http://assets.espn.go.com/i/tvlistings/tv_espn_original.gif en-us 10 ESPN Inc. http://espn.go.com/ Copyright 2010 ESPN Inc. The Nine for IX series doesn't debut until July 2, but in the meantime, here are a few behind-the-scenes photos from director Ava DuVernay and her crew on location for "Venus VS."]]> March 06, 2013 04:27:14 PST There is a double standard placed on women in sports -- they have to be the best players on the field and the sexiest off of it. Can female athletes ever gain equal footing with their male counterparts?]]> February 14, 2013 09:54:12 PST You could feel how badly the fans wanted a competitive match. But in the end, Maria Sharapova had too much game for Venus Williams.]]> January 17, 2013 23:28:39 PST Serena Williams showed no ill effects of the ankle injury she had suffered two days earlier. In fact, she appeared increasingly mobile as the match progressed, despite the stifling heat.]]> January 16, 2013 00:54:37 PST Top-seeded Victoria Azarenka stumbled briefly, but recovered and rolled against Monica Niculescu. Time will tell if Serena Williams recovers fully from a rolled ankle suffered in her 6-0, 6-0 win.]]> January 13, 2013 23:42:07 PST It's a safe bet Russian women will once again turn up the tennis heat this season. But back home, Spartak Moscow, the country's most successful training academy, faces more challenges than ever.]]> January 09, 2013 03:22:40 PST Check out more of Sloane Stephens' accomplishments in our espnW Headliners gallery.]]> December 22, 2012 11:06:55 PST Sloane Stephens is enjoying being the new it girl of American women's tennis and has gone on a charm offensive over the past year to become the WTA's official ambassador of fun.]]> December 20, 2012 05:20:22 PST The Williams sisters seemed down and out, but 2012 proved to be a career year for Serena Williams. Her comeback was the biggest story of the year, but not the only one.]]> November 27, 2012 06:51:59 PST Serena Williams had quite a resurgence in 2012, but what does the future hold? Our writers weigh in with their predictions for 2013 and beyond.]]> October 29, 2012 02:38:06 PDT In pro tennis, having a supportive life partner can be key to achieving success -- and maintaining sanity -- on tour.]]> September 07, 2012 07:44:56 PDT A recent study suggests that attractive athletes have more incentive to excel at their sport than others because of the endorsements that await them. Does that theory apply to Maria Sharapova and others on the WTA Tour?]]> August 30, 2012 08:36:50 PDT Much has changed in the past year for Agnieszka Radwanska since she decided to replace her father with a new coach. A world No. 2 ranking. A win in a high-profile WTA event. A Slam final appearance. Is a U.S. Open win next?]]> August 30, 2012 03:08:29 PDT Debate about whether women deserve equal pay at Grand Slam tournaments continues. But is it really about how many sets they play or good tennis?]]> August 24, 2012 10:20:27 PDT Victoria Azarenka is starting to look a lot like the player who owned the WTA Tour for much of the first three months of the year.]]> July 03, 2012 14:13:00 PDT