Serena Williams has earned a reputation for having poor sportsmanship. During Sunday’s final at the U.S. Open against Samantha Stosur, she showed once again why the reputation is so well-deserved. Here’s the point that got Serena upset:
Serena lost the match in straight sets 6-3, 6-2 and the controversial point took place early on in the second set. Williams had already dropped the first set and was facing a break point when she yelled “come on.” The chair umpire ruled that Williams’ yell hindered Stosur’s ability to compete that point and she awarded the point to Stosur. Chair umpire Eva Asderaki’s ruling was actually in accordance with the rules.
International Tennis Federation rules say: “If a player is hindered in playing the point by a deliberate act of the opponent[s], the player shall win the point. However, the point shall be replayed if a player is hindered in playing the point by either an unintentional act of the opponent[s], or something outside the player’s own control [not including a permanent fixture].”
Serena felt the point should have been replayed. The umpire thought the action was deliberate and that’s why she penalized Serena the point. That’s debatable, but there is only way one to view Serena’s reaction: inappropriate.
She proceeded to bully the chair umpire the way she’s attempted to bully so many umpires in the past.
“If you ever see me walking down the hall, walk the other way,” she warned. “Because you’re out of control. Totally out of control. You’re a hater, you’re unattractive inside. Who would do such a thing. And I never complain. Wow.”
“A code violation because I expressed who I am? We’re in America last I checked. Am I gonna get violated for a water? Really, don’t even look at me. I promise you, don’t look at me because I am not the one. Don’t look my way.”
You know what the sad thing is? Serena had that chair umpire confused for the one from her 2009 U.S. Open match where she notoriously exploded on a sideline judge. And in case you were keeping track, she also lashed out at the U.S. Open umpires in 2008.
Serena, you’re right: it’s the umpires who are out to get you. None of this has to do with your poor sportsmanship and overall behavior.
