An observation....

It just dawned on me that each of Serena's opponents in her 1st three matches was part of a doubles team that she and Venus defeated in rout to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Gold Medal: 2nd Round (Olympics) - Morita / Sugiyama (3rd Round US Open), Qtr (Olympics) - Vesnina / Zvonareva (2nd Round US Open) and Semi (Olympics) - Bondarenko / Bondarenko (1st Round US Open).

US Open: 4th Round (Monday)

4th Round

Serena Williams (USA)[4] vs Severine Bremond (FRA)
Head-to-Head 0-0
(Featured Night Match)
Arthur Ashe Stadium Court (7pm EST)

US Open on USA Network

Serena in New York!

Serena stops Sugiyama; advances to 4th Round

Serena is on a roll. She appears to be dialed in early; no "playing her way into form," she's taking care of business. Serena defeated Ai Sugiyama of Japan, 6-2, 6-1, to advance to the fourth round of the US Open. In watching the match on the CBS network, I was disappointed that much of this match was not televised. Some "bright" individual(s) felt switching to a men's match on the Grandstand warranted more TV coverage. You DirecTV subscribers have it made because you get to choose which tennis match you would like to see without fear of interruption.

CBS showed Serena holding in her opening service game, 1-0; then went to commercial (and then to the men's match Murray vs Mulzer) and when they returned to Serena's match she was rushing the net to go up 4-1. Sugiyama held to make it 4-2. Next match sighting was at 5-2; commercial (switch match) back to Arthur Ashe court and Serena wins the first set 6-2. If that "match coverage" offeneded you, you might have drop-kicked the tv for the 2nd set.

After the break, "coverage" returns at 1-1, 30-30 (2nd set) w/ Serena serving and holding to go up 2-1. Another commercial and the score is now 3-1 and THAT'S THE LAST WE SEE OF THAT MATCH. They just "had" to show the remaining portion of the match on the Grandstand between Murray and Mulzer. Oh, they did show the final point and hand shake at the net during a quick DAY'S HIGHLIGHTS clip. Serena's match did not last long and I do understand that it is only fair to "share" the "tv coverage" but come on, to cut coverage on a match at 3-1 in the 2nd set (and NEVER return to it)? Get a clue! How hot am I right now?

US Open: 3rd Round (Saturday)

3rd Round

Serena Williams (USA)[4] vs Ai Sugiyama (JPN)[30]

Serena leads Head-to-Head 3-0

3rd match of the day on Arthur Ashe Stadium Court
Matches begin at 11:00am EST

US Open on CBS Network

Serena advances while I rant

Serena was stunning in her 2nd Round match defeating Elena Vesnina, 6-1, 6-1. Serena only lost her serve when she was serving for the match at 5-0. For the majority of the match she served at 80+ percent but ended the match with around a 73% serving stat. (Quite impressive). Serena advances to the 3rd Round where she will meet Ai Sugiyama.

My only gripe was the commentary. Ted Robinson actually makes my blood boil when it comes to commentary on Serena. HE NEVER HAS ANYTHING POSITIVE TO SAY ABOUT SERENA but he takes every effort to try to tarnish her legacy. During the match he actually said, "people look at her like she's this champion." I wanted to reach out and touch him at that very moment. His classic line is always, "it has been "x" number of years since she did this or that." He is truly Debbie-Downer when it comes to Serena. Of all that Serena has accomplished (Career Grand Slam in Doubles and Singles, 2 time Olympic Gold Medalist, former world #1 and numerous other accolades) he never mentions the positive. He will go out of his way to say something negative. I have a strong dislike for Ted Robinson (the commentator) during Serena's matches.

For just about the entire 2nd set they (Ted, Tracy and John) totally disrespected the featured night match: they switched to Sam Querry's match for a few (and also another men's match highlight), next they switched to a live interview with Coin, the 188th ranked player who defeated #1 Ana Ivanovic, and then Ted ("Makes My Blood Boil) Robinson, Tracy Austin and John McEnroe went on a tirade about men's tennis, ALL DURING SERENA'S MATCH. I would have enjoyed this match more if I had just pressed the MUTE button. How tacky and inconsiderate that they would act in such a reckless and blatantly disrespectful manner. I expected Tracy to at least try to sway the conversation back to the match at hand but she seemed content "carrying on" with the guys. Mary Carillo, Pam Shriver, Mary Jo Fernandez or even you or I could have provided more suitable commentary. Focus people!

Oh, to wrap this up with a smile, thanks for the win SERENA!!!! Keep up the good work!

Serena's Hitting Partner Speaks

US Open: 2nd Round (Thursday)

2nd Round

Serena Williams (USA)[4] vs. Elena Vesninia (RUS)
Head-To-Head 0-0
Arthur Ashe Stadium @ 7pm EST

US Open on USA Network

US Open: Serena advances to 2nd Round

Serena launched her bid for a third U.S. Open title with a ruthless 6-1 6-4 demolition of Ukraine’s Kateryna Bondarenko first round action Tuesday. The fourth-seeded American delivered a typically muscular display of power serving and searing groundstrokes to wrap up victory in just under an hour (57 minutes) on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court. U.S. Open champion in 1999 and 2002 and runner-up to her sister Venus in 2001, Williams breezed through the opening set in just 19 minutes before breaking her opponent in the 10th game of the second to seal the win. My match highlights were the AWESOME "kicker" (Serena's kick serve) in the 2nd set at 3-3, 15-0 and the phenomenal defensive rally at 5-4, 0-15 on Bondarenko's serve. Keep up the good work Serena!

