Venus and Serena Williams have both withdrawn from the French Open. This is not unexpected, given the health problems they have experienced in the past several months.
Kim Clijsters has not yet decided whether to play in the French Open, but her participation is looking more likely than some thought.
The latest Backspin Time Capsule is all about Monica Seles. It brings back a lot of memories.
Mary Carillo will join the broadcast team for Tennis Channel for both the French Open and the U.S. Open. In Paris, Carillo will host Tennis Channel's live network desk, do interviews, provide analysis, and do some selected play-by-play commentating.
Here is a brief preview of Adidas fashion for the French Open.
Showing posts with label Serena Williams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Serena Williams. Show all posts
Friday, May 13, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Passing shots
A man in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida has been arrested for stalking Serena Williams.
Sandra Harwitt writes about the notable career of Esther Vergeer.
The WTA website is featuring an interview with Kristina Barrois, who joined the tour when she was 25 years old.
Eurosport's "Tramlines" column informs us that "nobody is really watching" women's tennis, so combined events are good for the WTA.
Steffi Graf will participate in the Chris Evert/Raymond James Pro Celebrity Tennis Class, which will be played November 11-13. This will be Graf's first appearance at the event, which is a fund-raiser for at-risk families in Florida.
Sandra Harwitt writes about the notable career of Esther Vergeer.
The WTA website is featuring an interview with Kristina Barrois, who joined the tour when she was 25 years old.
Eurosport's "Tramlines" column informs us that "nobody is really watching" women's tennis, so combined events are good for the WTA.
Steffi Graf will participate in the Chris Evert/Raymond James Pro Celebrity Tennis Class, which will be played November 11-13. This will be Graf's first appearance at the event, which is a fund-raiser for at-risk families in Florida.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Passing shots
Kim Clijsters, already off of the tour for a month because of shoulder and wrist injuries, now has an ankle injury, too. Clijsters hurt her ankle while attending her cousin's wedding. She is walking on crutches, and her French Open participation is now in question. Clijsters had already withdrawn from the Belgian Fed Cup team.
Withdrawing from the Australian Fed Cup team is Jelena Dokic, who cites exhaustion as the reason. Sam Stosur, Australia's lead player, had already announced that she would not play in the upcoming Fed Cup tie.
Irina-Camelia Begu was the runner-up in Marbella this past week, so you may want to know more about her.
"I dream of being as consistent as Caroline Wozniacki for the whole season, not just clay courts or whatever," Svetlana Kuznetsova told Guy McCrae in Marbella.
Some good news: Dinara Safina's back problem in Marbella was strictly nerve-related, and not serious. Her stress fracture continues to heal nicely.
Francesca Schiavone won an exhibition set 6-4 against Caroline Wozniacki in Monte Carlo.
Venus and Serena Williams are opening a clothing store called "Courture" in Miami.
Withdrawing from the Australian Fed Cup team is Jelena Dokic, who cites exhaustion as the reason. Sam Stosur, Australia's lead player, had already announced that she would not play in the upcoming Fed Cup tie.
Irina-Camelia Begu was the runner-up in Marbella this past week, so you may want to know more about her.
"I dream of being as consistent as Caroline Wozniacki for the whole season, not just clay courts or whatever," Svetlana Kuznetsova told Guy McCrae in Marbella.
Some good news: Dinara Safina's back problem in Marbella was strictly nerve-related, and not serious. Her stress fracture continues to heal nicely.
Francesca Schiavone won an exhibition set 6-4 against Caroline Wozniacki in Monte Carlo.
Venus and Serena Williams are opening a clothing store called "Courture" in Miami.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Passing shots
Joel Drucker wishes other WTA players would emulate Marion Bartoli's strong offensive game.
Kim Clijsters, who has been troubled by a shoulder injury, has been practicing in Miami for the Sony Ericsson Open.
The Fed Cup tie between Japan and Argentina, scheduled for April 16-17 in Tokyo, has been postponed for three months. Japan will have an opportunity to choose the venue.
