“I made 37 errors. That kind of tells the story of the match.”

There were plenty of excuses from Serena Williams after the match. Perhaps it was the ankle injury, the fitness levels, or was it the heat? No, it seemed to be everything:

“It was just disastrous. I served horrendous; that was one of the 50 things [that went wrong]. Every ball that came, I just hit it as far out as I could. But I feel like I definitely can play so much better. And that’s good. Like, if I felt like I couldn’t play better, then that would be a problem. It was definitely hot out there. I guess I just didn’t move the way I wanted to. I probably shouldn’t have played. But [if this wasn't a slam] no way would I have played.”

There are now no American players left in the quarter finals, which shows the state of American tennis at present. In the men’s game, US tennis has struggled to replace Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras since they retired, whereas in women’s tennis, the dominant days of Serena and Venus Williams look to be well and truly over.

Source: The Guardian

Serena Williams Loses In Straights At The Australian Open is a post from: The Inquisitr

Serena Williams defeated Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, won her 500th career match and floated into the 3rd round on the Australian Open on Thursday.

Williams hit a strong backhand down the line after falling to the ground on the previous point. That backhand was enough to give Williams a 6-0, 6-4 victory.

With her win Serena Williams now holds an impressive record of 500-104 in touch matches. The win is also the tennis stars 16th consecutive match win at Melbourne Park.

If Williams manages to pull of a win once against it will be her sixth Australian Open trophy out of 14 Grand Slam titles.

After leaving the match she said of her ankle which cause her to stumble towards the end of match play:

“It’s totally fine. It was my good ankle, so I’m good.” while adding, “There was no extra pain. I twisted it. But it’s all taped up, so the tape really, really helped.”

Assuring her fans that it was just a case of “wobbly ankles” she said during a TV interview:

“I wasn’t meant to be a ballerina or anything.”

Also advancing was No. 2 Petra Kvitova who moved into the third round after a slightly tougher match against Carla Suarez Navarro in which she went 6-2, 2-6, 6-4.

In other advancement news Maria Sharapova easily won her 2nd round match over U.S. qualifier Jamie Hampton, the 2008 champion took the match in 64 minutes with a final score of 6-0 and 6-1.

Do you have a favorite player to win the 2012 Australian Open women’s single record this year?

Serena Williams Wins 500th Career Match, Enters 3rd Round Of 2012 Australian Open is a post from: The Inquisitr

Serena Williams is too busy not enjoying tennis and baring her backside in commercials to have a boyfriend.

Speaking to reporters in Australia ahead of her first game in the 2012 Aussie Open, Williams admitted she was too picky over partners, and that she hadn’t had a date “in forever.”

Joking that she would be lowering her standards in future to include suitors “anywhere between 18 and 80, blond, purple or green,” the 30-year-old said:

“I can be super picky, never satisfied. It’s a little crazy right now because there’s so much going on that when I’m not playing tennis I don’t sleep because I’m always doing something.”

Williams dated film director Brett Ratner back in 2005, and has previously been linked to rappers Common and Drake by the rumor mill, but her schedule has continuously gotten in the way. “I haven’t been on a date in forever,” she told reporters last Thursday.

The star begins her mission for a sixth Australian Open on Tuesday, facing world number 45 Tamira Paszek in the opening round. She’ll also be partnering Andy Roddick in mixed doubles.

Williams, the 12th seed, has come into this tournament with a sprained left ankle that reportedly needs constant treatment, so a Paszek shock victory may not be completely off the cards. And if that happens, Serena may just have time to change her singleton status.

Serena Williams Too Busy for a Boyfriend is a post from: The Inquisitr

Here’s a counterpoint to use against all the people who say you have to live and breathe a sport, career or other pursuit in order to master it.

Tennis great Serena Williams- who has been dominating in the field for many years- actually doesn’t adore tennis. I mean, she seems to like it, but she doesn’t really love it love it. Williams, along with sister Venus, has been on top in tennis since the mid-90s, but the star is kind of meh on tennis as a whole.

