Aryna Sabalenka's career-best season yielded a long-awaited first major title, but that isn't the only highlight.
The rejuvenated Sabalenka will fondly be remembered as the player who managed to unseat Iga Swiatek from the top spot for the first time in 75 weeks and become the new World No. 1.
Although her reign was short-lived, the Belarusian scaled some big hurdles during the season to emerge as one of the tour's elite players. Here are five reasons why Sabalenka will be delighted with her achievements this year.
Best Start To A Season Since 2015
Talk about setting the early pace, then no player stood a chance against Aryna Sabalenka Down Under. The Belarusian powerhouse was untouchable in Australia, winning the Wta 500 in Adelaide and her first Grand Slam singles title in Melbourne.
She opened the new season with a 13-0 record, the best by a Wta player since Serena Williams' mind-boggling 27-match...
The rejuvenated Sabalenka will fondly be remembered as the player who managed to unseat Iga Swiatek from the top spot for the first time in 75 weeks and become the new World No. 1.
Although her reign was short-lived, the Belarusian scaled some big hurdles during the season to emerge as one of the tour's elite players. Here are five reasons why Sabalenka will be delighted with her achievements this year.
Best Start To A Season Since 2015
Talk about setting the early pace, then no player stood a chance against Aryna Sabalenka Down Under. The Belarusian powerhouse was untouchable in Australia, winning the Wta 500 in Adelaide and her first Grand Slam singles title in Melbourne.
She opened the new season with a 13-0 record, the best by a Wta player since Serena Williams' mind-boggling 27-match...
- 11/19/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Former Wta doubles No. 1 Pam Shriver is a fan of craft and improvisation, but she has warmly embraced "knockdown, drag-out power clash" while watching one-dimensional players.
This year's Australian Open women's final was billed as the clash of the heavyweights between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina . Two hyper-aggressive players of first-strike tennis who want to destroy every ball in sight.
While watching the final in which Sabalenka captured her maiden Grand Slam singles title with a comeback victory, Shriver admitted to being won over by the relentless nature of the fast and furious style. She talked of Sabalenak and Rybakina being in the same bracket as retired Wta stars like Monica Seles and Jennifer Capriati.
Seles and Capriati embody the one-dimensional but often incredibly efficient power game. And this couldn't be more true than watching the 1991 semifinal between them at the US Open, that avid fans can recall to this very day.
This year's Australian Open women's final was billed as the clash of the heavyweights between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina . Two hyper-aggressive players of first-strike tennis who want to destroy every ball in sight.
While watching the final in which Sabalenka captured her maiden Grand Slam singles title with a comeback victory, Shriver admitted to being won over by the relentless nature of the fast and furious style. She talked of Sabalenak and Rybakina being in the same bracket as retired Wta stars like Monica Seles and Jennifer Capriati.
Seles and Capriati embody the one-dimensional but often incredibly efficient power game. And this couldn't be more true than watching the 1991 semifinal between them at the US Open, that avid fans can recall to this very day.
- 10/14/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Naomi Osaka has been away from the tennis courts for quite some time, but once she returns, she’ll be a force to be reckoned with, according to coach Rick Macci.
Becoming a parent during a professional tennis career has always been more difficult for women than for men. Therefore, many players waited with pregnancy until their playing days were over, but in recent years, many also showed that it’s possible to have a baby and still return to the Wta Tour.
One of those players is certainly Elina Svitolina, who has been playing sensational tennis since coming back only recently . Moreover, Caroline Wozniacki joined her after she came out of retirement , and now, we’ll have another mother on the Wta Tour, as Naomi Osaka is expected to make her comeback in 2024.
Experienced coach Rick Macci talked to Tennis-Infinity.com about the Japanese player, and despite ‘everybody writing...
Becoming a parent during a professional tennis career has always been more difficult for women than for men. Therefore, many players waited with pregnancy until their playing days were over, but in recent years, many also showed that it’s possible to have a baby and still return to the Wta Tour.
One of those players is certainly Elina Svitolina, who has been playing sensational tennis since coming back only recently . Moreover, Caroline Wozniacki joined her after she came out of retirement , and now, we’ll have another mother on the Wta Tour, as Naomi Osaka is expected to make her comeback in 2024.
Experienced coach Rick Macci talked to Tennis-Infinity.com about the Japanese player, and despite ‘everybody writing...
- 8/14/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Melbourne, Jan 26 (Ians) No.5 seed Aryna Sabalenka booked her place in her first Grand Slam final with a 7-6(1), 6-2 win over Magda Linette at the Australian Open semifinals, here on Thursday.
Sabalenka, who claimed her 11th career title at the Adelaide International 1 three weeks ago, has now won 10 matches in a row, including a career-best 20 consecutive sets. The longest match winning streak of her career to date is 15, encompassing three titles at Ostrava 2020, Linz 2020 and Abu Dhabi 2021.
The 24-year-old had lost all three of her previous Grand Slam semifinals: to Karolina Pliskova at Wimbledon 2021, Leylah Fernandez at the US Open 2021 and Iga Swiatek at the US Open 2022.
She becomes the fifth player in the Open Era to reach a major final following three or more semifinal losses, joining Gabriela Sabatini, Zina Garrison, Lindsay Davenport and Jennifer Capriati.
Sabalenka will face Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in a final that will...
Sabalenka, who claimed her 11th career title at the Adelaide International 1 three weeks ago, has now won 10 matches in a row, including a career-best 20 consecutive sets. The longest match winning streak of her career to date is 15, encompassing three titles at Ostrava 2020, Linz 2020 and Abu Dhabi 2021.
The 24-year-old had lost all three of her previous Grand Slam semifinals: to Karolina Pliskova at Wimbledon 2021, Leylah Fernandez at the US Open 2021 and Iga Swiatek at the US Open 2022.
She becomes the fifth player in the Open Era to reach a major final following three or more semifinal losses, joining Gabriela Sabatini, Zina Garrison, Lindsay Davenport and Jennifer Capriati.
Sabalenka will face Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in a final that will...
- 1/26/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
The vast majority of sports movies are about exceptional talent. “King Richard” is about exceptional belief: the conviction of one man, Richard Williams, that he could turn his daughters Venus and Serena into the world’s greatest tennis players. It’s a plan he hatched — together with wife/queen Brandi — even before the girls were born and put down in a 78-page manifesto, nearly all of which has come true (or so the film informs us over the end credits). Hindsight makes this a story worth telling. At the time, everyone thought he was crazy. “It’s like asking someone to believe you have the next two Mozarts living in your house,” says one coach, passing up the opportunity of a lifetime.