The top ten has changed a bit since the completion of the BNP Paribas Open. Francesca Schiavone went from 5 to 4, Sam Stosur went from 4 to 5, Li Na went from 7 to 6, Victoria Azarenka moved from 9 to 8, and Venus Williams went from 8 to 9. The significant move, however, was Indian Wells runner-up Marion Bartoli's. She went from 17 to 10. Former number 10 Agnieszka Radwanska is now number 14.
Serena Williams is out and about in Los Angeles, probably on a limited basis.
"Xperia Hot Shots," the YouTube show that follows selected players on the tour, begins tomorrow. Participating are Sabine Lisicki, Dominika Cibulkova, Heather Watson, Alize Cornet, Sorana Cirstea, and Bethanie Mattek-Sands.
Kim Clijsters, who has been troubled by a shoulder injury, has been practicing in Miami for the Sony Ericsson Open.
The Fed Cup tie between Japan and Argentina, scheduled for April 16-17 in Tokyo, has been postponed for three months. Japan will have an opportunity to choose the venue.
The top ten has changed a bit since the completion of the BNP Paribas Open. Francesca Schiavone went from 5 to 4, Sam Stosur went from 4 to 5, Li Na went from 7 to 6, Victoria Azarenka moved from 9 to 8, and Venus Williams went from 8 to 9. The significant move, however, was Indian Wells runner-up Marion Bartoli's. She went from 17 to 10. Former number 10 Agnieszka Radwanska is now number 14.
Serena Williams is out and about in Los Angeles, probably on a limited basis.
"Xperia Hot Shots," the YouTube show that follows selected players on the tour, begins tomorrow. Participating are Sabine Lisicki, Dominika Cibulkova, Heather Watson, Alize Cornet, Sorana Cirstea, and Bethanie Mattek-Sands.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Passing shots
Doug Robson interviewed Serena Williams for USA Today. The former world number 1 has had a really difficult time lately, and talks quite openly about it.
Ana Ivanovic has parted ways with trainer Marja Lojanica.
Shelby Rogers, last year's SMASH Junior Cup winner, has received a wild card into the main draw of the Family Circle Cup.
Guess who's playing mixed doubles in the U.S. open qualifying sectionals?! This broadcast is a bit long, but definitely worth listening to.
“It's never easy to play, I think, your countryman or countrygirl." That quote, unfortunately, comes from Novak Djokovic (from whom I expect more than, say, Brett Haber or Lindsay Davenport).
Steve Flink reviews Allen Fox's new Book, Tennis: Winning the Mental Match.
Chris Oddo interviews Bud Collins about the WTA.
Bethanie Mattek-Sands (who recently hit her first winning tweener) will make her debut as a BBC commentator during Wimbledon this summer.
Ana Ivanovic has parted ways with trainer Marja Lojanica.
Shelby Rogers, last year's SMASH Junior Cup winner, has received a wild card into the main draw of the Family Circle Cup.
Guess who's playing mixed doubles in the U.S. open qualifying sectionals?! This broadcast is a bit long, but definitely worth listening to.
“It's never easy to play, I think, your countryman or countrygirl." That quote, unfortunately, comes from Novak Djokovic (from whom I expect more than, say, Brett Haber or Lindsay Davenport).
Steve Flink reviews Allen Fox's new Book, Tennis: Winning the Mental Match.
Chris Oddo interviews Bud Collins about the WTA.
Bethanie Mattek-Sands (who recently hit her first winning tweener) will make her debut as a BBC commentator during Wimbledon this summer.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Passing shots
The WTA site, in recognition of International Women's Day, has posted a gallery of black and white photos of former tennis stars. The first one is of great interest because it is a portrait of Suzanne Lenglen, and we are so accustomed to seeing her in action shots. Also, be sure to check out Frankie Durr and Topspin.
Venus Williams recently joined the 311 cruise and added to her karaoke routine.
Sony has purchased Hawk-Eye. (Good luck to the ITF if they ever need to get a part replaced.)
You can get to know Zhang Shaui.
En route to Indian Wells, Caroline Wozniacki visited Serena Williams at Williams' house, and reports that the former number 1 is in good spirits as she recuperates from illness and surgery.
Main draw play begins tomorrow in Indian Wells. Defending champion Jelena Jankovic is in the same quarter as Petra Kvitova, Marion Bartoli and Kim Clijsters. Andrea Petkovic and Jarmila Groth are in that quarter, too.
