::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

Backstory’s debut episode “Serena vs. The Umpire” launches the series on Sunday, Aug. 18, at 1 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT on ABC, with multiple re-airs following across ESPN networks. Driven by Van Natta’s intuitive voice as a reporter, Backstory takes viewers on a personal, journalistic, journey. “We’re exploring stories that are unresolved and have layers to them, and that’s certainly the case with what happened at last year’s US Open women’s final,” said John Dahl, Vice President and Executive Producer, ESPN Special Projects and Original Content. “With this and subsequent stories, viewers will follow along with Don on his deep dive for truth.” In the premiere, Van Natta connects the dots on nine months of reporting to examine the saga of Serena Williams’ intense clash with chair umpire Carlos Ramos during her loss to Naomi Osaka in the 2018 US Open women’s final. Seeking her record-tying 24 th Grand Slam victory, Williams was assessed code violations that resulted...

buzzz worthy. . . OPINION by Mona Austin It is said that success is the best way to silence  doubters.  Tennis champ Serena Williams' racket has once again served as a nozzle. Williams is receiving praise for her 23rd Grand Slam win  over her sister Venus in the Australian Open on January 28, 2017. Breaking the record she once tied with Steffi Graff for most singles wins, making history with the most recent victory she now stands at the top alone .  But it was not long ago that sports journalists attempted to demote her for losing to a  lesser known player.  Let' just set the record straight, shall we? Serena Williams lost a Grand Slam, not her championship status or footprint on the ages and came back to prove once more that she is a formidable opponent. Will Smith made a fitting comment about  Williams, at the  2015 Sports Illustrated Athlete of the Year ceremony where she was honored. He said Will...

buzzz worthy. . . RADIANT IN PINK Tennis star Serena Williams walked the red carpet in a flattering pink 2-piece skirt suit at the 2011 ESPY Awards, July 13 and broadcast live from the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles.  Williams was apresenter that evening. She is moving up in the fashio world with her own jewelry line and has her own OPI nail color.