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.

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 ...

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...

Serena looks to rebound from Wimbledon loss; Bartoli advances

Serena Williams hasn't had much rest since losing to her sister Venus in the finals at Wimbledon earlier this month, and that's been the perfect therapy for the eight-time Grand Slam champion.

Amelie Mauresmo of France plays against Ashley Harkleroad of US during their first round match of the 2008 Wimbledon Championships at The All England...

Williams, Ivanovic, Mauresmo, Kuznetsova, Chakvetadze, Vaidisova advance

Two-time women's champion Serena Williams completed a harder-than-expected 7-5, 6-3 win on Court 1 over Kaia Kanepi.

Ljubicic eliminated by Troicki in second round

Defending champion Ivan Ljubicic was upset 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (5) by Viktor Troicki in the second round of the Ordina Open on Wednesday.

Harkleroad to skip Olympics, focus on hard-court season

Ashley Harkleroad will turn down a berth on the U.S. Olympic tennis team to focus on improving her ranking during the summer hard-court season.

Americans making noise on and off the court

The first round of the French Open -- finally complete after four days of raindrops -- had no shortage of story lines. While the flourishing American men dressed for success, Ashley Harkleroad has decided to bare it all.