Venus Williams recently joined the 311 cruise and added to her karaoke routine.
Sony has purchased Hawk-Eye. (Good luck to the ITF if they ever need to get a part replaced.)
You can get to know Zhang Shaui.
En route to Indian Wells, Caroline Wozniacki visited Serena Williams at Williams' house, and reports that the former number 1 is in good spirits as she recuperates from illness and surgery.
Main draw play begins tomorrow in Indian Wells. Defending champion Jelena Jankovic is in the same quarter as Petra Kvitova, Marion Bartoli and Kim Clijsters. Andrea Petkovic and Jarmila Groth are in that quarter, too.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Passing shots
Here is an interview with Venus Williams from the recent Women of Influence luncheon in Toronto. Williams was one of the speakers.
Not surprisingly, Christopher Clarey gives us a reasoned and educational glimpse into what the future may hold for Serena Williams.
Pardon the noise--but I just won Wimbledon and the U.S. Open!
Remember when Yanina Wickmayer recently wore knee socks while playing, and we joked that she looked like Bethanie Mattek-Sands, and maybe she wanted to cover up her leg after a wall fell on her? This happened weeks ago, but I thought it was worth mentioning: Those were Mattek-Sands' socks, and yes, according to Mattek-Sands, Wickmayer's leg "looked like a Hollywood war casualty prop."
The BNP Paribas Open Pre-Qualifier begins today in Indian Wells. The winner will receive the remaining wild card into the main draw.
Not surprisingly, Christopher Clarey gives us a reasoned and educational glimpse into what the future may hold for Serena Williams.
Pardon the noise--but I just won Wimbledon and the U.S. Open!
Remember when Yanina Wickmayer recently wore knee socks while playing, and we joked that she looked like Bethanie Mattek-Sands, and maybe she wanted to cover up her leg after a wall fell on her? This happened weeks ago, but I thought it was worth mentioning: Those were Mattek-Sands' socks, and yes, according to Mattek-Sands, Wickmayer's leg "looked like a Hollywood war casualty prop."
The BNP Paribas Open Pre-Qualifier begins today in Indian Wells. The winner will receive the remaining wild card into the main draw.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
"Lighten up, it's the internet"
I know that readers of this blog are as sickened and disgusted as I am by some of the things that are being said about Serena Williams on various blogs and message boards. Many of the remarks (which I absolutely cannot repeat, they are so malevolent and/or obscene) are racist, many are misogynistic, and many are even gay-hating (interesting how people can slip that in).
I am already sad that Serena has had to undergo these health scares, and now seeing this barrage of insults tossed her way is horrible. But there is something else that's bothering me: Though I have (thankfully) seen many readers stand up to the racism, I have yet to see anyone stand up to the misogyny. No one is calling out the bigots for their hatred of women; in fact, no one is even mentioning it. Misogynistic remarks have been called out every now and then, but not for being what they are--antagonism toward females.
It's true that if Serena Williams were an African American man, she would be the object of ignorant and vile comments because of race. As it is, she is both African American and female, so she gets double the number of attacks. Of course, she's also hated by some because she's rich and she's a celebrity, and the rich and celebrated are constantly under attack.
Williams does not conform to my culture's image of "femininity." This is partly because she's black, and partly because she is a big woman. There is only so much that the WTA can airbrush out of Serena Williams. She also does not comform to the "accepted" "feminine" image because she makes such good use of her aggression as an athlete, and because she doesn't giggle and hair-flip her way through interviews.
Certainly, there are issues that fans have with Williams--I have a few, myself. But here's the thing: When you wish to criticize someone for her behavior or values and you attack her gender or race or ethnicity or sexual orientation in order to make the criticism, you are a bigot. Besides that, attacking someone who has just undergone two big health scares is beyond tacky. It isn't about "liking" Williams--it's about using her for a hate-fest target practice.
"Lighten up, it's the internet," one of the insult-hurlers told someone who challenged his/her insult of Williams. And that is what is has come to: Call out bigotry of any kind (but especially toward women and girls), and someone will tell you to "lighten up." Because insulting people because of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc. is an Internet leisure activity.
