I think the boos were mixed, but plenty, if not the majority, of them were pointed directly at Serena. Many in the crowd heard her outburst and started booing immediately. Serena couldn't leave bad enough alone, either, she had to go back a second time towards the linesperson, and rip her again. That augmented the volume of the existing boos. Some of which may have been for the footfault call itself, but it seemed like they were responding to Serena's juvenile and downright deplorable tantrum. This was well before the huddle of officials.





Agreed. Serena and her fans will milk the victim-hood of this as much as possible, as though she was somehow justified to act in such a profane and threatening manner.




Completely disagree. "The rules are the rules, except if it's match point" is probably some of the silliest logic I've ever heard. Rules aren't to be enforced just 99% of the time. Serena knew the score, and the rules, but acted the way she did anyway. Whether or not she did it intentionally or subconsciouslly because she knew Kim was on the verge of victory (which I believe she clearly was) will probably be a never-ending debate going forward, but SHE caused something that was unfair to Kim. SHE caused something that was unfair to the fans, the sponsors, the event, the tour, and the sport as a whole.

Like Tarango (again, great company you're keeping, there, Serena), I think she should be fined and suspended in addition to having lost the semi the way she did.




Agreed. One of the very few times Serena FINALLY gives credit to an opponenet (she actually DID complement Kim on playing well to the press ) it's when she's part of a press conference after she's been defaulted from a slam semi for having destroyed a racket and hurling ugly profanity and threats at a linesperson...and being totally evasive and unapologetic for having done so.

Gee, how sporting.





Not at all cute. I've noticed you saying things like you're getting "sick of her mouth and sour'n'dour attitude" with increasing frequency this year. And it's coincided with my constant yammering about how I "like the tennis player, but not the sportsman" the past two years. I doubt we're alone in feeling this way. I'm sure Serena's been losing fans steadily as her mouth's been running, but this certainly probably lopped off a huge chunk of fans, just with this one childish outburst.

Remember how vile and petty Serena's been all year by calling herself "the real #1" and "Dinara did great to win [insert non-slam tournament here]?" (And I actually still agree with her about the ranking flaws...but anyway...) Maybe now Dinara can have a new talking point to counter this and defend her #1 ranking. When Serena mouths off the next time (and you KNOW she will)...and people say "well, someone shouldn't be #1 if they don't win slams" Dinara can say something like "well, #1's shouldn't get defaulted from slam semis, either. That's keeping them from winning slams, too, if you think about it."

I agree with the penalty and the default. And let's face it. If you're having trouble foot-faulting, do the smart thing and move back an inch or 2. When you're dealing with sticklers like that line judge, you can't give them anything to call you on. We've all met those kind of people in life. You do your best not to give them anything to beef about. And that's what Serena should have done. Move back a little. Make it obivous that you're not foot-faulting. And if she had just taken 5 seconds, just 5 to cool down and talk to the Ump and not the line judge it would have turned out right. Come on, she's a professional and has been on the tour for 13 years now. Get with the program.

A question. I know you can challenge line calls, can you challenge foot faults?

Serena is at a crossroads. When she came back in Australia 07 I was with her fully, but she's just gotten more sour, fake, and condescending. Last night Kim showed her that what she's been coasting with isn't good enough. You could see the worry on Serena's face when Kim didn't back down last night and a straight-set defeat was looming. She hasn't looked worried out there in years.

Two quick things: what an irony that Safina retains the #1. What comes around goes around.

Second, Serena might be defaulted from the women's doubles...which would be a shame. It would be good for her to play.

I still think a footfault call that was a matter of degree at that moment of the match was just stupid. It's an unwritten rule kind of thing, so anyone who disagrees is right to do so, of course. It doesn't help that the only person in the media I've heard criticize the timing of the call is McEnroe.

Anyway, the women's final is tonight and damn did sweet little cupcake Kim play some smackdown tennis against Serena.