Featuring a grizzled and nearly unrecognizable Will Smith in the title role, “Monsters and Men” director Reinaldo Marcus Green’s “King Richard” is a good old-fashioned Horatio Alger story for our time,...
Featuring a grizzled and nearly unrecognizable Will Smith in the title role, “Monsters and Men” director Reinaldo Marcus Green’s “King Richard” is a good old-fashioned Horatio Alger story for our time,...
- 9/3/2021
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Will Smith is preparing for his next big role — and embracing a new look to go along with it.
The actor, 51, was photographed on the set of his new film King Richard, which is focused on the life of Richard Williams, father of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams, and how they became who they are after Richard’s coaching throughout their childhoods.
Smith sported a gray beard, black ball cap, gray sweatshirt, black leggings, white pants and a black and white checkered jacket as he worked on the film.
Despite not having an extensive background in tennis, when Serena,...
The actor, 51, was photographed on the set of his new film King Richard, which is focused on the life of Richard Williams, father of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams, and how they became who they are after Richard’s coaching throughout their childhoods.
Smith sported a gray beard, black ball cap, gray sweatshirt, black leggings, white pants and a black and white checkered jacket as he worked on the film.
Despite not having an extensive background in tennis, when Serena,...
- 2/26/2020
- by Alexia Fernandez
- PEOPLE.com
Exclusive: Jon Bernthal is in negotiations to star as coach Rick Macci in King Richard, the Reinaldo Marcus Green-directed Warner Bros drama about how Richard Williams guided his prodigal tennis playing daughters Venus and Serena from the Compton courts to preeminence in the sport. Will Smith plays Richard Williams; Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton were just set as young Venus and Serena Williams, and Aunjanue Ellis will play their mom, Brandi Williams. Zach Baylin wrote the script.
Coming off his role as Lee Iacocca in the Best Picture nominated Ford V Ferrari, Bernthal will play the famed tennis coach who made a deal with Richard Williams to train his daughters, this after watching them at the tender ages of nine and 10 and immediately seeing the potential for speed, power and competitiveness the precocious girls brought to the courts. It was Macci’s task to hone and polish that talent...
Coming off his role as Lee Iacocca in the Best Picture nominated Ford V Ferrari, Bernthal will play the famed tennis coach who made a deal with Richard Williams to train his daughters, this after watching them at the tender ages of nine and 10 and immediately seeing the potential for speed, power and competitiveness the precocious girls brought to the courts. It was Macci’s task to hone and polish that talent...
- 1/16/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Jennifer Capriati, formerly the No. 1 tennis player in the world, is charged with misdemeanor battery and stalking of her ex-boyfriend, Ivan Brannan. The incident took place on Valentine's Day (Feb. 14), when Capriati allegedly punched Brannan in the chest multiple times after tracking him down at a gym. Brannan called 911 from the men's locker room, and cops sent Capriati on her way.
The New York Daily News reports Brannan previously tried to get a restraining order against Capriati, but failed. Police say Brannan ended his relationship with Capriati in February of last year, and has called the police on her no fewer than six times since the breakup. Capriati allegedly blew up 26-year-old Brannan's phone with around 300 text messages in a two-week period leading up to the blowout at the gym.
The 36-year-old former tennis pro does not face arrest but is summoned to appear in a Palm Beach, Fla. court...
The New York Daily News reports Brannan previously tried to get a restraining order against Capriati, but failed. Police say Brannan ended his relationship with Capriati in February of last year, and has called the police on her no fewer than six times since the breakup. Capriati allegedly blew up 26-year-old Brannan's phone with around 300 text messages in a two-week period leading up to the blowout at the gym.
The 36-year-old former tennis pro does not face arrest but is summoned to appear in a Palm Beach, Fla. court...
- 3/21/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Forget love-love for Jennifer Capriati and her ex-boyfriend. The former tennis star, 36 - who won a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics and made a winning return to the sport in the early 2000s - was charged Wednesday with stalking and battery in a Valentine's Day clash with Ivan D. Brannan Jr. The Palm Beach Post reports that the former tennis star was given notice to appear in court April 17. Capriati allegedly punched Brannan in the chest at a local gym. In documents, the description for the stalking charge says that the athlete did "willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follow, harass, or cyberstalk" Brannan between Feb.
- 3/21/2013
- PEOPLE.com
Jennifer ex-boyfriend Ivan Brannan claims the tennis star hit and stalked him. However, Jennifer’s rep tells HollywoodLife.com that the truth will prevail and these accusations are simply not true!
Ivan Brannan is claiming that Jennifer Capriati attacked him at Oxygen Health & Fitness in North Palm Beach, Florida on February 14. The police were told that Ivan ran inside the men’s locker room and called 911 while other gym staffers intervened. Jennifer’s rep says Ivan’s story is an “over exaggeration.”
”There is no arrest warrant for Jennifer Capriati. The case between Ms. Capriati and Mr. Ivan Brannan has not yet been assigned in Palm Beach County and has not been reviewed. The current facts being circulated by Mr. Brannan are an over exaggeration and the police report is one-sided in Mr. Brannan’s favor since they failed to get Ms. Capriati’s side of the story. We will make sure that Ms.
Ivan Brannan is claiming that Jennifer Capriati attacked him at Oxygen Health & Fitness in North Palm Beach, Florida on February 14. The police were told that Ivan ran inside the men’s locker room and called 911 while other gym staffers intervened. Jennifer’s rep says Ivan’s story is an “over exaggeration.”
”There is no arrest warrant for Jennifer Capriati. The case between Ms. Capriati and Mr. Ivan Brannan has not yet been assigned in Palm Beach County and has not been reviewed. The current facts being circulated by Mr. Brannan are an over exaggeration and the police report is one-sided in Mr. Brannan’s favor since they failed to get Ms. Capriati’s side of the story. We will make sure that Ms.
- 3/9/2013
- by Christopher Rogers
- HollywoodLife
An arrest warrant is being sought for Tennis Hall of Famer Jennifer Capriati, according to Gossip Extra. It seems the North Palm Beach Police Department, in Palm Beach, Fla., may be seeking a warrant after a February 14 incident.
Capriati, a former women's tennis champion, allegedly ran into a former boyfriend, Ivan Brannan, at a gym, and the reunion didn't go well. The report says she struck him in the chest with her fist multiple times, before a yoga instructor intervened. At that time, Brannan reportedly took cover in the men's locker room and called 911.
Once 911 was called, Capriati supposedly left. She was stopped by cops, who verified her identity and let her go. A spokesman with the Palm Beach County State Attorney's office declined to comment on the possibility of any warrant.