Serena Williams is an all-time tennis great. There will never be another player like her. Her recent string of frightening health problems is extremely unfortunate, and is a matter of concern for her and her family, of course, but also for her peers and for fans of women's tennis. Those who wish her ill, or who have seen her misfortune as an opportunity to express contempt for the huge part of the world's population that is black, female, or both--can only wish they had the mental strength, self-belief, regenerative power, and talent that Williams has.
Their daughters have my pity.
I am already sad that Serena has had to undergo these health scares, and now seeing this barrage of insults tossed her way is horrible. But there is something else that's bothering me: Though I have (thankfully) seen many readers stand up to the racism, I have yet to see anyone stand up to the misogyny. No one is calling out the bigots for their hatred of women; in fact, no one is even mentioning it. Misogynistic remarks have been called out every now and then, but not for being what they are--antagonism toward females.
It's true that if Serena Williams were an African American man, she would be the object of ignorant and vile comments because of race. As it is, she is both African American and female, so she gets double the number of attacks. Of course, she's also hated by some because she's rich and she's a celebrity, and the rich and celebrated are constantly under attack.
Williams does not conform to my culture's image of "femininity." This is partly because she's black, and partly because she is a big woman. There is only so much that the WTA can airbrush out of Serena Williams. She also does not comform to the "accepted" "feminine" image because she makes such good use of her aggression as an athlete, and because she doesn't giggle and hair-flip her way through interviews.
Certainly, there are issues that fans have with Williams--I have a few, myself. But here's the thing: When you wish to criticize someone for her behavior or values and you attack her gender or race or ethnicity or sexual orientation in order to make the criticism, you are a bigot. Besides that, attacking someone who has just undergone two big health scares is beyond tacky. It isn't about "liking" Williams--it's about using her for a hate-fest target practice.
"Lighten up, it's the internet," one of the insult-hurlers told someone who challenged his/her insult of Williams. And that is what is has come to: Call out bigotry of any kind (but especially toward women and girls), and someone will tell you to "lighten up." Because insulting people because of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc. is an Internet leisure activity.
Serena Williams is an all-time tennis great. There will never be another player like her. Her recent string of frightening health problems is extremely unfortunate, and is a matter of concern for her and her family, of course, but also for her peers and for fans of women's tennis. Those who wish her ill, or who have seen her misfortune as an opportunity to express contempt for the huge part of the world's population that is black, female, or both--can only wish they had the mental strength, self-belief, regenerative power, and talent that Williams has.
Their daughters have my pity.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Williams hopes to return to tour by early summer
Serena Williams is safe at home after being treated for a pulmonary embolism and hematoma in Los Angeles. "While I can't make any promises now on my return, I hope to be back by early summer," Williams announced today. "That said, my main goal is to make sure I get there safely."
It is not unusual for a pulmonary embolism patient to also have to be treated for a hematoma, since clot-dissolving medicines can cause bleeding. Patients suffering with a pulmonary embolism are treated with anti-coagulants, but they are sometimes also treated with clot-dissolving drugs.
Williams described her recent health experiences as "extremely hard, scary and disappointing." The former world number 1 continues to be under medical supervision, though she is no longer in the hospital.
It is not unusual for a pulmonary embolism patient to also have to be treated for a hematoma, since clot-dissolving medicines can cause bleeding. Patients suffering with a pulmonary embolism are treated with anti-coagulants, but they are sometimes also treated with clot-dissolving drugs.
Williams described her recent health experiences as "extremely hard, scary and disappointing." The former world number 1 continues to be under medical supervision, though she is no longer in the hospital.
Serena Williams treated for pulmonary embolism
Serena Williams recently said that she doesn't believe in luck, but if she did, she would describe hers as "bad" and "horrible." That works for me. Williams is currently recovering in a Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, after receiving emergency treatment for a hematoma that was preceded by a pulmonary embolism. Williams' doctors have not disclosed the cause of the embolism, and it is likely that they will never know for sure what brought it about. However, the surgeries performed on Williams for her foot laceration injury--and the subsequent long-term use of a cast--would very likely be related to the development of a pulmonary embolism.
