Success Lessons From Serena Williams For All Fields Of Life

When it comes to tennis, there is one name nobody can avoid and it is Serena Williams. Phenomenal woman, incredible player, unique feminist, and loving wife as well as the mother. It seems this woman can do anything in the world when this goes as her priority. So far, however, it is tennis, personal life and entrepreneurship being in the top of the to-do list for Serena, a woman we all cannot but admire endlessly.

In this article, we will look at the lessons this incredible woman can teach all of us whether for tennis or for real life. For some spheres of life, like love and relationships, we tend to visit different special platforms or apps to try to find the significant other. For other spheres, like personal success, we usually crave advice of those who have achieved substantial heights. And this is exactly what we are going to learn today from Serena’s experiences and life lessons.

Learning About Success From The Ever Most Successful Sportswoman
When it comes to reading stories of achievements of the world-wide known sportsmen, we are subconsciously ready to hear about a lot of sacrificing and dedication. However, rarely do we really comprehend the extent to which professional athletes’ lives differ from the ones we peacefully lead. Nevertheless, it is their success that enormously impresses us and motivates on further achievements.

So, how did it happen that Serena, a simple girl from Michigan, managed to become the best tennis player as well as a most empowering feminist leader to follow? Let us look at the secrets to her unprecedented accomplishments below:

• mental imaginary technique: being born to the tennis coach, Serena started to play tennis where she was a kid. As the whole world recently learns from Nike ads featuring Williams, it was her dream from the very first steps onto the court to become the best at it. Basically, imagining yourself in the situation of the ultimate success as you define and understand it for yourself is a number one lesson. This works not only for sportsmen but also for people from all other fields of activities, including professional players in the world of betting sites online.
• “I have not made it yet” mentality: in one of the most recent interviews, Serena mentioned that she did not think she had made it. In her book, it is not about becoming the best once but about becoming the best for yourself every day and every time you enter the court. And for us court can also mean life;
• embracing your power: in the modern realities of yet existing glass ceilings and gender gaps, Serena sets an incredible example of being a powerful and successful woman. She believes in female power but does not diminish the power of men. In the end, it is all about being the best version of yourself.

To wrap things up, it seems every one of us can become just as successful as the world’s best female racket. However, this will require lots of devotion, constant work and unstoppable mentality.

Serena Williams to Host 14th Desert Smash 3/6/18 @ La Quinta Resort & Club

Press Release

The Desert Smash is known for bringing together some of the biggest names in Hollywood with some of the world's most renowned tennis players, and this year again is no exception as one of all of sport’s biggest names is set to kick off the 14th annual event in the desert!

Twenty-three time Grand Slam Champion Serena Williams is returning to the desert and will be hosting and participating in this year’s entertaining Desert Smash Pro/Celebrity Tennis Exhibition to benefit The Yetunde Price Resource Center (YPRC), founded by Serena and Venus, in honor of their eldest sister who was killed by an act of senseless violence in 2003. Its namesake, Serena and Venus’ sister, based in Compton, CA and committed to helping others heal, The YPRC assists, educates and strengthens individuals and families affected by violence and trauma. The YPRC works collaboratively with the other Southern Los Angeles based partner organizations to offer a variety of free programs in safe, healing-centered environments.

In an exciting new partnership with Tennis Channel, this year’s event will take place on Tuesday, March 6th, 2018, and will be returning to the world-renowned La Quinta Resort & Club, a Waldorf Astoria Resort in La Quinta, California, where the Desert Smash originally began 14 years ago. Consistently ranked one of the top tennis resorts in the country, La Quinta Resort & Club boasts state-of-the-art tennis facilities surrounded by vibrant flower-filled patios and breathtaking views of the rugged Santa Rosa Mountains and offers nothing short of an extraordinary tennis experience. This year’s annual charity “Live-Ball” play will also be hosted by actor Boris Kodjoe and benefit Sophie’s Voice Foundation.

Tennis Channel will provide Desert Smash with live national television exposure for the first time in the exhibition’s history. Live television segments along with digital and social media activity throughout the day – as part of the network’s coverage of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif. – will feature event updates with celebrity and player interviews. The network is also working closely with the Desert Smash team this year to facilitate celebrity introductions and expand the exhibition’s roster of star participants.