Capriati, a former women's tennis champion, allegedly ran into a former boyfriend, Ivan Brannan, at a gym, and the reunion didn't go well. The report says she struck him in the chest with her fist multiple times, before a yoga instructor intervened. At that time, Brannan reportedly took cover in the men's locker room and called 911.
Once 911 was called, Capriati supposedly left. She was stopped by cops, who verified her identity and let her go. A spokesman with the Palm Beach County State Attorney's office declined to comment on the possibility of any warrant.
- 3/9/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Jennifer Capriati may be a wanted woman ... because she may be on the receiving end of an arrest warrant after allegedly beating on her ex-bf.The North Palm Beach Police Dept. is reportedly seeking an arrest warrant, after Jennifer -- who won 2 Australian Open and one French Open -- allegedly punched Ivan Brannan in the chest several times ... this according to Gossip Extra.Interestingly ... Brannan was shut down after trying to get a restraining order against Capriati,...
- 3/9/2013
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Serena Williams thoroughly thumped Maria Sharapova in the women's singles gold medal match at the 2012 Summer Olympics, winning 6-0, 6-1 in a match that lasted barely over an hour. And the score didn't even really reflect how dominant Williams was.
It wasn't a huge surprise, though. Historically, Williams has generally had Sharapova's number. They've met 11 times now and Sharapova has only won twice, both back in 2004. This is 31-year-old Serena's first women's singles gold medal. She previously won gold in women's doubles with her sister Venus in 2000 and 2008. They will try to three-peat later in London.
With this win, Serena becomes the first woman in history to have won all four Grand Slam titles (Australian Open, French Open, U.S. Open and Wimbledon) and Olympic gold in both singles and doubles.
In her post-match interview, Serena says of the win, "I have a gold medal in singles! I never thought.
It wasn't a huge surprise, though. Historically, Williams has generally had Sharapova's number. They've met 11 times now and Sharapova has only won twice, both back in 2004. This is 31-year-old Serena's first women's singles gold medal. She previously won gold in women's doubles with her sister Venus in 2000 and 2008. They will try to three-peat later in London.
With this win, Serena becomes the first woman in history to have won all four Grand Slam titles (Australian Open, French Open, U.S. Open and Wimbledon) and Olympic gold in both singles and doubles.
In her post-match interview, Serena says of the win, "I have a gold medal in singles! I never thought.
- 8/4/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
As the 130th U.S. Open tennis championships gets under way today in post-hurricane New York, I can’t help but wonder aloud why Hollywood has consistently failed to make a great good decent mediocre film about the sport so many of its members play. Like Hollywood’s favorite go-to sport, boxing, tennis is a game that pits two competitors in a clash of wills, both physical and mental. They are alone on the court for hours at a time, with no one to hate but their opponent and no one to blame but themselves (okay, and the occasional line judge). Moreover,...
- 8/29/2011
- by Jeff Labrecque
- EW.com - PopWatch
Tennis games have long been a staple of video gaming ever since the early days of the Grandstand “console” and the likes of Pong with its paddle controls. Since then we’ve had numerous games on many different formats, some successful – Virtua Tennis, some not so much – Jennifer Capriati Tennis. There have also been different takes on video game tennis, from fun games like Wii Sports to true tennis simulations like Top Spin… Of which Top Spin 4 is the latest iteration.
Top Spin 4, developed by 2K Czech, published by 2K Sports and released on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii, is (as per the title) the fourth game in the Top Spin series and features licensed professional players and venues, including tennis superstars such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi.
After the third installment, which overly complicated the technical aspects of the game...
Top Spin 4, developed by 2K Czech, published by 2K Sports and released on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii, is (as per the title) the fourth game in the Top Spin series and features licensed professional players and venues, including tennis superstars such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi.
After the third installment, which overly complicated the technical aspects of the game...
- 3/27/2011
- by Phil
- Nerdly
She’s always been easy on the eyes, and on Tuesday (August 17) Jennifer Capriati was spotted sunning herself at Palmizana Bay in the Croatian Islands of Pakleni.
The former tennis ace looked to be in top form as she hung out with her friend Iva Majoli, sporting a sexy two-piece swimsuit.
It’s great to see Jennifer out and about these days, especially considering she almost died back in June when she had an accidental overdose of prescription medication.
Since her retirement from professional tennis, Capriati has been having a tough time. A pal told press, “She said tennis gives her the structure. Without that, that's when the problems ensue and she's had trouble finding an identity and a sense of purpose, especially when you're not able to finish on her own terms. She's in tremendous pain physically and mentally. She struggled with depression, and it's a tough story.”...
The former tennis ace looked to be in top form as she hung out with her friend Iva Majoli, sporting a sexy two-piece swimsuit.
It’s great to see Jennifer out and about these days, especially considering she almost died back in June when she had an accidental overdose of prescription medication.
Since her retirement from professional tennis, Capriati has been having a tough time. A pal told press, “She said tennis gives her the structure. Without that, that's when the problems ensue and she's had trouble finding an identity and a sense of purpose, especially when you're not able to finish on her own terms. She's in tremendous pain physically and mentally. She struggled with depression, and it's a tough story.”...
- 8/19/2010
- GossipCenter
She’s always been easy on the eyes, and on Tuesday (August 17) Jennifer Capriati was spotted sunning herself at Palmizana Bay in the Croatian Islands of Pakleni.
The former tennis ace looked to be in top form as she hung out with her friend Iva Majoli, sporting a sexy two-piece swimsuit.
It’s great to see Jennifer out and about these days, especially considering she almost died back in June when she had an accidental overdose of prescription medication.
Since her retirement from professional tennis, Capriati has been having a tough time. A pal told press, “She said tennis gives her the structure. Without that, that's when the problems ensue and she's had trouble finding an identity and a sense of purpose, especially when you're not able to finish on her own terms. She's in tremendous pain physically and mentally. She struggled with depression, and it's a tough story.”...
The former tennis ace looked to be in top form as she hung out with her friend Iva Majoli, sporting a sexy two-piece swimsuit.
It’s great to see Jennifer out and about these days, especially considering she almost died back in June when she had an accidental overdose of prescription medication.
Since her retirement from professional tennis, Capriati has been having a tough time. A pal told press, “She said tennis gives her the structure. Without that, that's when the problems ensue and she's had trouble finding an identity and a sense of purpose, especially when you're not able to finish on her own terms. She's in tremendous pain physically and mentally. She struggled with depression, and it's a tough story.”...
- 8/19/2010
- GossipCenter
It is Tila Tequila's words against her own rep's when it comes to whether or not she was signed to "Celebrity Rehab". The latest rumor floating around says the bisexual reality star has been dropped from the show's list but her rep denies she was ever officially involved.
