Serena Williams’ Philanthropic Efforts to Provide Education to Children

UNICEF launched a program known as "Schools for Asia" this month. The program is a world-wide fundraising program aimed to improve the quality and accessibility of education to children living in Asia and the Pacific. The program aims to educate children who would likely be excluded from educational opportunities.

Serena Williams' introduction to UNICEF

In 2006, Williams traveled to Ghana during the African country's biggest health campaign ever. Volunteers helped provide immunizations to children and provided families with nets to be hung over beds to protect from mosquitoes that could transmit malaria. The trip was eye opening for Williams, and she continued to work with UNICEF.

Williams supports Schools for Asia

In 2008, tennis star Serena Williams traveled to Africa to help launch "The Serena Williams Secondary School". The tennis champion saw a need and took action to help provide youth in Asia with educational opportunities. Williams has been named as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

When asked about her hopes for the program, Williams explained, "Schools for Asia [will] provide quality education to millions of children. Millions of children around the world don't have [access to education]. They're too poor or live too far away. Maybe they need to work to help support their family. Or it's because of conflict or discrimination."

Will Williams continue charity work?

Williams recently lost her match against Ekaterina Makarova at the Australian Open. Just a couple weeks prior, Williams suffered a fall during a match at the Brisbane International.

I can't help but wonder if perhaps Serena Williams' reign on the world of tennis may be coming to an end. Should she retire, Williams is an amazing and giving woman and her charity work should be continued. The school she helped launch is already making an immeasurable difference in the lives of children in Asia. It would be a shame if she were to stop that work.

Serena Williams pulls out of China Open

World No. 2 Maria Sharapova of Russia and American Serena Williams pulled out of the China Open Friday, a day before the beginning of the WTA premier event.

Sharapova twisted her ankle while serving Thursday and quit her Pan Pacific Open quarterfinals in Tokyo against Petra Kvitova.

The 24-year-old Russian said on her website: "Good news is that the MRI showed no big damage in the ankle. Will do my best to recover in time for Istanbul (the season-ending championships)."

"It is to better recover soon because I can become quite the annoying patient! I will keep everyone posted with my progress."

Williams also missed the tournament due to injury. The American was out of tennis for almost a year with a series of injuries, but hit her form quickly after coming back, reaching her fifth US Open final earlier this month.

According to the official website of the China Open, Serena should have arrived in Beijing Friday. However, she didn't appear in the women's singles draw, meaning she would be absent for the second consecutive year.

With the season nearing its end, a bunch of players have deleted the China trip from their schedule.

World No. 1 men's player Novak Djokovic quit the event due to a negative report from his latest physical check. Others absentees include Richard Gasquet, Robin Soderling and Venus Williams.

Sam Stosur harbours no ill feeling towards Serena Williams

SAMANTHA Stosur neither expects nor wants an apology from Serena Williams after the former world No 1's outburst during the second set of their US Open final.

Stosur arrived home on Saturday smiling broadly as she relived the greatest moment of her career followed by the busiest week of her life.

The 27-year-old has hardly stopped smiling or posing for photographs, signing autographs or being asked questions about her sterling 6-3 6-2 win. It was the Australian's first grand slam singles title. Williams has 13.

Williams, however, was fined $US2000 ($1900) after delivering a broadside at umpire Eva Asderaki, loudly accusing her of being a "hater" and "unattractive inside".

Williams became incensed after being docked a point by Asderaki for yelling out during a rally before Stosur had the chance to play at the ball. It was two years ago that Williams launched another outburst at a lineswoman during a US Open semi-final defeat to Kim Clijsters.

But Stosur told The Australian at Brisbane airport on Saturday, that she harboured no ill feeling towards Williams.

"It happened. It was the heat of the moment and she didn't verbally say anything at me or towards me," Stosur said. "It was all at the umpire.

"So I'm not expecting one (an apology) and don't want one. She was pretty gracious to me to come over and sit beside me and chat before the trophy presentation.

"That doesn't happen often. I don't think I've ever seen that happen. There's no hard feelings. It was just part of the match. I know I've moved on and I'm sure she will too."

Williams missed last January's Australian Open through injury, but is likely to arrive in Melbourne in the new year.

Williams defeated Stosur in the fourth round of the Australian Open last year, before going on to defeat Justine Henin in the final.