Actually, her insouciance and seeming incredulity about her own continuing success in the sport is kind of cool- she recently beat Chanelle Scheepers at the Brisbane international in two rounds, and mused:

“I don’t love tennis today but I’m here. I can’t live without it- there’s a difference between not loving something and not being able to live without it. I have never liked sports and could never understand how I became an athlete.”

Williams was also quoted as saying:

“It’s not that I’ve fallen out of love- I’ve never really liked sports… I don’t want anything that has to do with working physically… If it involves sitting down or shopping I am excellent at that.”

The tennis star did confirm, however, that she has no hope to exit the sport any time soon- she adds:

“I think for me it’s all about motivation as opposed to my skill or anything else. As long as the motivation’s there it’s definitely going to be cool… I’m not playing a full schedule this year. I just want to be able to do other things that I’m doing and I think that will help keep my motivation up.

“I’m always preparing myself for life after tennis (but)… I don’t want to go anywhere anytime soon.”

Are you impressed by Serena Williams’ indifference to tennis as a whole?

Serena Williams Doesn’t Actually Like Tennis All That Much, She Says is a post from: The Inquisitr

A week ahead of her birthday, Serena Williams has been made a goodwill ambassador for the children’s charity UNICEF.

Williams turns 30 (she was born September 26th, 1981) and the tennis pro received the honor last week- the charity said her “generous philanthropic endeavors off the court are just as dynamic [as her tennis skills.]” Although Williams has worked with UNICEF before, taking part in an initiative in 2006 in Ghana to provide medical care for ailing kids, she joins previous ambassadors such as David Beckham and Audrey Hepburn in her new role as a goodwill ambassador with the charity.

UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake extended a welcome to the tennis pro during the 2nd Annual Social Good Summit in New York City last week. Lake said:

“Serena Williams isn’t just a world tennis champion, she is a champion for children — and a passionate advocate for providing every child with a quality education… We are delighted that Serena is joining us as UNICEF’s newest Goodwill Ambassador and look forward to working together to win for children.”

Williams herself commented on the appointment, for which she will use her star power to shine light on the plights of children in developing nations:

“I believe all children deserve the chance to make something of their lives… I am committed to helping UNICEF provide a quality education to children to help them build a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities.”

In their announcement last week, UNICEF notes that the tennis ace has won “13 career Grand Slams and was a Gold Medalist at the 2000 and 2008 Olympics.”

Serena Williams Appointed Goodwill Ambassador is a post from: The Inquisitr

Serena Williams Outburst At U.S. Open To Cost Her $2,000 [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Serena Williams lost her cool for the second time in three years at the U.S. Open after umpire Eva Asderaki ruled that the tennis players loud “come on!,” was screamed before she had actually won the point, interrupting opponent Sam Stosur’s attempt at a return.

Upon review of the shouting Asderaki properly awarded Stosur the point because of the “hindrance rule” which forbades verbally interrupting another players attempt at a return.

Serena became fed up after Asderaki awarded an undeserved point to Stosur when Serena was serving at 30-40 in the pairings first game to which Serena accused the umpire of being the same judge she blew up at in 2009, even though it was not Asderaki who caused that tantrum.

Serena said to Asderaki:

“Aren’t you the one who screwed me over last time here?” adding, “Yeah, you are.”

It was an odd remark considering Asderaki and Louise Engzell don’t look alike in the least (they both do have high ponytails however), perhaps Serena couldn’t be bothered remember any of the “little people.”

Over the next two changeovers Serena Williams continued to attack the judge, stating:

“A code violation because I expressed who I am? We’re in America last I checked. Am I gonna get violated for a water? Really, don’t even look at me. I promise you, don’t look at me because I am not the one. Don’t look my way.” [...]

“If you ever see me walking down the hall, walk the other way. Because you’re out of control. Totally out of control. You’re a hater, you’re unattractive inside. Who would do such a thing? And I never complain. Wow.”

After losing in a stunning upset to Stosur in straight sets (6-2, 6-3) Williams was gracious at the net and she didn’t harp on the incident during post-match interviews.