"There was no confirmed time that she was going to be a part of 'Celebrity Rehab'," the rep tells the Daily News. Back in early June, Tequila wrote on her blog, "So it's Official! I am confirmed and have definitely decided to sign on to join 'Celebrity Rehab 4 With Doctor Drew' on VH1!!!!!!!!!!"
Tequila was included to battle her addiction to sleeping pills Ambien. With her withdrawal, "Celebrity Rehab" is now officially in trouble because the pint-size star is expected to be the center of attention. The filming is also to begin later this month, but not enough celebrities have signed up for the show to commence.
"There was no confirmed time that she was going to be a part of 'Celebrity Rehab'," the rep tells the Daily News. Back in early June, Tequila wrote on her blog, "So it's Official! I am confirmed and have definitely decided to sign on to join 'Celebrity Rehab 4 With Doctor Drew' on VH1!!!!!!!!!!"
Tequila was included to battle her addiction to sleeping pills Ambien. With her withdrawal, "Celebrity Rehab" is now officially in trouble because the pint-size star is expected to be the center of attention. The filming is also to begin later this month, but not enough celebrities have signed up for the show to commence.
- 7/13/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
'Celebrity Rehab' Tries to Net Jennifer Capriati
The people behind "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew" have their sights set on former tennis star Jennifer Capriati and are willing to pay a pretty penny to get her to sign ... TMZ has learned.
Sources say "Rehab" producers are in talks with Capriati -- who accidentally overdosed on prescription meds last month -- and are willing to pay her top dollar to make her their ace in the hole for the upcoming season.
Although nothing is set in stone right now, we're told Capriati would be the big star the show desperately needs, since it's only landed B-teamers like Tila Tequila, Shauna Sand, and Jason Wahler.
Source: TMZ...
The people behind "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew" have their sights set on former tennis star Jennifer Capriati and are willing to pay a pretty penny to get her to sign ... TMZ has learned.
Sources say "Rehab" producers are in talks with Capriati -- who accidentally overdosed on prescription meds last month -- and are willing to pay her top dollar to make her their ace in the hole for the upcoming season.
Although nothing is set in stone right now, we're told Capriati would be the big star the show desperately needs, since it's only landed B-teamers like Tila Tequila, Shauna Sand, and Jason Wahler.
Source: TMZ...
- 7/3/2010
- by tmz
- Gossipvita
The people behind " Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew " have their sights set on former tennis star Jennifer Capriati and are willing to pay a pretty penny to get her to sign ... TMZ has learned. Sources say "Rehab" producers are in talks with Capriati -- who accidentally overdosed on prescription meds last month -- and are willing to pay her top dollar to make her their ace in the hole for the upcoming season. Although nothing...
- 7/3/2010
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Jennifer Capriati was suffering from depression before her recent drug overdose, it has been claimed. The 34-year-old is currently recovering in hospital after an "accidental" overdose of prescription medication. A friend told CBS News that Capriati had found it difficult to cope when injury forced her to give up tennis. Justin Gimelstob said: "She struggled with depression, and it's a tough story. "She said tennis gives her the structure. Without that, that's when the (more)...
- 6/30/2010
- by By Christian Tobin
- Digital Spy
Even though Jennifer Capriati is said to be recovering fully from a prescription medication overdose, a friend says she still has a long road ahead. "She has a huge void that she needs to fill," former tennis star Justin Gimelstob tells The Early Show on CBS. "She's in tremendous pain physically and mentally. She struggled with depression, and it's a tough story." Capriati, 34, a onetime teen sensation who would go to be ranked No. 1, lacked a normal childhood and the "social interaction" to help her later in life, says Gimelstob.Archive: Jennifer Capriati: Losing Her Grip"She said tennis gives her structure.
- 6/29/2010
- by Dahvi Shira
- PEOPLE.com
Jennifer Capriati's Ex -- 'Perfect Storm' Caused Od
Jennifer Capriati's ex-boyfriend says he believes two big things went down in her life that caused her to accidentally Od on prescription drugs -- his return to porn and her depression over tennis.
Dale DaBone dated Jen from 2003-2009 -- if DaBone sounds like a porn star name ... that's because it is -- and DaBone has 443 films under DaBelt.
DaBone claims Jen got horribly depressed every time a grand slam event went down. Interestingly, the Od occurred Sunday, during the time Wimbledon was on. Jen would always complain she was forced out of tennis because of injuries and began taking prescription meds.
But there's something else that DaBone says sent Jen on a downward spiral -- his recent return to porn ... something Jen despised. DaBone signed on with Vivid Entertainment to star in "Batman XXX: A Porn Parody."
DaBone tells TMZ after Jen Od'd,...
Jennifer Capriati's ex-boyfriend says he believes two big things went down in her life that caused her to accidentally Od on prescription drugs -- his return to porn and her depression over tennis.
Dale DaBone dated Jen from 2003-2009 -- if DaBone sounds like a porn star name ... that's because it is -- and DaBone has 443 films under DaBelt.
DaBone claims Jen got horribly depressed every time a grand slam event went down. Interestingly, the Od occurred Sunday, during the time Wimbledon was on. Jen would always complain she was forced out of tennis because of injuries and began taking prescription meds.
But there's something else that DaBone says sent Jen on a downward spiral -- his recent return to porn ... something Jen despised. DaBone signed on with Vivid Entertainment to star in "Batman XXX: A Porn Parody."
DaBone tells TMZ after Jen Od'd,...
- 6/29/2010
- by tmz
- Gossipvita
Jennifer Capriati 's ex-boyfriend says he believes two big things went down in her life that caused her to accidentally Od on prescription drugs -- his return to porn and her depression over tennis. Dale DaBone dated Jen from 2003-2009 -- if DaBone sounds like a porn star name ... that's because it is -- and DaBone has 443 films under DaBelt. DaBone claims Jen got horribly depressed every time a grand slam event went down. Interestingly,...
- 6/29/2010
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Former tennis ace Jennifer Capriati was hospitalised on Sunday, June 27 after taking an "accidental overdose" of prescription medication, according to members of her family. The sports star, 34, was admitted to a Florida medical facility after paramedics were called to a hotel in Riviera Beach.
Capriati was still receiving treatment on Monday, June 28 but her relatives have played down the incident amid speculation about the drugs she had taken. Family members tell TMZ.com Capriati is "recuperating at a South Florida hospital from an accidental overdose of medication prescribed to Jen by her personal physicians".
The former women's world number one, who has three Grand Slam titles to her name, has previously battled eating disorders and suffered from depression.
Capriati was still receiving treatment on Monday, June 28 but her relatives have played down the incident amid speculation about the drugs she had taken. Family members tell TMZ.com Capriati is "recuperating at a South Florida hospital from an accidental overdose of medication prescribed to Jen by her personal physicians".