Forgotten in all this is how Kim was robbed of a legit victory by all of this b.s. I'm annoyed by the linesperson as well as Serena about that. Kim's expressions of disbelief as it all went down linger.

But I'll remember that she served out her last two easy holds with in-your-face aces. Insert wavey icon here.

Yep!

Currently, no. You can whine to the chair umpire, but they won't do anything about it.

Maybe they could add some technology to determine foot-faults the same way they can determine in and out balls. I'm guessing it happens so infrequently it wouldn't be worth the investment.

I wonder if Serena would protest and skip the USO if she were to be fined and/or suspended (which she should be) for all this...like she and Venus do for Indian Wells?

I thought most of the boos were directed at the call itself, not at Serena. Even though the crowd was decidedly pro-Kim, in a situation like that people want to see a deciding set and I think they were booing a call that resulted in match point. As for the call itself, it was a lousy call. Serena probably did foot fault, but foot faulting is rampant in tennis. It's usually far more egregious and does not get called, especially at such a crucial point. So Serena had every reason to be furious. Her behavior from then on, though, was completely unprofessional and unforgiveable. It was a lousy way for the match to end, and I feel bad that Kim didn't get the opportunity to close the match out, but the point penalty was completely appropriate. Serena had one more chance to save some face in the news conference, but her answers were disingenuous to the point of dishonesty. This is a stain on her career that will follow her forever, just as Justine's unsporting behavior at Roland Garros followed her until her retirement.

It's hard to imagine the chair umpire overruling a foot fault--they really just can't see it that well from where they're sitting. You really need to be looking from the right angle to see one properly. Besides, since they need to be ready to call the serve, they probably aren't really studying the player's feet. But this is what totally floors me from the press conference:

Q. Would you be interested to see if you actually foot faulted?

SERENA WILLIAMS: I'm pretty sure I did. If she called a foot fault, she must have seen a foot fault. I mean, she was doing her job. I'm not going to knock her for not doing her job.

Umm...okay...but you still aren't willing to apologize for threatening to shove a racket (or was it the ball?) down her throat?

Yes, I understand that she's upset, but players get upset on court all the time. There's still a code of conduct when you play on the tour. I've seen people crying "racism" on some boards which is just a crock. Yes, I've seen white male players screaming at umpires. I've also seen white male players get penalized points for doing it. Hell, I've seen Nadal penalized a point for a time violation, without the slightest protest. I'll grant I haven't seen a match default, but I've never seen anyone explode on match point like Serena did either.

It's unfortunate that the match ended this way, but for once I agree with TennisGuy--you don't change the rules because it's match point. If she foot faulted, she foot faulted.

Serena needs to getting married and have a baby.

TRL

Yeah, Serena's attitude at the press conference is what galled me the most. It's as if she had done nothing wrong. No remorse, no regrets. Then when she said something like (and I paraphrase here) "I used to have a real temper on court. You should have seen me before" (as if her conduct last night was waaay more acceptable than her actions in the past.
I used to like Serena but her diva-like, ungracious, unprofessional and immature behavior has really soured me. I know I shouldn't compare her to Venus (apples and oranges) but one would think that Serena would learn from big sis' example. I can recall only one meltdown (if you want to call it that) by Venus. It was over a disputed line call in a Wimbledon match early in her career against Steffi Graf. But Venus matured nicely and learned from her mistakes and now she's one of the classiest and most gracious players on the tour. When Serena was ridiculing Safina, Venus was defending the Russian.
One final thing: I am in no way trying to defend Serena, but what is the big deal about slightly stepping on the line anyway when you serve, especially for someone who plays from the baseline? Does stepping on the edge of the line give you an unfair advantage or add more speed to your serve? I don't think so.
I could see how stepping on or over the line could give a serve-and-volleyer a head-start on rushing the net. But, again, would it be that significant an advantage?

