We are deep into the first US swing in professional tennis. There is a lot of news about young guns like Roanic and Harrison. There are times when people do great things they just do it in more of a quiet manner. One of those people who is slowly making her mark and will be inside of the top 100 soon is Irina Falconi or “Alex” as I have called her since I first met her when she was 14. I still remember her riding her bike to school and then to the court for practice every day. Her father Carlos would stop by and toss her bike in his truck after practice. She would twirl her racquet between points and it drove all of the boys in my program nuts. Read more »

During this past holiday season in December Venus Williams and I served hundreds of balls to raise money for the Police Athletic League’s Tennis programs at BallenIsles beautiful facility in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Venus was wonderful in exhibition doubles match and stayed with me for an extended time graciously serving for dollars. I was lucky enough to beat her the only time we played in Oakland. She and Serena invited to me play in a few of their mother Oracene’s Owl Foundation events. They are always going the extra mile when helping charities. Read more »