The former women's world number one, who has three Grand Slam titles to her name, has previously battled eating disorders and suffered from depression.
- 6/29/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Washington - Long-troubled Us tennis star Jennifer Capriati, 34, suffered an accidental overdose of prescription medication and is hospitalized in South Florida, a spokeswoman said Monday. 'Jen is recovering fully and speedily,' family representative Lacey Wickline told the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Sun-Sentinel newspaper. The problem reportedly occurred on Sunday. Capriati, who has a history of problems with drug abuse since her professional tennis debut, has 14 career titles including three major tournaments and was once ranked number one in the world. She has not played professionally in six years.
- 6/29/2010
- Monsters and Critics
Jennifer Capriati is recovering in a Florida hospital from an accidental drug overdose. The 34-year-old former tennis champion is said to be in stable condition and is receiving treatment from several doctors for a condition that her spokesperson Lacey Wickline declined to reveal, reports The AP. "It is for the same treatment. They (doctors) are all on the same page," she said. A statement released Monday read: "In response to an outpouring of concern and support shown by Jennifer's fans and friends worldwide, we would (more)...
- 6/29/2010
- by By Jennifer Still
- Digital Spy
Former tennis star Jennifer Capriati is recovering "fully and stably" from an accidental overdose of prescription medication, a family rep says. The 34-year-old onetime prodigy, whose career was derailed by drugs, rehab and other personal problems, was transported to a Florida hospital at about 7 a.m. Sunday from her condo near Palm Beach in a response to a 911 call, a source tells People. Family spokesperson Lacey Wickline says in a statment to the Associated Press, "In response to an outpouring of concern and support shown by Jennifer's fans and friends worldwide, we would like to acknowledge that Jen is recuperating...
- 6/28/2010
- PEOPLE.com
Former tennis ace Jennifer Capriati was hospitalised on Sunday after taking an "accidental overdose" of prescription medication, according to members of her family.
The sports star, 34, was admitted to a Florida medical facility after paramedics were called to a hotel in Riviera Beach.
Capriati was still receiving treatment on Monday but her relatives have played down the incident amid speculation about the drugs she had taken.
Family members tell TMZ.com Capriati is "recuperating at a South Florida hospital from an accidental overdose of medication prescribed to Jen by her personal physicians".
The former women's world number one, who has three Grand Slam titles to her name, has previously battled eating disorders and suffered from depression.
The sports star, 34, was admitted to a Florida medical facility after paramedics were called to a hotel in Riviera Beach.
Capriati was still receiving treatment on Monday but her relatives have played down the incident amid speculation about the drugs she had taken.
Family members tell TMZ.com Capriati is "recuperating at a South Florida hospital from an accidental overdose of medication prescribed to Jen by her personal physicians".
The former women's world number one, who has three Grand Slam titles to her name, has previously battled eating disorders and suffered from depression.
- 6/28/2010
- WENN
Former tennis prodigy Jennifer Capriati, who is as notorious for her youthful indiscretions with marijuana and shoplifting as she is for her athleticism, is in the news again today. Sadly, it appears that Capriati overdosed on pills and was hospitalized yesterday, but her condition is now stable. Capriati’s father claims that an accidental Od of prescription medications is to blame, but judging from the Twitter account of Jennifer’s ex-boyfriend, porn star Dale DaBone, it appears that the Od was intentional and a result of their breakup. DaBone (whose real is name Dale Rutter) has been tweeting all day about Capriati’s condition and at one point wrote “I just talked to her…she said it was because of me…I wanna puke right now.” In spite of his porny name and the fact that he’s taking such a serious matter to the Twitterverse, DaBone seems truly broken up about Capriati’s condition.
- 6/28/2010
- by Liz Black
- VH1.com
Capriati Family -- Prescription Meds Caused Od
Jennifer Capriati's family says the former tennis star is still hospitalized after an overdose this weekend -- and they say prescription meds are to blame. TMZ broke the story -- Jennifer was taken to a hospital early Sunday morning when paramedics responded to call for an accidental overdose.
Jennifer's family tells us she is "recuperating at a South Florida hospital from an accidental overdose of medication prescribed to Jen by her personal physicians."
They were not specific about what drugs she was prescribed.
Jennifer has admitted suffering from depression and having suicidal thoughts.
Source: TMZ...
Jennifer Capriati's family says the former tennis star is still hospitalized after an overdose this weekend -- and they say prescription meds are to blame. TMZ broke the story -- Jennifer was taken to a hospital early Sunday morning when paramedics responded to call for an accidental overdose.
Jennifer's family tells us she is "recuperating at a South Florida hospital from an accidental overdose of medication prescribed to Jen by her personal physicians."
They were not specific about what drugs she was prescribed.
Jennifer has admitted suffering from depression and having suicidal thoughts.
Source: TMZ...
- 6/28/2010
- by tmz
- Gossipvita
Jennifer Capriati rushed to hospital after drug overdose. According to TMZ, Jennifer Capriati, once the number one ranked tennis player in the world, was rushed to the hospital this morning following an alleged drug overdose. The website states that paramedics responded to a call regarding a possible drug overdose. The call reportedly came from a hotel in Riviera Beach, Florida. Jennifer was transported to a nearby hospital. Jennifer's father revealed that she's recovering from the incident. Jennifer has experienced some major success throughout her career as a tennis star. She's won 14 career titles including three Grand Slam tournaments, which include the 2001 French Open, the 2001 and 2002 Australian Open. She also managed to take the gold medal in the 1992 Olympic Games. Jennifer reportedly developed a drug addiction as a teenager but bounced back from it in her early 20's to reach the top of the professional women's tennis scene. There's no news...
- 6/28/2010
- Reel Empire
Former tennis ace Jennifer Capriati has been admitted to hospital after allegedly suffering a suspected overdose. The sports star, 34, was taken to a Florida medical facility on Sunday, June 27 morning after paramedics were called to a hotel in Riviera Beach, reports TMZ.com.
Capriati's dad, Stefano, reportedly tells the website the Olympic gold medal-winner is in a stable condition and recovering well. No further information was available as WENN went to press.
Capriati, who earned $1 million before she was 16 from tennis, had a history with drugs. She was charged with cannabis possession in 1994 and spent time in a drug rehabilitation clinic. "Jennifer went from being happy to sad and fearful, and as a parent I felt plenty of guilt and shame for the role I played in that," her mother said back then.
Capriati's dad, Stefano, reportedly tells the website the Olympic gold medal-winner is in a stable condition and recovering well. No further information was available as WENN went to press.