A Celebration: A Night of US Open Champions

Former US Open winners gathered at Arthur Ashe Stadium (Monday night) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Open era. Absent were: Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Jimmy Conners, Justine Henin, Kim Clijsters, Steffi Graf and Patrick Rafter.

Celebrating 40 years of the Open Era....

Serena waves to the crowd during the opening night ceremony at the 2008 US Open. Serena was one of the former US Open champions who was recognized during the 40 Year Open Era on-court celebration at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

US Open: 1st Round (Tuesday)

1st Round
Serena Williams (USA)[4] vs. Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR)

Head-To-Head 0-0

3rd match of the day at Arthur Ashe Stadium

Matches begin at 11:00am EST

US Open on USA Network (11am - 5pm EST)

Williams Sisters join the DSRL

They've conquered England, were a dynamic duo in Beijing this August and are preparing for the U.S. Open...but that's not enough for tennis greats Serena and Venus Williams! The power pair announced today that they're taking on a "second sport" and putting their "twisting, licking and dunking" skills to the test, as the newest members of the Double Stuf Racing League (DSRL).

The sisters join famous quarterback brothers Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, the league's first "two sport" athletes, who launched the DSRL earlier this year. The DSRL puts a new spin on the classic Oreo and milk ritual by bringing friends and families together to "lick race" - a friendly competition where racers see who can twist, lick and dunk a single Oreo Double Stuf cookie and drink a glass of milk the fastest.

"Oreo cookies and milk were a tradition in our house growing up, and my sister and I fondly remember twisting, licking and dunking them together," said Venus. "It was only natural to continue that tradition as adults, which is why we jumped at the chance to be a part of the DSRL." "And because we love a friendly rivalry, it'll be fun to show the Mannings what real DSRL competition is like! They're going down," added Serena.

Both sibling pairs will appear in a national ad campaign set to debut today during the opening rounds of the U.S. Open. The new ad will kick off marketing activity to take place through 2009. For more information, visit: http://www.nabiscoworld.com/oreo/dsrl/home.aspx

US Open: Bad Call Ushers in New Era (2004)

TENNIS Magazine (Sept.'08): US Open Preview (page 58)

30 Years, 30 Moments: Vulgar, exhilarating, noisy, democratic, greed-fueled, glamorous: These are only a few of the descriptions given to Flushing Meadows since it became host to the US Open in 1978. TENNIS looks back at 30 moments that have shaped the modern Open, for better and for worse.

# 23 - A Bad Call Ushers In A New Era (2004)

It takes a lot for John McEnroe to say that a call was the worst he'd ever seen in his years at the U.S. Open. But this was indeed a very bad call. Serena Williams and Jennifer Capriati were in the third set of their quarterfinal. Williams hit a backhand winner inside the sideline. Except that chair umpire Mariana Alves didn't see it that way. She overruled the call and awarded the point to Capriati. Open officials later issued an apology to Williams, who lost the match, and didn't send Alves back on court for the rest of the tournament. More important, the error strengthened the case for using instant-replay technology - which had been available only on TV broadcasts up to that point - to review line calls. Two years later, the replay challenge system made its Grand Slam debut at the Open.

* Later in the final set, replays showed at least two other incorrect calls that went against Williams.

US Open: 40 Years of Memories and Magic

2001 Prime-Time Winner:

With their vivacity and athleticism on the court and their indomitable presence off of it, Venus and Serena Williams have brought millions of new fans to tennis and increased the exposure of the sport with their every victory. For those reasons and more, it seemed only fitting that these two inimitable stars should have the chance to sparkle under the lights of the FIRST US Open women's final to be held in primte time. The evening became an event, as for the FIRST time in the history of the tournament, sisters would square off for the title. A sold-out crowd reveled in the electric atmosphere and a TV audience or more than 22 million tuned in to the action, making it the most-watched programming on television that Saturday night. Venus beat Serena, 6-2, 6-4, to win her second consecutive US Open title, at once boosting her resume' and the profile of America's Grand Slam.

- Taken from page 18 of the Sept/Oct 2008 issue of USTA Magazine.

Serena's in THE OPEN BOOK

Serena is one of the former US Open Champions included in the book, The Open Book - Celebrating 40 Years of America's Grand Slam (Bonus DVD). The Open Book celebrates the history, the excitement, and the emotion of America's greatest tournament, an engaging tribute to America's premier tennis event, the largest attended sporting event in the world, and its champions.

You can purchase the book from the US Open shop online: http://www.usopenshop.org/product_p/usp8b09.htm

From The Open Book - At the US Open, where the world's toughest tennis is played, no competes more fiercely than the Williams Sister known simply as "Serena". Her extraordinary will and powerful ground game are buttressed by one of the most potent serves in women's tennis. When in form she plays only one way - in dominant fashion - with "dominant" and "fashion" being two words that can be applied to her in equal measure.

• Women's Singles Champion: 1999, 2002
• Women's Doubles Champion: 1999
• Mixed Doubles Champion: 1998

Serena @ Arthur Ashe Kids Day

Lindsay and Serena @ Arthur Ashe Kids Day

Remember that Arthur Ashe Kids Day will air today on the

CBS network @ 12pm EST

Serena @ Friday Night's US Open Party

Serena attended the 2008 US Open Player's Party (friday night) at New York City's Empire Hotel. The 8 time Grand Slam Champion grabbed attention in this belted turqoise outfit. Serena will be attempting to win the US Open for the third time in her stellar career. The US Open was Serena's FIRST Grand Slam title. It has been a while since Serena last lifted the US Open trophy. She won the title in 1999 and 2002. Serena's thoughts: "I'm really excited for the Open," Serena said. "I feel like I'm playing really solid and much better than I have been all year, to be honest. I really look forward to it."

