Sullen Serena Sulks in Post-Match Press Conference
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Sep 5, 2007 | Print | Email | Bookmark | Free Subscription
Whatever dignity Serena Williams hoped to save after melting down to Justine Henin on Tuesday night flew out the backdoor the moment she stepped into her post-match press conference.
Serena, who has a long history of failing to give credit where credit is due after being defeated, was no different last night when dealing with her loss in public.
It was not that Justine played better; it was that Serena did not play well. Justine did not beat Serena; Serena lost to Justine.
Serena. Serena. Serena.
“Me, myself, and I” was the name of the game for tennis’ biggest diva last night. So much that the former top star only turned up to her press conference because she did not want to lose one more penny of the millions she has stocked away in the bank.
“I really don’t feel like talking about it [the loss], to be honest,” said Serena. “It’s like I don’t want to get fined. That’s the only reason I came. I can’t afford to pay the fines because I keep losing.”
Can’t afford to pay the fine? Please, you have pocketed over $1.5 million dollars this season, just in prize money. What is $2,500 dollars?
Serena’s public relations department would have done better to pay the fine themselves than to allow their charge to disgrace herself as she did last night.
She appeared sullen, antagonistic, and would not even give Justine Henin credit for beating her.
When asked if she lost the match, instead of admitting that Henin outplayed her, Serena refused to give the No. 1 player in the world the credit.
“I think that’s usually the case with me,” said Williams, “that it’s for me to win or lose.”
Given the way she appeared and sounded, you would have thought Serena had been betrayed by her best friend, her dog died, and she lost all her investment in Aneres. Rather, according to Serena, she was thrilled with her loss.
“I’m very happy,” moaned Serena when questioned about her emotions.
One person that was not fooled by Serena’s antics was her worthy opponent when she was informed about the exchange in the interview room.
“I don’t care if she was hundred percent or not,” said Henin unconcerned about Serena’s form. “I think she was physically fine. She was moving pretty well.”
And she did move pretty well - at least for the first set. By the middle of the second set, Serena discovered that she had run into yet another person who refused to be bullied, knew she was the better player, and had no trouble closing out the match for a win.
See Serena’s post-match press conference for yourself here.
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LW | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
The Wms sisters may have lots of power and the egos to match, but they’ve never had tact, grace, humility, or even good manners.
john riddiford | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
“Lucky shots” indeed ! Serena has once again demonstrated her low-life refusal to acknowledge that she had her lumbering **** run off the court by a better player
Venusfan | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
hey Aaress, i thought you usually remained impartial! firstly can i just say that i am not a big fan of Serena. i only like her because she’s Venus’ sister and her winning makes Vee happy. i agree she is arrogant and sometimes rude. but i think you’re being a bit harsh. can you balme her for being bitterly disappointed after losing for the 3rd time in a row to her most bitter rival, and then not wanting to tell the world about it in an interview? and i think she was joking about the money and being happy. you know, trying to lighten the mood, cheer up a bit. but sure she could have given Henin A LOT more credit. anyway thats just my opinion.
ky | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Just when I thought Serena is finally maturing with age she proves once again that she needs to go to finishing school. The mark of a true champion is how well he/she handles defeats.
Gene Young | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Unbelievable bad manners…nothing has changed for her. Grow up…
Andrew | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
What in the world is the big surprise that Barry Bonds little sister (Serena) was so gross and arrogant and nasty to the press, media, etc., etc.??
DBpoet | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
As usual Serena shows that she is not a true professional but merely a poor sport. A professional acknowledges when their opponent out plays them. Neither sister has ever given credit to their opponents. They may have brute force, but neither of them,(especially serena) have 1 ounce of class.
Steve | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
I think to understand the enormity of Serena’s ego, childishness, and pettiness, you must compare her conduct to another great player from years ago.
Christ Evert dominated women’s tennis for many years but was eventually eclipsed by Martina Navratilova (hope I spelled that right). Chris made it to many finals in the next few years but usually fell to the superior Martina. After each loss Chris would make the same comments; “She played great! She is SO hard to beat - but I’m going to keep trying!”
Now that is class and professionalism in my book. Serena can go to all the finishing schools in the world and still not match up to Chris Evert in character and integrity!
Jane | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Thanks for including the link to the transcript — it is informative. Serena did not show her best self, either on court or afterwards.
HOWEVER, if you read the entire transcript, the picture is vastly different from the one portrayed in the article.