Capriati, who earned $1 million before she was 16 from tennis, had a history with drugs. She was charged with cannabis possession in 1994 and spent time in a drug rehabilitation clinic. "Jennifer went from being happy to sad and fearful, and as a parent I felt plenty of guilt and shame for the role I played in that," her mother said back then.
- 6/28/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Former tennis ace Jennifer Capriati has been admitted to hospital after allegedly suffering a suspected overdose.
The sports star, 34, was taken to a Florida medical facility on Sunday morning after paramedics were called to a hotel in Riviera Beach, reports TMZ.com.
Capriati's dad, Stefano, reportedly tells the website the Olympic gold medal-winner is in a stable condition and recovering well.
No further information was available as WENN went to press.
The sports star, 34, was taken to a Florida medical facility on Sunday morning after paramedics were called to a hotel in Riviera Beach, reports TMZ.com.
Capriati's dad, Stefano, reportedly tells the website the Olympic gold medal-winner is in a stable condition and recovering well.
No further information was available as WENN went to press.
- 6/28/2010
- WENN
Jennifer Capriati Hospitalized After Apparent Od
TMZ has learned former teen tennis star Jennifer Capriati was rushed to the hospital early this morning after paramedics responded to a call for a possible overdose.
Sources tell TMZ the call came from a hotel in Riviera Beach, Fl. Capriati was transported to a nearby hospital.
TMZ spoke with Jennifer's father who tells us she's recovering well.
Capriati won 14 career titles, including three Grand Slams. She also won a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics.
Source: TMZ...
TMZ has learned former teen tennis star Jennifer Capriati was rushed to the hospital early this morning after paramedics responded to a call for a possible overdose.
Sources tell TMZ the call came from a hotel in Riviera Beach, Fl. Capriati was transported to a nearby hospital.
TMZ spoke with Jennifer's father who tells us she's recovering well.
Capriati won 14 career titles, including three Grand Slams. She also won a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics.
Source: TMZ...
- 6/28/2010
- by tmz
- Gossipvita
Tennis Star Jennifer Capriati rushed to hospital for drug overdose. According to TMZ, former number one ranked tennis player in the world Jennifer Capriati was recently rushed to the hospital this morning due to an alleged drug overdose. They say that the paramedics responded to a call for a possible overdose. The call came from a hotel in Riviera Beach,Florida. Jennifer was then transported to a nearby hospital. Her father revealed that she's recovering well from the incident. Jennifer Capriati won 14 career titles,including three Grand Slam tournaments,which include the 2001 French Open,the 2001 and 2002 Australian Open. She also won the gold metal in the 1992 Olympic Games.
- 6/28/2010
- by Andre@ontheflix
- OnTheFlix
Former teen tennis star Jennifer Capriati was rushed to a Riviera Beach, Fla., hospital early Sunday (June 27). Paramedics responded to a possible overdose emergency call from her hotel.
TMZ spoke with Capriati's father, who says she's recovering well.
Capriati was the Tracy Austin of the early 1990s, turning pro at the unprecedented age of 13. She was a semifinalist at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 1991, took a break from the tour in the mid-'90s and eventually coming back to win the Australian Open in 2001.
She has 15 career titles, including three Grand Slams. She also won a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics. But she went through some tough times in her late teens.
At 18 she moved out of her parents' home and into her own apartment. In May 1994 she was arrested in Coral Gables, Fla., for possession of marijuana. Two teen pals with her were charged with possession of heroin and suspected crack cocaine.
TMZ spoke with Capriati's father, who says she's recovering well.
Capriati was the Tracy Austin of the early 1990s, turning pro at the unprecedented age of 13. She was a semifinalist at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 1991, took a break from the tour in the mid-'90s and eventually coming back to win the Australian Open in 2001.
She has 15 career titles, including three Grand Slams. She also won a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics. But she went through some tough times in her late teens.
At 18 she moved out of her parents' home and into her own apartment. In May 1994 she was arrested in Coral Gables, Fla., for possession of marijuana. Two teen pals with her were charged with possession of heroin and suspected crack cocaine.
- 6/28/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
While ABC's Superstars competition hasn't been performing well in the ratings, the show has been attracting an average of more than three million viewers each week. The millions who turned in to see the finale last night got quite a surprise.
The Superstars teams celebrities with professional athletes and pits them against other pairs in a series of competitions. One duo of players is eliminated each week.
The eight celebs are David Charvet, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Dan Cortese, Paige Hemmis, Julio Iglesias Jr., Joanna Krupa, Ali Landry and Estella Warren. The athlete participants are Jennifer Capriati, Brandi Chastain, Robert Horry, Jeff Kent, Kristi Leskinen, Lisa Leslie, Bode Miller and Terrell Owens.
The show's ratings for this season started off at just 4.27 million viewers with a 1.5/5 rating/share in the 18-49 demographic. The numbers have fallen from there and last week hit a low of 3.15 million and a 1.0/3 in the demo. With numbers like these,...
The Superstars teams celebrities with professional athletes and pits them against other pairs in a series of competitions. One duo of players is eliminated each week.
The eight celebs are David Charvet, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Dan Cortese, Paige Hemmis, Julio Iglesias Jr., Joanna Krupa, Ali Landry and Estella Warren. The athlete participants are Jennifer Capriati, Brandi Chastain, Robert Horry, Jeff Kent, Kristi Leskinen, Lisa Leslie, Bode Miller and Terrell Owens.
The show's ratings for this season started off at just 4.27 million viewers with a 1.5/5 rating/share in the 18-49 demographic. The numbers have fallen from there and last week hit a low of 3.15 million and a 1.0/3 in the demo. With numbers like these,...
- 7/29/2009
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
A cross between Battle of the Network Stars and Wipeout, ABC has kicked off yet another celebrity competition series. But, how is the show stacking up -- should it be kicked off the schedule?
The Superstars first premiered on ABC in the 1970s as part of Wide World of Sports. That version puts athletic champions against one another in various sports to determine the best overall athlete.
This latest version of Superstars teams celebrities with professional athletes and pits them against one another in a series of competitions. One pair of players is eliminated each week.
The eight celebs are David Charvet, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Dan Cortese, Paige Hemmis, Julio Iglesias Jr., Joanna Krupa, Ali Landry and Estella Warren. The athlete participants are Jennifer Capriati, Brandi Chastain, Robert Horry, Jeff Kent, Kristi Leskinen, Lisa Leslie, Bode Miller and Terrell Owens.
The six episodes of the competition were shot at the Atlantis...
The Superstars first premiered on ABC in the 1970s as part of Wide World of Sports. That version puts athletic champions against one another in various sports to determine the best overall athlete.