Manning Brothers vs. Williams Sisters

NEW YORK — The Williams sisters are taking on the Manning brothers in a race to see who can put away Oreo cookies the fastest. Venus and Serena Williams, winners of 15 majors combined, used U.S. Open media day Saturday to announce their plans to join the Double Stuf Racing League. It matches a move by Peyton and Eli Manning earlier this year.

Both pairs of siblings will appear in a national ad campaign starting Monday, opening day of the final Grand Slam event of the season. “They’re going down,” said Serena, who won Olympic doubles gold with her sister in Beijing. The Mannings, the winning quarterbacks in each of the past two Super Bowls, launched DSRL earlier this year, creating a friendly competition to see who can twist, lick and dunk an Oreo cookie and drink a glass of milk the fastest.

Serena: NEW World #3

Serena Williams (the 2 time Olympic Gold Medalist) has risen to #3 according to the WTA rankings. Serena has played much tennis this year and is within striking distance of the #1 ranking. How close you may ask? If Serena wins the US Open (the final Grand Slam of the year which starts on Monday), she captures the #1 ranking. Does she want it? You bet she does! COME ON!

Roger Federer and Serena Williams

Tennis players Roger Federer and Serena Williams attend the US Open Wilson Party at Mansion on August 23, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Wilson)

Another pic from Arthur Ashe Kids Day

Arthur Ashe Kids Day will air Sunday (8/24) @ 12pm EST on the CBS network.

Check out the hardware in this picture!!

Lindsay Davenport, Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal make an appearance at Arthur Ashe Kids Day. Can you believe that this picture alone is responsible for 172 singles titles, 28 Grand Slam singles titles and 61 doubles titles? Quite an impressive stat. If I am looking at this picture correctly, I see the following:

Lindsay: 55 singles titles, 3 grand slam singles titles and 37 doubles titles
Roger: 55 singles titles, 12 grand slam singles titles and 8 doubles titles
Serena: 31 singles titles, 8 grand slam singles titles and 12 doubles titles
Rafael: 31 singles titles, 5 grand slam singles and 4 doubles titles

Do you see what I see?

Williams Sisters at Arthur Ashe Kids Day

The Williams Sisters at a press conference during Arthur Ashe Kids Day

About Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day:

Presented by Hess and produced by the USTA, Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day honors tennis legend Arthur Ashe and continues his mission of using tennis as a means to instill in kids the values of humanitarianism, leadership and academic excellence. Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day introduces children of all ages to the great sport of tennis while bringing families together for a fun, interactive experience. A portion of the proceeds from Arthur Ashe Kids' Day benefits the USTA NJTL (National Junior Tennis League). Arthur Ashe, along with Charlie Pasarell and Sheriden Snyder, founded the NJTLTM in 1969. Ashe envisioned NJTLTM “as a way to gain and hold the attention of young people in the inner cities and other poor environments so that we can teach them about matters more important than tennis.” Since then NJTLTM has grown to over 500 chapters serving over 200,000 youth each year, making it one of the USTA’s largest community-based offerings.

Serena's practicing for the US Open

Serena signs autographs after a practice session

Serena attends Nike Sportswear at 21 Mercer - Block Party Opening

Nike Sportswear Opens First Store in SoHo in New York

Nike NKE today announced the opening of its first Nike Sportswear retail store at 21 Mercer Street in SoHo, New York City, offering exclusive access to premium products, an elevated retail experience, and a new customization experience called Nike Sportswear Bespoke, where consumers can work with Nike designers to customize premium Nike Sportswear footwear.

“The NSW collection is steeped in Nike’s sports heritage and remixed with cutting edge engineering, craftsmanship, and modern design,” said Dermott Cleary, Vice President, Nike Sportswear. “We’re putting the best of our entire collection under one roof, in New York City, so consumers from all over the world can access it.”Opening August 22nd, this stand-alone store will be the only location globally to carry the complete Nike Sportswear NSW collection, which includes seasonal exclusive 21 Mercer products.

US Open Draw: No All-Williams Final

The 2008 US Open Women's Singles Draw has been released, however, there will not be another Venus Williams-Serena Williams final. The sisters landed in the same quarter of the women’s singles draw at the Official Draw Ceremony Thursday at the Times Center in Manhattan. The Williams sisters met in the 2008 Wimbledon final, which Venus won in straight sets. For the US Open, however, the two would meet far earlier in a potential quarterfinal matchup with Serena the No. 4 seed and Venus the No. 7 seed.

In her opening match, Venus will face Samantha Stosur of Australia and Serena takes on Kateryna Bondarenko of the Ukraine. Serena could meet No. 20 Nicole Vaidisova in the third round and Venus could meet No. 9 Agnieszka Radwanska in the fourth round. As a whole, the women’s draw came out very top-heavy with top seed and reigning French Open champion Ana Ivanovic and No. 6 seed and Olympus US Open Series winner Dinara Safina meeting potentially in the quarterfinals. The winner could then face either Williams sister in the semifinals. To view the complete singles draw, visit www.usopen.org.