“We’re beyond excited for Tennis Channel to partner with Ryan Macaulay and Boris Kodjoe in supporting Desert Smash, the world’s biggest tennis celebrity pro-am event,” said Ken Solomon, president, Tennis Channel. “Professional tennis and Hollywood have always been deeply entwined, and over the years Desert Smash has brought together the strength of the biggest celebrities and top tennis stars to raise awareness and resources for those in need. We’re hopeful that this marks the beginning of a new era in this unique event’s successful history, and that a national television platform and worldwide digital presence, along with our Sinclair-owned sister stations, bring even more people to support this cause and enjoy the festivities this time around.”

"La Quinta Resort & Club is the original home of the Desert Smash and it is exciting to once again play host to this annual event. We look forward to celebrating the tournaments’ 14th year in support of the Yetunde Price Resource Center,” said Victor Woo, General Manager, La Quinta Resort & Club. “Known as the original desert hideaway and Hollywood’s favorite escape for over ninety years, our desert oasis is a perfect match for this event and we are honored to welcome top tennis professionals and celebrities to our world-class tennis facilities.”

Ryan Macaulay, Founder of the Desert Smash notes, “We’re thrilled to be back to La Quinta Resort & Club, where it all began. There is not a more picturesque or beautiful setting than their stadium court and we know their accommodations and other facilities are the desert’s best. The Desert Smash has always been about accessibility to players and celebrities, and La Quinta Resort’s intimate tennis stadium continues in that tradition. We look forward to a full house and a great day raising money for charity!”

The Desert Smash Celebrity/Pro-Am Tournament is arguably one of the country's most prominent charitable set of matches, composed of ranked WTA and ATP Tour players and some of the most notable and recognized celebrity players from Hollywood. Past professional tennis participants include ATP World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, John Isner, Stan Wawrinka, ATP World No. 1 doubles team Mike and Bob Bryan, Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Maria Sharapova, Caroline Wozniacki, Victoria Azarenka and Eugenie Bouchard.

Each year, this sell-out event attracts both celebrity and tennis fans for a once in a lifetime opportunity to play and rub elbows with the world’s best tennis players. Past celebrity hosts and attendees include Will Ferrell, Jon Hamm, Kevin Hart, Rebel Wilson, Joel McHale, Michael B. Jordan, Justin Chambers, Timothy Olyphant, Lance Bass and Boris Kodjoe.

In traditional Desert Smash fashion, the day kicks off with the renowned Southern California competitive, high-energy on-court workout, “Tennacity,” also known in some tennis circles as “Live Ball.” Following this fun, interactive experience is the fan favorite Pro vs. Celebrity Exhibition singles and doubles matches, which will take place on La Quinta’s picturesque Stadium Tennis Court.

Following an unmatched day of tennis and fundraising, La Quinta Resort & Club will host an evening cocktail party and live entertainment with a set by world famous DJ Bob Sinclar and other to be announced surprise celebrity entertainers. Previous performances included sets by Justin Bieber, Ja Rule, Lifehouse, Nelly, Natasha Bedingfield, RedFoo, Boyz II Men, Skunk Baxter and Gavin Rossdale.

Tickets are available for purchase now! For more event information, AND TO PURCHASE PLAYING SPOTS AND TICKETS, please visit: www.desertsmash.com

Love Match: Our top 5 famous couples in tennis

Happy Valentine's Day!

In conjunction with the special day, let's us share our favorite couples, who are also some of the hottest people, in the tennis arena.

Source: Star2

Rafael Nadal and Xisca Parello
This pair has been reportedly started dating in 2005 despite known each other for a number of years before.

Born Maria Francisca Perello, she is a business graduate and serves as project director for the RafaNadal Foundation, the charity which Nadal launched more than a decade ago.

Having in a long term relationship, they have yet to publicly announce an engagement or plan for marriage.

Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe

Roger Federer and Miroslava "Mirka" Federer
Many people may not realise that Mirka used to be a decent tennis player herself. The Slovak-born Swiss tennis player has reached a career-high of no. 76 in the world.

