Black Tennis Pros

The White House has released the official portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama. It was taken in the Blue Room of the White House.

Absolutely beautiful - Work it First Lady!

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NEW YORK, N.Y. (February 26, 2009) - Andre Agassi will return to professional team tennis competition this summer, playing two matches for the Philadelphia Freedoms of the Advanta World TeamTennis Pro League. League officials announced Agassi's return when they released the 2009 schedule today.

The 2009 Advanta WTT Pro League schedule includes 73 matches in 10 markets, beginning July 2 and running through July 26. The Eastern and Western Conference Champions will battle for the Advanta WTT Championship title on July 26.

Agassi, who previously played World TeamTennis from 2002 to 2004, will play for the Freedoms on July 10 in Philadelphia and one road match on July 17 in Newport Beach, Calif. "Playing World TeamTennis is a great experience," said Agassi. "Team play is a terrific way to showcase tennis, especially for kids. WTT is competitive, it's fun and there's a really great energy from the fans. I'm looking forward to playing WTT again."

Agassi, who won 60 career singles titles including eight Grand Slam singles championships, is the only man to win all four Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal. One of tennis' true superstars, Agassi is also widely respected for his philanthropy. In 1994, he established the Andre Agassi Foundation which is dedicated to transforming U.S. public education for underserved youth. Agassi opened a public charter school in Las Vegas in 2001, the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, in one of the city's most socio-economically disadvantaged neighborhoods to improve lives through education. The school will have its first senior graduating class this spring.

"It's exciting to have Andre back in the Advanta World TeamTennis Pro League," said WTT CEO/Commissioner Ilana Kloss. "Not only is he one of the game's greatest ambassadors, but he has a unique connection with fans. He always brings something special to the court."

Agassi joins previously announced marquee players including Serena Williams (Washington Kastles), Venus Williams (Philadelphia Freedoms), Martina Navratilova (Boston Lobsters), John McEnroe (New York Sportimes); Anna Kournikova (St. Louis Aces), Michael Chang (Sacramento Capitals) and Bob and Mike Bryan (Kansas City Explorers).

Serena Williams will play four times for her Washington Kastles this summer. The 2009 Australian Open champion begins her WTT season with three road matches - July 9 in Boston, July 10 in New York City and July 13 in Philadelphia. Williams makes her only home appearance in Washington, D.C., on July 14.

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Davis Cup Captain Patrick McEnroe is sticking with familiar faces in sending out Andy Roddick, James Blake and the doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan against Switzerland in the Birmingham, Alabama first-round match which has been hit by the withdrawal of Federer due to a back injury.

"With Roger pulling out, that changes the dynamic," McEnroe said in a conference call.

"If Roger had been playing it would have been pretty even. Roger being out makes us a pretty solid favorite, but we're not overlooking the team the Swiss are bringing."

World number two Federer, runner-up at the Australian Open in January, announced his withdrawal last week.

"To be honest, I was a little disappointed."

"We were all looking forward to the challenge of playing Roger and the buzz he would help bring to the match."

The United States won the Cup two years ago and last year reached the semifinals before losing to Spain, the eventual champions.

"For us the goal is to try to get back into the later rounds and try to win the cup again," the U.S. captain said.

"We certainly have the capability of doing that and that's the bigger term goal, so we certainly like the fact that we have a better chance to advance.

"I'll probably sleep a little bit better next week as we prepare for the match and not have to prepare for Roger."

Photo by Getty Images

Source

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Both American Venus Williams and Frenchman Gael Monfils have advanced to the quarterfinal round of the Abierto Mexicano TELCEL.

Monfils defeated Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci 7-6 (3), 6-7 (2), 6-1. His next scheduled opponent is Argentine Leonardo Mayer.

Venus defeated Hungarian Greta Arn 6-4, 4-6, 6-2. Her next scheduled opponent is Hungarian Agnes Szavay.

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ACAPULCO, México - In Dubai over the weekend, Venus Williams became the first active player to win 40 singles titles on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. Now, after more than a full day of flying, she goes for No.41 in Acapulco. The picturesque Mexican city will also be the backdrop for the legend's Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Blog this week.