Serena's Olympic experience - (Espn.com video)

Serena's post Olympic Interview (Fox.com) - Video

2008 Beijing Olympic Gold

The "Golden" Girls

Williams Sisters medal for USA

Olympic Gold: The Images

Team Williams captures 2nd Olympic Gold Medal

Slugging winners from the baseline and slamming shots at the net, the American sisters overpowered Anabel Medina Garrigues and Virginia Ruano Pascual of Spain 6-2, 6-0. When Ruano Pascual sent the championship point long, the sisters shrieked in unison. Then they jumped for joy and hugged. "I'm so excited, I can't even speak," said the 28-year-old Venus, who has already won seven doubles Grand Slam titles and a gold medal in Sydney alongside younger sister Serena.

The pair didn't enter the doubles competition in Athens four years ago because Serena was hurt at the time. "I don't know anyone out there who would get tired of playing with Venus Williams," said the 26-year-old Serena, who as a singles player is ranked eighth in the world, four spots behind No. 4 Serena. Sunday's match pitted the second-seeded sisters, who also won the doubles title at Wimbledon and reached the singles final, against the seventh-seeded Spaniards, who are the reigning French Open doubles champions.

Both sisters had pulled out of tournaments last month with knee injuries, but neither showed any sign of weakness. Together, they had six aces, including one that Serena whacked at 172 kph (107 mph) on a second serve. The only tense moment came at 5-2 in the first set when the sisters squandered four set points before breaking Ruano Pascual's serve to win it. Both Venus and Serena were beaten in the quarterfinals of the singles tournament.

Williams Sisters defeat Bondarenko Sisters

Team Williams advanced Saturday to the doubles final by beating another sibling pair, Ukraine's Alona and Kateryna Bondarenko, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. Venus and Serena improved to 9-0 lifetime in Olympic doubles. Team Williams will battle the Spanish team of Anabel Medina Garrigues and Virginia Ruano Pascual for the Olympic Gold Medal.

Beijing Olympics (Doubles): Semi-Final (Saturday)

Semi-Final
Venus/Serena (USA) [2] vs Bondarenko/Bondarenko (UKR)[6]
1st match of the day on Court 2
Match begins at 4pm (4am EST)
Visit http://www.nbcolympics.com/ for online streaming

Team Williams advances to Semi-Final

Team Williams has defeated seventh seeded Vesnina and Zvonareva of Russia, 6-4, 6-0, in today's quarterfinal. The Williams Sisters will now face another set of sisters, the Bondarenkos (UKR), in Saturday's semi-final.

Beijing Olympics (Doubles): Quarterfinal (Friday)

Quarterfinal

Venus/Serena (USA) [2] vs Vesnina/Zvonareva (RUS)[7]

4th match of the day on Court 2

Matches began at 4pm (4am EST)

Visit http://www.nbcolympics.com/ for online streaming

* The is Team Williams' second match of the day.

Beijing Olympics: Team Williams advances to Quarterfinal

Team Williams have just eliminated Japan's Morita and Sugiyama, 7-5, 6-2. The Sisters have advanced to the quarterfinals and will be playing their quarterfinal match a little later today.

Beijing Olympics: 2nd Rnd Doubles (Friday)

2nd Round
Venus/Serena (USA) [2] vs Morita/Sugiyama (JPN)
1st match of the day on Court 1
Match begins at 4pm (4am EST)
Visit http://www.nbcolympics.com/ for online streaming

4:00am - 10:00am EST

* This match was supposed to be played on Thursday but due to the over 3 hour rain delay, many matches lasted to the early morning hours and a few were not completed. IF Team Williams wins this match, before they will be able to sneeze they will be on Court 2 (in Quarterfinal action) battling 7th seeded Vesnina and Zvonareva of Russia. This will be the fourth match of the day on Court 2.

Over and out: Dementieva defeats Serena

Serena's chance for Olympic (singles) gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics came to a crashing end today as Elena Dementieva beat her 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. Serena squandered a 6-3, 4-2 lead. I am still trying to wrap my brain around that one. She seemed to be having a lot of problems with her serve but Dementieva played some spirited tennis and overtook the 8 time Grand Slam Champion. It appeared that Serena ran out of gas. Williams had won their first four career meetings in straight sets but has now lost their last two beginning with a 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 loss in the Moscow final last October. Williams now pins her medal hopes on doubles (w/ Venus). They won gold in doubles in Sydney. The fourth-seeded Serena tried to rally from a 5-0 deficit in the final set against the No. 5-seeded Dementieva. Williams overcame two match points during an 18-point game to hold for 5-3 but Dementieva held at love in the next game, sealing the victory when Williams pushed a volley wide.

Serena had this to say: "It (the match) turned when I didn't do what I needed to do; it just didn't work out," Williams said. "I was cruising. There's no reason I should have lost. I had chances to go up 3-1 or 4-1, and I ruined it for myself pretty much. At least going into the US Open, I hope I have another opportunity and things will be different."

Oh well Serena, there's always the US Open. Get ready!!

Beijing Olympics: 2nd Rnd Doubles (Thursday)

2nd Round

Venus/Serena (USA) [2] vs Morita/Sugiyama (JPN)

3rd match of the day on Court 3

Matches begin at 6pm (6am EST)

Visit http://www.nbcolympics.com/ for online streaming
(4:00am - 10:00am EST)

* This match has been moved to Court 3 (and many others moved to different courts) due to the rain delay in hopes of getting as many matches completed as possible. No matches have taken place as of this posting.

Beijing Olympics: Quarterfinal (Thursday)

Quarterfinal

Serena Williams (USA)[4] vs. Elena Dementieva (RUS)[5]
Serena leads Head-To-Head 4-1
1st match of the day on Court 1
Match begins at 4pm (4:00am EST)
Visit http://www.nbcolympics.com/ for online streaming
(4:00am - 10:00am EST)

Serena defeats Alize' Cornet!