The Australian Open is the next grand slam on the calendar (January 16-29) and Stosur knows the pressure will be more on her than Williams.

"Winning a grand slam is wonderful, but if that was ever to be the Australian Open then that'd be something else," Stosur said.

"It's the most special grand slam I could ever possibly win. If that does happen then that would absolutely be the top of my career for me."

Serena aims for rare feat at U.S. Open

Serena Williams was seemingly back on top of her game, having won seven matches in eight days and consecutive WTA tournaments.

But a troublesome right big toe forced Williams out of the Western & Southern draw Wednesday in Cincinnati and cast some doubts about whether she'll be fit enough to celebrate a significant anniversary at the U.S. Open.

"I don't think this is a good time for me to take a chance," Williams said after pulling out of a second-round match against Samantha Stosur to begin resting up for the Open, which starts the week after next. She cut the toe when she stepped on a piece of glass after winning Wimbledon last year and has had two operations to repair the damage.

Williams claimed the first of her 13 Grand Slam titles at Flushing Meadow in 1999, a couple weeks shy of her 18th birthday. Only two players in the Open Era have won the same major championship a dozen years apart. Pete Sampras collected the first of his then-record 14 Slams at the Open in 1990 and took his last one there in 2002. Martina Navratilova's run of 18 majors began at Wimbledon in 1978 and ended on Centre Court in 1990.

Also, it was a decade ago when Williams and big sister Venus squared off in the 2001 Open final, the first ever played in prime time and the first to pit two African-Americans - never mind siblings - against each other with one of tennis' four biggest titles on the line. Adding to the magic, of course, was the venue - Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"People of color weren't allowed to play in a sanctioned tournament until the '50s," WTA founder Billie Jean King reminds us.

Previously, the women's final had been sandwiched between the two men's semis and, as a result, often got lost in the "Super Saturday" shuffle. But the women stole the show that weekend in 2001.

Despite hitting just seven winners, Venus won 6-2, 6-4 in 69 minutes to defend her championship and give the Williams family three titles in a row. (Serena extended the streak to four in 2002.) The next afternoon, Lleyton Hewitt stunned the heavily favored Sampras in straight sets to take the men's title.

Then, two days later ...

Somber anniversary

The U.S. Open men's final falls on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, and the USTA intends to mark the occasion "in a dignified and respectful manner," chairman of the board and president Jon Vegosen said. "We are one of this nation's global stages, and we have a special responsibility to honor those fallen and those who responded heroically on that fateful day."

For both the women's final the previous evening and the men's match, the court will be inscribed with "9-11-01." The usopen.org logo ringing the stadium will be replaced with the 9/11 memorial logo.

Cyndi Lauper will perform on Saturday night and Queen Latifah on Sunday. Both ceremonies, to be televised live by CBS, will include a moment of silence and the unfurling of a giant American flag over the court by a Marine Corps color guard.

The men's finalists will enter the stadium through an honor guard including members of New York's police and fire departments and the Port Authority police. A military flyover will follow.

Serena Williams Returning to Tour

After nearly a year away from competitive tennis, Serena Williams has confirmed that she plans to return to the circuit next week at the Aegon International Tournament in Eastbourne and then compete at Wimbledon, where she is the defending champion.

Williams, 29, was the sport’s dominant player a year ago when she won her 13th Grand Slam singles title at Wimbledon. Four days later, according to Williams, she severed a tendon in her right foot after stepping on broken glass when leaving a restaurant in Munich, Germany.

She has since had two operations and in February was hospitalized in Los Angeles because of a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in her lungs.

“I am so excited to be healthy enough to compete again,” she said in a statement released by her agent, Jill Smoller. “These past 12 months have been extremely tough and character building.

“I have so much to be grateful for. I’m thankful to my family, friends, and fans for all of their support. Serena’s back!”

Williams resumed practicing in April but later withdrew from the French Open. Williams has won Wimbledon four times, and her older sister Venus Williams, a five-time Wimbledon champion who has not competed since January because of a hip-flexor problem, is also expected to return for the grass-court season and attempt to play at Wimbledon.

Serena Williams, who could not be immediately reached for comment, remains the highest-ranked American woman at No. 25 in the world.

Venus, Serena Williams to help celebrate D.C. tennis center

The tennis stars are helping Washington, D.C.'s Southeast Tennis and Learning Center mark its 10th anniversary this week. The center helps motivate kids in Washington through its academic and athletic programs.

