Entries Tagged 'Female Profile' ↓

Carole Caldwell Graebner Remembered

Carole Caldwell Graebner passed away at the age of sixty five following a brief but courageous battle with cancer on November 19, 2008. Carole Caldwell Graebner served as a chair of the United States Tennis Association's Fed Cup Committee. Graebner was born on June 24 in 1943 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was raised in Santa Monica in California. She was well known and regarded as a fixture in the American Tennis community and has been such for many years. When she was playing, she was ranked No. 1. in the country in women's doubles tennis, and she teamed with Nancy Richey in the 60s to take the women's doubles championships in 1965 in the United States Championships, which are now known as the U.S. Open. She also went on to take the same championship in the 1966 Australian Championships which is now the Australian Open.

She also managed to take doubles titles in 1965 and 1966 in the U.S. Clay Court Championships, and was a finalist in singles in the US championships in 1964. She took a Gold medal at the Pan American Games in 1963 and took two singles titles at the Pacific Southwest Championships. Between 1961 and 1965 and then again in 1967 she was ranked in the top 10 in the United States.

Carole Caldwell Graebner was a part of a stellar group of young women players that came from California in the latter half of the 1950s to represent the United States in tennis tournaments all over the world. She was part of an undefeated Junior Cup team including a number of top notch players including Karen Hantze, Barbara Browning Rohland, Billie Jean King, Pam Davis Elliot and Cathy Chabot Willette as well. She also went on to join the U.S. Federation Cup team in '63, and played college tennis with Billie Jean King at California State University in Los Angeles. Even long after her playing career had ended, Carole Caldwell Graebner continued to remain very active in the American tennis community, serving as a chair of the Fed Cup Committee for the United States Tennis Association (USTA), and as a vice chair of the Wightman Cup Committee, of which she used to be a team member. In 1989 she received a USTA Service Bowl Award, and in 1991 she won the Sarah Palfrey Danzig Award. She also did some work as vice president of Tennis Week, a magazine, and did television and radio commentary for the sport.

Carole Caldwell Graebner leaves behind a daughter and son, as well as four grandchildren, a son in law and a daughter in law. According to Billie Jean King, they met early and were life long friends. Carole Caldwell Graebner is known for being a driving force behind the Fed Cup, which is an international competition for women's tennis teams.

Photo Credits: (AP/ File 1965)

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Wilson Impact Tennis Racket

If you are an adult looking to break into tennis, it can be pretty frustrating to find a racket made for you. Most of the rackets for this niche are designed for players that are already experienced, and the rackets that are made for beginners are typically sized for junior players. Entry level rackets that are high quality are hard to come by and we were very happy to come across this one from Wilson.

There’s a reason that this is the number one selling entry level racket for adults in the United States. It’s one of the best we have actually used and it’s weighted perfectly for beginners. If you have not been using a racket that was designed for this purpose, it’s all too easy to get frustrated and quit your lessons, especially if the head of the racket is too small. It is so much easier to go with a racket that is designed to make it simple to get started, and Wilson has done a great job of appealing to this market.

We found that the racket was very well made and the balance was superb. It’s lightweight without feeling flimsy and unlike many low priced rackets, it was strung very tightly and very well. You won’t have to worry about dealing with a lousy racket if you can’t afford a nicer one since the Impact is budget priced, without being made of “budget” material.

We loved the fact that the frame was made of titanium alloy, since this can be a big factor when it comes to learning the “feel” of a racket. It’s just about right in terms of what you feel when you connect and the grip made it very easy to hold. Overall, even though we are not beginners, we found this racket to be ideal for any casual adult player, and it’s price point makes it very attractive to those that don’t play enough to justify an expensive one.

Specifications from the Manufacturer

* Frame: titanium alloy
* Strung weight: 10.7 oz
* Head size: 110 sq in
* Length: 27.5"
* Stringing: factory
* String pattern: 16 x 19
* Tension range: 50-60 lbs
* Grip: 4.25"
* Stiffness: 53
* Balance: head heavy 1 cm

We highly recommend this racket to beginners and feel that it will give them the support and functionality they need to get a good start in the game. Whether you play occasionally, or you are interested in getting serious about the game, this entry level racket from Wilson is the ideal choice. The tension range is just about perfect and the head size gives you plenty of room for error while still allowing you to connect solidly with the ball. One of our favorite all time rackets and that is not something that we say easily. It’s cheap enough you can easily buy one just to try it out and we recommend doing just that so you can see how it will affect your own game.

