http://topics.edition.cnn.com/topics/feeds/rss/Serena_WilliamsFind stories, videos, and photos about Serena Williams from CNN.com.en-usCable News Network LP, LLLP.Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:26:12 GMT5http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/img/1.0/logo/cnn.logo.rss.gifhttp://topics.edition.cnn.com/topics/feeds/rss/Serena_Williams14433Find stories, videos, and photos about Serena Williams from CNN.com.http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/11/01/tennis.doha.wta.serena.venus/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/11/01/tennis.doha.wta.serena.venus/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams claimed a fourth successive win over older sister Venus to triumph in straight sets in the final of the season-ending Sony Ericsson WTA Championship in Doha on Sunday.Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:37:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/10/31/tennis.serena.venus.williams.doha/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/10/31/tennis.serena.venus.williams.doha/index.html#cnnSTCTextNew world No. 1 Serena Williams will take on her older sister and defending champion Venus in the final of the season-ending WTA Championships in Qatar on Sunday as injuries again took their toll on the world's top women tennis players.Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:21:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/10/29/tennis.serena.venus.williams.doha/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/10/29/tennis.serena.venus.williams.doha/index.html#cnnSTCTextSecond seed Serena Williams stormed into the semifinals of the season-ending WTA Championships in Doha, while sister and defending champion Venus kept her slim hopes alive.Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:11:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/10/28/serena.men/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/10/28/serena.men/index.htmlBe sure to check out Andre Agassi's revealing autobiography excerpt in this week's Sports Illustrated. I'll be taking all questions on the must-read next week.Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:15:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/10/21/exhibitions/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/10/21/exhibitions/index.htmlAre you really equating a couple of sets of exhibition tennis to the demands of a long tour season? -- Henry Brito, AtlantaWed, 28 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/10/27/tennis.wta.finals.venus.dementieva.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/10/27/tennis.wta.finals.venus.dementieva.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTextDefending champion Venus Williams suffered an opening round-robin defeat to Russia's Elena Dementieva on the first day of the WTA Championships in Doha on Tuesday.Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:11:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/10/08/tennis.beijing.serena.petrova/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/10/08/tennis.beijing.serena.petrova/index.html#cnnSTCTextWorld number one-elect Serena Williams has crashed out of the China Open, beaten in three sets by Russian Nadia Petrova just two days after reclaiming the top position.Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:58:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/10/06/walk.away/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/10/06/walk.away/index.htmlWhile wondering whether Serena Williams' new, shiny No. 1 ranking will have any subconscious bearing on the pending ITF decision ...Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:48:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/09/18/navarrette.rudeness.narcissism/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/09/18/navarrette.rudeness.narcissism/index.html#cnnSTCTextThanks to Joe, Kanye, Serena, and other misfits, a lot of people are talking about how society is undergoing a rash of rudeness.Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:12:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/10/06/tennis.serena.williams.beijing/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/10/06/tennis.serena.williams.beijing/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams regained her world No. 1 women's tennis ranking after cruising into the third round of the China Open on Tuesday.Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:04:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/10/04/tennis.china.safina.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/10/04/tennis.china.safina.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTextThe top two seeds, Dinara Safina and Serena Williams, are both through to the second round of the China Open in Beijing after claiming straight sets victories on Sunday.Sun, 04 Oct 2009 12:14:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/US/09/15/serena.williams.outburst/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/US/09/15/serena.williams.outburst/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams just wants to move on. But the controversy around her obscenity-laced tirade at a line judge at the U.S. Open continues.Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:53:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/09/16/post.open/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/09/16/post.open/index.htmlI feel as though tennis has never been so popular. Lead segments on the news, hot topics in the blogosphere, hundreds of questions rolling in here. Were it not for Kanye West, we might have even had the president weighing in on Serena-gate. We may as well ride the wave with a quick post-U.S. Open mailbag.Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:17:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/09/14/fifty.things.open/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/09/14/fifty.things.open/index.htmlNEW YORK -- The U.S. Open felt like two separate tournaments. The first was an exciting, spirited 10-day party, played amid ideal conditions. The second was a soggy circus. But in the end, the sun came back out and we were treated to some compelling finals. Herewith, some scattered observations and opinions:Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:41:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/09/14/tennis.usopen.serena.doubles/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/09/14/tennis.usopen.serena.doubles/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams put her controversial U.S. Open singles exit behind her on Monday as she and sister Venus claimed the women's doubles title at Flushing Meadows.Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:24:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/09/13/serena.mailbag/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/09/13/serena.mailbag/index.htmlNEW YORK -- Here it is the men's semifinals and all anyone wants to talk about is the end of Serena Williams' loss to Kim Clijsters on Saturday night. I keep seeing this referred to as a "controversy," but I struggle to see what exactly was controversial.Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:04:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/09/13/tennis.us.open.womens/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/09/13/tennis.us.open.womens/index.html#cnnSTCTextUnseeded Belgian former world number one Kim Clijsters' return to women's tennis culminated in a U.S. Open women's singles title after she beat Danish ninth seed Caroline Wozniacki 7-5 6-3 in New York on Sunday night.Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:07:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/09/12/tennis.us.open.clijsters/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/09/12/tennis.us.open.clijsters/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams' bid to defend her U.S. Open title ended in controversy after the defending champion angrily remonstrated with a line judge at the end of her semifinal match against unseeded Kim Clijsters on Saturday.Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/sl_price/09/13/serena.q.a/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/sl_price/09/13/serena.q.a/index.htmlSI.com caught up with Sports Illustrated senior writer S.L. Price, who is covering the U.S. Open in New York, after Serena Williams was penalized on match point in her 6-4, 7-5 loss to Kim Clijsters in the semifinals Saturday night. Clijsters will play Caroline Wozniacki in the final at 9 p.m. ET Sunday.Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:33:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/09/06/tennis.us.open.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/09/06/tennis.us.open.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTextFormer women's champion Kim Clijsters has claimed her biggest victory since her comeback from retirement after beating third-seed Venus Williams at the U.S. Open on Sunday.Mon, 14 Sep 2009 04:13:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/09/10/tennis.serena.venus.williams/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/09/10/tennis.serena.venus.williams/index.html#cnnSTCTextThe Williams sisters have reached the women's doubles final at the U.S. Open for the first time in a decade after being taken to three sets on Thursday.Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:35:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/frank_deford/09/09/rankings/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/frank_deford/09/09/rankings/index.htmlWe now enter the Hit Parade portion of the athletic calendar, the annual Casey Kasem phase, when first college football, then basketball, is consumed by weekly rankings.Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:48:00 EDThttp://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20300852,00.html?xid=rss-fullcontentcnnhttp://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20300852,00.html?xid=rss-fullcontentcnnPlus, the tennis star speaks for the first time about the "dark period" after her sister's deathFri, 28 Aug 2009 14:06:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/08/21/tennis.women/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/08/21/tennis.women/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams easily dismissed Alona Bondarenko on Thursday, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Rogers Cup in Toronto, Canada.Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:09:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/08/18/mail.bag/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/08/18/mail.bag/index.htmlI am a Roger Federer fan, but it gets harder to support him after postmatch interviews where he bashes his opponents and fails to credit them with good play. Case in point: the interview after his loss to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the Rogers Cup. Federer choked, and Tsonga stepped it up. Enough said. At what point does greatness turn into arrogance? -- Jose, San AntonioWed, 19 Aug 2009 20:35:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/07/29/mail.bag2/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/07/29/mail.bag2/index.htmlProgramming note: I'll be on vacation next week. Our oxymoronic "guest host" will be Sam Querrey, who will be taking questions from the Farmers Insurance L.A. Tennis event.Thu, 30 Jul 2009 03:19:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/richard_deitsch/07/13/media713.lebron/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/richard_deitsch/07/13/media713.lebron/index.htmlEach week, SI.com's Richard Deitsch will report on newsmakers from the world of TV, radio and the Web.Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:01:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/07/05/wimbledon.thoughts/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/07/05/wimbledon.thoughts/index.htmlSome scattered thoughts on a historic Wimbledon ...Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:25:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/kevin_armstrong/07/04/serena.wimbledon/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/kevin_armstrong/07/04/serena.wimbledon/index.htmlFour things we learned while watching the all-American women's final at the All England Club on Independence Day ...Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:11:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/07/04/serena.venus.williams.wimbledon/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/07/04/serena.venus.williams.wimbledon/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams has avenged last year's Wimbledon final defeat by sister Venus to claim the grass-court major for the third time.Sun, 05 Jul 2009 07:08:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/06/30/tennis.wimbledon.women.williams/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/06/30/tennis.wimbledon.women.williams/index.html#cnnSTCTextTwice defending champion Venus Williams powered into the Wimbledon semifinals with another impressive display and then said it would be "fantastic" to face sister Serena in Saturday's climax.Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:01:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/06/26/tennis.serena.wimbledon/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/06/26/tennis.serena.wimbledon/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams wasted little time in reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon on Friday as she dispatched Roberta Vinci of Italy 6-3 6-4 in a little over an hour.Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:09:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/06/03/tennis.paris.women.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/06/03/tennis.paris.women.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTextFormer winner Serena Williams crashed out of the French Open on Wednesday leaving seventh-seeded Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova to face Australian Samantha Stosur for a place in the final at Roland Garros.Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:10:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/06/01/tennis.serena.kuznetsova.french/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/06/01/tennis.serena.kuznetsova.french/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams rolled into the second week of the French Open with a crushing victory over Aleksandra Wozniak to reach the quarterfinals on Monday.Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:41:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/05/26/tennis.frenchopen.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/05/26/tennis.frenchopen.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTextSecond seed Serena Williams was made to battle all the way before reaching the second round of the French Open at a cold and windy Roland Garros on Tuesday.Tue, 26 May 2009 20:58:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/bryan_armen_graham/05/12/passing.shots/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/bryan_armen_graham/05/12/passing.shots/index.htmlEven if you believe Serena Williams is "the real No. 1" on the women's tour, which she probably is, you've got to question the timing of her cocksure, matter-of-fact declaration on the eve of last week's Italian Open.Tue, 12 May 2009 22:18:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/04/09/serena.ranking/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/04/09/serena.ranking/index.html#cnnSTCTextDinara Safina will go to the top of the world rankings in place of Serena Williams after the American's shock defeat at a tournament in Spain, the WTA announced on its official Web site www.sonyericssonwtatour.com.Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:50:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/04/08/tennis.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/04/08/tennis.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTextWorld number one Serena Williams has suffered a shock defeat in the first round of the Andalucia Open in Marbella, Spain, losing in three sets to little-known Czech Klara Zakopalova.Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:16:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/04/07/darkside/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/04/07/darkside/index.htmlHas there been a more fun time in men's tennis than now? Rafael Nadal is definitively on top, Roger Federer is still in the mix with a will to regain his form, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have officially arrived, Juan Martin del Potro is continuing to make strides, and Andy Roddick seems to be right on the verge this season. With variations for surface, there seem to be six players in the mix to some extent for any major tournament right now. Let's hope they all stay healthy. -- Dan, AtlantaWed, 08 Apr 2009 17:45:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/04/03/tennis.sisters/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/04/03/tennis.sisters/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams evened her head to head record with elder sister Venus at 10 wins apiece as she reached the final of the WTA tournament at Key Biscayne in Florida.Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:43:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/04/02/tennis.miami/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/04/02/tennis.miami/index.html#cnnSTCTextVenus Williams will meet younger sister Serena in the semifinals of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami after a comfortable 6-1 6-4 win over Iveta Benesova on Wednesday.Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:54:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/03/30/tennis.trio/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/03/30/tennis.trio/index.html#cnnSTCTextRoger Federer and the Williams sisters Serena and Venus cruised into the fourth round of their respective draws in the joint ATP and WTA tournament at Key Biscayne in Florida.Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:22:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/02/20/tennis.williams/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/02/20/tennis.williams/index.html#cnnSTCTextVenus Williams is through to the final of the Dubai Open after defeating younger sister Serena in a three-set thriller on Friday.Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:36:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/02/18/venus.dubai/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/02/18/venus.dubai/index.html#cnnSTCTextVenus Williams stayed on course for a semifinal showdown with her sister and world number one Serena with a straight sets win over fast-improving Alize Cornet of France in Dubai.Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:56:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/02/17/venus.williams.tennis/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/02/17/venus.williams.tennis/index.html#cnnSTCTextThe only thing Venus Williams treasures more than winning is a decent nap.Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:44:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/02/11/tennis.paris/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/02/11/tennis.paris/index.html#cnnSTCTextTop seed and world number one Serena Williams cruised into the second round of the Paris Indoor Open with a straight sets victory over Czech left-hander Iveta Benesova on Wednesday.Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:55:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/02/03/federer.nadal/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/02/03/federer.nadal/index.htmlHere I thought we had closed the retractable roof on the 2009 Australian Open. But after the remarkable men's final and even more remarkable trophy presentation, the questions/comments/laments keep pouring in. So a special edition Mailbag.Wed, 04 Feb 2009 22:07:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/02/03/australian.open/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/02/03/australian.open/index.htmlHe stands 6' 1", weighs 185 pounds and can send a tennis ball pretty much anywhere he pleases. He's won on a variety of surfaces, collecting Grand Slam singles titles at a breakneck pace. He projects professionalism and grace and a distinctly European dignity. For all his success, he remains modest and grounded, uninterested in the usual trappings of modern celebrity, attracting attention only with his play.Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:05:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/02/01/aussie.open.thoughts/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/02/01/aussie.open.thoughts/index.htmlSome scattered thoughts on the heels of another Australian Open:Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:21:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/01/31/tennis.william.safina/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/01/31/tennis.william.safina/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams claimed her fourth Australian Open title with an emphatic 6-0 6-3 victory over Russian Dinara Safina in Saturday's final in Melbourne.Sat, 31 Jan 2009 13:32:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/01/30/verdasco.semi/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/01/30/verdasco.semi/index.htmlWhere does Fernando Verdasco go from here. He just lost a classic semifinal to Rafael Nadal. Does he turn into a pumpkin? Or do you see him challenging for Slams? -- Marty, New YorkFri, 30 Jan 2009 16:20:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/01/29/australian.open.women/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/01/29/australian.open.women/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams will be bidding for her 10th grand slam triumph and fourth Australian Open title when she plays Russian Dinara Safina in Saturday's final in Melbourne, with the world number one ranking also up for grabs for either player.Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:03:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/01/28/tennis.ozwomen/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/01/28/tennis.ozwomen/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams booked a semifinal clash with Russian Elena Dementieva at the Australian Open after officials took the heat out of her 5-7 7-5 6-1 win over Svetlana Kuznetsova by closing the Rod Laver Arena roof.Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:30:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/01/26/fernando.verdasco/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/01/26/fernando.verdasco/index.htmlThe past three years, we have had surprise men's finalists. My vote this year goes to Fernando Verdasco. I think he might surprise us all and make it to the finals. -- Michael White, Fort Worth, TexasTue, 27 Jan 2009 13:40:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/01/26/tennis.women/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/01/26/tennis.women/index.html#cnnSTCTextWorld No. 2 Serena Williams headed to the quarterfinals Monday after No. 13 seed Victoria Azarenka pulled out due to illness.Mon, 26 Jan 2009 08:47:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/01/21/aussie/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/01/21/aussie/index.htmlI know you'll never touch this question but here's nothing. Serena said: Being a Jehovah's Witness kept her from voting in the election, but didn't prevent her from watching Barack Obama's campaign and victory. "I try to stay politically neutral, don't get involved in worldly matters," she said. "For me, because I am black, seeing that happen, I would be blind if I didn't take interest in it or I would be lying if I said I wasn't interested in what was going on. Obviously I am." As an African-American, I'm curious as to whether winning slams and other tennis tournaments is somehow religious or unworldly? My point is that she and her sister set a poor example for young kids. Voting is ungodly but chasing Slams isn't? Your opinion? -- Ray Vinson, Hampton,Va.Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:09:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/01/19/aussie.bag/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/01/19/aussie.bag/index.htmlWe'll do some periodic baggies off the Australian Open. Also, I'm considering "live blogging" the final, so stay tuned for details.Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:01:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/01/20/tennis.williams/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/01/20/tennis.williams/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena and Venus Williams began their Australian Open campaigns with straight sets victories at Melbourne Park on Tuesday.Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:56:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/01/15/tennis.sydney/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/01/15/tennis.sydney/index.html#cnnSTCTextTop seed Serena Williams was humbled in straight sets by Russian Elena Dementieva in the semifinals of the Medibank International tournament in Sydney -- reports the event's official Web site.Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:19:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/01/14/tennis.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/01/14/tennis.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams had to save three match points before beating Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark 6-7 6-3 7-6 in a late-night thriller at the Sydney International on Wednesday.Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:50:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/11/07/tennis.doha/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/11/07/tennis.doha/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams' hopes of ending the year on a high note are over after she was forced to withdraw from the season-ending Sony Ericsson tournament in Doha with a stomach muscle problem.Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:13:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/10/14/10.15/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/10/14/10.15/index.htmlI used to think this notion was controversial and didn't want to submit it for fear of being ridiculed, but I think the time has finally come: Jelena Jankovic is a better No. 1 than Ana Ivanovic. Here's a few reasons why. Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:23:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/09/25/tf.5.reasons.not.to.date/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/09/25/tf.5.reasons.not.to.date/index.html#cnnSTCTextHave you ever just not been in the mood to go out on yet another first date, but force yourself to do it anyway? You talk yourself into it, reasoning, "What if he's the one and instead of meeting him, I stayed home to eat cereal out of the box and watch 'Gossip Girl?'"Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:15:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/09/04/last.bag/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/09/04/last.bag/index.htmlThis our last Baguette. Check back Monday for our wrap-up. Thanks to all of you who sent questions ...Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:25:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/08/27/day.three/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/08/27/day.three/index.htmlSince the U.S. Open (among other tennis events) is all about gender equity, do you think we will ever have the evening session "start" with a men's match and then be "followed" by the women's match. For a working person on the East Coast, it's hard to stay up and watch the men's matches, such as the Blake/Young match, especially when they start after 9 p.m. Just looking for equal rights. -- John, Greenville, S.C.Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:41:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/08/25/open.bag1/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/08/25/open.bag1/index.htmlI love Federer. I am not trying to make excuses for the year because, in some ways, I like the new drama. However, Michael Wilbon, a great writer but not the best at tennis, says he is done. No mas! My question is this; as you've alluded to his "tiredness and fatigue" I think much of it has to do with his extended schedule. Aside from the new high-profile endorsement commitments, I look at: mono, the battle of the surfaces, the clash of times ( 3 matches etc. ) and the impact that had on training. Thoughts? Last thing: How soon would he be capable of reclaiming No. 1? -- John Allen, BaltimoreTue, 26 Aug 2008 15:52:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/08/16/tennis.roundup/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/08/16/tennis.roundup/index.html#cnnSTCTextRoger Federer made up for the disappointment of missing out in the singles by winning his first Olympic gold medal as he teamed up with Stanislas Wawrinka to claim the doubles title on Saturday.Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:22:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/07/23/tennis.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/07/23/tennis.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTextSecond seed Serena Williams has withdrawn from the WTA event at the Home Depot Center in Carson City after giving up her fight against a left knee injury.Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:56:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/07/06/wimbledon.50.things/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/07/06/wimbledon.50.things/index.htmlCleaning out the Wimbledon notebook while still in awe of that final.Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:22:00 EDThttp://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20210714,00.html?xid=rss-fullcontentcnnhttp://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20210714,00.html?xid=rss-fullcontentcnnThe Wimbledon champ says her most challenging opponent is also her inspirationMon, 07 Jul 2008 21:27:00 EDThttp://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20210577,00.html?xid=rss-fullcontentcnnhttp://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20210577,00.html?xid=rss-fullcontentcnnThe champ defeats younger sister Serena in their seventh Grand Slam final meetingMon, 07 Jul 2008 12:34:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/07/05/wimbledon.women/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/07/05/wimbledon.women/index.html#cnnSTCTextDefending champion Venus Williams has won her fifth Wimbledon singles title after beating younger sister Serena Williams 7-5 6-4 in a hard-fought final on Saturday.Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:44:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/07/05/williams.final/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/07/05/williams.final/index.htmlFive things we learned from women's final Saturday at Wimbledon:Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:56:00 EDThttp://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1820262,00.html?xid=feed-cnn-topicshttp://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1820262,00.html?xid=feed-cnn-topicsFive years since their last title matchup, the Williams sisters are back in the Wimbledon final with another Grand Slam championship -- and family bragging rights -- at stakeThu, 03 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/07/03/wimbledon.women/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/07/03/wimbledon.women/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams will face big sister Venus for the third time in a Wimbledon final after ending wildcard Zheng Jie's hopes of becoming the first Chinese player to reach a Grand Slam final on Thursday.Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:28:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/07/01/tennis.women/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/07/01/tennis.women/index.html#cnnSTCTextHolder Venus Williams moved into the Wimbledon semifinals on Tuesday when she beat Tamarine Tanasugarn 6-4 6-3, firing family ambitions of a third title showdown against sister Serena.Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:53:00 EDThttp://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20204669,00.html?xid=rss-fullcontentcnnhttp://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20204669,00.html?xid=rss-fullcontentcnnThe tennis champ will only admit about the rapper, "I think he's a great guy"Thu, 05 Jun 2008 19:07:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/05/30/tennis.williams/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/05/30/tennis.williams/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena and Venus Williams were sent crashing from the French Open on Friday as both made shock third round exits.Fri, 30 May 2008 20:27:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/05/30/tennis.women/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/05/30/tennis.women/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams was sent crashing out of the French Open on Friday, suffering an upset third-round defeat by 27th seed Katarina Srebotnik in Paris.Fri, 30 May 2008 12:54:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/05/21/henin.mailbag/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/05/21/henin.mailbag/index.htmlHopefully I am first off the blocks with this question: What is your opinion on Henin's retirement? As a long time fan (before she even won her first title), there is no doubt that she would be in the Hall of Fame. Do you consider her someone who has overachieved despite the physical nature of the modern game? Could she have won more titles or is she another by-product of the power game? How is the media taking it since she has finally opened up to you last year? -- Ed Chew, Melbourne, AustraliaFri, 23 May 2008 15:09:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/04/18/tennis.familycircle/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/04/18/tennis.familycircle/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams continued her domination of Maria Sharapova and defending champion Jelena Jankovic crashed out in quarterfinal play at the Family Circle Cup.Sat, 19 Apr 2008 08:35:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/04/16/mailbag/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/04/16/mailbag/index.htmlTrue or False: Women's tennis is like men's tennis, only slower, with less variety and more errors. Seriously, give me a reason or two that a rational person would want to watch women's tennis that has nothing to do with sex appeal. -- Wafo Rodriguez, San Antonio Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:32:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/04/09/mailbag/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/04/09/mailbag/index.htmlI don't claim to have watched every match Serena Williams has played, or read every article about them, but it seems to me that if Mary Carillo and almost every other tennis announcer/journalist says that Serena only loses when she plays badly, why is it soooo awful when Serena says it? Against Jelena Jankovic [in the Sony Ericsson Open final], it was obvious that Jelena had nothing to do with the outcome of that match. Your thoughts? -- P-Sqaured, NYCWed, 09 Apr 2008 15:34:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/04/05/tennis.women/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/04/05/tennis.women/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams retained the Sony Ericsson Open title in Florida by beating fourth seed Jelena Jankovic, but made hard work of the victory after cruising through the first set in 28 minutes.Sun, 06 Apr 2008 07:54:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/04/03/tennis.