Is she the first tennis star to sulk? Can anyone say McEnroe? Now he’s a saint.
Pile on, everyone.
Shi | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
I understand everyone’s anger at Serena’s bitterness but let’s not take it out of context or color. She just lost a match and she’s frustrated with herself and they stick a microphone in her face. Why is it necessary to see this as another opportunity for people of different backgrounds to pick sides (i.e. Barry Bonds). Please remember, as there are white baseball players taking steroids, there are white tennis players that are rude, arrogant and lack etiquette at times. (Do we remember John McEnroe or let’s not forget Andy Roddick nastiness during post game press conferences as well). Play fair folks!
Sniggy | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
I enjoy watching a good match regardless of the players personalities. I for one don’t care to watch the post-match interviews. I can sum up the match play on my own without listening to players describe or talk about the beating they just took. Our society is funny, we love listening to someone give us a blow by blow of how they lost, if they spout sour grapes then they’re on our classless list. It’s a money generating SPORT, that’s all it is….
lumpy | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Actually, Steve, that’s terrifically untrue of Evert. She spent years refusing to acknowledge Navratilova’s superiority; especially in the early years of Navratilova’s big rise, it was always “I didn’t play well” when she’d lose. In fact it was a huge issue between the two of them, one that Navratilova actually referred to in interviews. It took Evert quite awhile to realize that hey, sometimes you just get outplayed, no matter if you really think you’re the superior player deep inside. I say this as someone who was a big Evert fan back in the day.
I think many athletes actually feel that way–they have an inner belief that, when they’re on, no one can stop them (whether they acknowledge this publicly or not). And maybe such self-absorption is essential in a champion.
That said, Serena displayed a real immaturity last night, and that’s disappointing. She’s not a kid anymore, and I would have thought that everything she’s been through the last couple of years would have contributed to a more circumspect view of things. She’s such a delight to watch most of the time, and it’s so great to have her back in the game, but it was painful to watch her behave like a bratty junior. I often root for Serena Williams, but it’ll be a long time before I do again. I felt ashamed on her behalf.
Lukespack | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Serena would do better if she got in top shape. She looked fat last night and that all black outfit was a mess. Justine is shorter and much less powerful but stays in great shape. I have long ago given up on Serena showing any class in defeat. I guess money doesn’t make someone classy aka Leona Helmsley.
Dan | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Typical of the Williams sisters. “She hit a lot of lucky shots.” Not sure what match Serena was watching but it wasn’t the same one I saw. Kudos Justine! What a well played match. Too bad my 8 year old daughter had to see the poor sportsmanship shown by Serena after the match. This is really getting old. Maybe she should stop playing and just design clothes.
Aaress | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Shi,
This latest incident with Serena has absolutely nothing to do with her race, rather her remarks.
To steal a quote from another African-American icon, Martin Luther King, people need to be judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin.
I’m completely okay with comments for or against Serena regarding her statements and demeanor last night.
What I’m not okay with is comments trying to make this into a racial discussion.
russ | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Serena showed a lot of class, all of it low.
Joseph Hypolite | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
what a pathetic, disgraceful and sore loser. Serena must get used to the fact that Justin has got her number now and there is apparently nothing she can do about it. Always making excuses when she loses and refusing to give credit where credit is due. Bottom line is she got her behind wiped off the court by a superior player.
Todd Bryant | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
It’s interesting how easy it is to comment on Serena’s response without ever walking in her shoes. Who among you have ever risen to the rank of # 1? Who among you have ever been beaten on national television and then been put in front of a camera to explain yourself? I’m not justifying her actions, but I’m also not saying that I or maybe you could have done any better. My advice to everyone is: Do what she’s done and be where she’s been and then your comments will be qualified.
Or how about a little patriotism or gratitude for what this young lady has done for women’s tennis. Or maybe a little compassion. What if she was your sister or your daughter. Is it possible for us to stop judging for a moment and think how disappointed she must be in herself? I say all this to say, I understand Serena (not condone). However I don’t understand (or condone) the actions of her so called fans or the fans of the game. Traitors!
Ryan | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Who cares everyone needs to get over it. Everyone gets frustrated, or angry, and it may sometimes be directed at the wrong thing or person, we just don’t have cameras shoved down our throats to show the world that side of us.
At her prime Serena can beat Henin any day. Henin has her little attitude problems as well, she isn’t a saint, just watch her when she is losing on the court, talk about a baby!