Serena smashed her racket in frustration over a slow start (received a code violation warning), then rallied to beat 18-year-old Alize Cornet of France 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Williams' outburst came as she fell behind 5-1 in the first set. "I've been really working on my temper," she said. "But I was just making so many errors, and I wasn't practicing like that at all. It came to a point, I think I hit a backhand in the net, and I had just had enough." Williams gradually tamed her erratic groundstrokes, and after managing a service break in the opening game of the final set, she held in five consecutive games for the victory.

The victory sets up a quarterfinal match with fifth-seeded Russian Elena Dementieva, who took down talented teenager Caroline Wozniacki, 7-6(3), 6-2.

Beijing Olympics: 3rd Round (Wednesday)

3rd Round

Serena Williams (USA)[4] vs. Alize' Cornet (FRA)[15]

Serena leads Head-To-Head 1-0

3rd match of the day on Center Court

1st match begins at 4pm (4:00am EST)

Visit http://www.nbcolympics.com/ for online streaming

(4:00am - 10:00am EST)

Team Williams advances to 2nd Round

Team Williams defeated Benesova and Vaidisova, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 to advance the round of 16 at the Beijing Olympic Games. The sisters preceded their doubles win with a pair of resounding singles victories: Venus beat Benesova, 6-1, 6-4, and Serena slammed Samantha Stosur of Australia, 6-2, 6-0, in 44 minutes. Serena surrendered only three points on her first serve and delivered eight aces in the singles victory. The Williamses are trying to add to the family Olympic medal collection. They won the gold in doubles at Sydney in 2000, and Venus won the singles that year.

Serena advances to 3rd Rnd after 44 minute rout!

BEIJING -- Serena Williams raced into the third round at the Olympics, winning the final 10 games Tuesday to beat Samantha Stosur of Australia 6-2, 6-0 in 44 minutes. Williams lost just five points in the second set and dropped only six points on her serve in the match. Seeded fourth, Williams is playing singles in the Olympics for the first time. She won the gold medal with sister Venus in 2000 at Sydney.

With the temperature rising and the sun making its first appearance in the Beijing Games, the stands became a sea of fluttering Chinese fans -- the hand-held kind -- for Williams' morning match. She was done before lunch. From 2-2, Williams won 40 of the final 49 points. She whacked service winners, overpowered Stosur from both wings on the baseline and came forward for an overhead slam that prompted an appreciative "Ooooh" from the crowd. Williams punctuated her best shots with a fist pump. She made the gesture one last time after ripping a backhand return winner on match point, then shouted "C'mon!" as she trotted toward the net and into the round of 16.

WOW! Serena's FIT!

Serena's in the latest issue of Men's Fitness Magazine

In the magazine Serena discusses the following: what she looks for in a guy, major turnoffs, favorite physical part of her body, what she'd do if she didn't play tennis, guys being intimidated because of her athletic status, and finding guys who can keep up with her fitness level.

Another (previous) practice pic

Serena Williams of the US practices during a trainning session for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 9, 2008.

Beijing Olympics: 1st Rnd Doubles (Tuesday)

1st Round
Venus/Serena (USA) [2] vs I. Benesova/N. Vaidisova (CZE)
2nd match of the day on Court 2
Matches begin at 5pm (5am EST)
Visit http://www.nbcolympics.com/ for online streaming

(5:00am - 10:00am EST)

Beijing Olympics: 2nd Round (Tuesday)

2nd Round
Serena Williams (USA)[4] vs. Samantha Stosur (AUS)
Head-To-Head 0-0
1st match of the day on Court 1
Visit http://www.nbcolympics.com/ for online streaming
10:30pm EST (8/11/08) - 3:30am EST (8/12/08)

* USA is scheduled to air the following Olympic sports, Tuesday, 2am - 12pm: TENNIS, basketball, rowing, canoeing, badmiton, and water polo. (nbcolympics.com specifically lists this match to air on USA between 2am - 6am).

*MSNBC is scheduled to air the following Olympic sports, Tuesday, 5am - 5pm: TENNIS, soccer, volleyball, wrestling, and basketball .

Serena successful in Olympic Singles debut

Serena returned to the court (in impressive form) to wrap up her previously rain-interrupted Olympic singles debut 1st Rnd match against Olga Govortsova of Belarus. With a 6-3, 2-1 lead, Serena did not lose another game, storming to a 6-3, 6-1 victory. NBA superstar, Lebron James, was shown standing and applauding for Serena. The http://www.nbcolympics.com/ online streaming is AWESOME!

Noteworthy

Serena is now ranked #4 in the world and closing in on the #1 spot! It has been a while since Serena last sat atop the WTA Singles ranking but I do know that is where she belongs. With an Olympic Singles Gold medal and a nice run at the US Open, what I feel in my heart will be reflected in the computer rankings: that Serena is the true #1 and the best player in the world! Serena's heading in the right direction.

Schedule for conclusion of Serena's 1st Rnd Match

Serena is scheduled to finish her 1st Rnd match tomorrow. She will complete her match (which was interrupted by rain) on Center Court right after Rafael Nadal takes on Potito Starace beginning at 10:30am (10:30pm EST). Expect Serena to finish what she started as she is up a set and a break against Olga Govortsova (BLR): 6-3, 2-1 (with Serena to serve). I watched this match (via online streaming at http://www.nbcolympics.com/, which by the way was almost if not better than watching it on TV) and Serena was in attack mode. She was moving beatifully and has her eyes on the prize. World #1, Ana Ivanovic, whom Serena could have faced in the semis has withdrawn from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

* CNBC is scheduled to air the following Olympic sports, Monday (at some point between) 12am - 4:30am: TENNIS, boxing, 57kg and 60kg.

