Notable 2009 off-the-court events

With the holiday season upon us, some of tennis's stars -- for better or worse -- have further reason to kick back and guzzle the eggnog.

Tennis had its share of off-the-court episodes in 2008

By this time, we're acutely aware of tennis' on-court transpirations in 2008. But there were also plenty of reasons to both toast and lament the marriages, births and deaths off of it.

2008 season highlighted by topsy-turvy battle for WTA supremacy

If Jelena Jankovic and the Williams sisters failed to win ESPN.com's WTA player of the year award, then who did? After hours of waffling and beating her head, Bonnie D. Ford is, well, still waffling.

AN INTERVIEW WITH RACHELLE LEAH

...call Playboy and within days I'm on a plane to Los Angeles. We talked to Ashley Harkleroad about her shoot experience. What was yours like? It's definitely a little awkward. It's...

Overpowering Querrey inflicts damage at U.S. Open

Four Points Coming of age There's no doubt Monday night's late match on center court was a significant passage for Donald Young, who showed streaks ...

Raise your hand if you want cupcakes

TMQ opines on college teams scheduling cupcakes and offers up a team-by-team NFC preview.

US player Ashley Harkleroad serves to US US player Ashley Harkleroad serves to US player Serena Williams during the first...

Roddick must overcoming recent shortcomings and injuries

While Andy Roddick and James Blake must ratchet up their games to pass the U.S. crucible, the Williams sisters have an opportunity to shine.

Haas, Querrey, Harkleroad among field of 32 in unisex tournament

Tommy Haas, Sam Querrey, Donald Young, Ashley Harkleroad and Alexandra Stevenson are among those entered in Sunday's inaugural Shotgun 21 World Championships, a tennis competition where men and women will play each other.

Will Ivanovic, Sharapova bounce back from Wimbledon?

Playing for the first time since early exits at Wimbledon, Ana Ivanovic and Maria Sharapova have something to prove this week in Montreal.

Hantuchova ousted, Petrova ends losing streak on hard courts

Wimbledon quarterfinalist Nadia Petrova moved into the second round of the East West Bank Classic with her first hard-court win since January, a 6-0, 6-4 victory over Russian countrywoman Alina Jidkova.

Ashley Harkleroad of the United States celebrates after winning her match against Sabine Lisicki of Germany in the...

THE MAG.COM PRESENTS: ALL WORLD POWER RANKINGS

...WITT REMAINS NO. 1 Earlier today, we ran an interview with August 2008 Playboy cover girl Ashley Harkleroad; she'll become the latest in a long line of athletes and celebrities to pose for...

US player Ashley Harkleroad serves to US player Serena Williams during the first round of the French Tennis Open, at...

AN INTERVIEW WITH ASHLEY HARKLEROAD

Ashley Harkleroad is currently ranked 65th in the world, although she has been as high as No. 39...