Rob | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
I’ve been watching the Williams sister since they arrived, and before they “arrived”. Never, ever after a loss have they done a post-game interview and said, “The girl kicked my butt.”
Seems they want respect without ever having to offer it. Sad, really. A chip that big on one’s shoulder has just got to wear a person out.
Benjamin W. | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
So it’s ok to be a sore loser when you have your behind kicked? Let’s make that clear now. Losing is never fun, but constantly refusing to acknowledge that your opponent was simply better on the day is just classless, no matter what: black or white. This is not a racial thing. Anyone who acts this way is just plain ugly and tasteless. What a poor role model Serena is, for all shades of color! Serena, why don’t you go back to elementary school and learn something about good manners???
katey | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Ms. Everet tasteful and a good loser? Not that I can recall until her excuses became so lame that not even her fans could believe them. And when the real stars of women’s tennis were trying to get the prize money at least in the same chapter of the prize money book as the men’s, Ms. Everet was too busy [site edit] to get involved but surely did not refuse the upped prize money after the work was done.
Ms. Williams is intense player with great power but that’s where it ends. Her attitude needs an adjustment. My daughter played tennis through school and if she had EVER behaved so badly after losing a match I think I would have died of embarrassment. There is NO excuse for her behavior. None. If she can’t be a good sport, she should stay off the court until she can. Patriotism or GRATITUDE?? It’s not like she volunteers her time!! Could you remind me of exactly what contributions she has made to women’s tennis? Don’t kid yourself. It’s all about HER.
Barbara | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Serena learned her lack of class lessons well from her father - remember Richard Williams’ hideous comments about Justine Henin last time around . . . There’s always an excuse for losing to Henin - she’s a cheat, she’s lucky, blah, blah.
For anyone who wants to see a class, I suggest you watch Maria Sharapova’s interview after her loss to Radwanska the other day. What grace, what wisdom for someone so young, what humility. It was a pleasure to watch. Sullen Serenca could take a lesson from Sharp Sharapova.
Site Edit - The comments about Justine’s personal affairs were not relevant, appropriate, or acceptable on this site and as such, have been deleted.
Jeffrey | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
I think it was difficult for her to acknowledge and accept her loss. I’ll give her and anyone else in her situation that. But, a kind word about Justine who paid fabulously in points that really mattered was deserved.
I think Serena’s problem is that she’s all over the place with her commitments and focus. It’s not tennis…it’s Aneres and endorsements, etc. How many times did that HP commercial play. And, prior to the match, she was fixing her hair. And, what was with those ridiculous earrings? She’s become her own worst distraction. And, it showed yesterday.
Richard | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
If Serena was say, 17 years old, then this interview would have been acceptable.
Once again, she shows why she is my least favorite tennis player.
Her game is ugly to watch most of the time, and let’s face it, she has only given women’s tennis a NAME to remember, and whether people LIKE her is another question.
Patricia | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Quote from above article:
“Serena, who has a long history of failing to give credit where credit is due after being defeated, was no different last night when dealing with her loss in public.”
So why does anyone expect better from her. She and Venus consistently show that they do not have the class, compassion, depth to evaluate their faults and recognize the way they contribute to their losses. True, they can play a good game of tennis. But, their opponents are learning more about them each time they play them. And there are times when they are on court that you can see that they need to lift their game, and they choose not to.
Vicki | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
I’ve followed tennis for years and Serena has been like it every since I can remember. I didn’t see the match as I live in Australia and we have no coverage but when I read the articles this morning it didn’t surprise me one bit Serena has the biggest ego in women tennis and giving credit to someone who has beaten her would be too much of an effort.
Aaress as always a well written article. It about time the media took Serena to task over this sort of behavior its not necessary.
Terry Dillman | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Why is everyone seemingly so astounded by Serena Williams’ classless reaction to losing - again - to someone who quite simply outplayed her? She has been this way since she and sister Venus first powered their way into the women’s tennis scene.
There is always some crass excuse when she (or her sister) loses. She didn’t feel well. She had an injury. She had an off day. On and on and on, ad nauseum. Whether those excuses are true or not, true champions have the class to say, “Hey, today I played as ell as I could and lost.”
