After her first round, three set win, India’s Sania Mirza graduated to Court 12 on Day Three. Let’s re-phrase that. After her first round win and by virtue of the strength of her 28th seeded Rumanian counterpart, Sorana Cirstea, Sania Mirza moved up to court 12 for her early morning Day Three match. She was happy about it.

Perhaps a little surprised by 19-year-old Sorana’s blossoming popularity, which has surged since her impressive quarterfinal showing in Paris, Sania prepared herself for the persistent challenge the Romanian would pose. She has played stronger opponents, she has played weaker opponents. She has prevailed against stronger and succumbed to lesser opponents. Whatever the result, Sania is always credit to the game and a joy to watch.

Although doubles may be her strength, Sania Mirza enters every event at every tournament. Singles, doubles or mixed doubles, it matters not. Put a racket in her hand, throw three tennis balls on the surface with a net and an opponent and Sania Mirza will play. For Sania, it is game on! Any time, any place, any how.

She brings a certain joy to the court. Perhaps not effervescent, but certainly never sullen, Sania simply enjoys playing tennis. And, it shows! Refreshing, exciting, novel and sometimes downright thrilling, Sania lays it on the court for all the fans to see. It is just the way she is.

Never an excuse, never a whine, just a sportsperson perfecting her game, Sania would be the first to admit she does not have all the answers. After 6 years on the tour, Mirza remains a work-in-progress.

As one of the game’s most gracious personalities and most fetching beauties, Sania fills a void in the world of professional tennis. Once ranked as high as 27th in 2007, she is currently the 85th singles player. But, she is the 37th ranked doubles player and teamed with Indian doubles specialist Mahesh Bhupathi, she claimed the mixed doubles title at Melbourne.

Some tour players might flinch at the mention of a mixed title on a resume. Not Sania. She entered, she played and she won. That is what you do when you are a budding doubles expert. You play singles to be ready for the doubles. And, every match, singles or doubles that you win prolongs your tennis career. That is how it is in the world of tennis for a work-in-progress.

On Day Three, Sania started fast. She jumped to a lead she could not hold. Once Sorana rid herself of the jitters, she began to pound the forehands that overwhelmed opponents in Paris. Both ladies chased down every ball. Mirza began to gamble, to go for winners. At the end of the first set, she was out of her game. Sorana claimed the set 6-4.

Amazingly she committed 30 unforced errors, compared to just 9 by Cirstea. Sania double faulted 6 times compared top Sorana’s one. Mirza only landed 53% of her first serves. That may well be the statistic that sealed her doom.

The shapely beauty was serving at 4-4 and the roof caved in. The serve left, the groundstrokes tightened and she fell to the mercy of the relentless Romanian.

To her credit, Cirstea went about her work. She broke to go up 5-4 and polished off the set quickly with a strong service game. Cirstea will move on to face tough Victoria Azarenka in a good third round pairing.

Sania will move to the backcourts for ladies’ doubles and mixed, where she is seeded 13th. She makes her living back there. Her loyal followers will be there, celebrating her tennis and the joy of her life. Nice match, ladies! Thank you!

The ladies and gentlemen are on the courts at Wimbledon. A week before the main draw, the qualifying events are in progress. Lately, the gentlemen’s draw has been somewhat predictable. In spite of Robin Soderling’s stunning upset of Rafa Nadal at Roland Garros, there has not been a lot of movement in the top ten on the men’s side.

On the women’s side, changes are on the horizon. A wave of young and experienced talent is creating havoc with the old guard. Neither Williams sister made it to the finals in France. Safina struggled again in the finals, Dementieva faltered, Ivanovic has slipped out of the top ten and the tennis world is wondering about Maria Sharapova’s return as a host of up and coming tennis beauties seek to make their marks.

The new breed of women’s tennis star makes a statement each time she enters the court. While these gals can all pound the ball and go get it, what makes them so appealing is the refreshing combination of athleticism and Hollywood good looks. The lovely ladies listed below will catch your eye and steal your heart. Their amazing talents and spiffy wardrobe selections sometimes make it difficult to know whether we are watching a tennis match or fashion show.

