Via Vogue.com

Thanks to Serena for making the WTA fun again. There was her impressive road to the Madrid title this weekend, swatting aside the current No. 1 and No. 2 players like so much practice fodder. Then there were the joking jabs at her blue clay averse ATP colleagues in her post match press conference (via USAToday):

“Women are way tougher than men. That’s why we have the babies. You guys could never handle kids. . .We ladies don’t complain, we just do our best. On the WTA (women’s tour) we are real performers, we are not about going out there and being weenies.”

Oh Serena, just when I’m about to write you off as just another silly celebrity, you go and say something that makes me love you all over again.

Serena’s ready to shine this summer, judging from her play, her attitude and her Olympics themed Vogue cover, shot by Annie Liebovitz with fellow model athletes Hope Solo (soccer) and Ryan Lochte (swimming). Notice the color of the bathing suit.

Serena has gone on record, recently, criticizing the ITF’s Olympic eligibility criteria. Something tells me the Olympic Committee will let her play.

The Bryan brothers were also featured, obviously pulling out some of their best poses from recent Tennis Express commercials. (Sorry Fedal fans, this was Team USA, only.)

Vogue posted this video of the shoot, featuring words of wisdom from the athletes.

The magazine hits news stands on May 22. Anyone else starting to get some initial pangs of excitement for London 2012?