Both Federer and Mirka met during the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the rest, as they say, is history. They married in 2009 and have four kids (2 sets of twins!) Myla and Charlene and Leo and Lenny.

Flavia Pennetta & Fabio Fognini
There is a lot of chemistry in this Italian couple who was married back in June 2016. A few months later, just before Christmas, the beautiful pair announced that that they were expecting their first child, Federico.

Pennetta called it quits after winning her maiden Grand Slam singles title at the 2015 US Open. During her playing days, she reached a career-high ranking of no.1 in doubles and no.6 in singles, respectively.

Meanwhile, clay-court specialist Fognini remains as active on the tour.

Source: lapresse.it

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian
Williams and her husband, Reddit co-founder, Alexis Ohanian tied the knot at the end of 2017 after announcing their engagement in December 2016. The ceremony comes just 11 weeks after the couple welcomed their baby girl, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., on Sept 1. That's almost two years after they began dating in 2015.

Source: Via Yahoo.com

Grigor Dimitrov and Nicole Scherzinger
Previously linked to Maria Sharapova, Dimitrov has dated X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger for over two years now! Scherzinger has dated Dimitrov since her split from racing driver Lewis Hamilton in 2015.

Dimitrov is 12 years Nicole's junior and the brunette went public with the Bulgarian as she was first pictured kissing him at a tournament in Australia.

Source: Dailystar

So, who are your favorite tennis couples?

Venus Williams and Garbine Muguruza In Wimbledon Final

Source: Pool/Getty Images Europe via zimbio.com

Even with the absence of Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, Wimbledon women's singles spotlight still shine with Venus Williams and Garbine Muguruza in the final.

Williams, 37, who is a winner of seven major tennis tournaments managed to beat Britain's top female player Johanna Konta to guarantee a place for her ninth Wimbledon final. The American will be seeking a whooping sixth Wimbledon singles title and her first since 2008, when she defeated her younger sister, Serena. A year later, she lost the final to Serena.

It has been a tough two weeks for Williams who came into the tournament after involving in a fatal car crash incident, which eventually saw new evidences that pointed out she had drove lawfully.

Williams who is currently world's no. 11 will play no. 15 Garbine Muguruza of Spain, who cruised into her second Wimbledon final by ousting Magdalena Rybarikova, 6-1, 6-1, in slightly more than an hour.

Source: Pool/Getty Images Europe via zimbio.com

Muguruza, the French Open champion last year, reached the final at Wimbledon in 2015, when she lost to Serena Williams in straight sets. At this point of time, Muguruza could be playing her best tennis and on top of her game. She has lost only one set in the tournament, and that was during her upset match of the world's no. 1, Angelique Kerber, in the fourth round. She was back in the game after that and dismissed Svetlana Kuznetsova in straight sets in the quarterfinals.

Both Williams and Muguruza will go into the final with a 3-1 head-to-head with them. In their last encounter, Muguruza defeated Williams in three sets in their quarterfinal match in Rome, Italy. The rest of the previous matches were on hardcourts with the last one in Wuhan final back in 2015. Williams certainly comes in with an advantage playing at Wimbledon final but Muguruza has already sent out an early warning saying that she has learned from her Wimbledon heartache two years' ago to beat Williams in Saturday's final.

Get Into The Spirit Of The Aussie Open!

The Australian Open is upon us! The draws have been announced and you can find the match-ups at the official Australian Open webpage. The players are descending on Melbourne, and for the next two weeks we'll get a good look at the world's best professionals during the first Grand Slam event of the 2017 season. For a lot of tennis fans, it may as well be a two-week holiday signaling the return of the sport. Here are a few fun tips for fully embracing the spirit of the Aussie Open.

First, you should consider adjusting your sleep schedule to whatever extent possible. That is, If you live in Europe or the United States and you want to watch the Open, you'll be faced with some tricky timing decisions. Matches can be going on in the middle of the night or the early hours of the morning, and it's a shame to miss out on the action when there are only four Grand Slams to watch each year. Naturally, you have to account for work, family, and other aspects of your day-to-day schedule. Within reason, use the early days of the Open to get on a sleep routine that allows you to be up for the best matches. You won't regret it when you catch that epic five-setter!