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Saturday, February 28, 2009

Hello one last time from Acapulco!

I had my best match of the tournament at the right time. It was tough making the transition from hard to clay so fast, but I think I've managed to do it. I had a lot of struggles and learned a lot from my other matches this week before finally playing well. I actually started feeling great in the warm-up, and in the match I was serving well, which always helps. I think she played well too but today came down to who controlled the points, and I think I did that better. Flavia and I have played some good matches back in the day though, and she definitely deserved to win the ones she did. This one was so important to me. Matches like this, in the final of a tournament, are the most important to me.

I also get to keep the hat! My dad wants the hat already. I've told him I'll give it to him, so I guess I've gotta give it up. The trophy was super cool too, but I don't get to keep it. I'm excited I got to hold it though.

I'm feeling good about the last two weeks. I've been able to win because I've been preparing better and staying healthy. Obviously the Australian Open didn't go the way I planned, but as long as I can keep my health up, I can still win like this. I learned a lot from that loss. I thought very hard about it. I went home and figured stuff out. It was annoying to me that it happened, because I worked so hard in the off-season... it just wasn't acceptable. But there's always something to make you work harder and try to do better - hopefully that's my something.

I'm going to Madison Square Garden in New York next. I was really tired before the final tonight. I was thinking, 'Oh my gosh, hopefully I can get through the next few days.' But as soon as I got out there I got a lot of energy. As long as you don't think about your fatigue, it helps. And now I'm really excited and energized about Madison Square Garden. I've already made my game plan. I'm excited about the clay court season too, and that's just around the corner.

When I get back home, I'll be taking at least six days off. I'm going to try not to do any exercise! Actually, my new thing is pilates. I do some yoga too, but my favorite thing now is the pilates reformer. I never used to like working out. It used to be the bane of my existence. But I had a life change last year and started liking it, thank the Lord. We turned our library into a gym (I love to reorganize!) I'd go to practice then grind it out in the library, then grind a little more, then another workout... I was insane! Anyway, I actually want to get certified for pilates... I'm so nerdy, I can't take enough classes and get enough degrees.

Thank you all very much for your recommendations on the fantasy books. I'll let you all know next time what I ended up going with!

That's all for this week... I really enjoyed doing the blog, thank you so much for reading, I can't wait 'til next time! Hopefully next time it'll be more action-packed!

Venus

Question of the Day: What's the first thing you'll do when you finally get back home? - Logan, Canada
I really want to just lie down on my bed, but I also want to see Harold, my dog. He's a Havanese. He was an impulse buy - I was at the pet shop and he was just so cute, so I called Serena and told her about him, and she said 'I love him already!' But she hadn't even seen him yet! Of course, I got him. I don't normally care much about breeds, but I really wanted a dog who would stay small, so I could travel anywhere with him. I'm getting off subject here though. The first thing I'll do when I get home is hang out, lay down, waste time and see Harold!

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Friday, February 27, 2009

Hi guys!

It was another relaxing day today, I was basically in a coma until my match. I did receive some terrible news though: they cancelled Starter Wife. I was just talking about how it's my new favorite show, and they go and cancel it! I was thinking about this. I'm always reading so many books, and I've been watching so many of these TV shows the last few weeks that I haven't done any reading at all. TV really does neutralize you. And you'd think I'd still have more episodes to go before I'm done the series, but when you sit in your hotel room all day...

My match tonight was well contested - I know the score was 60 63, but it took 90 minutes, which is pretty long for that score. It really takes more work on the clay. The first set was obviously great. The second set was a little tougher, but there was nothing I wasn't prepared to do. And I felt like whenever the big points came up, I came up with the goods, especially on my serve. I find a way.

The last time I did the blog, I was reading the book The Ruins. That story was so depressing, and it has become a movie since then. Now, I only read fantasy. I was waiting for the new Paolini book Brisingr to come out, but Serena has been holding me off on reading it, and I'm also trying to keep it for a long trip. For example, the one from Dubai to Acapulco... (I forgot to bring it!) It'll have to wait until later this year. I know once I start it I'll finish it so quickly, and then I'll be sad because there's nothing left to read! Anyway, I'm constantly looking for new fantasy books to read. I'm taking recommendations, if you guys have any?