I have played and watched and been an avid fan of tennis for the past 41 years. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. When the Williams sisters first arrived, I was fired up about it. It didn’t take long to see that while they certainly had championship skills on the court, they - and especailly Serena - lacked grace in defeat, which is the hallmark of a true all-around champion. Rarely do either of them acknowledge an opponent’s effort; usually it’s a litany of excuses why they weren’t at their best, leaving the impression that the opponent was simply lucky they were “off” their game that day, for whetver reason.
Serena is the supreme chump when it comes to this tactic.
But let’s not overlook a major factor behind suhc behavior: Their father is one of the most unspotsmanlike classless acts ever in terms of parent-coach - and whatever else he calls himself these days in the history of tennis. And it seems he unfortunately instilled the same in Serena.
Ami | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Shi was not making this a racial issue - merely responding to Andrew’s remark referring to Serena as ‘Barry Bond’s little sister’, which does have a racial overtone. It also seems to insinuate that Serena is on steroids, which I think highly unlikely. She just happens to be extremely athletic (unlike a lot of other female players on the tour).
None of this, of course, has anything to do with Serena’s graceless behavior. She has indeed never given credit to her opponents, and even after winning has on occasion talked about how she didn’t play very well. In this instance, however, it should be remembered that she and Justine have a history of antipathy. Justine flat-out cheated at the French Open a few years back when she played Serena, and can be pretty classless herself. She will do anything to win, takes all sorts of barely legitimate breaks and quit on Mauresmo altogether when the going got tough. Again, no excuse for Serena’s rudeness last night, but a context.
Also, as someone else here noted, if you read the interview, she comes across as rude, but not quite as bad as the article suggests. She was joking about the fines, and her last words are that she will have to figure out a way to beat Justine. Getting her ego under control and actually looking at why Justine can beat her (rather than just attributing it to ‘luck’) might be a good place to start.
joan | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Serena is probably not what most people want in a winner but it is not fair to judge a person in her entirety on a bad day. When other female tennis stars buy a dog and give it away for charity they are praised for being good people. Certain other female tennis players are given undue credit for being attractive based upon a certain standard and therefore attributed quality they might possess, including sport related qualities.
In public, public figures are subject to constant scrutiny and they must accept and prepare for it - she did not - but we as the public must allow, on occasion, for them to be people who suffer in defeat.
MA | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
From the beginning, both Williams sisters and there father have been arrogant and classless. The father dances around the stands holding signs up as if he were at a football game. They constantly use excuses when they lose and hold their nose in the air when they win. They are the true example of what sports is not about. Show a little class and sportsmanship!
Kevin | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
I would say she could look to and study a world class act like Tiger Woods to see how you properly represent yourself and your sport when your tremendous talent allows you to stand on that stage!
Todd Bryant | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Patriotism in that she is a fellow American. Gratitude as in “The reason they moved Women’s Tennis to Prime Time” as per John McEnroe and Tracy Austin.
Todd Bryant | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Concerning statements about Richard, let’s see how you would act if God gave you not one but two daughters who would emerge from the streets of Compton to the courts of the U.S. Open. I’m a father of three and I get excited everytime they make even the slightest achievement. But that’s me. What do you have in your life that would make you celebrate? If the answer is nothing, then I can understand your negative comments concerning Richard.
Lynne Riney | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Serena acted grumpy and lifeless before the match when she and Justine were interviewed. Maybe she was just having a bad day??? Does anyone remember the antics of John McEnroe? He made a total a– of himself on the court numerous times. And today everyone seems to have forgotten his BAD behavior. He is actually making money off of his past classless, graceless, rotten behavior. Lets see….is it okay for a man to act like a big spoiled baby, but if a woman does it everyone rushes to condemn her. And one more point - everyone knows what a pain the media can be. Can you imagine having to answer media questions after a heartbreaking loss; why do we expect people to enjoy that?
pov | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
“Richard?” Do you know the man personally?
Anyway, most fathers are gladdened by their children’s achievements. What has that got to do with being a boor?
And BTW almost everyone has things in life to celebrate.