"Lots of these kids, people have written off in the past," said Cora Masters Barry, CEO of the Recreation Wish List Committee, which along with the city's Department of Parks and Recreation, created the tennis center in 2001.

The Williams sisters will offer a tennis clinic at the center on Thursday and be the guests of honor at a dinner celebration Thursday night.

Since its founding, about 4,000 kids have participated in the center's programs, Barry said, and 30 have received tennis scholarships from schools including Penn State, Howard and Morgan State.

"Education goes hand in hand" with athletics, Venus Williams said. She added that her family has known Barry for about 10 years.

"They wanted to be a part of it," Barry said of the Williams sisters. The program's mission mirrored their youth in Compton, Calif. "They've been totally committed."

"It's been a great 10 years for the young people," Williams said.

The center offers programs for students age 7-17 during the week and a weekend program for children age 3-6, Barry said.

Children attending the center must have a 2.0 grade-point average in school to participate in the tennis program.

"Tennis is the hook, education is the key," Barry said.

"We encourage people to come out to the learning center to see what it's all about," Williams said.

Serena Williams and Venus Williams

Serena Williams and Venus Williams’s unsure about French Open 2011.

The American world No.1 sisters, Serena Williams and Venus Williams are un-confident about their participation in the Up-coming Grand slam Open, French Open, which is scheduled to being form next month.

Serena Williams, the world No.10 player and a winner of 13-grand slam titles was out of tennis from July 2010, after winning the Wimbledon title. She was out, due to an foot injury which was occurred in broken glass, Germany and later she has been suffered with a pulmonary embolism in February, which has led to an Urgent operation.

Serena has said that, it was really frightening. However, she said that she is doing much better now and said that, she is going back onto the court and taking it slow. Sometimes it’s slower than, what she has would like. But it will all work out.

Venus Williams, the seven time grand slam winner was out of tennis, since the Australian Open Grand slam 201, due to an abdominal pain and a sore right hip.

Venus has stated that, the Ronald Garros is a great tournament and fun event and said that, both she along with her sister, Serena would definitely want to be there and it would be decided Sooner or later.

Venus Williams and Serena Williams lead clinic

Venus and Serena Williams lead clinic at Southeast tennis center

“The center is so important because, for us, it brings us full circle, growing up in Compton, California,” said Venus Williams, center (in black). “Coming back [to Ward 8] is similar because we see young people who really are us.”

Nearly every parent brought a camera, and every reporter wielded a tape recorder.

But the 150 children who descended on the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center on Thursday weren’t awestruck by the 20 Grand Slam titles or superstar status of their guest instructors.

And they weren’t concerned about whether Venus and Serena Williams plan to return to competition at next month’s French Open or at Wimbledon in June.

They just wanted to become better tennis players. And the near hour-long clinic with the Williams sisters gave them a chance to do just that.

“Serena is an excellent teacher!” proclaimed Tierra Holloway, 14, among those who hit with the four-time and current defending Wimbledon champion. “Every time she gave me advice, when I went back on court I hit better. She gave me many compliments on my tennis. And she told me my hair was pretty.”

The clinic, set to blaring music and emceed by the Washington Kastles’ exuberant coach, Murphy Jensen, was followed by an evening gala that also featured the sisters — all to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the tennis center.

With help from the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, the $5.1 million center has provided a safe place to play, learn and study for more than 2,000 children since 2001, using free tennis lessons as the lure.

Almost from the moment Cora Masters Barry envisioned the state-of-the-art complex in Ward 8, the Williams family — led by Oracene Price, Venus and Serena’s mother and a friend of Washington’s former first lady — has been a spirited supporter.

Said Venus Thursday: “The center is so important because, for us, it brings us full circle, growing up in Compton, California. Coming back [to Ward 8] is similar because we see young people who really are us. And it’s a great opportunity for us to really stay grounded and continue to do what’s important and to give back.”

The Williams sisters’ ascendance to the top of professional tennis is among the more remarkable stories in sports. Coached by their parents in a crime-ridden suburb of Los Angeles, they learned as young girls to hit with remarkable power and compete with ferocious will. And in 2002, they reached No. 1 in the world in turn.

But each has been sidelined by injury over the past year. And women’s tennis has suffered for it, as has the standing of American tennis. The last American to win a Grand Slam who was not named Williams was Andy Roddick, in 2003.