I haven't really been to the restaurants here, but I like the food. Tacos make me happy. I'm getting tired of all the eating though! I have breakfast, then half my lunch before practice and the other half before I play, then some more food after the match. It's a little bit hard eating this much. I'll be happy to have a break from it next week! And if you're wondering about the pancakes and syrup I was talking about earlier in the week... I've had the pancakes, but I had them plain :(

This has been an early night compared to the other nights! It's about 1am... now I don't know what to do with myself! Maybe I'll call some of the other players' rooms and see if they'd like to play...

Venus

P.S. I've put a picture up of me and my friend and personal assistant Jessica...

Question of the Day: How do you get past those days when you wake up and don't feel like training? - Johnson, New Zealand
I call it the battle with the bed. Actually, Serena made that up. It's when you just don't want to get up. I'm much better than what I used to be: I would just sleep in and not care, and then my whole day would be wrecked. I'd be so behind in everything and would get so stressed. Now I can take a few days off, but if I take too many days off I start getting anxious, because I know I'm not paying the price. I feel comfortable when I do pay the price. When Serena and I would be losing the battle with the bed, we'd text each other. From across the house. I know, it's just ridiculous. I'd say 'I'm losing,' and she'd say 'Oh no, really? I am too!' We'd basically be laying down doing nothing and texting each other.

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Thursday, February 26, 2009

Hey everyone!

After getting a little bit of ice at the physio and some food at the hotel, I was able to get to bed right away last night. It was a tough night though, because I'd lost my phone and kept dreaming about it. I kept waking up wondering where it was then trying to go back to sleep, but finally I just woke up and tried to figure out where it was. It was actually in the locker room! I was so happy it hadn't been thrown out with the towels. I really thought I'd lost it. Thankfully, I got it back.

I didn't do much differently during the day today, as I had to rest up then get ready for my match. I managed to watch a few episodes of The Starter Wife, my new thing now. I looked around to find things to do but when you're playing later in the day and have to wait around, it's important to rest most of the time.

I can't believe I finished before midnight tonight! It was another three-setter and my opponent played well. I had to take it to another level. I was aggressive and just didn't have any of the issues I had last night. I'm getting more comfortable with the courts here, and I've reached my first goal of getting to the semifinals.

They asked me about my dress, the Goddess Dress, in the press conference after the match. It's actually going to be retiring after this tournament :( It debuted last year at Wimbledon and had more life at the US Open and at the Australian Open. This is its last tournament though. It might be hard to say goodbye! But I'll be unveiling a new dress at my next event. I need to be as fashionable as possible!

I've been taking pictures with my new Sony Ericsson phone this week. I've put another one up in the gallery (and it's here in the blog too), of me gearing up for my match. As you can see from this picture and the others the hotel is really, really nice. And it's nice hanging out here. It's like I'm on vacation, even though I'm not. But, I guess I can look at other people vacationing.

I'm going to go back to the hotel and lay down now, maybe catch an episode of Starter Wife before I go to sleep. I'll write again tomorrow, maybe even earlier!

Venus

Question of the Day: As a fellow Grey's fan, are you a McDreamy or a McSteamy girl? - Bobby, USA

I like McSteamy. I don't know why, I just like him better. McDreamy's good, but he's constantly lost. McSteamy knows what he's going for and just does it.

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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

It was another late night tonight. I don't even know if Greta and I got on the court before 10 o'clock, it was maybe 9:30, or something really late! I lost serve in the first game, which wasn't a great start, but I got going pretty good the rest of the first set. Then in the second set, she changed her game plan completely and started lobbing. I haven't seen that game since the juniors! I wasn't prepared emotionally and mentally for it, especially emotionally. I made a lot of errors. She made a lot of good shots too, some crowd-pleasing shots, but I'm happy I was able to win in the end.

Not much else happened today. I just rested during the day because I wasn't playing until night. Nothing too cool was going on!