Admittedly didn't read every post thoroughly re: Serena, but I didn't see one mention of the fact it was the penalty point for breaking her racket that set up the second penalty point.

While Serena was over the top, and if she hadn't gone back a second time probably would have played out the match, I saw many other players smash their rackets, some of them more than once, and not once were they penalized.

I think part of Serena's frustration was with the lack of consistency in the calls. It is, however, part of the game.

She didn't get a point penalty for breaking the racquet, she got a code violation, which the chair umpire is required to give. Alves had no discretion on that one. And it was the right call.

To me it was the shaking of the racquet at the lines person - while taking steps toward her - that was completely f**ked up. Whatever she said, that was a threatening gesture, and I would not have had a problem if she had been defaulted for that. I don't care if it's Oudin threatening The Rock, it's still completely out of line.

And if it was a foot fault, it was a foot fault. That woman's sole job during the serve is to see whether a foot fault took place. If anyone has proof that foot faulting is "rampant" in professional tennis, I'd love to see it.

Ummm...wow.... was at the Serena/Clijsters match last night. I've always been one to defend Serena, but there is no defending her behavior on court last night. Whether or not it was a foot fault, her reaction to that line judge was so appalling. I just sat there with my mouth wide open looking at her berate the line judge. What Serena was pissed about was Kim having her way with her, and her not being able to dictate the way she wanted to. Lost in all of this is how wonderful Kim played. It was like a tale of two players. The clean hitting Serena of the first 5 rounds wasn't there, and the Kim who had a bit too many errors in the first 5 rounds was gone. Her defense is still incredible and man she was dictating the points. Serena was anxious throughout the match. She couldn't get anything really going consistently and I don't know if she didn't deal with the weather delays well or what but she imploded.

I agree that she should be fined heavily and she should make an apology to the line judge, the USTA, and the fans. That was just ridiculous and I was really ashamed to be a fan of hers last night. I know a thing or two about anger so I'm not going to desert her as a fan, but she deserved any amount of boo's and criticism that she receives. There's no need to behave that way on the court, and as much as I criticize Roddick for being a punk on court..he's never done anything like that to a judge. Was it racist? I didn't see anything raciist about it. I have seen plenty of racist comments, but thats nothing new. Poor Kim. She really should've had a proper celebration for such good play. I hope Serena can learn something from this incident because it was appalling. As an American player, she totally embarrassed herself at the United States Open, and did a disservice to the game. No excuse for that kind of behavior EVER!!!

Anywho...congrats to Cupcake Kim on a major final in just her third tournament back!!! She is back with a vengance and I actually look forward to the next time she and Serena play. But for now...good luck to her against Wozniacki. Kim should be the favorite given that Wozy is not nearly as quick or powerful. But, I wonder if the lack of pace Wozy will give Kim will make things interesting. Hopefully it isn't a blowout. Great US Open for both girls.

I suspect the bad press from around the world, and the calls for penalties, will eventually cause her to have to issue some sort of non-heartfelt apology but this incident will follow her for a long time to come and will be replayed over and over on many sports highlight shows.

well said, Terp. Serena had a melt down. She struggled the whole match, trying to fire up with intensity since she was struggling to play at her best. Kim had a lot to do with that, because even after Serena would play a good game or two, Kim was unfazed and continued her high quality of play (deep, deep penetration off both sides, up the line and cross court, plus excellent serving).

Serena did look like she threw the tantrum out of frustration...she hadn't been able to channel her frustration into winning the match, so she took it out on the lineswoman. Don't care if McEnroe did it so often. It was bush then and it's bush now. But Serena didn't have a way to beat Kim, so she found a way to end the match without having to finish. That also is bush.

Code violation for breaking the racket. Whether or not anyone else has ever gotten away with it....actually doubt that, since it's automatic, they just don't do anything stupid to get a second violation/point default. She earned the violations. The amazing thing is that the second one came on match point. As smart and tough a player as Serena has been, that is one of the poorest choices (unless see above) a pro tennis player could have made.