It amuses me that tennis stars such as Serena (actually just specifically Serena) throw fits when a break doesn’t go their way, I’m sure over the entire period of her career a few non-points were awarded in her favor by an umpire.

Does Serena Williams‘ recent outbreaks seem like she feels “entitled” to you? I say out with the old, in with the new.

Serena Williams Loses All Poise Again, Goes Off On Umpire At U.S. Open is a post from: The Inquisitr

Serena Williams was eliminated from Wimbledon play on Monday by Marion Bartoli. The loss marks the first time in five years that neither Serena or her sister Venus made it to the quarterfinals at the All England Club.

Marion defeated Serena 6-3, 7-6 (6) after Serena returned to the event from a year long absence due to health issues.

Earlier older sister Venus was ousted by Tsvetana Pironkova 6-2, 6-3 which happens to be the same win score the Bulgarian player posted last year in her quarterfinals victory.

Also eliminated was top seed Caroline Wozniacki who fell 1-6, 7-6 (5) and 7-5 to No. 24 Dominika Cibulkovain.

It’s been a weekend of upsets and given the history of Wimbledon there very may be more upsets to follow.

Serena Williams Defeated At Wimbledon By Marion Bartoli is a post from: The Inquisitr

Actually real. Um?

Appropriate! In a We Dare sort of way, that is. Apparently publisher 2K Sports is going around getting these videos pulled, so you may have to do a little YouTube browsing for this very questionable ad for Top Spin 4.

[Via YouTube]

[VIDEO] Serena Williams’ ass used to sell tennis game (NSFW) is a post from: The Inquisitr

Venus Williams has again managed to cause more of a splash with her outfit than her tennis skills with a corset-like creation at the French Open.

Last year, Williams caused a similar surge of interest with a similar pair of perfectly flesh-toned panties (pic) at the Australian Open. In both cases, it is impossible to tell from afar if Williams is wearing sports briefs or just has a really good bikini waxer. Upon further inspection (pic above, and below) it’s pretty clear that Williams is wearing the briefs, so she’s sufficiently covered under her lacy, scant skirt. With that particular tennis dress, the contrast in fabrics is jarring and gives the impression of a panty-free kit.

CBS News captioned the photos:

USA’s Venus Williams shocked fans with her revealing attire as she mopped up Switzerland’s Patty Schnyder during their first round match of the French Open at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, May 23, 2010.

Venus Williams causes stir with French Open outfit is a post from: The Inquisitr

Serena’s outburst cost her a point and the win against Kim Clijsters.

Video: Serena Williams’ “foot fault” at the US Open is a post from: The Inquisitr

Venus and Serena Williams have reportedly become the latest celebrities to buy minority shares of the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins were sold by former owner Wayne Huizenga to new Majority owner Stephen Ross in January of 2009. Since then Ross has sold off many minority stakes in his club, and reached a new marketing agreement with song writer Jimmy Buffett.

Dolphins Stadium has been renamed Land Shark Stadium in a deal with Buffet, while Jimmy has not yet bought in to the team itself many other celebrities have joined the ownership group. Actor Emile Estevez, and musicians Gloria Estefan and Mark Anthony have already purchased minority shares of the Dolphins.

Team officials are quick to point out that these sales are not for financial reasons but to more reflect the divers population of Miami, Florida. Bringing the Williams sister into the mix is a very important milestone as teh NFL currently does not have a minority majority owner of any of its teams.

Ross believes that these celebrity partners are strategic resources he can use to help sell his club, and more than likely try and negotiate a new stadium deal with the local government. However having so many voices coming from the owners box rarely ever works.

Williams Sisters buy into Miami Dolphins is a post from: The Inquisitr

Serena Williams has been pictured in some rather suggestive poses for H Magazine. Take a look, but gravity is just one law of nature you can’t fight without a surgeon.

Anyway H Magazine has released some of the pics with a warning. If you don’t buy this month’s magazine, next month Serena WIlliams will be pictured naked.

Serena Williams H Magazine pics: gravity is a problem is a post from: The Inquisitr