New OTB Feature: Passing Shots!
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Sep 10, 2008 | Print |

We are launching a new feature at On the Baseline today, called Passing Shots.
Once a month, we will answer some of the many questions and search inquiries we receive at On the Baseline. If you would like to participate, simply send your tennis-related question to info@onthebaseline.com. Your question may be edited for content or grammar before it is published.
Who is on the all-time career earning list for female tennis players?
As of September 8, 2008, Lindsay Davenport leads the list with $22,144,735 dollars, followed by Steffi Graf ($21,895,277) and Serena Williams ($21,750,782). You can view the complete list at the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour website.
When will John McEnroe learn to shut up?
Never.
Was Richard Williams, father of Venus, ever a judge?
Richard Williams is a man of many occupations, but I doubt this was one of them.
Where will the US Open be on television in 2009?
ESPN2 and CBS Sports.
What is the answer to anaivanovic.com’s September question?
Somehow, I don’t think Ana Ivanovic’s website team would happy with us if we started publishing the answer to her monthly trivia question.
Are pro tennis players tested for drugs?
They are indeed tested. Tennis has one of the strictest doping policies in all of sports.
What to talk about during tennis match?
Ask Ted Robinson and Tracy Austin. They never appear at a loss for words.
Is Maria Sharapova returning to the Tour?
Yes, but she may not be back until 2009.
Is Radek Stepanek married?
No, but he is dating WTA player Nicole Vaidisova.
How can I find a playing partner?
Try using Tennis Finder.
What family problems did Justine Henin have?
She was estranged from her family for many years, but reconciled with them shortly before retiring.
Why does Caroline Wozniacki wear black socks?
Ask Caroline. Visit www.carolinewozniacki.dk.
Will Lindsay Davenport continue playing tennis next year?
This is a very good question, and unfortunately, one without an answer. Lindsay has yet to announce her competition plans for the rest of 2008 or next season.
How to complain online about the US Open tennis schedule?
You can leave feedback for CBS here and USA Network here. Or, if you want to contact the USTA, visit www.usta.com.
Who has the biggest endorsements on the WTA Tour?
According to Forbes, Maria Sharapova.
Did Lindsay Davenport win a medal at Olympics 2008?
No. Davenport and her doubles partner Liezel Huber lost in the quarterfinals of the doubles competition.
Did Maria Sharapova go to the Olympics for Russia?
Sharapova was named to Russia’s Olympic squad, but pulled out because of a shoulder injury.
Who is the fastest server in tennis?
Venus Williams is the fastest female server of all-time. Her record serve was clocked at 129 mph.
Who played Alicia Molik in the Olympics?
Now-retired Alicia Molik lost to Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez in the first round of the 2008 Olympics in singles. Molik and her doubles partner, Casey Dellacqua, also lost in the first round of the doubles event to Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone.
What Grand Slam tennis tournament did Marion Bartoli win?
To date, none. However, she did reach the final round at Wimbledon in 2007.
Where can I view the Oreo commercial with the Williams sisters and Manning brothers?
You can view the Double Stuf Racing League commercial here.
What tennis racquet does Serena Williams play with?
According to the WTA Tour, Serena uses the Wilson KBlade Team racquet.










Anthony Duh | Sep 10, 2008 | Reply
Misconception! Venus’ serve is the fastest in the main draw. One female player hit a 131 mph in a qualifier match, so it wasnt documented.
So technicallyyy…..
Aaress Lawless | Sep 10, 2008 | Reply
Anthony,
Are you referring to Brenda Schultz McCarthy’s 130 mph serve a few years back? If so, like you said it was during a qualifying event, which unfortunately, makes it ineligible for the record.
Ronald | Sep 20, 2008 | Reply
Is it not true that Serena Williams tied Venus’ serve speed record during (Serena’s) title run at this year’s Family Circle Cup? I’m almost positive that I heard that during one of the matches. (I’m thinking it was the semi-final match against Alize Cornet). I will have to go and watch the tapes again.
Ronald | Sep 28, 2008 | Reply
I happened to view an in studio interview that Serena did during this year’s Wimbledon (I think it was after her 4th round match). When asked about a potential “all Williams-final” and their playing style, Serena said the following (during a portion of her comment): “I’ve tied her (Venus’)record. We have a tied record for the hardest serve which I am really excited about.”