PLANTATION – Once again two African-American tennis-playing sisters with flashy names from financially challenged backgrounds in California are chasing Grand Slam dreams.
Like Serena and Venus Williams – ranked Nos. 1 and 3 in the world respectively – did, ‘Tornado’ Ali and Hurricane Tyra Black often bypass junior tournaments due to financial constraints, but also because their parent/coaches want them to focus on improving their strokes rather than chase junior ranking points that will mean little when competing for Grand Slam trophies.
One major difference between the two older siblings is that unlike Venus, Tornado – who at 12 is three years older than Hurricane – could care less if she has to beat her younger sister to get to the top.
“I say I’m better and will beat her,” Black said.
Black, whose real first name is Alicia, had to overcome an on-court asthma attack and windy conditions to dispatch Megan Cochran 6-1, 6-2 and advance into the round of 32 of the USTA Girls’ 14s National Clay Court Championships at Plantation’s Veltri Tennis Center on Tuesday.
“I like distractions. It helps me focus more,” said Black, who needed a wild card to get in because she’s been sidelined with foot issues.
Black has idolized Serena Williams since she was a tot in Bakersfield, Calif., and her father, Sylvester Black, an accomplished track star and tennis player from Jamaica, and mother, Gayal, first stuck a racket in her hands.
“I love the way she fights for every point and never gives up … but I’m going to be even better,” Black said of Williams, who has won 13 Grand Slams.
Another similarity between the racket-yielding siblings is that after a few years with renowned coach Nick Bollettieri in Bradenton, they also turned to star-maker, Rick Macci, at his academy in the Boca Lago Country Club.
“The most important thing is to learn to strike the ball correctly at a young age and Ali could be world class off of both sides,” said Macci, who is coaching the Black sisters, who still live in Bradenton, with financial support from the USTA Player Development program based in Boca Raton.
“The X-factor is how good a mover she becomes. Both Venus and Serena could move like the wind so it’s an unfair comparison. That’s a tough act to follow. It’s a long journey and not a race to the finish line.”
Tornado and Hurricane have another role model to follow. Gayal Black’s oldest daughter from her first marriage, Nicole Pitts, was a highly touted junior who at 14 won the Orange Bowl 18s in 2000. However, a wrist injury curtailed Pitts’ pro aspirations, but she is pursuing a career as an orthopedic surgeon.
Pitts is temporarily housing her mother and half-sisters in Boca Raton so Tornado could afford to play in the national event.
“It’s like deja vu without me being on the court,” Pitts said. “They’re super feisty and never want to lose. They have the talent, and the speed that I never had.”