Wilson Impact Tennis Racket4 1 4 Grey Black

Wilson Impact Tennis Racket4 1 4 Grey Black

US $5.50
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HEAD Microgel Extreme Pro Tennis Racket Racquet MP Nice

HEAD Microgel Extreme Pro Tennis Racket Racquet MP Nice

US $79.99
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LOT 6 VINTAGE TENNIS RACKETS RACQUETS WILSON SPALDING

LOT 6 VINTAGE TENNIS RACKETS RACQUETS WILSON SPALDING

US $9.99
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1 DUNLOP AEROGEL ULTIMATE SQUASH RACQUET SKIT

1 DUNLOP AEROGEL ULTIMATE SQUASH RACQUET SKIT

US $90.00
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Wilson K Factor Mens Tennis Racquet

Wilson K Factor Mens Tennis Racquet

US $159.00
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Wilson Impact Titanium Tennis Raquet with Case

Wilson Impact Titanium Tennis Raquet with Case

US $9.99
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WILSON K FACTOR K FOUR TENNIS RACQUET RACKET RRP 389

WILSON K FACTOR K FOUR TENNIS RACQUET RACKET RRP 389

US $139.63
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WILSON TITANIUM TENNIS RACKET 23 27 KG

WILSON TITANIUM TENNIS RACKET 23 27 KG

US $10.00
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2 WILSON TITANIUM IMPACT TENNIS RACKETS 10 PENN BALLS

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Athlete Profiles: Serena Williams

The youngest of the famous Williams sisters, Serena was born in 1981. She and her sister have made history many times and currently, Serena is ranked number 1. They frequently play against one another and finding someone that can beat either one of them is no easy task. Serena has competed in numerous Olympics, and world class games, often taking home the championship.

Serena won her first tournament at the tender age of 4 and a half years old and since then has gone on to be an almost unstoppable force on the courts. Her father dedicated his life to coaching the girls and his dedication has certainly paid off. Both sisters were homeschooled, focusing primarily on their tennis careers, but have recently gone into design and become renowned as fashion designers in their own right.

In 1995, Serena turned pro and went on to rack up numerous different championships. She earns millions of dollars every year on the tour, and also has numerous endorsements. Tragedy struck the lives of the Williams sisters in 2003, when their oldest sister, who did not play tennis professionally, was gunned down outside of the place where the girls played tennis. This event hit the family hard, and it has been difficult for them to recover from the shock. However, they are struggling through and the future looks very bright indeed for this talented tennis player.

What is she doing now?

It’s been a busy year of ups and downs on the tour for Serena, but she is holding her own. She did not win gold at this year’s Olympics for the singles, but did take home the gold medal in doubles with her sister Venus. She is currently running her own fashion line and is a popular fixture on red carpets and charity events.

Championships:

Year Championship Opponent in Final Score in Final
1999 US Open Martina Hingis 6–3, 7–6(4)
2002 French Open Venus Williams 7–5, 6–3
2002 Wimbledon Venus Williams 7–6(4), 6–3
2002 US Open (2) Venus Williams 6–4, 6–3
2003 Australian Open Venus Williams 7–6(4), 3–6, 6–4
2003 Wimbledon (2) Venus Williams 4–6, 6–4, 6–2
2005 Australian Open (2) Lindsay Davenport 2–6, 6–3, 6–0
2007 Australian Open (3) Maria Sharapova 6–1, 6–2
2008 US Open (3) Jelena Janković 6–4, 7–5

Interesting and Inspirational Quotes:

“Family's first, and that's what matters most. We realize that our love goes deeper than the tennis game.”

“I can't become satisfied, because if I get satisfied, I'll be like, "Oh, I've won Wimbledon, I've won the U.S. Open. Now can I relax." But now people are really going to be fighting to beat me.”

“All my life I've kinda dreamed of being the best, and doing the best, and it hasn't always been easy for me. So I've been trying, but it's really special to have come such a long way, it's just really fulfilling. And the fact that I'm just making history right now and the fact that I was able to win four in a row, it doesn't happen every day.”

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Athlete Profiles: Anna Kournikova

Although many only look at Anna Kournikova’s beauty, citing the fact that she’s never really done much in the sport of tennis, she is an accomplished player that has a remarkable attitude about the game and an innate talent. Born in Moscow in 1981, Kournikova began training as a tennis player early in life. She later moved to the United States with her mother, settling in Florida, where she continued her studies.

At this point in her career, Anna is now semi retired, but she does play in certain games and at exhibitions. She is perhaps best known now as a model and the sometimes girlfriend/wife of singer Enrique Igelsias. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the couple, and even the press isn’t sure as to whether the two were actually married or not.

In the world of tennis, Anna was known as a hard working player and although she has not won many titles, she is still a solid player with a great work ethic and a drive to succeed. She has consistently been named as one of People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People and is profiled and photographed regularly for magazines around the world. At the end of the day, it appears as though she won’t be remembered for her contributions to the game of tennis, which are many, but rather her personal life and her beauty.