Second, you should think about getting out on the courts yourself. It's difficult to watch an event like the Aussie Open and not be inspired to play, so it's a great time to seize the momentum to learn some tennis skills on your own. If your game got a little rusty during the off-season you can get back into shape by searching for a private coach online using Play Your Court to find tailored instructions for the parts of your game need the most work. Get a few lessons under your belt and you'll have that backhand ready in no time for the tournament.

Third, you may want to get your hands on some of the official clothing being put out for the stars at the Australian Open. As always, Nike has put out a collection for its signature athletes and Baseline has broken down the looks you'll see sported by the likes of Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Eugenie Bouchard, and Nick Kyrgios, but there are other options as well. You might get inspired by any number of player outfits during the tournament, and you can always check out the official shop of the Open online. There's no need to go nuts, but a new tennis shirt or an Aussie Open towel makes for a nice way to embrace the tournament.

Then you should take some time to read up on the exciting young talent starting to impact the game. If you're reading about tennis, you already know all about the top players but 2017 is looking like a particularly interesting year in tennis because of a lot of young players who are beginning to challenge the old guard. On the women's side, 22-year-old Ukrainian Elina Svitolina has secured the 11-seed and Australian Daria Gavrilova (also just 22) will be looking to thrill local fans and improve upon her ranking at number 25 in the WTA. On the men's side, 25-year-old Grigor Dimitrov is looking to make good on his sensational potential, and The Australian reports that 19-year-old German Alexander Zverev is fresh off a win over Federer and is seeded 24th. These are just a few of the names that could make this a particular
ly interesting tournament.

Finally, just kick back and enjoy the tennis. It's going to be a wonderful two weeks!

Serena Williams Engaged to Reddit Co-Founder Alexis Ohanian

Via Reddit

Our tennis queen Serena Williams is tying the knot. Williams announced her engagement to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian by posting a poem on Reddit (where else?).

Comment from discussion I said yes.

The Reddit post featured a drawing of Snoo, the social new website’s mascot, dressed as Ohanian and kneeling with a diamond in its hand. A female Snoo, styled after Williams and wearing a tennis skirt, Nike top and headband, floated above him with a smile on her face.

Above the picture was the headline, “Future Mrs. Kn0thing.” Kn0thing is Ohanian's handle on the site. However that doesn't mean Williams will get married and quit tennis. To keep yourself updated with her matches and other players' odds, follow Online Gambling NZ.

Williams, 35, and Ohanian, 33, have been dating for more than a year now.

Here are some early tweets from her colleagues.

Congratulations 🎊🎉🍾 💍 ❤ https://t.co/4NNOib05Np

— victoria azarenka (@vika7) December 29, 2016

Wow wow wow each day huge news .. still digesting @AnaIvanovic news..@serenawilliams its huge !!! Congrats 🔥🔥🔥🍾🍾🍾🤗🤗🤗 https://t.co/vD0Q7ZPMat

— Svetlana Kuznetsova (@SvetlanaK27) December 30, 2016

Angelique Kerber wins first U.S. Open title

Image via Zimbio; Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America

Germany's Angelique Kerber didn't disappoint as the new world number one after a thrilling win over Czech Karolina Pliskova in the US Open final.

Kerber, 28, won 6-3 4-6 6-4 in New York to add the US Open to her victory at the Australian Open early this year.

“It means a lot to me. When I was a kid, I was always dreaming to one day be the No. 1 player in the world, to win Grand Slams,” said Kerber.

“I mean, all the dreams came true this year, and I’m just trying to enjoy every moment on court and also off court.”

Image via Zimbio; Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America

Pliskova's semi-final win over Serena Williams few days ago had already ensured Kerber will top the new rankings on Monday. Pliskova ended Serena's record-tying 186-week stay at the top, which began in February 2013.

Kerber, who collected $3.5 million in prize money, had lost to Pliskova the last time they met, which was just three weeks ago in the final of a hard-court tournament in Cincinnati.

Image via Zimbio; Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America

“She really proved she’s the world No. 1,” Pliskova told the fans. Then she addressed Kerber directly, saying: “It was a great match, and I’m very honored to play with you.”