Maria Sharapova

One of the original deep grunters, Maria Sharapova is good for women’s tennis. The 6 foot Russian star will be playing in her seventh Wimbledon tournament. She won the championship in 2004 and after her quarter-final appearance at Paris has reason for optimism.

With a healthy 270 – 68 career won-lost record and more than $12 million in career earnings, Paris has plenty of experience. Wherever Maria is, there will be a crowd. Stunning to look at and with an easy disposition, the leggy blonde commands attention and respect.

Ana Ivanovic

Magazines pursue her. Fans adore her. Ana Ivanovic is gorgeous to look at, has the heart of a lion and likes a good time. If only she could serve! Since winning the 2008 French Open, the Serbian beauty has struggled to stay on top.

Fans blame her ball toss. Critics think she lacks commitment. We think people forget she is just 21 and entitled to enjoy life. She has earned more than $500 thousand this year and almost $7 million in her young career, so we suggest Ana keep on doing whatever she likes.

Ana keeps fast company. Her latest beaux is Spain’s resurgent Fernando Verdasco. Perhaps the Spanish tour stud can get her serve untracked in time for Wimbledon.

Maria Kirilenko

Another fair-haired young Russian, Maria always seems on the cusp of greatness. The winner of five tour titles, the athletic Kirilenko might erupt at Wimbledon. She has not fared especially well in her five previous events but the 22 year old has the credentials, more than $2 million in career earnings and the wardrobe closet to match a champion. The 58th rankled player in the world looks good in everything!

Alona Bondarenko

One of the battling Bondarenko sisters, Alona is an eyeful. Currently ranked 32, she has been as high as 14th in the world. She goes for traditional garb because she has what it takes. She has that all-girl look and a magnificent pair of blue eyes to go along with her long, blonde hair.

Her game had plenty of grace but could use some power. Her best Grand Slam performance was her victory in the 2008 Women’s Doubles. With career earbninmgs closing in on $2 million, Alona is one win away from celebrity status. The faster the surface, the more Alona likes it.

Tatiana Golovin

Sport illustrated Swimsuit babe, Tatiana was born in Russia but moved to Paris as youngster. The flamboyant blonde turned pr at age 15 and won the Mixed Doubles at Roland Garros in 2004. Tatiana’s waiting for her break but head on out to the backcourts and get an eyeful of the 21 year old before she goes into movies. C’est la vie!

Anna Chakvetadze

One more gorgeous Russian filly who has quietly amassed almost $3.5 million in tour earnings, Ana reached the 4th round in last year’s Wimbledon event. She likes the surface and garners plenty of attention with her low-cut tops and striking facial features. Anan once gained the 5th ranking and will be gracing England for the 5th time. How could anyone root against such a beauty?

Nicole Vaidisova

Nicole is an upset waiting to happen. Once the number 7 player in the world, the fair-haired German has tried to balance an active social life with her tennis. Her career 168-78 won-lost record shows the 20year old knows how to win.

She looks good in yellow and just about anything else. With $2.7 million in the bank, Nicole can dress any way she wants!

Iveta Benesova

The 26yera old Czech has been around. Heading into her 8tyh Wimbledon, Iveta reached the third round at Roland Garros. The world’s 35th ranked player has style and intensity and has plenty of on-court passion. Fans like her all-or nothing style. Iveta is a sharp dresser and cameras constantly click in her world. A powerful athlete, Iveta gives it her all.

Jelena Dokic

Jelena missed the 2008 event but was a semi-finalist in 2000. The cute as a button Aussie launched a comeback with her quarterfinal appearance in Melbourne earlier in the year. Jelena has a big heart and is known to be an excellent doubles player. Jelena is light on her feet and easy on the eyes.

Daniela Hantuchova

The 26 year old Slovakian will be playing in her 9th Wimbledon. Daniela reached the finals in doubles at Melbourne and is a consistent 4th round achiever in Grand Slams. She has trouble with the big names but is aboyut as graceful a player as is on the tour. Watch Daniela run and you will be a fan too!

