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Maria Sharapova's determination to overcome both her awkwardness on clay and major shoulder sugery paid off with a career-defining French Open title last year.

Intimidation is far secondary to the efficiency and power of Serena Williams' game. They are the reason she's so intimidating.

Serena Williams already has a career Grand Slam. Another French Open title would be a nice addition to her resume, but it's not necessary for her legacy.

From the language in Paris to the clay at Roland Garros, American tennis players -- with the possible exception of Serena Williams -- are out of their element at the French Open.

We'll let Phyllis Tobias' middle digit let you know what we think of the cavemen at Maxim. Obviously, they couldn't handle a real woman.

For anyone who truly understands what it takes to be the best, this dustup between Sloane Stephens and Serena Williams is just business as usual.

The Williams sisters changed tennis forever. But, for Sloane Stephens, ESPN the Magazine's Marin Cogan writes, their shadow is just another obstacle to overcome.

Serena Williams is on a hot streak. Victoria Azarenka owns the year's only major title. Will either of them come up victorious in France? Our writers debate.

Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka, the top two women in the game, are fierce foes on the tennis court. But off the court, they're completely at ease with one another.

Sloane Stevens, two months shy of her 20th birthday, appeared as stunned as anyone in the moments after upsetting third-seeded Serena Williams, who hadn't lost a match since late August.

At 19, Sloane Stephens is the last teenager standing in Melbourne. In the quarters, she'll meet Serena Williams, who at 19 was a Grand Slam champion and is in no mood to be a mentor just yet, writes Kamakshi Tandon.

With Week 1 of the Australian Open in the books, Serena Williams still looks like the player to beat. But don't rule out Victoria Azarenka or Maria Sharapova, eitiher. Or how about a first-time Grand Slam winner?

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.

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.

In dispatching Galina Voskoboeva in an hour at the Australian Open, Venus Williams displayed the form she had before she had to live with Sjogren's syndrome, Bonnie D. Ford writes.

Victoria Azarenka is ready to defend her 2012 Australian Open title when the tournament gets under way in Melbourne on Monday. The Belarusian is the No. 1-ranked player in the world and top seed. If healthy, she should have a clear path to the semis.