Len | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
When their father is reportedly quoted as saying something like Serena has some of Mike Tyson’s characteristics in her (Venus apparently was likened to a gazelle
), you have to ask what on earth prompted him to say that about one of his daughters. You then have to ask if she thinks he is right.
pov | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Their father’s quote to the media was (lets be clear that he meant her on-court approach):
“Serena reminds me of a pit bull dog and a young Mike Tyson, all in one”
Special Kay | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
I saw the match,I saw the interview and in my opinion both were terrible. Serena did make a few careless mistakes but she did not play with the guick fast speed that Henin played with. I thought Serena was very rude to the media. These stars who go into the post game media show with their nasty attitudes should be fined. They want to use the media to promote something they wear,or write but then they want to act like big spoil babies when they lose and they want to blame everyone else but their own poor performance. I am glad however that there will not be a sister to sister match because I truly believe that when they play against each other the thrill is gone. Now it is going to be very interesting to see Venus play the number 1 champion who just defeated her sister
Yut Lan | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Where is Steffie Graf when she’s needed? She never spoke or acted like this and she of all tennis players in history, male or female, deserved the right to. She should definitely give not only Serena, but a lot of players lessons on etiquette, sportsmanship and good ****, common everyday manners.
MrBlackman | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
SHE TOLD THE TRUTH!!!! What you wanted her to do LIE? That’s how she felt. She gave you RAW emotion. That’s more than any of those ROBOTS would give you. She should NOT apologize. The MEDIA caught her in the raw. UNHAPPY with a loss. Accept it. I guess if she was all FAKE and waltz in and took your SNIDE questions with grace - you would have loved that. She CONTROLLED AND OWNED the interview. I love it.
Geena | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Serena was asked for her comments and she stated them. I also believe she was being sarcastic, but however she felt, she was justified. Why is that the Williams sisters are always being grilled, sometimes to make the winner seem better, when they have a loss? It seems as though [you all] were waiting for her to show her “nasty” side! The Williams sisters have always been pleasant, never given in to the insults thrown at them …so what if Serena takes her games seriously!!!! ****, get off her back and try checking some of those who are not worthy of the praise that they get for losing a game!!!!!!!!
Morrado | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
OK, the first person here to have a bad day let alone performance in front of an audience of thousands, have to face critics with cameras and cynical questions, wanting “insight” on how it felt to be the loser (under the penalty of fines)… please author The Book of Etiquette in the Hot Seat!
Any athlete at Serena’s level, of any sport is very critical of their own game and will analyze the mistakes or consequences thereof inside & out of their locus of control. Athletes train for most conceivable circumstances they will encounter in their sport and train for it… To Serena, Justine Henin’s win was consequential, a result of her inaction to what she knows to do. Although Serena’s disposition and comments may be perceived as arrogant and may, in fact be immature for an interview, under the circumstance it was completely human reaction.
So please list the athletes’ that have attended finishing school. Serena suffered a loss; a loss is a loss, nothing personal toward Justine as I’m sure she isn’t taking the way it is being played in the media as she has bigger fish to fry. There is no reason to compare her or relate her in jest to Barry Bonds, Andrew. It does denote a racial overtone… different sport, different gender, different situations. Aaress as ingratiating as any post interviews are it does not surmise anyone’s character, we all have flaws, some are just more easily hidden behind eloquent words… or not.
Bravo Justine… On to Venus. For the love of sport!
Mike | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
i think that she should still be fined for her classless act on and off the court.it is not just one time or maybe two, she is like that every time she loses. she thinks that she is the best but where does she rank …at the bottom of the top 10, number 9 to be exact… she isn’t that good anymore, and her attitude is a sore one. did’nt anyone teach her not to be a sore loser. i am glad she got beat by someone better. she needed to be put back into reality , and to learn that you have to work for a win, not expect it…
TennisFan | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
If Serena Williams’ family hasn’t taught her to be gracious whether she wins or loses after 25 years, then there is nothing that can be done. Perhaps she’ll mature when she retires.
However, Jeffrey got it right above concerning Serena’s problem on the court. With lower ranked players she can afford to waste half her focus primping, adjusting her outfit, earrings, hair, etc., but not with the top ranked ones.
While Justine was focused on what she needed to do to win last night, Serena was busy adjusting her hair– in the middle of the tie breaker! In the middle of a game with the top players in the game, you can focus on being the champion or a fashion plate, but you can’t focus on both if you want to win.
John | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
I am so sick of the Williams sisters. They really need to get over themselves. I relish nothing more than to see the two of them lose.
George | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
Of course you’re going to lose consistently to the world number 1 if you choose to play only 8 tournaments a year.
That’s right, it was Serena’s choice to play a limited schedule. It has always been a limited schedule.