This latest version of Superstars teams celebrities with professional athletes and pits them against one another in a series of competitions. One pair of players is eliminated each week.
The eight celebs are David Charvet, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Dan Cortese, Paige Hemmis, Julio Iglesias Jr., Joanna Krupa, Ali Landry and Estella Warren. The athlete participants are Jennifer Capriati, Brandi Chastain, Robert Horry, Jeff Kent, Kristi Leskinen, Lisa Leslie, Bode Miller and Terrell Owens.
The six episodes of the competition were shot at the Atlantis...
- 7/3/2009
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
ABC's reality series "The Superstars" will feature the eight teams facing some tough, new challenges on Tuesday, July 7.
The show features teams made up of eight professional athletes and eight celebrities who are paired together to compete for the title of The Superstars Champion. The team pairings are Terrell Owens & Joanna Krupa; Jeff Kent & Ali Landry; Robert Horry & Estella Warren; Bode Miller & Paige Hemmis; Kristi Leskinen & Maksim Chmerkovskiy; Lisa Leslie & Dan Cortese; Jennifer Capriati & David Charvet; and Brandi Chastain & Julio Iglesias, Jr.
The new challenges include a lagoon swim, with teams lining up on the beach and one team member swimming across the lagoon. Once the finish line is crossed, the second team member will follow. The next challenge will feature a basketball game, with each team given 60 seconds to shoot and score as many points as they can with baskets that have assigned points of 5, 4, 3, 2, and1.
The series is...
The show features teams made up of eight professional athletes and eight celebrities who are paired together to compete for the title of The Superstars Champion. The team pairings are Terrell Owens & Joanna Krupa; Jeff Kent & Ali Landry; Robert Horry & Estella Warren; Bode Miller & Paige Hemmis; Kristi Leskinen & Maksim Chmerkovskiy; Lisa Leslie & Dan Cortese; Jennifer Capriati & David Charvet; and Brandi Chastain & Julio Iglesias, Jr.
The new challenges include a lagoon swim, with teams lining up on the beach and one team member swimming across the lagoon. Once the finish line is crossed, the second team member will follow. The next challenge will feature a basketball game, with each team given 60 seconds to shoot and score as many points as they can with baskets that have assigned points of 5, 4, 3, 2, and1.
The series is...
- 6/24/2009
- icelebz.com
Former Baywatch hunk David Charvet and actresses Estella Warren and Ali Landry will compete with America's top athletes as part of a supercharged new reality TV show.
The Hollywood celebrities will be among the non-athletes challenging professional sportsmen and women including tennis ace Jennifer Capriati, basketball stars Robert Horry and Lisa Leslie, skiing king Bode Miller and American footballer Terrell Owens in a new The Superstars show.
Each Hollywood star will be paired up with an athlete for weekly contests in sporting events like swimming, cycling and kayaking.
A two-man team will be eliminated at the end of every challenge.
Landry will be teamed up with retired baseball star Jeff Kent, Planet of The Apes star Warren - a former synchronised swimmer - will work with Horry and Charvet will be matched with Capriati.
The all-action show is expected to be a summer hit in the U.S. when it debuts in June.
The Hollywood celebrities will be among the non-athletes challenging professional sportsmen and women including tennis ace Jennifer Capriati, basketball stars Robert Horry and Lisa Leslie, skiing king Bode Miller and American footballer Terrell Owens in a new The Superstars show.
Each Hollywood star will be paired up with an athlete for weekly contests in sporting events like swimming, cycling and kayaking.
A two-man team will be eliminated at the end of every challenge.
Landry will be teamed up with retired baseball star Jeff Kent, Planet of The Apes star Warren - a former synchronised swimmer - will work with Horry and Charvet will be matched with Capriati.
The all-action show is expected to be a summer hit in the U.S. when it debuts in June.
- 4/22/2009
- WENN
A bunch of celebrities will challenge their physical fitness with the assistance of professional athletes. A new series coming to ABC, "The Superstars" will pair up the stars with the sportsmen and have them going through a series of sports branch challenges such as swimming, biking, kayaking and running.
In the list of celebrities are David Charvet, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Dan Cortese, Paige Hemmis, Julio Iglesias, Jr., Joanna Krupa, Ali Landry and Estella Warren. Meanwhile, the athletes are Jennifer Capriati, Brandi Chastain, Robert Horry, Jeff Kent, Kristi Leskinen, Lisa Leslie, Bode Miller and Terrell Owens.
The pairing is arranged as: Terrell Owens & Joanna Krupa; Jeff Kent & Ali Landry; Robert Horry & Estella Warren: Bode Miller & Paige Hemmis; Kristi Leskinen & Maksim Chmerkovskiy; Lisa Leslie & Dan Cortese; Jennifer Capriati & David Charvet; and Brandi Chastain & Julio Iglesias, Jr.
The show which is in the manner of "Wide World of Sport" will premiere on June...
In the list of celebrities are David Charvet, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Dan Cortese, Paige Hemmis, Julio Iglesias, Jr., Joanna Krupa, Ali Landry and Estella Warren. Meanwhile, the athletes are Jennifer Capriati, Brandi Chastain, Robert Horry, Jeff Kent, Kristi Leskinen, Lisa Leslie, Bode Miller and Terrell Owens.
The pairing is arranged as: Terrell Owens & Joanna Krupa; Jeff Kent & Ali Landry; Robert Horry & Estella Warren: Bode Miller & Paige Hemmis; Kristi Leskinen & Maksim Chmerkovskiy; Lisa Leslie & Dan Cortese; Jennifer Capriati & David Charvet; and Brandi Chastain & Julio Iglesias, Jr.
The show which is in the manner of "Wide World of Sport" will premiere on June...
- 4/22/2009
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
TV stars Matthew Perry and Kristin Davis are Hollywood's new 'it' couple, according to new reports. The couple were spotted kissing while dining at Los Angeles restaurant La Dolce Vita recently, where they shared a ice-cream and looked like a couple in love. A fellow diner tells US magazine Life & Style, "He kept his arm around her the entire time and kissed her forehead at one point." Meanwhile, a friend of Sex And The City star Davis' says, "She's really fallen for Matthew." The two singles have a string of romance stories to their credits - Perry is often romantically linked to tennis player pal Jennifer Capriati and has recently been connected to actress Piper Perabo, while Davis swore tales of her dating Steve Martin and Brit Damian Lewis were untrue.
- 3/30/2006
- WENN
AFI Fest
This Canadian documentary goes behind the scenes of the women's tennis tour, offering an insider's view of the most lucrative sport for female athletes. Helmers Bobbi Jo Krals and Abbey Jack Neidik wisely focus on Sonya Jeyaseelan, an articulate 25-year-old who's struggling through a difficult tour, but their film also offers testimony from such superstars as Martina Hingis and Jennifer Capriati as well as the insights of former champ Billie Jean King. The picture that emerges is that of an insular and grueling traveling circus of highly competitive athletes and the media who follow them.