*MSNBC is scheduled to air the following Olympic sports, Monday(at some point betwen) 5am - 9am: TENNIS, Basketball, Water Polo, Volleyball, Badmiton, and Weightlifting.

REMEMBER, you can always view (just) TENNIS (via online streaming) at http://www.nbcolympics.com/

More Olympic 1st Rnd pics

Rain-interrupted Olympic Singles debut

Serena, the eight-time Grand Slam champion, a doubles gold medalist from Sydney with sister Venus but who was making her debut in Olympic singles after missing Athens with a knee injury, led the 47th-ranked Govortsova 6-3, 2-1, when heavy rain forced all action to be cancelled until Monday.

Only nine of 45 scheduled ties were completed in a rain-disrupted day at the Olympic Green Tennis Centre, an all-open venue where the start of play in the morning had already been delayed by two hours because of steady rain. Organisers made the decision to postpone all remaining matches at 6.55 pm (10:55GMT) after further downpours. In her match against Govortsova, Williams raced out to a 3-0 lead in the first set, but the Belarussian made the American former world number one work hard for her points. Although Williams broke again to take an ominous 5-1 lead, Govortsova rebounded to break and then hold serve on her own game.

The Belarussian had break point in the next game but Williams held her nerve to win a cracking rally for deuce before play was interrupted for 30 minutes by rain. Williams survived a second breakpoint to win the first set 6-3 when play resumed, and broke Govortsova in the first game of the second set. The set stood at 2-1 in Williams' favour when heavy rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, saw the players scurry off court. There will be no doubles action either. I will post the new order of play as the information becomes available.

Team USA

Serena: Beijing Practice (Part 4)

Tennis Royalty: 27 Grand Slam singles titles in one picture

VENUS - 7 Grand Slam Titles (2 US Open, 5 Wimbledon)

SERENA - 8 Grand Slam Titles (3 Australian, 1 French, 2 Wimbledon, 2 US Open)

ROGER (Federer) - 12 Grand Slam Titles (3 Australian, 5 Wimbledon, 4 US Open)

Beijing Olympics: 1st Rnd Doubles (Sunday)

1st Round

Venus/Serena (USA) [2] vs I. Benesova/N. Vaidisova (CZE)

2nd match of the day on Court 2

Matches begin at 5pm (5am EST)

Visit http://www.nbcolympics.com/ for online streaming
5:00am - 10:00am EST

* The USA Network will air tennis Sunday, (8/10) 2am - Monday, (8/11) 2pm EST.

Other sports that will air during this window of Olympic coverage:

Soccer, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Equestrian and Archery.

Serena: Beijing Practice (Part 3)

Beijing Olympics: 1st Round (Sunday)

1st Round

Serena Williams (USA)[4] vs. Olga Govortsova (BLR)

Head-To-Head 0-0

2nd match of the day on Center Court

Visit http://www.nbcolympics.com/ for online streaming

10:30pm EST (8/9/08) - 3:30am EST (8/10/08)

* CNBC will air tennis coverage Sunday, 12:00am - 4:30am EST.

The following sports will also be televised during this window of Olympic coverage:

Boxing, 64kg and 69kg

Williams Sisters bid for multiple medals

BEIJING (AP) - Seated side by side amid a roomful of strangers, Venus and Serena Williams exchanged glances and giggles like a couple of kids in the back of an elementary school class. Instead they were front and center at an Olympic news conference Friday. The sisters' unique relationship has long played out on the world stage, and in Beijing they're U.S. teammates, doubles partners and potential opponents in the singles final.

Venus and Serena have made the Olympics a family affair once before - at the 2000 Games in Sydney. They became the first siblings to win the doubles, and Venus also won the singles to join 1924 champion Helen Wills as the only women to sweep both titles. There were no milestones for the sisters four years later in Athens. Serena missed those games because of a knee injury, and Venus lost in the third round.

In Beijing, they're together again. "Being here with Serena is so much fun," Venus said. "In Sydney we had a blast. In Athens I didn't have as much fun because she wasn't there. It completes everything for me to have her here." There were doubts as to whether the sisters would be healthy enough to make the trip, because both are nursing knee injuries. Venus' most recent match was the victory over her sister in the Wimbledon final five weeks ago, and Serena hasn't played since retiring from the semifinals July 19 in Stanford, Calif.

When Venus was asked if she's concerned about her knee holding up on Beijing's hard courts, she said: "I'm blocking that out - mind over matter." Said Serena: "I'm working on just getting better, and everything is going to be looking good."

Teammate Lindsay Davenport withdrew from singles Friday because of a lingering knee injury that has sidelined her since late June. She still hopes to play doubles with Liezel Huber, and they could meet the No. 2-seeded Williams sisters in the final. Even with the sisters involved, doubles matches are usually relegated to outer courts, where crowds are small. But when Olympic tennis begins Sunday, the Williams-Williams partnership will be among the main attractions. Doubles also offers the best medal hope for the U.S. men, with Bob and Mike Bryan seeded No. 1.

"In the Olympics the singles and the doubles are the same, because a gold medal is a gold medal," Venus said. She and Serena have been partners in only four tournaments since the summer of 2003, but they've combined for seven Grand Slam titles, most recently at this year's Wimbledon only hours after their singles final. Williams-Williams have never worried much about doubles tactics, instead relying on thunderclap strokes.

