NEW YORK -- Maria Sharapova and other teens on the WTA Tour could get a chance to play in more tournaments next season.
As it frequently does, the tour will consider changes to its age eligibility rule at board meetings next week during the U.S. Open. The rule, first devised in 1994 and implemented in 1995, limits the number of events players aged 14 to 17 can enter.
"Virtually every year, we tweak it in an effort to make the rule relevant to today's players and today's game. This year is no different," tour spokesman Darrell Fry said Tuesday.
In 1997, for example, players who were 15, 16 or 17 would be allowed to exceed their tournament limit if they made it into a Grand Slam field.
Sharapova, 16, made the fourth round at Wimbledon as a wild-card entry this year. She's allowed to play 10 pro events.
HEY, GOOD LOOKING
Jelena Dokic has noticed the impact of Anna Kournikova on the WTA Tour. Tennis is sometimes secondary to sex appeal.
"It's not just tennis anymore," she said. "It's much more than that. It's gone more into shorter skirts, who looks good, who doesn't look good. I think in a way you can use this. You shouldn't overexpose this. You should have a look at some of the athleticism and power we have on the tour, not just the looks.
"I think people should stop looking for a babe. I think they should be looking at tennis players first," she said.
ROLE MODELS
Angela Haynes understands the comparisons.
She's a black tennis player from Compton, Calif., where Serena and Venus Williams grew up. And she is coached by her father, just like Serena and Venus. She's determined to carve her own image in the sport.
"I'm not Serena," she said. "I'm not built like her. I'm not as tall as Venus. I may not have the power they have. I've got to be me. I have to do this by myself."
Haynes, beaten 6-4, 6-2 by Tina Pisnik at the U.S. Open on Tuesday, appreciates the accomplishments of the Williams sisters.
"It was inspiring to see the things they did," she said. "They're great players. They opened the gate for people like me, people in those neighborhoods. Keep the dream alive. It's possible. With work and dedication, anybody can do it."
COLOR COORDINATED
With his cheering section wearing red shirts and waving a tennis version of red thunder sticks, No. 11 Paradorn Srichaphan avoided his favorite color on the second day of the U.S. Open, choosing a dark shirt instead.
"I like to wear red on Sunday," he explained. "Today is Tuesday."
Srichaphan advanced with a 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-6 (4) victory over Cyril Saulnier at the U.S. Open. It was not easy. He had trouble breathing and twice received treatment from ATP trainer Doug Spreen.
There was no chance he would retire, though.
"You have to have heart to stay in the game," he said. "I have to finish the game."
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