Serena hasn’t competed since winning Wimbledon, her 13th Grand Slam, last July 3. After cutting her right foot on in a freak accident four days later, she underwent two surgeries. Then in early March she was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital with a blood clot in one of her lungs and had a hematoma removed.

She resumed practicing just last week, triggering an Internet sensation after posting a photo of herself from the workout wearing a hot-pink bodysuit, later explaining that the form-fitting design provided compression that was helpful to her recovery.

Venus, 30, withdrew from the Australian Open with a hip injury in the third round. She hasn’t competed since, sidelined further by an abdominal injury.

Neither put a timetable on her return Thursday.

“I’m feeling better,” Serena said. “Just starting training a little later than I suspected. But it’s going slow and steady.”

Added Venus: “Of course our goal is [to return to competition] sooner rather than later. The one thing we learned from being away from the game is how much we love it. [Not competing] gives us opportunities to be out here, where normally we wouldn’t be able to. So we made the best of our time to do positive things.”

Thursday’s on-court vibes were positive, indeed, as boys and girls lined up to trade shots with Venus and Serena. Then the sisters moved to adjacent courts to work more closely with advanced students, who smacked the ball straight back at the champions without a trace of intimidation.

On one court, Venus, wearing black leggings and top, patiently demonstrated proper follow-through of a forehand for a tiny girl, taking her right hand in hers to complete the stroke in tandem.

“She’s not a yelling teacher,” Kayla Williams, 12, said about Venus. “She’s like a quiet teacher. She actually shows you instead of yelling at you!”

Serena, meantime, organized her charges into doubles teams, stood back and studied their skills.

“You guys are doing excellent!” said Serena, in green-and-white tie-dyed style capris and coordinated top. “But I want you to work on your consistency. If you have to hit it softer, hit it softer.”

Then she proceeded to rip a forehand to one corner of the court.

“She’s making her comeback right here at the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center!” Jensen bellowed into his microphone. “She’s BACK!”

Serena Williams – Tennis Star and Rapper?

Over the years, Serena Williams has extended her resume far beyond the tennis courts and shown a knack for getting people talking.

It looks like she will continue to do both, if recent reports are to be believed, for she has supposedly set her sights on rapping as she continues her recovery from her recent surgery.

TMZ is reporting that Williams has been spending time with producer DJ Clue in the studio of B Major Music Group, the record label of Minnesota Vikings standout Bryant McKinnie. According to those reports, Williams has recorded multiple tracks, although the purpose of the recordings is unclear. Some have speculated that the recordings may be the start of a music career, part of a charity project, or simply a fun diversion while she eases back into training.

Williams made recent headlines for appearing in a hot pink bodysuit during a practice session over a week ago, creating a media frenzy around her latest fashion statement, although she later explained that the bodysuit was necessary for keeping her stomach warm after last month’s surgery. Williams has been recovering from a blood clot in her lungs, for which she underwent the emergency surgery, and from a foot injury, which she suffered last year when she cut her foot on some glass.

Williams is currently ranked No. 10 in the world, despite having not competed for several months. She has not yet confirmed her plans for returning to competition, but rapper or not, we hope to see her reach fighting form again soon.

For any other 29-year-old recovering from multiple injuries and a significant break in training, not to mention juggling work in fashion and now possibly music, the road back to the top might seem near impossible. But this winner of five Australian Open titles, four Wimbledon titles, three U.S. Open titles, and two French Open titles has proven before that she is more than capable of bouncing back from a lengthy break in playing. After all, in 2004, she reached the French Open quarterfinals and the Wimbledon final after an eight-month hiatus from the sport. Many are crossing their fingers that she may be able to participate in this year’s Wimbledon.

While we don’t know yet if the recent reports are true, we are curious about your thoughts. Would you listen to Serena’s tracks? And how long before she will be ready to compete again? Do you think she has a chance of returning to the top?

Serena Williams gets her beach wiggle on

Serena Williams looks in great spirits as she confidently shimmies down the beach in a mismatched bikini.

The the 29-year-old Wimbledon tennis champion put on a little dance as she relaxed with friends in Miami today. However, she came close to a double fault as her strapless bikini top clearly struggled to contain her ample bosom.