"They're always tough to play against because they're powerful, even though they're not really quite doing doubles movements," said Olympian Ai Sugiyama, who lost to the sisters at this year's Australian Open. "At the net they're just standing there instead of moving or crossing or poaching. But they're tall, and their quality of serves and strokes is great." At Sydney the sisters were so overpowering their semifinal opponents from Belgium abandoned the net to avoid dealing with Williams volleys from point-blank range. "We had such a great time in Sydney," Venus said. "We felt like we couldn't miss, and we didn't."

The sisters' domination of singles on the women's tour began a year later. They met in a Grand Slam final for the first time at the 2001 U.S. Open, and that was part of a stretch where Venus or Serena won seven of nine major singles titles. Venus won Wimbledon for the fifth time this year, increasing to seven her total of Grand Slam singles titles. Serena has won eight majors but ranks her Olympic medal in doubles as her top achievement.

"It was never my goal to play the Olympics," Serena said. "Growing up it was like Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and winning Grand Slams. But when I did win that gold medal, it's definitely my best trophy I have by far. I'm like Carl Lewis and Jackie Joyner-Kersee and thinking of all these wonderful athletes that did win Olympic gold medals. You're one of the few that have, and it was really cool." Venus agreed. "It has been beyond my dreams to play the Olympics," she said. "It takes awhile to set in. A few years after you win you're like, 'Wait a minute, this is my gold. Oh, my gosh, yes.'"

Serena: Beijing Practice (Part 2)

Williams Sisters: Beijing Practice

Olympic Tennis: Serena and Ivanovic in same half

The world number one is in the easier half of the draw where her sternest test looks to be a possible semi-final match-up with Serena Williams. Second seed Jelena Jankovic, meanwhile, opens against Cara Black of Zimbabwe but will keep close tabs on Wimbledon champion Venus Williams, her potential semi-final opponent. Third seed Svetlana Kuznetsova and fellow Russian Dinara Safina also lurk in the bottom half of the draw. The Olympic tennis tournament No. 4 seed Serena Williams will make her Olympic singles debut against Olga Govortsova.

Williams Sisters take over Tennis Channel

During the month of August, tennis' supreme Sister-Act, Venus and Serena Williams, dominate Tennis Channel programming with a few of their classic matches and a "No Strings" special.

Aug. 11th 8pm No Strings : Williams Sisters

Aug. 11th 9pm Masters Series: Miami : 1999
Aug. 12th 12am Masters Series: Miami : 1999

Aug. 12th 9pm Australian Open Classics : 2003
Aug. 13th 12am Australian Open Classics : 2003

Aug. 13th 9pm Wimbledon Classic : 2003
Aug. 14th 12am Wimbledon Classic : 2003

Aug. 14th 8pm No Strings : Williams Sisters
Aug. 14th 9pm Wimbledon Classic : 2008
Aug. 15th 12am Wimbledon Classic : 2008

Aug. 18th 12pm Masters Series: Miami : 1999
Aug. 18th 2pm No Strings : Williams Sisters

Aug. 19th 12pm Wimbledon Classic : 2003

Aug. 20th 12pm Wimbledon Classic : 2008

Aug. 29th 3pm No Strings : Williams Sisters

Aug. 30th 2am No Strings: Williams Sisters

(All times are Eastern Standard / EST)

US Olympic Tennis Team

Williams Sisters arrive in Beijing

Serena's weapon of choice: Wilson [K] Blade Team

The Wilson K Blade Team is an update to the K Blade 106 and features traditional feel, but in a lighter, more forgiving headsize. The added strength and stability of Wilson's K Factor technology continues in the K Blade Team. A 22mm flat beam and 104 square inch headsize provide solid feel and ample control for intermediate to advanced players with a medium to fast swing. Dense 18x19 string pattern further enhances control.

All [K] Factor racquets utilize Wilson's proprietary next-generation [K]arophite Black structure which adds additional bonds between the SiO2 and graphite molecules on a nanoscopic scale, resulting in more feel and a stronger, more stable racquet. Overall, there are 4 new key [K] Factor technology concepts found in various configurations depending on the [K] Factor model:

[K]arophite Black - an evolution of Wilson nCode technology which utilizes a new structure incorporating additional bonds between the SiO2 and graphite molecules on a nanoscopic scale, resulting in more feel and a stronger, more stable racquet.

[K]onnector - 2 external wings molded into each side of the hoop to increase dwell time of the ball upon impact, providing greater control and comfort.

[K]ontour Yoke - New frame cross-section shape that enhances stiffness at key stress points for improved torsional stability

[K]ompact Center - New shortened yoke design that improves handling, maneuverability, and provides additional feel.

Serena's attire: Day Dress Fall 2008

Serena's court day dress features a fitted body with a pleated skirt for ease of movement. Made with Dri-FIT ultra light weight jersey and Dri-FIT mesh to keep you cool and comfortable. Built in bra, zoned mesh at the back, and Swoosh design trademark at the left chest.

TENNIS: Olympic coverage on TV and Online!

NBC Universal will show 3,600 hours of the Beijing Olympic Games, the most ambitious single media project in history. The 3,600 total hours of coverage will be telecast on seven NBC Universal networks: NBC, USA, MSNBC, CNBC, Oxygen, Telemundo and Universal HD and NBCOlympics.com. NBCOlympics.com will feature approximately 2,200 total hours of live streaming Olympic broadband video coverage, the first live online Olympic coverage in the United States.