Williams will probably have to wait a while before she can take a lengthy airplane flight, but--with proper precautions--individuals who are treated for a pulmonary embolism can continue to fly.
Women Who Serve will deliver updates as soon as they are available. In the meantime, I will pass on the words of Pam Shriver: "I think the challenge to come back from this is in her character, it's right up her alley."
Williams will probably have to wait a while before she can take a lengthy airplane flight, but--with proper precautions--individuals who are treated for a pulmonary embolism can continue to fly.
Women Who Serve will deliver updates as soon as they are available. In the meantime, I will pass on the words of Pam Shriver: "I think the challenge to come back from this is in her character, it's right up her alley."
Friday, February 25, 2011
Passing shots
Serena Williams has withdrawn from the March 8 Nike Clash of Champions exhibition. Williams has been replaced by Victoria Azarenka. (It should be noted, however, that Williams is now walking without her boot.)
Rebecca Marino has withdrawn from the Monterrey tournament because of the abdominal injury that forced her to retire in the Memphis final.
Note to Tennis Channel and Fox Sports: The USSR does not exist; it was dismantled a couple of decades ago, and Ukraine is a country, not "the Ukraine."
Could the commentary of the Doha semifinal between Vera Zvonareva and Jelena Jankovic have been more sexist? Kevin Cusick and his fellow commentator continually referred to the players as "girls" and "young ladies." Cusick also delivered a speech about how important it is for the "young ladies" to receive support, and not be pushed by their coaches, when they do not play well. Any reasonable person will acknowledge that an athlete needs to get both support and to be pushed hard by a coach, but Skinner's implication--he went on and on about it--was that the "girls" really need that paternal care. Well, what they need is to be treated like adult athletes. (This post corrected to reflect correct Kevin; it was Cusick talking down the tour, and Skinner talking down Ukraine.)
You can get to know Greta Arn, who blogged this week from Acapulco.
Rebecca Marino has withdrawn from the Monterrey tournament because of the abdominal injury that forced her to retire in the Memphis final.
Note to Tennis Channel and Fox Sports: The USSR does not exist; it was dismantled a couple of decades ago, and Ukraine is a country, not "the Ukraine."
Could the commentary of the Doha semifinal between Vera Zvonareva and Jelena Jankovic have been more sexist? Kevin Cusick and his fellow commentator continually referred to the players as "girls" and "young ladies." Cusick also delivered a speech about how important it is for the "young ladies" to receive support, and not be pushed by their coaches, when they do not play well. Any reasonable person will acknowledge that an athlete needs to get both support and to be pushed hard by a coach, but Skinner's implication--he went on and on about it--was that the "girls" really need that paternal care. Well, what they need is to be treated like adult athletes. (This post corrected to reflect correct Kevin; it was Cusick talking down the tour, and Skinner talking down Ukraine.)
WTA live scores are now available free on Android mobile devices.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Passing shots
Recently retired Tathiana Garbin plans to work with the Italian Tennis Federation, and she will also do some television work.
I learned a lot about Rebecca Marino by reading her Memphis blog this week. The rising Canadian player was born in Toronto, raised in Vancouver, and trains in Montreal. She is a big hockey fan, as one would expect, and she likes reading, going to movies, and hanging out in coffee shops. She doesn't go in for tanning (smart Rebecca!), and she is big into shoelaces. I learned more from reading Bobby Chintapalli's interview with her: As a child, Marino was a Jennifer Capriati fan, her coach thinks she is an inch taller than she actually is, and she really likes Alison Riske.
Serena Williams, who loves all things Green Day, recemtly got to tour the Broadway set of American Idiot.
Bethanie Mattek-Sands attributes a lot of the injuries on the tour to over-practicing.
Jarmila Groth is the top qualifying seed in Doha, and she has made it to the second round of qualifying. Also into the second round is Viktoriya Kutuzova, whom we haven't seen in a long time.