It's almost 2am now, and I'm just going to go back to the hotel and go to bed. Last night I said I might have trouble convincing myself to go to sleep, but tonight I'll definitely be able to calm down. My legs are weak. I'm so sleepy...

Tomorrow I'm playing earlier. I'll talk to you all again after my match!

Venus

Question of the Day: Did you bring your Yorkshire Terrier to Acapulco with you? - Jane, USA
Noooo :( Harold isn't here. He couldn't come because the airline wouldn't let me bring him on the plane with me. I miss the little guy. I had everything all ready for him here in the hotel, but I didn't know he wouldn't be allowed on the plane. He's at a daycare right now, poor little guy. He'll be on the next trip for sure.

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Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Hello again everyone!

So Isha and I did end up going around Acapulco last night. We didn't drive around too much though, because I think I almost fell into a coma, I was ready to just give up and go to sleep! But I stayed out long enough to do a bit of shopping: I got a necklace, it has silver and opal on it. It's pretty cool.

Today went really well. I woke up in the morning and went to practice, and I was having so much fun that the hour went by so fast. In the afternoon I spent some time catching up on my e-mail and watching TV shows. I've been downloading TV shows from iTunes... like Grey's Anatomy (my favorite show), The Starter Wife and The Practice. It was a slow, slow afternoon!

Later on I went out and warmed up, hit some balls and ate, the typical routine for an athlete. I'm feeling confident about my game, so nothing too much.

I had a tough start to my match tonight. She was playing well and aggressively. I wish I could have gotten more serves in. I got through it though, and I'm just looking forward to my next match tomorrow night. I don't mind playing at night, I just play when the tournament tells me to!

Well it's midnight now, I've got to calm down and try to go to bed. I can't stay up reading or watching TV shows. I love to multitask. I have a fear of missing out. It sounds childish, I know, but I really have to convince myself to go to sleep.

I'll talk to you all again after my match tomorrow night!

Venus

Question of the Day: What do you always keep with you during your travels around the world? - Magdas, The Netherlands
I always have my bible with me when I travel. I read from it every day. When I don't, I feel like I'm going feral. I don't know if that makes any sense.

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Monday, February 23, 2009

Hello again everyone! I'm excited to be blogging again, this time from Acapulco!

The trip here from Dubai... oh my gosh, it was long. I didn't realize it would be that long. It took 30 hours to get here, which was my longest trip ever! But I was mentally prepared for it. I was strategic: I only slept on the first flight, and after I landed in New York, I didn't sleep until I got here. It was a winning game plan. I got a full night's sleep last night and woke up happy.

I got to Acapulco around 10 last night, opened the windows and the sea was right there. I was SO happy! Then I went to the player party, it was a White Party. But I was wearing my black warm-up suit! With a green stripe... Anyway, the party was really nice. The chicken was great - I really love meat, I just had to try it.

This morning it got even better. I went down for breakfast and I just knew it was American breakfast, I could just smell it! I smelled the pancakes and syrup. I was way too happy about it. I even took a picture of myself at breakfast - it was just ridiculous. The strange thing is, I usually can't stand breakfast! I never eat it. But I was just so happy to smell the syrup. I think it was the feeling of smelling something from back home. It was a long way from Dubai and there were so many hardships along the way, I didn't think I'd ever make it here. But I kept a positive attitude on the trip. I took it one mile at a time.

I was very busy today. I practiced first thing in the morning and had my workout, then spent the afternoon in interviews and meetings. Now I have a little free time. I'm trying not to fall asleep - that would undermine my whole success so far! I'm about to go to the training room and then I'm planning on just relaxing. I'll be playing matches every day starting tomorrow, so I'm hoping I can get into a car and just have a look around Acapulco tonight. Then I'm going to settle in here and hopefully start winning matches!

So, nothing too interesting yet, just living the dream in Acapulco!

Venus

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If you missed the "Ellen" show when Serena Williams made a recent appearance, you missed a lot of fun.

Two particularly funny segments were the first part of the interview when the two had a shamelessly sponsor plugging moment, and then Ellen inquired about Serena's significant other.


Ellen: (Regarding the Australian Open) It was hot there right?