Williams has been recuperating in Miami following emergency surgery two months ago; an operation to remove a blood clot 'the size of a grapefruit' found in her lung in February. She developed a haematoma from a pulmonary embolism, stemming from an incident when she cut her foot on broken glass in a Munich restaurant last July.

She admitted to being very down recently, having being sidelined from her sport since claiming her 13th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon last July. "I definitely have not been happy," she said. "Especially when I had that second (foot) surgery, I was definitely depressed. I cried all the time. I was miserable to be around."

Williams, who has slipped to world number 11 in her absence from the WTA Tour, is unlikely to return before the summer and admitted that the time spent on the sidelines had taken an emotional toll. A part of her lung had 'died' from the pulmonary embolism and she has remained on blood-thinning medication. While she hasn't been able to play tennis, she has managed to keep up with her lucrative sponsorship contracts.

A television advertisement featuring her curvy figure was recently released to promote Top Spin 4, a tennis game made for the Wii console. However, it is unlikely to be seen by many as the game's maker 2K Sports rejected it because it was deemed too raunchy.

Serena Williams returns to tennis court

Serena Williams grabbed her racket and got out on a tennis court Tuesday, which she said was her "first day back" after a series of health problems, including blood clots in her lung.

The 13-time Grand Slam singles champion and former No. 1-ranked player has not played an official match since she won the title at Wimbledon in July.

Shortly after claiming her fourth singles championship at the All England Club last year, Williams cut her foot on glass at a restaurant, an injury that led to two operations. The second surgery was in October, and she said she spent 10 weeks in a cast and 10 weeks in a walking boot.

The 29-year-old American was diagnosed in February with blood clots in her lung. After that, she said she needed treatment for a hematoma — a gathering of blood under the skin — on her stomach.

Williams has not said when she might return to competition.

Roger Federer started his clay-court season Tuesday by dispatching Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany, 6-2, 6-1, with precise shot-making at the Monte Carlo Masters.

In other matches, Ivan Ljubicic defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France, 7-6 (2), 6-4, and Milos Raonic downed Ernests Gulbis, 6-4, 7-5. Tomas Berdych defeated Olivier Rochus, 6-2, 6-3, to set up a match against Ljubicic.

Barcelona, Manchester United advance to Champions League semifinals

Lionel Messi scored his record 48th goal of the season Tuesday to give Barcelona a 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine as the Spanish club advanced to the semifinals of soccer's European Champions League for the fourth successive season.

Barcelona, a three-time European champion, had won the first leg of the quarterfinal series, 5-1, at home and took the series, 6-1 on aggregate, after the win in Donetsk.

Manchester United, another three-time champion, also reached the semifinals by completing a 3-1 aggregate win over Chelsea. Goals by Mexico's Javier Hernandez and South Korea's Park Ji-Sung gave Manchester a 2-1 win in Manchester, where Didier Drogba scored Chelsea's lone goal. Manchester had won the first game, 1-0, in London on a Wayne Rooney goal.

The quarterfinals conclude Wednesday with home games for Tottenham Hotspur, which trails nine-time champion Real Madrid, 4-0, and Schalke '04 of Germany, which leads defending European champion Inter Milan, 5-2.

Serena Williams reveals flaw in WTA rankings

From the Department of No, Really, I bring you the following dispatch: Tennis star Serena Williams just moved up to No. 10 in the WTA rankings.

Yes, that would be the same Serena Williams who hasn't played a match -- not a single one -- since winning last year's Wimbledon. Who has suffered a frightening pulmonary embolism and endured two operations on an injured foot in the interim. Who has no idea if or when she'll return to the court. Who recently tweeted "umm ... why am I watching Sponge Bob?"

The same Serena who somehow jumped two spots in the rankings to become the only American, male or female, ranked in tennis' top 10. To borrow from Prince: Something in the water does not compute.

Look, I get it: The WTA rankings are based on a rolling, 52-week cumulative point system. Williams amassed a ton of points before she was sidelined. Players ahead of her in the rankings -- sister Venus and Marion Bartoli -- have lost points. The rankings are complex and nuanced and designed to reward sustained excellence without unduly punishing injured players ... blah blah blah. I really do get it.

I just don't care.

As a tennis fan with working eyes, I know that Serena is the best player in the world when healthy. And motivated. Right now, at least one of those things is missing. So a No. 10 ranking seems reasonable. What doesn't seem reasonable is moving up in the rankings without touching a racket for more than half a year. No matter how the system supposedly works.