Sorana Cirstea

Don’t let that baby-face fool you. This 19 year old strutted her stuff to the quarterfinals at Roland Garros and made lots of friends along the way. If she can fix that serve, Sorana may surprise again at Wimbledon.

The Romanian is heading to her second Wimbledon and holds her ground against the big stars. Based on the French Open, the sky is the limit for Sorana.

Marta Domachowska

Poland’s version of the wild thing, Marta is 23 and hits out on every shot. The 23 year old reached the second round last year and is looking to improve on the Wimbledon grass this season. A full-figured powerhouse, Marta never backs down.

Brie Whitehead

Brie makes it to Wimbledon, she will have earned her way. The 19 year old American was voted one of the top 50 hottest tennis babes but has yet to prove her wares on the court.

We will all enjoy Brie when she becomes a tour regular later this year. In the meantime, we should enjoy her amateur status and special attributes.

Sania Mirza

When Sania Mirza won the 2009 Mixed Doubles at Melbourne, we thought her career would skyrocket. She is a stellar doubles performer and commands gallery attention. The Indian beauty has wonderful on-court demeanor and lots of mostly-male admirers. We’d like to see more of Sania in the singles. Maybe this is the tourney?

Agnes Szavay

The 20 year old Hungarian cutie was on the verge of greatness in Paris. She reached the 4th round at Roland Garros and the 4th round at Wimbledon last year. Agnes has one of the best two-handed backhands in the women’s game and a pretty solid frame to go along with it. Agnes should get at least to the fourth round again this year.

Elena Dementieva

One of the game’s superstars, Elena Dementieva disappointed in France but likes the grass at Wimbledon. The world’s 4th ranked player reached the semis here last year.

The pretty Russian blonde may have her day in the sun this year. She is due for a breakthrough at a Grand Slam. This will be the stylish right-hander’s 11th try at Wimbledon. Great legs and a physique to go get the ball!

Alize Cornet

The French hot shot is only 19 and closing in on $1 million already. She looks great in red doesn’t she? Alize reached the fourth round in Australia this year and was disappointed with her second round ouster in Paris. We expect a return to form on the grass at Wimbledon and the 22nd ranked player should get to at least the third round.

Karolina Sprem

A powerful frame makes the 23 tear old Karolina a tough draw. Although she lost in the first round at Both Roland Garros and in Melbourne, the 5 foot 8 inch Croatian has had some success against high-ranking players early this year. To be sure and see Karolina get to the qualifying rounds. She should work her way to the main draw where she is always a featured attraction!

Gisela Dulko

There is no one more fit than Argentina’s Gisela Dulko. Lean and muscular, Gisela rockets the ball. A third round performer at last year’s Wimbledon and also at this year’s French Open, she is ready to move on. This will be Gislea’s 8th visit to Wimbledon and the surface suits her big game.

Vojislava Lukic

Hot to trot, this Serbian beauty is taking a page from Ana Ivanovic. A well proportioned 5 foot 9 inches, the 22 year old is oru8nding her tennis form into shape. There’s nothing wrong with the rest of her! A striking, model’s look, she is in high demand on the red carpet.

Ashley Harkleroad

When American 23 year old Ashley Harkleroad agreed to appear nude in Playboy’s August issue, the tennis world blinked. Ashley made a stir at the 2001 U.S. Open with a suggestive outfit. Declaring that she is proud of her body, Ashley finds plenty of support from her adoring fans. The 61st ranked player is always game!

Bethanie Mattek

The sporty Bethanie hails from the U.S. and reached the 4th round at last year’s Wimbledon. Always a candidate for best dressed, Bethanie can put her game face on too. She tuned up in Paris and should be ready for the grass.

Tamira Paszek

Talk about full-figured! Tamira shocked the tennis world by reaching the fourth round in 2007. She hasn’t had much success since, but she’s improving with age. We’ll hope to see more of this 18 year old this time around.

Simona Halep

Why not sane the best fro last! 17-year old reigning French Junior champions will be slugging it out in the qualifiers. We hope she makes it. Romanian Simona Halep is a nice, young girl who has some game. She need all the support we can muster!