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/04/03/tennis.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTextDefending champion Serena Williams battled injury and scorching Florida temperatures to beat third seed Svetlana Kuznetsova 3-6 7-5 6-3 in the Key Biscayne semifinals.Sat, 05 Apr 2008 08:26:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/04/01/mailbag/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_wertheim/04/01/mailbag/index.htmlWhat do you see Lindsay Davenport accomplishing before she eventually retires? Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:53:00 EDThttp://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20186417,00.html?xid=rss-fullcontentcnnhttp://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20186417,00.html?xid=rss-fullcontentcnnShe faces off against Rafael Nadal over a 43,000-gallon pool in MiamiWed, 26 Mar 2008 16:34:00 EDThttp://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20186024,00.html?xid=rss-fullcontentcnnhttp://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20186024,00.html?xid=rss-fullcontentcnnThe singer-actor gets cozy with the tennis star – and praises costar Angelina JolieTue, 25 Mar 2008 12:23:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/03/05/tennis.bangalore/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/03/05/tennis.bangalore/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams has reached the quarterfinals of the Bangalore Open after an error-filled win over Tzipora Obziler of Israel on Wednesday.Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:49:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/01/18/tennis.henin/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/01/18/tennis.henin/index.html#cnnSTCTextWorld number one Justine Henin and defending champion Serena Williams both progressed to the last 16 of the Australian Open with straight sets wins in Melbourne on Friday. Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:26:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/11/08/tennis.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/11/08/tennis.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTextFormer world number one Serena Williams has withdrawn from the WTA Championships in Madrid after injuring her left knee in her opening match against Russia's Anna Chakvetadze on Wednesday night. Thu, 08 Nov 2007 12:44:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/11/07/tennis.madrid/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/11/07/tennis.madrid/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams was forced to quit her opening match at the season-ending WTA Championships against Russian Anna Chakvetadze with a knee injury on Wednesday. Wed, 07 Nov 2007 20:58:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/11/01/hingis.background/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/11/01/hingis.background/index.html#cnnSTCTextMartina Hingis dominated women's tennis in the period before the power game epitomized by the Williams sisters Venus and Serena took over.Thu, 01 Nov 2007 21:53:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/10/30/tennis.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/10/30/tennis.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams will team up with Mardy Fish to lead the United States' challenge at the Hopman Cup in Perth later this year.Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:01:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/10/11/tennis.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/10/11/tennis.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTextSerena Williams raced into the quarterfinals of the Kremlin Cup in Moscow with a straight sets 7-5 6-4 victory over Tatiana Perebiynis on Thursday.Thu, 11 Oct 2007 19:07:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/10/05/tennis.porsche/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/10/05/tennis.porsche/index.html#cnnSTCTextAustralian Open champion Serena Williams was brushed aside in straight sets by Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova at the Porsche Grand Prix on Friday.Fri, 05 Oct 2007 20:44:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/jon_wertheim/09/19/mailbag/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/jon_wertheim/09/19/mailbag/index.htmlFirst, Serena Williams wins the Australian Open out of shape and ranked No. 87 in the world. Then Venus wins Wimbledon ranked in the 20s after not getting past the quarters of a Grand Slam since she won Wimbledon two years before. Wed, 19 Sep 2007 03:15:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/09/05/tennis.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/09/05/tennis.serena/index.html#cnnSTCTextWorld number one Justine Henin beat Serena Williams for the third time in a row at the quarterfinal stage of a grand slam with a 7-6 6-1 victory in the U.S Open on Tuesday night at Flushing Meadows.Wed, 05 Sep 2007 02:36:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/09/02/tennis.women.ap/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/09/02/tennis.women.ap/index.html#cnnSTCTextWhen you hear about Serena and Venus Williams overpowering opponents, as happened Sunday at the U.S. Open to two recent Grand Slam finalists, it's easy to forget that the sisters are, indeed, individuals.Mon, 03 Sep 2007 08:23:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/08/31/tennis.women/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/08/31/tennis.women/index.html#cnnSTCTextTop seed Justine Henin powered into the last 16 at the U.S. Open on Friday with her third straight-sets victory in three matches.Sat, 01 Sep 2007 10:55:00 EDT