It's one thing for, say, Ohio State to move up in the AP football poll because the Buckeyes had an off week and the teams ahead of them lost; it's another thing entirely for the Buckeyes to get a bump after sitting out the first five games of the year. Sports rankings shouldn't appreciate through passivity, rewarding a sit-and-hold strategy. If they function that way, then what's the point of playing games and keeping score in the first place?

Getting ahead by doing absolutely nothing is best left to the idle rich. Not athletes. Heck, even Max Bialystock had to go to the trouble of putting on a horrendous musical to turn a profit. Nothing against Williams -- or the WTA -- but when you can get closer to the peak without leaving base camp, it's the kind of thing that can't be understood. No matter how much it makes sense.

Serena Williams to launch range of nail polish

Tennis ace Serena Williams is all set to release her own collection of nail polish in collaboration with O.P.I..

Williams plans to release the Glam Slam! France collection - which comprises two shades, Spark de Triomphe in glittery silver and Rally Pretty Pink - in time for May's French Open competition.

'Whether I'm on or off the court, style is important. In addition to watching the runways for the latest trends, I think it's important to add my own unique elements,' contactmusic.com quoted Williams as saying.

'With the new White and Red Shatter, I can customise my nails for a high-fashion take on the classically elegant silver and sunset shades in the Glam Slam! France collection.'

In 2009, Williams made debut in fashion industry by launching her own clothing collection on television channel HSN.

'First of all, everything in the collection is under $100. And everything you get from me is great quality. I think for those prices and this quality, it is a no-brainer,' she said.

She created her first collection of nail polishes last year.

Serena sizzles in sexy tennis ad

It’s billed as the battle between the world’s sexiest tennis player and the world’s sexiest tennis gamer.

And, on the evidence of the promotional video for the Top Spin 4 videogame, champion Serena Williams is playing for keeps.

The tennis star gives viewers a taste of the heated exchanges to come, wearing a revealing outfit as she replicates her crushing strokes on the PlayStation 3’s Play controller. She wears a high cut body suit that shows off most of her famously curvy behind, as well as a pair of thigh-high laced-up black boots.

Her opponent, actress Rileah Vanderbilt, isn’t sticking to the Wimbledon dress code either, working up a sweat in fishnet stockings, sexy high heels.

According to the Daily Mail, the video has been deemed to sexy for TV, with video game developer 2K Sports saying: “As part of the process for creating marketing campaigns to support our titles, we pursue a variety of creative avenues. This video is not part of the title's final marketing campaign and its distribution was unauthorised.”

It isn’t hard to see why. The advert is decidedly raunchy, featuring as many shots of derriere and sweat dripping down cleavage as it does of the actual tennis game. Williams and her opponent, however, seemed particularly pleased with the final product.

This week, Vanderbilt tweeted a link to the video.

“Check out my newest commercial with @serenawilliams! Directed by : @waltercmay http://tinyurl.com/4shvgue” she posted.

On the same day, Serena tweeted: “Stay tuned for a (sic) awesomely sexy video I am tweeting later..... Stay tuned......” The video, however, never appeared.

Serena makes plans for July return

Serena Williams, recovering from the removal of a blood clot in her lung as well as a nagging foot injury, plans to play tennis in July for the Washington Kastles of World TeamTennis.

The nine-team US league, which will stage a 36th season from July 4-24, announced on Thursday that Williams is scheduled to play in Washington on July 7 against the Boston Lobsters and when the Kastles visit Sacramento on July 9.

The reigning Wimbledon champion had said after her surgery for a blood clot that travelled from a leg into her lungs that she was hopeful of a summer return, but was unsure exactly when she might be back on the court.

The former world number one, a 13-time Grand Slam champion, would need to be ready by June 20 to defend her Wimbledon title. The women's final is set for July 2.

Williams has not played a top-level match since last year's Wimbledon final after cutting her right foot on broken glass at a restaurant last July.

Williams suffered a pulmonary embolism and underwent an emergency operation at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles last week, a health scare she called "the scariest moment in my life".

"Luckily enough, I was able to catch it soon enough that my career won't be affected," Williams told NBC on Wednesday. "I love tennis and now more than anything I have so much to look forward to just playing.

"I really just want to come back and do well."