Serena: Oh my God, it was so hot. At one point it was like, I think they said it was 125 degrees on the court. And it was just like, literally I was running and like thinking this is almost not worth it... is this worth it? (laughs)

Ellen: How long does a set like that last, a match?

Serena: Well, ummm, it depends like, cause if it's that hot, normally you just, you know, no more than two hours - but that's just crazy.

Ellen: But two hours in 125 degrees, I mean... how are you not melting to the court? How, how are your shoes not melting onto the...

Serena: Well, I mean, Niki makes the best shoes so I clearly (laughs)... all the other people have lots of problems but I was fine.

Ellen: Good answer - you should buy them with American Express cards - and when you're done playing, put on Cover Girl makeup.



Then, Ellen surprises Serena by beginning the segment with something that clearly was not true.

Ellen: Alright, we're back with Serena Williams, and you were talking about you wanted to mention your boyfriend's name.

Serena: (Looks at her in surprise) I don't, no...

Ellen: Well, anyway... but when he calls you it just must be music to your ears... cause he's so "unCommonly" good.

Okay, so she's going to play a little game called 'Smash My Face,' and here's how it's going to work.

Serena: Okay, I'm ready to smash your face. (Serena clapping) Let's play! Let's play!

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SINGLES

Round 1

Venus Williams, USA defeated Nuria Llagostera Vives, ESP
6-4, 4-6, 6-2

Round 2

Venus Williams, USA defeated Greta Arn, HUN
6-3, 6-7(3), 6-4

Quarterfinal Round

Venus Williams, USA defeated Agnes Szavay, HUN
6-2, 5-7, 6-1

Semifinal Round

Venus Williams, USA defeated Barbora Zahlavova Strycov, CZE
6-0, 6-3

Final

Venus Williams, USA defeated Flavia Pennetta, ITA
6-1, 6-2


Eliminated during singles qualifying rounds:

Megan Moulton-Levy, USA
Danielle Mills, USA


DOUBLES

Round 1

Jeff Coetzee, RSA and Wesley Moodie, RSA
defeated
Janko Tipsarevic, SRB and Viktor Troicki, SRB
6-3, 6-4

Quarterfinal Round

Jeff Coetzee, RSA and Wesley Moodie, RSA
defeated by
David Ferrer, ESP and Marat Safin, RUS
7-6, 4-6 [10/12]


SINGLES

Round 1

Gael Monfils, FRA defeated Olivier Patience, FRA
7-6(4), 6-4

Round 2

Gael Monfils, FRA defeated Thomaz Bellucci, BRA
7-6(4), 6-7(5), 6-1

Quarterfinal Round

Gael Monfils, FRA defeated Leonardo Mayer, ARG

6-3, 7(4)-6, 4-1(Ret'd)

Semifinal Round

Gael Monfils, FRA defeated Jose Acasuso, ARG
6-3, 6-4

Final

Gael Monfils, FRA defeated by Nicolas Almagro, ESP
4-6, 4-6

SINGLES

Round 1

Donald Young, USA defeated by Somdev Devvarman, IND
6-4, 6-4


SINGLES

Round 1

Stephanie Foretz, FRA defeated Jessica Moore, AUS
6-4, 6-4

Round 2

Stephanie Foretz, FRA defeated by Evgeniya Rodina, RUS
1-6, 5-7


DOUBLES

Round 1

Megan Moulton-Levy, USA and Varvara Lepchenko, USA
defeated by
Mara Kondratieva, RUS and Sophie LeFevre, FRA
3-6, 6-2, [16/14]


SINGLES

Round 1

Nicholas Monroe, USA defeated by Alexander Somogyi, SVK
1-6, 6-4, 7-5

Jarmere Jenkins, USA defeated by Uladzimir, Ignatik, BLR
6-3, 6-2


DOUBLES

Round 1

Nicholas Monroe, USA and Fritz Wolmarans, RSA
defeated by
Lester Cook, USA and Shane La Porte, USA
6-3, 6-3

Paul Todd, USA and Treat Conrad Huey, PHI
defeated
Daniel Lustig, CZE, and Juho Paukku, FIN
7-6(5), 6-2

