Venus Williams Upsets Victoria Azarenka at Pan Pacific Open

Venus Williams upset No. 2 Victoria Azarenka, 6-2, 6-4, at the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo. It’s a huge win for the No. 63 Williams, who defeated No. 34 Mona Barthel in the first round. Williams is unseeded at this tournament.   It’s another sign that the former No. 1 may be getting back to form. Williams also upset then No. 15 Kirsten Flipkens in the first round of the U.S. Open. Azarenka,... 

Why Did the Teenage Phenom Become a Rarity in Women’s Tennis?

Earlier this year, Serena Williams, 31, became the oldest woman to hold the No. 1 ranking in the history of the WTA. Williams turned pro in 1995, just shy of her 14th birthday.  In the late 1990s, Williams battled a number of teen stars, including her sister Venus Williams and Martina Hingis. Many of the top veterans in the game were themselves former teen stars. The Williams sisters, Jennifer... 

How Tennis’ Top Stars Changed Public Perception in 2013

What a difference a year makes. Last year, the great Roger Federer won his 17th Grand Slam title. This year, he dropped out of the Top Five. Andy Murray became a national hero. Novak Djokovic looked less than invincible, and Rafael Nadal looked unstoppable.  On the WTA Tour, Maria Sharapova experienced a tumultuous summer. Victoria Azarenka closed the gap between herself and Serena Williams.... 

Ranking the Best Names in Tennis History

Headline writers everywhere must be rooting for Tornado Black. Black reached the final of the 2013 U.S. Open girls’ juniors championship.    Her future looks promising. Can you imagine the headlines? “Torando Blows Through Competition” or “Tornado Storms Into the Final.”   Her younger sister, who also plays tennis, is named Hurricane. Already, they... 

Power Ranking the Top 20 Women’s Tennis Players After US Open 2013

The 2013 U.S. Open began and ended with all eyes focused on the game’s top two players: Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka. Maria Sharapova, ranked No. 3, withdrew from the tournament before it started. It was fitting because Sharapova no longer figures in the conversation as to who is No. 1.  Meanwhile, Flavia Pennetta, who had dropped out of the Top 50, reemerged to pull off a... 

2013 US Open: Tennis Legend Althea Gibson Recognized with Commemorative Stamp

The Althea Gibson commemorative stamp went on sale today. The stamp is part of the United States Postal Service’s Black Heritage Series. It recognizes Gibson, the first African American to win a Grand Slam. Tennis great Billy Jean King was on hand this morning to unveil the stamp on the grounds of the Billy Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows.  It also comes on the anniversary... 

Why Women’s Tennis Desperately Needs Serena Williams-Victoria Azarenka Rivalry

Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka head into the 2013 U.S. Open ranked and seeded No. 1 and No. 2. They also enter the tournament with the most compelling rivalry in women’s tennis.  With Maria Sharapova announcing her withdrawal from the U.S. Open, the spotlight on these two will be even brighter. Rightfully so, seeing as they have elevated the women’s game.  Williams holds... 

Why Serena Williams’ Impact on Tennis Trumps Tiger Woods’ Impact on Golf

Nearly two decades after Serena Williams and Tiger Woods first turned pro, they are both ranked No. 1 in their sports. Already in the “Greatest of All Time” conversations, each is chasing more major championships to solidify their legacies. Yet, only Serena appears to have made the type of impact on her sport, that many believed Tiger would.   Next week, when Serena... 

The Most Fascinating Debates in Tennis Today

Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer?  Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova or Serena Williams?   Whether on comment boards, in bars or among friends, some tennis debates are more fascinating than others.  The best debates are those in which both sides have solid arguments. Equal pay is one of those. Men who sometimes sweat through five sets at Grand Slams have a point. But so do the women,... 

Who Currently Has the Edge in All of Tennis’ Best Rivalries?

Rafael Nadal’s win over Novak Djokovic at the Rogers Cup was his 21st victory over his Serbian nemesis.  Just a few years ago, Nadal was trying to break the riddle of Roger Federer on hard courts. Federer, once dominant over everyone, is struggling to stay relevant.  With any great rivalry, the tide can turn. Right now Nadal clearly has the edge over Djokovic. But... 

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