FASHION FIX: Venus is pretty in pink at Bangalore Open

Venus Williams (finally) sported some new tennis duds in Bangalore. The Wimbledon champion, who reached the semifinals at the tourney with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Russian headcase Vera Zvonareva, had been working some gear from last season's EleVen line recently (see photo here.) But the 27-year old looked pretty in a pink tank top and white flirty-skirt + visor.

Though it's not my fave look from the former World No. 1 (her afro-puff moment comes to mind) it's a refreshing change.

(images via STRDEL/AFP/Getty Images)

THE LOW DOWN: Worldly Venus + Serena talk politics at Bangalore Open

Speaking up: Andy Roddick isn't the only tennis baller feeling all political these days. The 'Sisters Sledge' - Venus + Serena Williams - threw their racquets in the ring and spoke out on the emergence of minorities, more specifically African-Americans, in tennis and in the US at this week's Bangalore Open where they're playing singles and teaming up for doubles.

Eight-time Grand Slam champion Serena said, "Each year when I go on tour and at the US Open I see another black face. It just makes my heart smile." However, she emphasized the limited access to the sport for some saying, "Maybe sometime if you want to talk economics, then maybe it (tennis) might not be affordable for some black people. Traditionally you look at tennis, you see in the past, 50 years, maybe one black player there. Tennis is an expensive sport."

Older sister Venus, who is widely recognized as a catalyst for getting women equal prize money at Wimbledon, commented on the current U.S. presidential race saying, "It is good that minorities are coming to the fore, (Barack) Obama is an example." She was quick, though, to point out she's "equally happy" for Hillary Clinton though "it is tough for Afro-Americans in US."

Good for them. If only more athletes were as brave, worldly, and aware...

(image via AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

FASHION FIX: The ladies trade out tennis gear for saris at Bangalore Open

So sari: The ladies of the WTA Tour are setting their sites on an Indian summer as they gather for this week's Bangalore Open...all except homegirl Sania Mirza, who controversially pulled out of the tournament due to the treatment she's been receiving from her country. The players worked the runway donning traditional saris for the occasion.


Serb Jelena Jankovic, a Sania supporter, is top seed in the tourney, which also includes a rare non-Grand Slam appearance by both Venus and a "recovered" Serena Williams.

(images via STRDEL/AFP/Getty Images)