"She Got Game" is a perceptive, if hardly earth-shattering, commentary on such themes as celebrity, competition and identity. It's a sure fit for sports- and docu-themed cable channels, and DVD potential is strong given the 100-plus hours of footage the filmmakers gathered for their 78-minute film. Editor Howard Goldberg has done a stellar job of interweaving the dozens of interviews and other material.
Ranked 47th in the world when the film begins, Jeyaseelan has devoted her life to tennis, as is the case with most of the girls on the tour. Childhood is an abstraction for athletes who start training as young as 4, and few of them graduate high school. As numerous sports journalists, coaches and players note, for those who don't make it into the high-stakes elite, there's little glamour in the 30 weeks a year spent on the road, battling injuries and mental fatigue and never quite experiencing life outside the bubble. When Jeyaseelan finally takes time off, her revelation of life without tennis is like that of someone letting herself out of prison.
The docu examines the celebrity status of such players as The Williams Sisters and Anna Kournikova and the showbiz edge that corporate sponsorships bring to the game, just as they do for men's professional sports. That such star packaging is often more about sex than athletic accomplishment will come as no surprise to anyone, but without being heavy-handed, the film makes its points regarding the role models these players are to countless young girls.
This Canadian documentary goes behind the scenes of the women's tennis tour, offering an insider's view of the most lucrative sport for female athletes. Helmers Bobbi Jo Krals and Abbey Jack Neidik wisely focus on Sonya Jeyaseelan, an articulate 25-year-old who's struggling through a difficult tour, but their film also offers testimony from such superstars as Martina Hingis and Jennifer Capriati as well as the insights of former champ Billie Jean King. The picture that emerges is that of an insular and grueling traveling circus of highly competitive athletes and the media who follow them.
"She Got Game" is a perceptive, if hardly earth-shattering, commentary on such themes as celebrity, competition and identity. It's a sure fit for sports- and docu-themed cable channels, and DVD potential is strong given the 100-plus hours of footage the filmmakers gathered for their 78-minute film. Editor Howard Goldberg has done a stellar job of interweaving the dozens of interviews and other material.
Ranked 47th in the world when the film begins, Jeyaseelan has devoted her life to tennis, as is the case with most of the girls on the tour. Childhood is an abstraction for athletes who start training as young as 4, and few of them graduate high school. As numerous sports journalists, coaches and players note, for those who don't make it into the high-stakes elite, there's little glamour in the 30 weeks a year spent on the road, battling injuries and mental fatigue and never quite experiencing life outside the bubble. When Jeyaseelan finally takes time off, her revelation of life without tennis is like that of someone letting herself out of prison.
The docu examines the celebrity status of such players as The Williams Sisters and Anna Kournikova and the showbiz edge that corporate sponsorships bring to the game, just as they do for men's professional sports. That such star packaging is often more about sex than athletic accomplishment will come as no surprise to anyone, but without being heavy-handed, the film makes its points regarding the role models these players are to countless young girls.
AFI Fest
This Canadian documentary goes behind the scenes of the women's tennis tour, offering an insider's view of the most lucrative sport for female athletes. Helmers Bobbi Jo Krals and Abbey Jack Neidik wisely focus on Sonya Jeyaseelan, an articulate 25-year-old who's struggling through a difficult tour, but their film also offers testimony from such superstars as Martina Hingis and Jennifer Capriati as well as the insights of former champ Billie Jean King. The picture that emerges is that of an insular and grueling traveling circus of highly competitive athletes and the media who follow them.
"She Got Game" is a perceptive, if hardly earth-shattering, commentary on such themes as celebrity, competition and identity. It's a sure fit for sports- and docu-themed cable channels, and DVD potential is strong given the 100-plus hours of footage the filmmakers gathered for their 78-minute film. Editor Howard Goldberg has done a stellar job of interweaving the dozens of interviews and other material.
Ranked 47th in the world when the film begins, Jeyaseelan has devoted her life to tennis, as is the case with most of the girls on the tour. Childhood is an abstraction for athletes who start training as young as 4, and few of them graduate high school. As numerous sports journalists, coaches and players note, for those who don't make it into the high-stakes elite, there's little glamour in the 30 weeks a year spent on the road, battling injuries and mental fatigue and never quite experiencing life outside the bubble. When Jeyaseelan finally takes time off, her revelation of life without tennis is like that of someone letting herself out of prison.
The docu examines the celebrity status of such players as The Williams Sisters and Anna Kournikova and the showbiz edge that corporate sponsorships bring to the game, just as they do for men's professional sports. That such star packaging is often more about sex than athletic accomplishment will come as no surprise to anyone, but without being heavy-handed, the film makes its points regarding the role models these players are to countless young girls.
This Canadian documentary goes behind the scenes of the women's tennis tour, offering an insider's view of the most lucrative sport for female athletes. Helmers Bobbi Jo Krals and Abbey Jack Neidik wisely focus on Sonya Jeyaseelan, an articulate 25-year-old who's struggling through a difficult tour, but their film also offers testimony from such superstars as Martina Hingis and Jennifer Capriati as well as the insights of former champ Billie Jean King. The picture that emerges is that of an insular and grueling traveling circus of highly competitive athletes and the media who follow them.
"She Got Game" is a perceptive, if hardly earth-shattering, commentary on such themes as celebrity, competition and identity. It's a sure fit for sports- and docu-themed cable channels, and DVD potential is strong given the 100-plus hours of footage the filmmakers gathered for their 78-minute film. Editor Howard Goldberg has done a stellar job of interweaving the dozens of interviews and other material.
Ranked 47th in the world when the film begins, Jeyaseelan has devoted her life to tennis, as is the case with most of the girls on the tour. Childhood is an abstraction for athletes who start training as young as 4, and few of them graduate high school. As numerous sports journalists, coaches and players note, for those who don't make it into the high-stakes elite, there's little glamour in the 30 weeks a year spent on the road, battling injuries and mental fatigue and never quite experiencing life outside the bubble. When Jeyaseelan finally takes time off, her revelation of life without tennis is like that of someone letting herself out of prison.
The docu examines the celebrity status of such players as The Williams Sisters and Anna Kournikova and the showbiz edge that corporate sponsorships bring to the game, just as they do for men's professional sports. That such star packaging is often more about sex than athletic accomplishment will come as no surprise to anyone, but without being heavy-handed, the film makes its points regarding the role models these players are to countless young girls.
- 11/11/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.