By now, the video footage of Serena Williams berating the lineswoman for calling a footfault on Serena's second serve at 15-30 in, what turned out to be, the final game of the match against Kim Clijsters in the Semi-final of the 2009 US Open, has been seen around the world and debated by all manner of journalists, TV talk show hosts and the blogosphere at large. I would add my two-cents as well. First, the footfault call was atrocious-it wasn't even clear on replays whether Serena actually did commit a footfault. Secondly, the timing was terrible--I felt like the official was inserting herself into the match--especially as it was not an egregious fault (if it was a fault at all) and Serena is not a player who is known for foot-faulting. That said, I cannot believe Serena went after this defenseless linesperson with the vitriol and intimidation that was seen by the entire Arthur Ashe crowd and recorded for the entire world to see. Get a grip, Serena--take it up with the umpire, if anything. Serena robbed Kim Clijsters of her victory and tarnished her own reputation. I have seen that Serena has now apologized to her blog audience, but her post-match interview and subsequent statement hardly constituted remorse, contrition or anything close to owning her outlandish behavior. I don't agree with Mary Carillo that Serena should be suspended from competing, but I do feel that all prize money earned in her singles result should be forfeited. And she should apologize publicly to the lineswoman (who should be given a desk job now!).
Congratulations to Kim Clijsters for her Championship. Our new Tennis Queen Mother.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
So, despite the fact that the foot fault call was possibly wrong, you still think the right person won?
ReplyDeleteOh, definitely. Clijsters had her on the ropes the entire match. I just wish it had been a clean and clear victory for Kim Clijsters---as it happened, she won the tournament the very next night, so she got her "win". They need the challenge system to include foot faults, now, I guess.
ReplyDeleteI've changed my mind. I agree with Mary Carillo. You can't speak to an official of the game like that...they're supposed to be completely objective and without prejudice. When someone, as Serena did, addresses them in a personal attack--which is EXACTLY what she did, it's OVER. It sends a "chill" through the ranks of umpires, lines-persons everywhere that, if you're big enough, have enough clout, you can get away with being a THUG and the "establishment that pays you" goes along with it. Like termites taking down a house, mouthful by mouthful.
ReplyDelete