I learned a lot about Rebecca Marino by reading her Memphis blog this week. The rising Canadian player was born in Toronto, raised in Vancouver, and trains in Montreal. She is a big hockey fan, as one would expect, and she likes reading, going to movies, and hanging out in coffee shops. She doesn't go in for tanning (smart Rebecca!), and she is big into shoelaces. I learned more from reading Bobby Chintapalli's interview with her: As a child, Marino was a Jennifer Capriati fan, her coach thinks she is an inch taller than she actually is, and she really likes Alison Riske.
Serena Williams, who loves all things Green Day, recemtly got to tour the Broadway set of American Idiot.
Bethanie Mattek-Sands attributes a lot of the injuries on the tour to over-practicing.
Jarmila Groth is the top qualifying seed in Doha, and she has made it to the second round of qualifying. Also into the second round is Viktoriya Kutuzova, whom we haven't seen in a long time.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Passing shots
For the first time, the tour's top ten players are from ten different countries. Kim Clijsters has moved to number 2 in the world, Francesca Schiavone to number 4, and Li Na to number 7.
Tom Perrotta says the women were the stars of the 2011 Australian Open.
Dinara Safina has parted ways with her coach, and hints that she'll soon hire a former ATP player to be her new coach.
Women's Tennis Blog offers a summary of Australian Open fashion.
Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova will participate in the Nike "Clash of Champions," to be held March 8 in Eugene, Oregon. Williams recently announced that she expects to return to the tour in April.
Sam Stosur arrived in Tasmania today, and helped open the new regional tennis center in Launceton. She will play on Australia's Fed Cup team this weekend, when Australia takes on defending champion Italy in Hobart.
Casey Dellacqua is returning to the court after a long layoff from foot surgery and rehab.
Tom Perrotta says the women were the stars of the 2011 Australian Open.
Dinara Safina has parted ways with her coach, and hints that she'll soon hire a former ATP player to be her new coach.
Women's Tennis Blog offers a summary of Australian Open fashion.
Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova will participate in the Nike "Clash of Champions," to be held March 8 in Eugene, Oregon. Williams recently announced that she expects to return to the tour in April.
Sam Stosur arrived in Tasmania today, and helped open the new regional tennis center in Launceton. She will play on Australia's Fed Cup team this weekend, when Australia takes on defending champion Italy in Hobart.
Casey Dellacqua is returning to the court after a long layoff from foot surgery and rehab.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Passing shots
"Stuff just happens," Chanda Rubin said her recent house fire. Reporters asked Rubin which professional tennis player she would have picked to be on the fire rescue team. She immediately answered "Arantxa," a reference to Arantxa Sanchez Vicario. Good choice.
Serena Williams says she plans to play on the USA Fed Cup team in April. First, however, the USA has to beat Belgiam in the quarterfinals.
Maria Sharopova, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Svetlana Kuznetsova, and Dinara Safina are scheduled to play for Russia in the 2011 Fed Cup World Group quarterfinals. Russia will play France in Olympic Stadium in Moscow.
Aravane Rezai has withdrawn from both Fed Cup and the indoor Paris tournament. She withdrew from doubles competition at the Australian Open, following media reports that a member of her family would most likely be banned from tournaments. Rezai's father has a history of inappropriate behavior at tournaments, and--though one report mentions that a female is under investigation--it has now been widely reported that the French player's father threatened her romantic partner. Rezai says that the reports are inaccurate and exaggerated, but--considering her father's history--it isn't that hard to believe them. One thing is certain: Rezai's withdrawal from Fed Cup and the Open GDF Suez is very unfortunate.
Fern Lee "Peachy" Kellmeyer, the WTA's first director (and first employee) has been elected for induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. This honor has been a long time coming.
Serena Williams says she plans to play on the USA Fed Cup team in April. First, however, the USA has to beat Belgiam in the quarterfinals.
Maria Sharopova, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Svetlana Kuznetsova, and Dinara Safina are scheduled to play for Russia in the 2011 Fed Cup World Group quarterfinals. Russia will play France in Olympic Stadium in Moscow.
Aravane Rezai has withdrawn from both Fed Cup and the indoor Paris tournament. She withdrew from doubles competition at the Australian Open, following media reports that a member of her family would most likely be banned from tournaments. Rezai's father has a history of inappropriate behavior at tournaments, and--though one report mentions that a female is under investigation--it has now been widely reported that the French player's father threatened her romantic partner. Rezai says that the reports are inaccurate and exaggerated, but--considering her father's history--it isn't that hard to believe them. One thing is certain: Rezai's withdrawal from Fed Cup and the Open GDF Suez is very unfortunate.