Quarterfinal Round

Nicholas Monroe, USA and Frit Wolmarans, RSA
defeated by
Luis Diaz-Barriga, MEX and Antonio Ruiz-Rosales, MEX
6-7(3), 4-6

Paul Todd, USA and Treat Conrad Huey, PHI
defeated
Tigran Martirosyan, ARM and Jesse Witten, USA
0-6, 6-3 [10-6]

Semifinal Round

Paul Todd, USA and Treat Conrad Huey, PHI
defeated
Luis Diaz-Barriga, MEX and Antonio Ruiz-Rosales, MEX
6-1, 6-4


UPDATE:

Last Week at the Sanderson Volvo Future Stars Women's $25K, Surprise, Arizona the doubles team of:

Asha Rolle, USA and Vanina Wickmeyer, USA
defeated by
Jorjelina Cravero, ARG and Ekaterina Ivanova, RUS
6-1, 6-1


At the Brownsville Men's Professional Tennis Tournament, Brownsville, Texas in the singles event:

Nicholas Monroe, USA defeated by Michael Russell, USA
6-2, 6-4

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HOLLYWOOD, CA. (February 24, 2009) – Top world ranked tennis player Serena Williams – who just came off winning her 10^th Grand Slam Singles Title at the 2009 Australian Open - teamed up with Gatorade G2 today at Hollywood’s famed Roosevelt Hotel to select who will appear alongside her in a new national “Everyday Athletes” ad campaign for the Gatorade G2 low-calorie sports drink. Emceed by Access Hollywood host and upcoming Dancing with the Stars competitor, Nancy O’Dell, The G2 Everyday Athlete Search featured five semi-finalists –all named Serena – who traveled to the event from around the country to discuss their personal stories of how sports and exercise have helped them overcome a challenge or allowed them to reach and accomplish a significant, personal goal.

A casting panel consisting of Serena Williams, and representatives from Shape Magazine and Gatorade G2 selected winner Serena Cuevas, 23, from San Diego, Calif. based on Cuevas’ story of growing up with a passion to dance that was sidetracked by a horrific car accident at the age of 17. She was told by the doctors she may never dance again. With determination and passion, Cuevas recovered and went on to compete in national and international salsa competitions, as well as establish her own dance company - Deseo Dance Company – in San Diego.

Cuevas will appear with Serena Williams in the national ad campaign beginning this spring that will help draw attention to the Gatorade brand’s broadened definition of what it means to be an athlete. If your body is moving, Gatorade considers you an athlete. In addition to Serena Williams, G2 is also unveiling three more “everyday athlete” ads, featuring the NBA’s Kevin Garnett, WNBA’s Candace Parker, and Gold Medal Beach Volleyball star Kerri Walsh with their “everyday athlete” counterparts. Others are invited to share their own “everyday athlete” stories at missionG.com, the new sports and entertainment portal for Gatorade.

“Whether you are Serena Williams or Serena Cuevas, we all have it within us to achieve our dreams and goals, thanks to sports, exercise and being active,” said Sarah Robb O’Hagan, chief marketing officer for Gatorade. “This G2 campaign invites more consumers to see themselves as athletes while motivating them to be the best they can be.”

In recent weeks, Gatorade has launched a comprehensive marketing campaign designed to appeal to a broader range of athletes and beyond the traditional sidelines. The G2 Everyday Athlete Search, part of the new G campaign, is a call to action for all active people, not only to think about Gatorade in new and exciting ways, but also to search for compelling ways they can challenge themselves to achieve while promoting the low-calorie benefit of the beverage with a tagline of “Less Calories for More Athletes.”

Along with winner Cuevas, the other semi-finalists who traveled to Hollywood to meet with Serena include Serena Marrero, 47, Tillson, New York; Serena Lehman, 27, Seattle, Wash.; Serena Orgel, 34, Brooklyn, New York; and Serena Martinez, 38, Ventura, Calif.

For more information on the low-calorie G2 beverages, visit Gatorade.com. To view the G2 Everyday Athlete Campaign, visit missionG.com.

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