Michael | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
Earlier this year, Andy Roddick got ***** in a post-match interview… where were all you haters then? Authenticity is the best thing in the world, and it’s not always pretty… funny how imperfect people are always ready to stomp on another. No wonder this country is a mess…
cnam | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY
??? low class
Tennisnoob | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
First, I want to admit that I’m a newcomer; not to tennis, but to these boards, so hi all. Second, I want to say that I couldn’t agree more with Jane.
After reading the article, the first thing I said was, “I need to see this ‘meltdown.’” And just as I suspected, the true transcript paints a different picture ENTIRELY. Was Serena’s attitude/beheavior a bit immature? Sure. But I think this is more about the media wanting to crucify her for not humbling herself before them — immediately after already being humbled on the court — than about what Serena did or didn’t say.
Cut the gal a break, and don’t believe everythihg you read in the papers… or online.
Sapphisto | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
Hey Aaress - long time no type to! Love the new look for the site - very slick! - and congrats on the nod from Yahoo. Well deserved.
My opinion:
Serena’s disgraceful lack of sportsmanship is a perfect example of why I almost stopped watching tennis for a couple of years - I couldn’t stand to watch the Williams sisters win. I don’t care how gifted they are as athletes, there are others with greater gifts who play far more beautifully and have a whole lot more couth. I don’t care how many waves they make here in the States publicity-wise, tennis is a global sport and the Williams sisters are not good for it in the long term. They just don’t comprehend the “sport” part.
So, while Justine is far from being my favorite person or player (although I do have enormous respect for her game), I will be solidly rooting for her in the semis. Anything but the Williams sisters.
On an unrelated topic - did anyone notice that Martina (the one and only) was back this year playing in the Champions tournament?! She got beaten by Conchita, but good **** - the woman is 50 and she’s still out there strutting with the young ‘uns. Amazing. What an inspiration.
JS | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
It is exactly the classless, graceless behavior that Serena exhibited that has always kept me from fully appreciating her as a true champion. She seems incapable of acknowledging or giving credit to her opponents. Moroever, she can deny it all she likes, but it is SO obvious she needs to get in better shape adn lose some of the caboose. She was out of gas the second set.
How about Venus tonight? With all of her giddy exuberance and jumping around (gee, been there before?), did I miss it or did she fail to mention he opponent, who graciously congratulated her? Some things never change and all the money or tennis titles in the world won’t make a difference.
M | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
Graf was a true champion with a respect for the players that came before and the youngsters (like the Williams sisters) that were at teams beating the pants off her. She acknowledged her rivals skill at beating her even when they acted ridiculous (like Hingis). But from the moment the Williams sisters burst on to the scene, they have had no respect for the game. They (more Serena these days than Venus) have a completely egocentric view of the world that doesn’t enable them to see that other players are have or are capable of eclipising their accomplishments and abilities on the court. Serena was out of line. After every match there is a loser and rarely do they behave as poorly as she does. She is supposed to be an ambassador to the game, when she doesn’t even have a concept of all that it entails.
Percy Kgosidialwa | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
I live in Botswana - Africa and we have no coverage but when I read the articles in this page i dont see any wrong with Serena coz in the interviw she said: “I really don’t feel like talking about it [the loss], to be honest,” said Serena. “It’s like I don’t want to get fined. That’s the only reason I came. I can’t afford to pay the fines because I keep losing.”
She continued to say: “I think that’s usually the case with me,” said Williams, “that it’s for me to win or lose.”
I really dont know why the media want her to give huge praise to her opponent this time and she hasnt even said anything bad but just said that she will have to go back and figure out a way to beat her, now the media wants to put it in a way that she was rude in all her interviews, that wasnt graceless, we even read about it at the yahoo sports. LUCKY SHOTS- cant just think she was rude or wat, maybe she wanted to mean somthing coz at the end of this lucky shots sentence she admitted that she made a lot of errors, LUCKY in a way can mean good!
Prophet | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
What’s with all this tongue wagging???? I think after any person has lost an event that they deem important they are hurt and blame themselves for not playing well. In any match yes, lucky shots are made by a player and **** shots are made by a player which is exactly what Serena said. You people are trying to crucify Serena for one interview when she has done so many others quite well!
lenn | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
I do believe that the Williams sisters are a great example for the youth. They demonstrate tenacity;support community events;exhibit unquestionable philanthropy etc… It’s okay for male athletes to question their opponents ability, but female athletes are always expected to be “OH, so graciuos.” Come on has anyone never taken a sports psychology course?
The (The Williams Sisters) are wonderful people who I would love for my children to have the opportunity to meet.