Via CBS News and Yahoo! Sports

Serena Williams eliminated from Olympics

Image via Zimbio

Top ranked women’s tennis player and defending Olympic champion Serena Williams was added to the list of upsets at the Rio Olympics this week after losing to unheralded Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in the third round of the tournament. With the tennis betting odds favorite on the women’s side eliminated, the Olympic Gold is up for grabs.

The loss by Williams comes a day after she and her sister, Venus, were eliminated from the doubles competition. Prior to the loss, The Williams sisters had been undefeated in Olympic doubles play, dating back to their first Olympics in 2000.

Against Svitolina, Williams was her own worst enemy, shanking all sorts of shots and committing 37 unforced errors and 17 forced errors. Things were so bad for the top ranked female player, she double faulted five times.

By the end of the match, Svitolina won 63 points, but only nine of them were from clean winners, the others were from Williams’ errors.

Williams, who won the Gold medal in singles and doubles at the London Olympics, goes home empty handed this time. Svitolina, who is ranked 22nd in the world, had never played in an Olympics before, and has been to the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam only once in her career.

However, the Ukrainian, who had lost her previous four matches against Williams, final defeated the 22-time Grand Slam winner.

Even though a lot of attention will be paid to the fact that Williams committed a lot of errors, Svitolina did what she had to do to defeat one of the most dominant female tennis player of all time. The Ukrainian was fearless, and used her groundstrokes to keep Williams where she wanted her.

Svitolina also did a great job of keeping her emotions in check after making big plays during the match, which was instrumental to her success.

Williams has been down in a few matches over the years, and has made a habit of finding a way to overcome her bad play and turn things around during a match. Svitolina’s emotional restraint helped her in the sense that she didn’t provide Williams with any added motivation by celebrating too much after winning points.

While the loss to Svitolina might have been surprising to some fans and even Williams herself, it is something that was eventually going to happen given how much Williams has played with fire recently.

During the Australian and French Opens, Williams found herself behind a few of her opponents because of unforced errors and other mental mistakes, but she was able to advance to the finals. However, it was obvious she wasn’t as confident in her game as she was in 2015, when she dominated her opponents on the way to winning three out of four Grand Slams.

When she played in the finals, Williams lost to opponents that she normally wouldn’t have had problems with because they were able to make her pay for her mistakes, which was what Svitolina did to her this week.

With Williams out of the picture, Svitolina has to be considered one of the favorites to win the Olympics since she just defeated the toughest player in the tournament. However, if she lets the win get to her head, she might be the next player heading home.

2015 Final Rankings - Women

In a world where Serena Williams is head and shoulders above the competition, it’s not a question of which tennis player is going to finish first in the WTA rankings at the end of the year, it’s which player will be second.

Serena defeats the competition as easily as Jack Hammer outsmarts the desperate Evil Dr. Wüten in the classic online slot game by NetEnt casinos. In fact, this and other slot games you can play on your mobile are both an entertaining way to pass the time, but also give you an insight into how Serena feels when she sends her opponents packing.

1. Serena Williams

This is the third year in a row that Serena is number one on the WTA rankings. She was off to a flying start at the beginning of the season and defeated Sharapova at the Australian Open. This was Sharapova’s 16^th consecutive defeat at the hands of the American, and she is surely having nightmares just at the thought of Serena.

Williams then went on to announce that she is going to stop the boycott towards the Indian Wells Masters tournament, which has been going on for 14 years before that.  She got to the semis there, but had to forfeit the match due to problems with her knee.

At the Miami Open she won her eighth title there, and managed to take her winning run to 21 consecutive matches without a loss. The Miami title was followed by the French Open one, and the French Open one was followed by the Wimbledon title. In doing so, Serena completed the ‘Serena Slam,’ meaning that she won all 4 majors in a row. That was the second time she had achieved to do that.

However, she didn’t succeed in winning the ‘Grand Slam’. At the US Open she reached the semi-final and had to face Roberta Vinci, who was a huge underdog before the match. During the match though, Vinci outplayed the American and recorded one of the biggest surprises in 2015.