"For the first time, the average American will be able to create their own unique Olympic experience whether at home, at the office or on-the-go," said Dick Ebersol (Chairman, NBC Universal Sports & Olympics and Executive Producer of NBCU's Olympic coverage).

The NBCU networks will offer more live coverage than any Olympics in history, domestic or foreign, despite the 12-hour time difference from the Eastern time zone to Beijing. Approximately 75 percent of NBCU's Beijing Olympics coverage will be live. You can personalize your TENNIS viewing (on TV and Online) by visiting the following link:

http://www.nbcolympics.com/tv_and_online_listings/zone=ET/day=2/sport=TE/index.html

Once there, you will be able to "change location/time zone" for a COMPLETE (day-by-day) listing of ALL Tennis matches at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. As for Serena's matches (singles and doubles), her schedule will be highlighted right here on Serena Williams: Diary of a Grand Slam Champion where it is ALL Serena, ALL the time!

Learning from Serena Williams' Determination

Serena is featured in the COMPLETE PLAYER section (page 58) of the August 2008 TENNIS Magazine (w/ Pete Sampras on the cover). (Photo by Al Bello / Getty Images).

1. Intimidate with attitude
Since winning the 2007 Australian Open, Serena Williams has improved her conditioning and returned to the top of the game. But the most important part of her resurgence, I believe, is the confi dence she regained in Melbourne last year. For a while, Williams seemed dejected on the court and didn’t get the most out of her game. In Australia, she might not have been in the best shape of her career, but she believed she would win. No matter how fi t you are or how much practice you’ve had, you need to make sure you produce your best tennis despite your limitations. This begins and ends with your attitude. Compete in a positive way and don’t beat yourself up when the slightest thing goes wrong. These days, Williams doesn’t display negative emotions as often, and her opponents notice.

2. Return offensively
Does anyone in tennis enjoy returning serve as much as Serena Williams? She can’t wait to take a cut at the ball. Williams hits all of her returns early rather than letting the ball bounce high as the server resets her feet. On first serves, she stands on the baseline; on second serves, she steps well inside it. No doubt Williams’ opponents get worried just seeing her across the net with that determined look on her face as she creeps farther inside the baseline. Williams has impeccable timing and quick hands, and I don’t expect club players to match those skills. But the lesson here is, don’t ignore your return of serve or treat it like a defensive shot. You shouldn’t be content just putting the ball back in play, especially if your opponent has a weak serve. Step into the court and take a few chances. Odds are that if you show your opponent you mean business when you return, her serve will deteriorate further. Pressure is an important tool in anyone’s arsenal, and you should apply it when you’re returning, too, not just when you’re serving.

3. Battle your nerves
Don’t believe that everyone gets nervous on court? Watch a replay of Williams as she tried to close out the Sony Ericsson Open final this year against Jelena Jankovic. Williams established a big lead in the third set and suddenly became tight. She didn’t move between shots and her strokes were uncharacteristically stiff. She made poor decisions and began to look tired (nerves use up a lot of energy). But in the end, she fought through the jitters. If Serena Williams gets nervous, you’re going to get nervous, too. So will your opponent. I like the way Williams managed her crisis in those last few games. She took a little more time between points and steadied herself with a few safe rallies before regaining her aggressiveness. She also prevented her emotions—namely, frustration—from getting the better of her. The next time you fi nd yourself feeling the pressure, don’t ask, “Why me?” Instead say, “It happens to everyone. I’ll get through it.” You’ll improve your chances of success.

4. Choose your weapon
Williams switched to a smaller, more traditional racquet before the 2007 Australian Open. In doing so, she emphasized the importance of control and feel. Regular players often fall in love with the power of big frames but don’t think about consistency. More power isn’t always better.

Article by Paul Annacone. Paul is Britain’s Davis Cup coach and the head men’s coach for the Lawn Tennis Association.

Serena's Beijing Olympic Games Outfit?

Serena promoting The NIKE+ Human Race 10K

On 08/31/08, Nike is making a statement like no other before. Nike is putting on the World’s Largest Running Event. The 10k event will be the ultimate runner experience. By combining our digital running world with the physical, the Nike+ Human Race is open to anyone, anywhere. Nike is hosting race events in 25 cities around the world, but by logging into nikeplus.com, every city and every road can become a race-day course.

The Nike+ Human Race is the world’s largest running event. It will be held anywhere a registered runner chooses to hit the pavement. Nike has organized 25 physical race cities, but the Nike+ Human Race is truly open to everyone, everywhere. If you don’t live in a race city, just sign up at nikeplus.com to participate and run in your city. Simply use Nike + iPod or Nike+ SportBand to track your miles on race day and then download miles on nikeplus.com to have your results officially counted as part of the race.

Visit www.nikeplus.com to access the Nike+ Human Race Web site and registration form where you can sign up online.

As participants in the Nike+ Human Race, runners will be able to run for one of the following charitable causes:

LANCE ARMSTRONG FOUNDATION: empowers cancer survivors to live life on their own terms and raises awareness for the fight against cancer. www.livestrong.org

THE UN REFUGEE AGENCY: the UNHCR's ninemillion.org campaign is committed to giving refugee children the chance to learn and play. Your donations help vulnerable children get the education to support themselves for a lifetime. www.ninemillion.org

WWF: works globally to reduce the impacts of climate change. As the world's largest international conservation organization in the world, WWF has been protecting the future of nature for more than 45 years. www.wwf.org

Williams Sisters US Open "Road Trip" Commercial