ESPN Columnists

U.S. Fed Cup leaning on kids again November 02, 2009

Despite her pledge to play the Fed Cup finale unless she was in a wheelchair, Serena Williams has bowed out. So it's up to emerging U.S. talent to come through again.

Do Agassi's mistakes tarnish legacy? October 28, 2009

Andre Agassi's midcareer crisis illustrated his flaws. What do his revelations about his low point in his career say about his character and career?

Belbin, Agosto 'refreshed' at new rink October 23, 2009

That myth about ice dancers, the one about how they've got the claws out, waiting to sabotage their opponents? Yeah, well, that myth is being busted in a small rink in a small town in Pennsylvania.

Serena, Safina battle for No. 1 in Doha October 23, 2009

Wondering what's at stake at the year-end championships in Doha, Qatar? How about the razor-thin five-point margin in the rankings that separates Serena Williams from Dinara Safina.

Ivanovic hoping respite is the answer October 19, 2009

For someone as ultra competitive as Ana Ivanovic, turning the switch off is exceptionally difficult. But that's exactly what she did -- for better or worse.

A little intrigue returns for 2010 Tour October 14, 2009

The 2010 Tour de France route was unveiled Wednesday, and it is as notable for what is absent as what is present.

More penalties to come for new No. 1? October 12, 2009

Serena Williams has officially assumed the world No. 1 ranking again. But her rightful ascendance in the rankings might very well be blunted by further sanctions stemming from Williams' U.S. Open outburst.

Blake finishing '09 with Jones as coach October 08, 2009

No. 24 James Blake, struggling to regain the form that kept him in the top 10 for much of a three-season stretch from 2006-08, said he and lifelong coach Brian Barker mutually decided that Barker would stop traveling with him after the U.S. Open.

Freak injury sets Querrey back October 08, 2009

Building on the finest season of his career, Sam Querrey's momentum was suddenly halted by a freak injury. But fear not. His future remains bright.

Bode's decision completely in character September 24, 2009

Can Bode Miller return to a team structure he once rejected? Putting himself back in that environment -- where he won't have free rein -- may be just as brave as going it alone.

Henin's journey begins -- again September 22, 2009

Months after absolutely, positively closing the door on her career, Justine Henin is back. Now, can we please stop using the "R" word?

Foursome looking to build on momentum September 22, 2009

Melanie Oudin and John Isner were among a quartet of players who gained new fans and new respect at the U.S. Open. Where do they go from here?

Youthful resolve enough for del Potro September 14, 2009

They say you gain wisdom from experience. Juan Martin del Potro has neither, but it didn't matter in the U.S. Open final.

Nagasu stands out from U.S. crowd September 14, 2009

While the debate over Sasha Cohen reaching the 2010 Olympics won't end anytime soon, Mirai Nagasu may be a surprise addition for the U.S. team.

Serena: 'I want to sincerely apologize' September 14, 2009

Serena Williams apologized Monday on her Web site to a U.S. Open line judge she scolded near the end of a loss to Kim Clijsters this weekend.

Serena's breakdown leads to questions September 13, 2009

Serena Williams' 10-second tirade may have cost her a match, but what's the lasting impression on her legacy?

Chaos detracts from riveting encounter September 12, 2009

It's a shame that a special occasion for Kim Clijsters turned sour when Serena Williams lost her cool at the U.S. Open.

Gonzo to pose as a formidable challenge September 09, 2009

Fernando Gonzalez is more than a blistering forehand. But does he have enough to upset Rafael Nadal in the U.S. Open quarterfinals?

Infectious Oudin making a splash September 08, 2009

With the dearth of early-blooming U.S. stars, teenage darling Melanie Oudin is finally giving the U.S. Open someone to believe in.

Clijsters stands out amid turmoil September 07, 2009

Despite the many breakdowns that have wreaked havoc for the world's top women, Kim Clijsters very much has her act together.