Fern Lee "Peachy" Kellmeyer, the WTA's first director (and first employee) has been elected for induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. This honor has been a long time coming.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Melbourne miscellany
Tennis Australia's Louise Pleming is acting as Jelena Dokic's temporary coach at the Australian Open. I reported recently that Dokic had hired Glenn Schapp to be her coach, but apparently, that didn't work out. Dokic said she "didn't feel that click" with Schapp.
The Tennis Channel commentating team waited until Agnieszka Radwanska was down 1-4 in the third set of the first round before casually mentioning that she had had foot surgery in October and wasn't sure, until the last minute, that she would play in Melbourne. Radwanska hadn't played since September, and not discussing her injury and surgery felt like a major omission. (She did win the match, but that's another story.
One more time: Alla Kudryavtseva did not make a disparaging remark about Maria Sharapova's tennis dress when she upset her in the 2008 Wimbledon tournament. She made a sarcastic little joke as a response to what she thought was a less-than-intelligent question from a member of the sports media. It shocked her that dozens of journalists didn't get that she was being ironic. It didn't exactly shock me.
While I'm on the subject of the tennis media....ESPN's Australian Open commentators' discussion of the "great cloud" concerning Serena Williams' foot is beyond tiresome. A drunken, irresponsible person threw a bottle and cut Williams' foot. It was a significant injury. She had to have two surgeries. Great cloud.
Vania King is walking, shopping in Melbourne's Chinatown, singing, and preparing to play Australian Open number 1 seed Caroline Wozniacki.
This is one of the funniest things I've ever seen occur in a professional tennis match:
The Tennis Channel commentating team waited until Agnieszka Radwanska was down 1-4 in the third set of the first round before casually mentioning that she had had foot surgery in October and wasn't sure, until the last minute, that she would play in Melbourne. Radwanska hadn't played since September, and not discussing her injury and surgery felt like a major omission. (She did win the match, but that's another story.
One more time: Alla Kudryavtseva did not make a disparaging remark about Maria Sharapova's tennis dress when she upset her in the 2008 Wimbledon tournament. She made a sarcastic little joke as a response to what she thought was a less-than-intelligent question from a member of the sports media. It shocked her that dozens of journalists didn't get that she was being ironic. It didn't exactly shock me.
While I'm on the subject of the tennis media....ESPN's Australian Open commentators' discussion of the "great cloud" concerning Serena Williams' foot is beyond tiresome. A drunken, irresponsible person threw a bottle and cut Williams' foot. It was a significant injury. She had to have two surgeries. Great cloud.
Vania King is walking, shopping in Melbourne's Chinatown, singing, and preparing to play Australian Open number 1 seed Caroline Wozniacki.
This is one of the funniest things I've ever seen occur in a professional tennis match:
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Passing shots
Chang Kai-Chen has received a wild card into the main draw of the Australian Open.
Shahar Peer rose to a ranking of number 12 in the world this week.
Bethanie Mattek-Sands has pledged 5% of her Hobart and Australian Open prize money to the flooded communities of Queensland. Last year, Mattek-Sands donated part of her prize money to victims of the flood in Nashville.
Caroline Wozniacki needs to reach the semifinals of the Australian Open to be sure of holding on to her number 1 spot in the rankings.
Here is a look at what Wozniacki will wear at the Australian Open.
Monica Seles is going to write a two-book fiction series for young adults called The Academy.
Serena Williams, Kim Clijsters and Caroline Wozniacki have been nominated for the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year title.
Shahar Peer rose to a ranking of number 12 in the world this week.
Bethanie Mattek-Sands has pledged 5% of her Hobart and Australian Open prize money to the flooded communities of Queensland. Last year, Mattek-Sands donated part of her prize money to victims of the flood in Nashville.
Caroline Wozniacki needs to reach the semifinals of the Australian Open to be sure of holding on to her number 1 spot in the rankings.
Here is a look at what Wozniacki will wear at the Australian Open.