2. Simona Halep

Halep had a great 2014, and this year she has kept the same level of performance. At the Australian Open she managed to reach the quarter-final round where she suffered a surprise defeat by the tenth-seeded Ekaterina Makarova.

At the Indian Wells Masters, Halep capitalized on Serena Williams’ injury and withdrawal in the semi-final, and progressed to the final where she defeated Jelena Jankovic 2-1 in the most important match of her career and her highest point of the season.

Her lowest point of the season however, was her first round elimination at Wimbledon at the hands of Jana Cepelova. She did manage to recover from that defeat though, and reached the semis at the US Open later in the season.

3. Garbine Muguruza

The Spanish, slash, Venezuelan tennis player should no longer be considered as a star in rising. She has already risen and is currently number 3 at the WTA rankings. She’s still only 22 and has the tennis world at her feet.

The undoubted highlight of this season for her was her participation in the Wimbledon final. There, she sent several high profile players home early. Kerber, Wozniacki, Bacsinszky and Radwańska were all dispatched with style by the talented youngster on her way to the final and the match-up with Serena Williams. She lost in straight sets, but her road to the final was enough for her to get in the Top 10 for the first time in her career.

4. Maria Sharapova

What is so remarkable about Sharapova’s season is that even though she missed four months of competitive matches, she still managed to finish 4^th at the end of the year. Basically, had she stayed fit until the end of the season she could have claimed 2^nd place in the WTA rankings.

At the start of the season she reached the final at the Australian Open, where she expectedly lost to Serena. Regardless of the loss though, the year ahead looked promising for the Russian. However, a poor run of form, and several injuries, resulted in a less than impressive year for Sharapova, who is now 5^th in the rankings, behind Agnieszka Radwanska.

5. Agnieszka Radwanska

The Pole didn’t start the season impressively and had to part ways with her coach Martina Navratilova. Radwanska’s first title of the season was at the 2015 Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, and it was won in late September. If there was ever a strong finish to the season, this was it.

Before that, she managed to return to the Top 10 in the rankings by reaching the semi-finals at Wimbledon. It was her third appearance in four years. Unfortunately for her though, she was eliminated by the talented Garbine Muguruza in three sets.

However, her biggest achievement of the season and her career in general, was when she defeated Petra Kvitova and won her first WTA Finals title in Singapore. Because of the strong finish to the season, and defying the odds Radwanska finished as number 5 at the rankings last year.

The Top 3 Favourites to Win the Us Open and the Dark Horses

The Top 3 Favourites to Win the Us Open and the Dark Horses The fourth and the last Grand Slam event of the year is just round the corner, and exciting matches are bound to happen. According to TonyBet bookie some favourites are very clear, but as last year’s US Open has shown, a dark-horse win can always happen. Here’s the top 3 leading players in our opinion – both at men’s and women’s courts – and the extra potential dark horses to watch out for.

Men’s Favourites:

1. Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic is firmly at the top of the ATP rankings. The world‘s no. 1 has already triumphed in two Grand Slam events this years – the Australian Open and Wimbledon – and went through to the finals in French Open. Even with these results, he lost to Roger Federer in Cincinnati and before that, to Andy Murray in Montreal Masters, both times playing in the finals. This shows he can be beaten – but he may also be saving up his best form for the US Open.

2. Roger Federer

While Roger Federer haven‘t had as impressive a year as Djokovic, he still did well in the previous Grand Slam events, climbing up from third round in Australian Open, to the quarter-finals in the French Open, to the final in Wimbledon. The Swiss legend has been named 2nd seed and whilst he lost again to Djokovic in Wimbledon finals, Federer then beat him in Cincinnati, along with a win against Murray in the semis. He seems to be in a brilliant form and definitely has good chances at winning.

3. Andy Murray

The world‘s no. 3 has won the US Open in 2012, but hasn‘t gone further than the quarter-final ever since. Murray started the 2015‘s Grand Slam going to the finals in the Australian Open, followed by making it to the semi-finals in both the French Open and Wimbledon. He has managed to beat one of his main contenders, Djokovic, in Montreal Masters, but afterwards lost to Federer in the semi-final in Cincinnati. Still, he is able to win the championship if he‘s in a good form.

