BOW STAYING PUT: The IMG-owned Bank of the West Classic isn’t going anywhere. At least through 2012. After rumors swirled that the event had outgrown its venue and would soon be on the move two years ago, IMG Sr. VP Adam Barrett announced on Thursday that the BOW will remain at Stanford for at least another three years. “We’re excited that the long tradition we’ve had here will continue,” said Barrett. The WTA had previously expressed concerns about the landlocked Taube Family Tennis Stadium’s seating capacity, which is about 4,000, and was targeting more in the ballpark of 6,000. “We will always continue to find ways to make sure that the stadium is the right size for the crowd and the demand without giving up the intimate setting,” added Barrett. “One of the things that makes this venue, this campus, special is that it’s intimate. Everyone’s close to the action.” The WTA appears to have extended a grandfather clause to the tournament, essentially waving it’s push for expanded seating. The event, in its 39th-year the longest continuously running women’s-only tournament in the U.S., has been held at Stanford since 1997 and now features a total purse of $700,000.
ENDANGERED SPECIES: The San Francisco Chronicle’s Bruce Jenkins likened the infrequent sorties to the net by today’s top WTA stars to “a rare sighting of the Great Spotted Owl.”
SERENA SEES HERSELF IN FIRST LADY: Serena Williams was clearly wowed by First Lady Michelle Obama during her July 14 visit to the White House. “What a great personality she had. I had no idea she had such an amazing sense of humor,” said the reigning Wimbledon champ. “She actually made a lot of jokes, and I’m always making jokes myself. I was shocked. She reminded me a lot of me, actually. I thought, ‘Wow. She’s really cool. She’s making jokes.’ She didn’t seem to take herself or anyone too seriously. And I think that’s kind of how you have to perceive life because it throws so many curveballs at you.”
LET FREEDOM RING: Billie Jean King will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, on August 12 at the White House. King is one of 16 individuals slated to be recognized by President Obama. “I’m honored and humbled,” said King. “I share this recognition with my family, friends and those who have come before me, those who will follow and those who are committed to making a difference in the lives of others.” President Obama will also honor Nancy Goodman Brinker, Pedro José Greer, Jr., Stephen Hawking, Jack Kemp, Sen. Edward Kennedy, Rev. Joseph Lowery, Joe Medicine Crow, Harvey Milk, Sandra Day O’Connor, Sidney Poitier, Chita Rivera, Mary Robinson, Janet Davison Rowley, Desmond Tutu and Muhammad Yunus.
‘JANK’-ING HER CHAIN: When informed that her quarterfinal opponent at the Bank of the West Classic, Marion Bartoli, had said she was looking forward to playing the Serb because “I always beat Jelena,” Jankovic bristled, “She talks like she’s Serena Williams…She’s not my biggest rival or somebody that I look up to or am scared of.” JJ, who’s 3-4 against Bartoli, added on her way out of the pressroom, “Bartoli’s going to get it tomorrow.”
DIFFERENT STROKES: Marion Bartoli revealed that she’s a budding artist. So prolific a painter is the Frenchwoman that she says she needs two bedrooms just to hold all her work. Her favorite painting: Van Gogh’s “Les Tournesols” (“The Sunflowers”).
WE CAN FINALLY TELL THE TWINS APART!: Michael Shaw reports from the L.A. Tennis Open that the Bryan Bros. are wearing matching red adidas shirts with “Bob” and “Mike” printed in black letters on the back during matches. And the trend appears to be catching on. Kevin Ulyett and Bruno Soares followed suit with “Ully” and “Soares” on the back of their shirts.
SAMURAI WARRIORS: Sam Querrey’s backers – The Samurais, who traditionally spell out the fan club’s name on their chests – demonstrated an ability to think on their feet at the L.A. Tennis Open, where they reconfigured their usually stable order to spell out “A-M-A-T-E-U-R-I-S-H” – a dig aimed at Querrey’s opponent, Ryan Sweeting. “We thought it was appropriate,” said Dan Farrugia, an unofficial spokesman for the club. Querrey won 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3.
QUOTEBOOK
“I think I’m the best player and I should always think like that, but if I had to pick someone after me, I’d pick Serena.” – Jelena Jankovic
“I still have an opportunity to achieve a lot more. I’m proud of the way I’ve been able to come back. Many people can take that as a way out. I’ve had championships and money, but I want more.” – Maria Sharapova
MISCELANNY: Ana Ivanovic has ended her working relationship with strength/conditioning coach Scott Byrnes…28-year-old Aussie Alicia Molik appears to be launching a comeback.