Recently, Anna was named among one of the most overrated stars in history and had the dubious honor of being listed as one of the top 25 biggest flops of all time. Whether or not these rankings are fair, it is clear that she is frustrated by her status and celebrity and would rather focus on the things that are important to her.

What is she doing now?

Anna is now the spokesperson for many brands, including K-Swiss. She was the face for a sports bra campaign that was very successful and is a common fixture at charity events and on the red carpet. She plays off and on at exhibition events and has expressed a desire to return to the tour, if she can get back to being 100% healthy.

Championships:

Wins (2)
Year Championship Partnering Opponents in Final Score in Final
1999 Australian Open Hingis Davenport /Zvereva 7–5, 6–3
2002 Australian Open (2) Hingis Hantuchová/ Sánchez-Vicario 6–2, 6–7, 6–1

Runner-up (1)
Year Championship Partnering Opponents in semi final Score in Final
1999 French Open Martina Hingis S.Williams/V. Williams 6–3, 6–

Interesting and Inspirational Quotes:

“God gives all to those, who get up early.”

“I think that tennis is a lady's sport, so we should look out there like ladies.”

“I have lost this battle but I will win the war.”

“Well, I'm playing for the fans so whenever they come and ask for autographs I always try to give it to everybody because I'm out there for the people.”

“I think it's really important for me not to forget where I came from.”

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Athlete Profiles: Venus Williams

Venus Williams and her sister Serena are two of the most easily recognized players in the game and they have rocketed to national prominence over the past few years. Venus was born in 1980 and holds the records for the most Olympic gold medals for any tennis player, male or female, an accomplishment that is remarkable. Considered to be a prodigy, those that argue over which sister is better usually come up with Venus, especially when you consider just how many championships she has won.

Venus holds the record for the fastest serve, reaching speeds of 129 mph, and this is a big factor in her ability to win consistently. In 1994, Venus turned pro at the age of fourteen and quickly began racking up victories right and left. She and her sister were made for television and their story of struggle and their victories resonated deeply in the hearts of people throughout the world.

What is she doing now?

Venus briefly left the tour for medical reasons in 2008, and to get ready for the Olympics. Although she did not take home her own gold medal, Venus and Serena did win the gold for their doubles match, the second time this has occurred. Ranked as one of the top players in the world, it is clear that Venus has quite a lot of matches left in her and that she will continue to dominate the sport.

In her spare time, Venus designs clothing and recently received an Associate’s Degree in fashion design. Her designs are featured on runways throughout the world and she is also active in numerous charities and other organizations. Her company also designs home interiors, and her work has been featured on numerous design shows.

Championships:

Year Championship Opponent in Final Score in Final
2000 Wimbledon Lindsay Davenport 6–3, 7–6(3)
2000 US Open Lindsay Davenport 6–4, 7–5
2001 Wimbledon (2nd) Flag of Belgium Justine Henin 6–1, 3–6, 6–0
2001 US Open (2nd) Serena Williams 6–2, 6–4
2005 Wimbledon (3rd) Lindsay Davenport 4–6, 7–6(4), 9–7
2007 Wimbledon (4th) Marion Bartoli 6–4, 6–1
2008 Wimbledon (5th) Serena Williams 7–5, 6–4

Interesting and Inspirational Quotes:

“I just tried to stay positive and not float away mentally, ... I'm at the end of the line, I've arrived in the finals. It's good for me. Got to see what's left tomorrow. And even if there's nothing left like today, I'll still find something. I just wanted to win.”

“Of course, I want to be number one. But being happy and healthy is the most important thing.”

“If I'd lived prior to the 1980s, it would have been different, because I would have been playing to prove African Americans are equal. Now, I don't necessarily feel I have to play for black people, because obviously they're doing everything in all sports. If I can go out there and play for myself and not feel I have to stand for something other than what I want to do, that's good.”

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Athlete Profiles: Chris Evert

Chris Evert is perhaps one of the most well known female tennis stars who shot to popularity in the early 1970’s and rode the rocket well into the 1980’s. Known as a power player who was also incredibly consistent, one look at her record tells you just how good she really was. Evert was born into a tennis playing family and her father was a prominent coach.

Shortly after graduating high school, Evert went pro and instantly made a name for herself. In fact, her name was so popular that a racehorse was named in her honor. The horse went on to win numerous races and accolades, much like Chris. Throughout her storied career, Evert remained a public fixture and her romances with other tennis players and celebrities were the talk of the world. Frequently a fixture on magazines, Evert also became the first and only woman tennis player to host the popular comedy show Saturday Night Live.

Most recently, Evert married the famous golfer Greg Norman, following her failed marriage to Andy Mill, with whom she had three children. Her path to stardom and the resulting fame gave women’s tennis a much needed boost, and it is thanks to her efforts that we have so many star women players on the circuit today. She may have been overly profiled and hounded by the media, but all of her hard work paid off by paving the way for today’s women to dominate the sport and get the recognition they deserve.

