V. WILLIAMS, GONZALEZ & NALBANDIAN GRANTED SONY ERICSSON OPEN WILDCARDS

The 2012 Sony Ericsson Open announced it has extended main draw wildcards to seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams, former world No. 5 Chilean Fernando Gonzalez and former world No. 3 David Nalbandian from Argentina. The women’s main draw begins on Tuesday, March 20, while the men’s main draw kicks off the following day on Wednesday, March 21. The qualifying rounds will be held Monday and Tuesday, March 19 and 20.

Tickets to the 2012 Sony Ericsson Open are on sale now and can be purchased by phone (305-442-3367) or via internet at www.sonyericssonopen.com. An electrifying two weeks of tennis conclude with the women’s final on Saturday, March 31 and the men’s final on Sunday, April 1. Williams plans to make her 2012 debut in Miami, hoping to regain the form that saw her claim three Sony Ericsson Open titles (2001, 1999, 1998). [Read More]

*****

Grunting and Possible Gamesmanship Can Ruin a Friendship

Clearly a week has done little to quell Agnieszka Radwanska’s anger at her former good friend, world no.1 Victoria Azarenka. The sixth ranked Pole stormed off court with a face like thunder following last week’s semi-final defeat at the Qatar Total Open and after reaching the same stage at the Dubai Duty Free Championships, she is still feeling less than magnanimous. The root of Radwanska’s displeasure was the reaction of Azarenka when she injured her left ankle. [Read More]

*****

*****

She Was Somebody Alright – Althea Gibson

Often referred to as the Jackie Robinson of tennis, Althea Gibson was born to sharecropper parents in South Carolina on August 25, 1927. Defying all odds, she became the first African-American tennis Grand Slam champion and arguably the greatest female athlete of all-time. When she was 3, Althea’s family moved to Harlem and a life filled with hardship as the Gibsons were on public assistance for a time.

Growing up, Althea disliked going to school, so much that she often played hooky. Her father was very strict on these occasions but also taught her to box, a skill that would come in handy in their rough neighborhood.Tall and graceful, Althea found refuge in sports. Tennis, however, was segregated and Althea had to learn the game on courts only after they were closed at night. [Read More]

*****

10sballs.com’s “10s Whenever” Newsletter, Vol. 51 – Big Surprises

Milos Raonic is on his way to winning his third title out of four tournaments during 2012. No.5 David Ferrer advanced to the Copa Claro semifinals Friday and just may take home some silverware. Juan Martin del Potro took out Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in their semifinals match, and is now playing his 2nd final of the season in Marseille.

Please tell you friends about the subscription for Tennis fanatics only! Be sure to “Like” us on Facebook and follow on Twitter. Thanks!