Venus Williams, Serena's elder sister and a five-time Wimbledon winner who has seven Grand Slam titles overall, plans to play for the Kastles on July 5 against visiting Kansas City despite being sidelined currently with an injury.

Venus Williams withdrew from the Australian Open with a right hip injury and has not played since, unable to defend her only titles from 2010 last month at Dubai and Acapulco.

Serena Williams' pulmonary embolism: should you worry?

Tennis star Serena Williams went through a scary health experience earlier this week -- a blood clot in her lung, or pulmonary embolism, that could have killed her. According to news reports, the condition developed after Williams had routine foot surgery in New York, then hopped on a plane back to Los Angeles where she lives.

The formation of dangerous blood clots is always a risk, but after foot surgery in a 29-year-old athlete? "It can happen, despite the fact that she's a fit, young woman," says Dr. Michael Jaff, medical director for the Massachusetts General Hospital Vascular Center.

Jaff says the fact that Williams traveled on a long plane trip with an immobilized foot following surgery raised her risk of developing clots. Sitting for prolonged periods where blood can pool in the feet can cause increased clotting especially if the blood is unable to circulate easily due to a bandage or cast. Those clots can then break free and travel to the lungs, where they can be fatal.

"I tell patients to try not to go on long plane trips or car rides in a leg cast," Jaff says. "If it can't be avoided, I'll prescribe blood thinners before the trip."

It's not known whether Williams was taking a blood thinner. Nor is it known whether she was predisposed to a higher risk of blood clots due to having a gene mutation, found in 15 to 20 percent of the population. If she was also taking birth control pills, that would have increased her risk even further.

Some 6 million people develop blood clots every year, and about 600,000 wind up with a pulmonary embolism. "But research shows that women who take oral contraceptives have three times the risk, and those with a gene mutation have five times the risk; if you combine the two, though, a person has 17 times the risk," says Jaff.

While the average person doesn't need to worry about developing a pulmonary embolism after, say, a nose job or gallbladder surgery, those having hip, knee, or pelvic surgery are more at risk and are usually given mechanical pumps or compression stockings to wear on their legs during surgery to keep the blood circulating, Jaff says. Plus, they might get blood thinners afterward.

Increased age can also be a factor, as well as the amount of time spent in bed recuperating from a procedure. "I'd be worried about the blood-clot risk in a 70-year-old cancer patient having hip surgery," Jaff says.

Since the gene mutation test is expensive, doctors don't perform it routinely, but those with close family members who've had blood clots might want to consider it to know, say, whether to avoid birth control pills or hormone therapy for menopausal hot flashes, which can also raise the risk of clots.

Those experiencing symptoms of a pulmonary embolism -- sudden severe chest discomfort, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat -- should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Serena Williams says her season could be finished

Serena Williams might miss the rest of the 2010 season because her injured right foot hasn't healed properly.

"I am likely out for the year Williams said yesterday in a posting on her official website.

Williams said she "re-strained" her foot by overtraining.

"In order not to make this worse, I have to chill on my physical workouts but I will immediately begin rehabbing as soon as I get the Doc's OK. Keep me in your prayers (I need them)," the posting said.

Williams' agent, Jill Smoller, confirmed the posting was from the 13-time Grand Slam champion and said she will be re-evaluated in the coming days.

If Williams is sidelined for the remainder of the season, it would be a blow to the WTA Championships later this month, as well as for the United States when it plays Italy in the Fed Cup final next month in San Diego.

Last week, Williams' older sister Venus said she will miss the rest of the 2010 season because of an injured left knee. Both Williams siblings had said in August they would make themselves available for the U S Fed Cup team in the final.

Serena tops WTA rankings as Wozniacki closes in

Serena Williams retained the world number one ranking in the latest women’s tennis rankings issued on Tuesday but appears under threat from Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki.

Wozniacki won a rain-delayed Montreal tournament on Monday, where Williams did not participate.

As an injury forced Williams to withdraw from the US Open, which starts next week, the Dane may be able to capture the top ranking.

Williams leads the standings with 7,895 points from Wozniacki (6,410) and Belgian Kim Clijsters (5,325). Clijsters beat Wozniacki for the US Open title last year.