What is she doing now?

Chris remains active in numerous charities and recently launched her own magazine to critical and reader acclaim. Tennis Magazine is quickly establishing itself as a leader in the industry and Chris is also busy with many endorsements and other projects at this time.

Championships:

Year Championship
1974 French Open
1974 Wimbledon
1975 French Open (2)
1975 US Open
1976 Wimbledon (2)
1976 US Open (2)
1977 US Open (3)
1978 US Open (4)
1979 French Open (3)
1980 French Open (4)
1980 US Open (5)
1981 Wimbledon (3)
1982 US Open (6)
1982 Australian Open
1983 French Open (5)
1984 Australian Open (2)
1985 French Open (6)
1986 French Open (7)

Interesting and Inspirational Quotes:

“Find something that you're really interested in doing in your life. Pursue it, set goals, and commit yourself to excellence. Do the best you can.”

“If you can react the same way to winning and losing, that's a big accomplishment. That quality is important because it stays with you the rest of your life, and there's going to be a life after tennis that's a lot longer than your tennis life.”

“In America we're looking for future stars and we're coming up short a bit, ... There is so much now to choose from. In the '70s (when Evert was the No. 1 player) we didn't have women's basketball and soccer. A lot of our great athletes are going into other sports. But worldwide tennis has made a big jump.”

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Athlete Profiles: Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King would undoubtedly have been remembered as a star tennis player but it was her match against Bobby Riggs that permanently cemented her in the hearts and minds of millions. That divisive “Battle of the Sexes” got the world charged up about tennis and when she went on to win the battle, it was clear that women’s tennis was a sport that should be taken seriously.

Billie was born in California in 1943, and although she had a strong background in tennis, no one would have thought that she would go on to make history as being the first woman tennis player to compete against a man – and win. The historic match is talked about to this day and it is without a doubt that if it had not been for the efforts of Billie Jean King, we might not have had Chris Evert, Venus and Serena Williams and the countless other women that have had a huge impact in this sport. Billie paved the way for them all.

In addition to her historic win, King cleaned up the courts for many years, winning title after title. Following her retirement, King founded the Women’s Tennis Association, as well as the Women’s Sports Foundation and World Team Tennis. Her commitment to women in sports is unmatched and she has made a difference in the lives of thousands of athletes.

She also had quite an impact in the gay community, and became the first woman sports star to “come out.” This cost her millions of dollars in lost endorsements, and she found little support from other players that were still hiding the fact that they were also gay. This strained numerous friendships, but Billie managed to weather the storm and throughout it all has remained a dedicated lover of tennis and an inspiration to athletes all over the world. Her efforts in the sport are still being felt today and she remains a very active member of the tennis and sports community.

What is she doing now?

Billie is involved in numerous charitable associations and is frequently honored for her achievements. Notably, the world’s largest sport’s facility now carries her name and she is well known for giving back to the community. Her work for AIDS research has been applauded time and time again and she remains active in the tennis community.

Championships:

Year Championship
1966 Wimbledon
1967 Wimbledon (2)
1967 U.S. Championships
1968 Australian Championships
1968 Wimbledon (3)
1971 US Open (2)
1972 French Open
1972 Wimbledon (4)
1972 US Open (3)
1973 Wimbledon (5)
1974 US Open (4)
1975 Wimbledon (6)

Interesting and Inspirational Quotes:

“A champion is afraid of losing. Everyone else is afraid of winning.”

“Champions keep playing until they get it right.”

“No matter how tough, no matter what kind of outside pressure, no matter how many bad breaks along the way, I must keep my sights on the final goal, to win, win, win -- and with more love and passion than the world has ever witnessed in any performance.”

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  • Venus Williams Changes Focus The Wimbledon championship's top female champion Venus Williams has withdrawn from the upcoming Wimbledon open in order to prepare for the another match that is coming up. The match in question is the $ 4.5 millions Sony Ericsson Championships, and this is the season ender for the WTA Tour that......
  • Venus Williams Manages to Defeat Her Sister Serena on the Courts In an important season ending tournament, Venus manages to advance but unfortunately has to leave her sister, Serena, behind. Venus Williams recently managed to defeat her sister Serena in a set of three matches, with scores of 5 - 7, 6 - 1, 6 - 0. The match occurred on......
  • Rafael Nadal to Pull Out of Masters Cup Giving reasons of fatigue due to his knee injury as the reason for the surprising action, the world's number one tennis star Rafael Nadal has decided to withdraw himself from the Tennis Masters Cup. The athlete stated that the decision is a very difficult one for him to make, not......
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