? They're people too. Remember, we are inclusive. We want everybody."

Rogers is a lot of fun—in fact, back in the Windy City, she was often described as "the life of the party." But she isn't the least bit concerned that all the White House protocol and attendant offstage orchestrations will put a damper on her effervescent spirit. "I get great joy seeing people being entertained," she explained. "The joy for me will be the moment before they arrive, making certain we have created a great environment for the Obamas and their guests. I'll have more fun watching than being in the party."

Just as Baldrige discovered during her tenure, the hardest thing Ann Stock had to learn as social secretary was becoming "Dr. No—saying no through a smile and never stringing anyone along."

The advice she has given Rogers emphasizes the importance of one's friends and contacts. "Desirée already has a huge network of people in the business and social world, and she will continue to broaden it." Describing a nearly three-hour dinner with Rogers at her house near Washington, over homemade white bean chili ("major social-secretary faux pas: The wicks in the candles on my table had already been burned"), Stock said, "You get into the White House and sometimes, because of the aura about the place, there's a disconnect from people. You need to rely on your network to feed you information about what is happening in the real world, information that you can make come alive in the White House, whether it's news about emerging talent in the arts and fashion, a scientist doing amazing work, or a charity doing something huge, like the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer event during the Clinton years."

For now, deluged with suggestions about how to improve White House social life and requests for invitations—"People aren't subtle"—Rogers has been occupied with finding an apartment near the White House for herself and for her daughter, Victoria, eighteen, when she visits from Yale. Washington life will keep Rogers in close proximity not only to her best friends, like Valerie Jarrett and Ann Jordan, but also to her ex-husband, John Rogers, who played basketball with Michelle Obama's brother, Craig Robinson, at Princeton and is a cochairman of the Inaugural committee.

"We're very close, but we just couldn't live together," Rogers said of her former husband. "Everyone is always mad at the ex-husband, but you shouldn't be. Let it go; it's so much easier to get along with him than not. You have to think so much about not getting along, don't you?"

I asked if she was seeing anyone at the moment. She is not.

"The most eligible woman in Washington!" I exclaimed. "What a scoop! Would the social secretary care to comment?"

She shook her head. "We'll see," she said, and smiled. "We'll see."

"Life of the Party" has been edited for Style.com; the complete story appears in the February 2009 issue of Vogue.

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Posted by Shelia at 3:15 AM

Labels: Desiree Rogers, Vogue Magazine

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Serena Runs Out Of Steam In Sydney Semifinal

American Serena Williams couldn't seem to keep up the powerful momentum she had been building in the Australian Open Series Medibank International. After her elongated quarterfinal match against Caroline Wozniacki, there just wasn't much left in the tank

World no. 12 Russian Elena Dementieva was up to the challenge and engaged Serena in a number of power rallies that at least made some of the match worthy of watching. Dementieva defeated Serena 6-3, 6-1. Ouuuuuch.

"I gave it away more than anything. I made a lot of errors and made her look like a champ, really. I just pretty much gave her the match," said Serena.

"It was good to have a few matches under my belt getting ready for Melbourne." I feel like I'm going play a lot better than what I did this week. My main goal, obviously, is to go to Melbourne and do the best that I can do."

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Posted by Shelia at 2:04 AM

Labels: Australian Open Series, Elena Dementieva, Medibank International, Serena Williams

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Parade Magazine Posts Letter From President-Elect Barack Obama To His Daughters

'What I Want for You — and Every Child
in America'

By President-elect Barack Obama

Publication Date: 01/14/2009

Dear Malia and Sasha,

I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me-about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.

I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential-schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college-even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.

I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.

Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country-but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free-that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.

That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.

She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better-and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It's a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.

I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much-although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.

These are the things I want for you-to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure.

I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.

Love, Dad

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Posted by Shelia at 12:08 AM

Labels: Letter, Malia Obama, Michelle Obama, Parade Magazine, President-Elect Barack Obama, Sasha Obama

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TennisTV.com - It Just May Fill In The Sad Network And Television Programming, For A Price

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

TennisTV.com

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Posted by Shelia at 4:16 AM

Labels: ATP World Tour, Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, TennisTV.com

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Need To Improve Your Tennis Game Or Develop One? Join Jasmyne

Last Spring Jasmyne Cannick began the hard work of developing her tennis game, from scratch. Less than a year later she is preparing for her first tournament - not bad. I recently viewed her latest video and saw a woman who is really putting in the effort.

Jasmyne is always looking for existing players or those who would like to learn to play tennis to join her as she continually improves her game. In the L.A. or D.C. area? Contact Jasmyne and give her a run for her money.

Watch My Tennis Update - January 2009 in Sports Online | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

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Posted by Shelia at 3:08 AM

Labels: Ian Fox, Jasmyne Cannick, LeGeorge

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The Australian Open Qualifying Rounds Have Begun, Is The Economy Keeping Some People At Home? I'll Double Check

WOMEN'S SINGLES

Round 1

Alexandra Stevenson, USA vs. Stephanie Foretz, FRA

MEN'S SINGLES

Round 1

Josselin Ouanna, FRA defeated Kevin Kim, USA
7-6, 2-6, 6-3

Scoville Jenkins, USA vs. Marco Chiudin Elli, SUI

The singles main draw will be released on Friday, January 16. The doubles draw will be released the week of January 19.