Scott: Tried to "bridge the gap" with the Williamses

...coming out of this? Scott: No. Ford: Did you cringe when you saw the stories about the LPGA's English-language requirement? Scott: I felt for them because I certainly understand what they're trying...

Week 1 from the U.S. Open

Week 1 from U.S. Open

ITF has no problem with players who can't speak English

Nick Imison, director of communications for the International Tennis Federation, said there has been no need for the sort of initiative taken recently by the LPGA Tour requiring players to be able to speak English.

Althea Gibson must be smiling over Venus, Serena

The Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, made more tennis history at Wiimbledon last weekend, but their successes pale next to the trailblazing done by Althea Gibson, writes Richard Lapchick.

An outsider on the inside with the Williams sisters

She may not be a blood relative, but physical trainer Kerrie Brooks is as close to Serena and Venus Williams as any nonrelative can be, writes Sandra Harwitt.

Teen prodigy turned senior tour fixture enjoying the ride

Aaron Krickstein, a nine-time ATP Tour titlist, still aches for competitive tennis. Welcome in the Outback Champions Series, a seniors tour and the perfect vehicle for the American and a myriad of luminaries to fill that void.

Venus, Serena playing night of tribute to Althea Gibson

Serena Williams was the first black woman since Althea Gibson to win the U.S. Open. Venus Williams was the first black woman since Gibson to win Wimbledon.

Chargers RB wins male athlete of year

LaDainian Tomlinson won four trophies at the ESPY Awards on Wednesday night.

Duke, Purdue's Boeljon take early leads at NCAA women's tournament

Two-time defending champion Duke took an eight-stroke lead Thursday after the windy third round of the NCAA women's tournament, while Purdue's Christel Boeljon moved five strokes ahead in the individual competition.

'African-American mother of tennis'

For more than half her life, Zina Garrison heard the same advice from Althea Gibson: Work on your serve. Yet not until Gibson's funeral did Garrison truly understand what her friend and mentor meant.

Gibson 'inspired by what she achieved'

Althea Gibson was eulogized Thursday as an inspiration to people of all races, on the court and off.

Funeral services set for Thursday

Althea Gibson's body will lie in public view at the Newark Museum on Wednesday.

Tennis was only one of the sports Althea Gibson played. She also played in the LPGA, participated in track and field and toured with the Harlem Globetrotters

Serena has no desire to play vs. men

Serena Williams was impressed by Annika Sorenstam's foray onto the PGA Tour. The No. 1 women's tennis player has no desire to play against men, though.

Williams lost just five matches in 2002

Serena Williams was honored as The Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year.