WTA top 10 as of August 24 (previous ranking in parenthesis):

1. (1) Serena Williams, United States, 7,895 points 2. (2) Caroline Wozniacki, Denmark, 6,410 3. (4) Kim Clijsters, Belgium, 5,325 4. (5) Venus Williams, United States, 5,176 5. (3) Jelena Jankovic, Serbia, 5,145 6. (6) Samantha Stosur, Australia, 4,550 7. (7) Francesca Schiavone, Italy, 4,450 8. (11) Vera Zvonareva, Russia, 4,430 9. (10) Li Na, China, 4,015 10. (9) Agnieszka Radwanska, Poland, 3,995.

Serena Williams withdraws her name from US Open

Sad news for Tennis fans and especially the fans from US, as the their ace tennis women Serena Williams has decided not to participate in this year’s US Open as she still recovering from the Foot Surgery that she underwent on July 5th after she was injured by a broken glass in Munich.

It’s a huge blow for the 28-year old Champion who have won the Australian Open and the Wimbeldon this year and even made it to the Quarters of the French Open.

With the Slam being played in her own turf, she could have easily dominated her adversaries and could have won her 3rd Slam of the year but this time, it isn’t going to happen for the 2-time US Open Champion.

She will not only miss the Singles tournament but will also be absent from the Doubles fixture where she could have partnered her sister Venus Williams with whom she had won the Doubles title last year in US Open.

The tennis powerhouse took the decision after consulting with her Doctor who advised her to take rest from the game for a bit more time now.

Serena was quoted saying that it is one of the devastating moments in her career but we hope she will recover from this condition soon

Serena Williams needs surgery on right foot

The Ace in the World of Tennis Serena Williams would miss the upcoming three tennis tournaments as per the announcement made by Women’s Tennis Association officials. Top seeded Williams cut her right foot while stepping accidently over a broken glass in a restaurant and got injured severely.

Williams, 28 unintentionally landed over the broken piece of glass which eventually made her receive stitches and is unable to walk due to the accident. She undergoes a surgery next month to the damaged right foot and doctors have recommended her bed rest for another two months. This added more disappointment to her fans when they realized that Williams will continue to be out of action for some time ever since she had won the 13^th grand slam title.

The unforeseen injury has ruled the top ranked player out of three vital tennis tournaments in Istanbul, Cincinnati and the electrifying Rogers Cup in Montreal which are scheduled to happen this calendar year before Williams going on to defend her U.S. Open title. Not only this but Serena Williams was to delve in an opening match of the Glens Falls against the New York Buzz last Friday and then three different matches in Philadelphia in USA, a charity match at Washington D.C. on Wednesday followed by another testing game at New York on Thursday, but the fatal injury has kept her away of all the exciting action and she could only sit at the back of her chair and view the enthralling action from there on.

After the tragic incident in the past week, Serena looked thoroughly frustrated while being interviewed by Fox Sports and mentioned that she was utterly upset about her foot injury and it has gotten her into a state of sheer depression. For any common person a cut on the foot might not be a major issue but for someone of Williams class, it definitely means a lot to her since her entire career depends on it and if it gets more intensified, she may not be able to appear in the tennis court for an indefinite period of time. She is looking forward to all the support from her friends, family and of course a huge base of fans, so that she recovers well in time and gets back in the typical William action. The news of Williams’s grievance came as a shock to her fans and as per the expectations the fans expressed their whole heartedly support through their twitter messages, e-cards and bunches of flowers. Admitted in the hospital, when Williams happened to know about the news of how fans expressed love and support for her, exploded her into tears.

Serena William has undergone a minor operation and in her doctor’s opinion, full recovery is only possible with a surgery. In a coming week on a day yet undisclosed the surgical operation of her right foot would take place. It is being highly hoped that she will recover from the injury before long.

Venus William, the younger sister of Serena William, also a shining star in the world of tennis has decided to act as a replacement for her wounded sister till she recovers and gets back into the playing court. The William sisters have teamed up together at various opens and grand slam championships during the last seven years and their pair has made a record of beating the offenders faced since then. Venus is a solid player and fans are counting on her to defend her sister’s legacy.

Serena William has been in the tennis frontline for the last twelve years and has a number of titles and awards to her name. Her most recognized achievements include winning Australian Open five times, French Open once, US Open thrice and Wimbledon Championship four times while performing singles. Camping up with Venus, the sisters have added an equal number of honours to their profiles. The highest ever achievement of Serena William has been recognized by the Tennis Magazine where she has been ranked at 17^th among all tennis champion in the past four decades.