The Dark Horse: Grigor Dimitrov

For a good chunk of promising players it would be quite a jump to dominate the US Open, however, Grigor Dimitrov looks like the one who just might be able to do it. Although it‘s admittedly unlikely that the world‘s 17th would become the champion, his recent loss against Murray actually revealed that he’s in a good enough form and what’s lacking is mostly in his mental game. Dimitrov has competed in all Grand Slam events, going to 4th round in Australian Open, 1st in French Open and 3rd in Wimbledon.

Women’s Favourites:

1. Serena Williams

The phrase “Serena Williams is the only Serena William’s real contender” is quickly becoming a big cliché in the tennis world. The world’s no. 1 is in absolutely amazing form, having already won three of the major titles this year and is going for a calendar year Grand Slam. Besides, she’s already won US Open 6 times, and she’s a three-time defending champion. By now, it’s going to be far more surprising if Williams doesn’t win rather than if she does.

2. Victoria Azarenka

The Belarusian is a former no. 1 and current 20th seed. She has made it to the US Open finals twice, and to the quarter finals last year. Victoria Azarenka‘s 2015 season is looking very solid so far, and even though Williams looks unbeatable, Azarenka is the one tennis player that could challenge the no.1 - if she‘s in a good form. Even with her left thigh injury that had her retire from Cincinnati, Azarenka should be able to play some world-class tennis.

3. Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova hasn’t won a Grand Slam title this year yet, but she made it to the finals in Australian Open, semi-finals in Wimbledon and the fourth round in French Open. She was ranked as the 3rd seed, and should be well rested to play in the US Open, as she hasn’t had any matches since Wimbledon. Sharapova had a good year, and she will be a tough challenge for any opponent in the upcoming tournament.

The Dark Horse: Belinda Bencic

The world‘s no. 12 is only 18 years old – and yet she managed to beat S. Williams in Toronto on 16th of August. Overcoming the world’s no. 1 on an extremely good year – even though it wasn’t in a Grand Slam event – shows that Belinda Bencic definitely has the potential to be the next big name in tennis. However, in Cincinnati she had to retire with a right wrist injury. If that doesn’t prevent her from being is a good shape, Bencic should be able to shake up the tennis world in the upcoming US Open. The first round of the US Open 2015 starts on Monday, 31st of August, and the championship will conclude on September 13th. Marin Cilic is the defending champion in the men’s singles, whilst Serena Williams is the three-time defending champion in the women’s singles. Together, the participating tennis players will share more than 40 million US dollars in prize money.

Images via US Open official website

WTA Launches "Road to Singapore" Journey to WTA Championships 2014

It's going to be an exciting year ahead for many of us in Asia, particularly tennis fans in the Southeast Asia region as we're going to have the year-end WTA Championships in Singapore in 2014.

Here's the official press release from the PR team in Singapore in regards to this highly anticipated event.

For immediate release

Serena Williams

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) launched today the "Road To Singapore", a season- long campaign which will see the WTA stars through their journey from the beginning of the year to its culmination during the season-ending WTA Championships in Singapore. For the first time in the 44-year history of the WTA Championships, a city in Asia-Pacific will host the prestigious year-end event, which will take place during October 17-26, 2014, and through 2018.

 "I am starting my 2014 season today, but I’ve already made qualifying for the WTA Championships one of my biggest goals,” said Serena Williams, WTA World No.1 and four- time WTA Championships winner. "I am really excited about the WTA Championships being held in Singapore for the first time, as it's an amazing city that I'd like to visit. Women's tennis is definitely growing and becoming more and more global each year."

Ana Ivanovic

Li Na

The fans of women's tennis will have the opportunity to get closer to their favorite stars and the Championships via a season-long "Road To Singapore" journey. Throughout 2014, fans can be fully engaged with the Championships and WTA Stars' journeys to Singapore by visiting the newly launched Championships website www.wtachampionships.com and becoming "A Road To Singapore Insider". Through the dedicated platforms, newly launched for the "Road to Singapore" adventure, fans will enjoy an unparalleled access to their favorite players' season-long journey, including enhanced editorial coverage across all platforms.