Monica Seles is going to write a two-book fiction series for young adults called The Academy.
Serena Williams, Kim Clijsters and Caroline Wozniacki have been nominated for the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year title.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Miscellany
Laura Robson, who has been training at the Mouratoglou Academy for a year, has hired Patrick Mouratoglou to be her coach for the 2011 season.
Serena Williams and her crystal-encrusted rehab boot are now being spotted on tennis courts.
Tennis Channel is now airing its Hot Shots of 2010. Look for the feature to be shown several times.
Hopman Cup competition begins on January 1.
Justine Henin reports that it may take months for her elbow to be fully healed.
Olivia Rogowska has been given a wild card into the main draw of the Hobart Inernational tournament. She recently won the Australian Open wild card playoffs in Australia.
Serena Williams and her crystal-encrusted rehab boot are now being spotted on tennis courts.
Tennis Channel is now airing its Hot Shots of 2010. Look for the feature to be shown several times.
Hopman Cup competition begins on January 1.
Justine Henin reports that it may take months for her elbow to be fully healed.
Olivia Rogowska has been given a wild card into the main draw of the Hobart Inernational tournament. She recently won the Australian Open wild card playoffs in Australia.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Serena Williams withdraws from Australian Open
Defending champion Serena Williams has withdrawn from the 2011 Australian Open. Her foot injury was recently became worse after she went into training, and she had to have more surgery. Her doctors have determined that returning to tennis right now would put her at too much risk.
Williams missed the 2010 U.S. Open because of the injury, which was caused by broken glass when drunken World Cup enthusiasts threw bottles in a Munich restaurant where the former world number 1 was a patron. She recently withdrew from Hopman Cup competition, causing fans to fear that she would also withdraw from Melbourne.
Williams won the Australian Open in both 2009 and 2010.
Williams missed the 2010 U.S. Open because of the injury, which was caused by broken glass when drunken World Cup enthusiasts threw bottles in a Munich restaurant where the former world number 1 was a patron. She recently withdrew from Hopman Cup competition, causing fans to fear that she would also withdraw from Melbourne.
Williams won the Australian Open in both 2009 and 2010.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Miscellany
The USTA has filed a suit against Olympus, the sponsor of the U.S. Open Series. The contract between Olympus and the USTA, which runs through 2013, stipulates that the camera company can opt out of the last two years if wishes to, but Olympus officials decided to opt out in 2011, which is a year early. The USTA is calling this action a breach of contract, but Olympus maintains that the USTA already breached the contract by permitting Panasonic to infringe on Olympus's sponsorship rights. USTA officials have referred to this opinion as being "without merit."
Don't miss WTA Backspin's WTA Yearbook.
A number of tennis and sports websites are reporting that Kimiko Date Krumm will retire next year. When she lost in the Asian Games, she said that she was very tired and maybe would have to quit next year, then she almost immediately felt better and talked about her future tennis plans. Though she certainly could stop after next year, the statement that she absolutely "will retire" was taken out of context by the Asian press and has been carelessly reprinted.
Laura Robson, who split with her coach in September, is reported to be looking for a new one.
Here are some early, and really cute, photos of the Williams sisters.
Don't miss WTA Backspin's WTA Yearbook.
A number of tennis and sports websites are reporting that Kimiko Date Krumm will retire next year. When she lost in the Asian Games, she said that she was very tired and maybe would have to quit next year, then she almost immediately felt better and talked about her future tennis plans. Though she certainly could stop after next year, the statement that she absolutely "will retire" was taken out of context by the Asian press and has been carelessly reprinted.
Laura Robson, who split with her coach in September, is reported to be looking for a new one.
Here are some early, and really cute, photos of the Williams sisters.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Williams withdraws from Hopman Cup
Serena Williams, citing continuing problems with a foot injury, has withdrawn from the USA Hopman Cup team. She was scheduled to represent the USA with John Isner. An announcement is expected tomorrow on whether a new player will pair with Isner, or whether the USA will withdraw from competition.
This is the third time that the frequently-injured Williams has had to withdraw from the tournament.
This is the third time that the frequently-injured Williams has had to withdraw from the tournament.
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