Media can always put a twist on a story;it sells. A true competitor understands her frustration. Things are often said out of tiredness, frustration etc…that doesn’t make her a terrible person.
They’re living history, and I hope they continue to be in the game of tennis for a long, long time. I want them to just keep being themselves and receive all that God has intended for them.
Aaron Whincop | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
Come on people! Get Real! We all have had bad days and bitter loses in life! Serena is a good person that played a bad match. She should have focused on stating that instead of making excuses. The problem us Americans have is that we’re not graceful losers! We all need to take a course from non-Americans on the concept of losing and rebounding to becoming a winner! It takes practice, practice, practice!!!
Mar | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
I really hate when people judge people in a statement as if they know them personally,
you don’t. What gives you the insight to speak on their grace, humility, etc- They are great tennis players-they have ups and downs just like Andy, James, Justine, and anyone else. When you lose big ones, and you have to sit in front of a group of reporters who usually ask dumb questions and can write whatever they want about you, it’s easy to get misunderstood. It’s still hard for people to accept just how they changed the game of tennis. Check yourself!
Camryn | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
Low-life? That’s real classy or and mature!
Judge yourself and accept the fact that it’s hard watching the way both of the sisters has dominated what was once an exclusive club–who’s in the lower status bracket now?
Leery | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
If it’s not racial, why then did you bring it up?
duh!
There are times when we all have been sullen, upset with our losses, so what she didnt feel like being bombarded by the press-which by the way can be brutal—it’s always easy to attach the character of a person none of you people know, check yourselves and I’m sure you have some bad losses as well. Serena–who cares what a few real losers think– you continue to change the face of tennis, you have many fans!
totolor | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
Some of you said “Neither sister has ever given credit to their opponents” - I cannot agree more. When Venus got interviewed on the court about her sister’s defeat after her quarter final match last night, she only talked about her sister, never gave a credit to Justin. It totoaly disgusted me. What a classless sister act !!!
MA | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
Concerning Todd’s comments about if “I have something to celebrate in life” Well, I do have plenty to celebrate, two beautiful children that I spend plenty of time teaching sportsmanship. How do I explain to them that it is ok to sulk and call your opponent lucky after a loss. Next time I will not let them watch the Williams sisters play because of what they might witness after the match. As far as Richard Williams is concerned, he should be proud of what his daughters accomplished, but that doesn’t make it right that he dances around the stands and accuses other players of cheating after they beat one of his daughters. Have some class like the other parents and enjoy their success.
Kia Kee | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
Why don’t you guys talk about how Henin got coached after every point. How she was informed when to challenge and when not to challenge. When to move in on a serve and when not to move in. Regardless, u will always find something with Serena. Strange that the umpire told her she could not read her notes because that is like cheating but yet Henin can get coached from the box and nothing is said….If that is not cheating than what is. Serena has no respect for Henin (and I do not blame her) after she cheated her at the French Open. U guys have it wrong….u call her classless for not saying Yeah she beat my but but you condone cheating. What hypocrites!
Aaress | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
Hi Everyone,
Thanks for visiting On the Baseline.
It has been roughly 24 hours since this post went live and thanks to it being mentioned in the NY Times and Reuters outlets worldwide, it has been read by thousands of people.
Many of you have voiced opinions about Serena, Justine, Richard, Americans in general, and even myself. For the record, I’m not a racist. For those of you who relish going around and touting that term, you might want to learn a little bit more about the individual you plan on labeling. Maybe even learn what race they are themselves.
I believe in allowing valid opinions to be voiced, and mostly, many comments were approved without editing or deletion. Unfortunately, for every classy comment, I’ve seen three that were not appropriate enough for my trash folder.
With that being said, it has been over a day since Serena’s comments, and its time for On the Baseline to move on. If you did not get a chance to give a voice to your opinion, I’m sure you’ll find someone who already stated something similar above. Nothing more can be gained by continuing the discussion.
Let’s turn our focus to the four worthy contenders for the US Open title - of whom I would be proud to call any of the four the next US Open champion. Feel free to join in any of other discussions and come back and visit.
I apologize if you had a difficult time reaching OTB as the traffic surge taxed our server, but hopefully all will be restored soon.
Thanks again for visiting and we look forward to having you back at On the Baseline.
By the way, leaving a comment about this issue on another post will not do you an ounce of good. It will be deleted before it goes live.