(Images via Getty Images)

US Open: Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams serve up double bagel each

We are already in Day 10 at the US Open. The men's quarterfinalists and women's semifinalists are on line-up, battling for the weekend's finals.

Earlier today, World no.1s Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams both powered through the next round by serving double bagel each. If you think that's a heavy meal to take on, you might need some weight loss tips.

Djokovic eliminated Spaniard Marcel Granollers 63 60 60 in just 79 minutes while Williams shut another Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro 60 60 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Meanwhile Wimbledon and US Open defending champion Andy Murray dropped the first set but eventually came back to beat Denis Istomin in the first New York night session of his US Open title defence. He will face Stanislas Wawrinka on Thursday's quarterfinal match.

Djokovic is set to play against Mikhail Youzhny next, Richard Gasquet to meet Ferrer and Tommy Robredo and Rafael Nadal will battle it out in an all Spanish showdown.

In the women's category, Williams will play against Li Na in the first semifinal after the Chinese player defeated Ekaterina Makarova in three sets.

Roberta Vinci will play against Flavia Pennetta while Daniella Hantuchova will compete with Victoria Azarenka for places in the semifinals.

(Images via zimbio.com)

Mom-to-be Kim Kardashian hangs out with Serena Williams

Kim Kardashian enjoyed a night out with girl pal Serena Williams without boyfriend Kanye West. They had a dinner at Nobu restaurant in Los Angeles.

"I simply cannot get out of bed," Williams tweeted earlier that evening, to which Kardashian replied, "You better! We have dinner tonight!"

Despite her exhaustion after long weeks at the Australian Open, Williams ended up having a great time with Kardashian.

They even took a picture together and Kardashian tweeted "Fun girls night!!! But where's my nose @serenawilliams ??? Lol #tooflashy."

"Such a fun night," Williams agreed. "Love you!"

(Via US Magazine; Images via Tennisforum.com)

Australian Open 2013: Kids Tennis Day with Nickelodean and tennis stars

A special show was presented at the Rod Laver Arena in conjunction with Kids Tennis Day today. The annual kids event featured Novak Djokovic, Victoria Azarenka, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Ana Ivanovic.

The event also featured singer Guy Sebastian. Nickelodeon stars SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Starfish, Dora the Explorer and Diego joined the entertainment line-up as well. 

Federer's and Lleyton Hewitt's children were spotted at the event.

(Images via Australian Open website, Sina Tennis, Tennisfoum)

Australian Open 2013: Novak Djokovic eyeing a hat-trick

Reigning champions Novak Djokovic and Victoria Azarenka, both currently ranked no.1 in the world attended the Australian Open official draw ceremony this morning. The event was made public this year and was held at the Crown Riverside.

Djokovic's bid for a third consecutive Australian Open title received a boost when Roger Federer and Andy Murray landed in the other half. The Serbian will face Paul-Henri Mathieu in the first round and also has Tomas Berdych in the quarter of the draw and David Ferrer in his half. Click here for the complete draw.

Meanwhile, Azarenka is in the same quarter as Caroline Wozniacki and has Serena Williams in her half. Maria Sharapova, who is launching her Sugarpova in Melbourne today is on the other half of the draw and could meet Venus Williams in the third round. Click here for the complete draw.

(Images via Yahoo! Tennis)

Australian Open 2013: The heat is on

Last year I had the opportunity to attend my first Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne. Everything was great except the crazy weather. Although I only spent one day at the Australian Open due to a packed schedule but I thought I had enough of the heatwave. I only managed to sit through a game where Stanislas Wawrinka was playing and that was it.

While I look to bet on march madness online, the same month Rafael Nadal is scheduled to be back on court in Indian Wells, I'll still be following up closely with the AO tournament despite the absence of Nadal. I believe the competition is going to be very tight this year (isn't that happen every year?).

Here are some training pictures from Melbourne before the tournament kicks off next week.

Ana Ivanovic (she looks too skinny these days)

Novak Djokovic

Andy Murray

Victoria Azarenka

Lleyton Hewitt

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Serena Williams

Roger Federer

(Images via Sina Sports)