Foot fault for serve/volleyer but not for baseliner? Um, no. Serena can serve in the 120s. She gets an advantage if she's on the line, even if she's not rushing the net to follow the serve.

Serena needs to take a big step back and look at whether she wants to be more of a punk like McEnroe was or a class act like her sister, Kim, Amelie. Or, if she can't take comparing herself to her lessers since she's the real #1, then Monica, Steffi, Martina, Chris, Tracy, Evonne. Time for her to go Compton on her own bad attitude.

Yeah, Serena has been so into proving people wrong. Now it'll be interesting to see if she'll be able to prove everyone wrong by recognizing the consequences of her own words and actions -- for once.

If not, she's poised to go the Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? route even if she wins many more majors.

She's obviously been surrounded by yes people, and her core fanbase on tennisforum are by and large rude to all other players, completely uncritical of her, and oblivious to the fact that she's been losing fans left and right the last couple of years.

If Kim wins this tournament as wild card, it's amazing on her part. Plus she's undefeated in her last two Opens.

*applause*

It's been time for quite some time, now.

The one thing I'll say, not exactly in Serena's defense, but to temper all the criticism raining down on her, is that on that exact same court she faced the wrong end of probably the worst and most unjust officiating I've ever seen. She may have had a flashback of sorts when the footfault was called. But it's not a valid excuse.

Just as much as I'm not forgetting last night, I won't be forgetting that night.

The irony is that she's now guilty of the same kind of bs she and her fans (rightfully) used to hold against Henin.

Soderling broke his racquet vs. Federer and didn't get a code violation. No mention of it, in fact the announcers joked that he should give it to someone in the stands. Even had a close up of it. Had to stop play for him to replace it.

I'm not clear....was this supposed to be funny? And exactly what do you mean by it?


How evolved


What does Compton have to do with any of this? Was that supposed to be funny or just offensive?

I think Mary just announced that Serena would be fined $10,500. I'm a Serena fan - always have been and always will be - and I think it was a terrible call by the line judge who should also be reprimanded or dismissed, but I don't think Serena's punishment fits her crime. A fitting punishment would have been to make her forefeit her earnings from the tournament and a suspension. Or something more than pennies on the dollar.

It'll be interesting to see the crowd reaction tomorrow at the doubles final. And it will be interesting to see crowd reaction to Serena in future matches. I think she will win more majors, but she's got a lot of work to do to win back the respect of her fans and peers.

The Compton stuff isn't funny to me. But Serena is so wrong here, and her press conference an embarrassment - and predictable.

As for the code violation for smashing a racquet, I don't remember the Soderling instance you're mentioning, but coming from someone who watches way too much tennis, 95% of the time at least you will get a code violation for crushing your racquet like that. Tempted to say 99%.

I'm not sure what was tricky about it, but I wasn't intending humor in any way, shape or form. I just meant that I'm in full agreement with Good Hands when he stated that Serena needs to do something about her ungracious and arrogant attitude. Let me know if you're still lost.

Mary Carillo voiced her disgust with the decision to allow Serena to play in the doubles with Venus. I agree with her when she said that in any other sport, she'd be completely out of the tournament. She said it's an embarrassment to the tour. I agree with that as well.

She also was indignant, as many will be, about the $10k fine levied against Serena for the tantrum. And they laughed at the $500 fine she got for smashing her racket. Wow, $10,500. That'll teach her.

They mentioned it was "still under investigation", whatever that means. Hopefully, she'll get a suspension, or something of real consequence. To fine her so little, and even worse, to allow her to continue to play in the tournament (and all subsequent tournaments) as though nothing happened, is just deplorable.

Would be interesting to know what the other players "really" think about all this??? I have seen Andy, Stubbsie, of course Johnny Mac, among others have their way with linesmen, officials and I am sure they would have an interesting take on it. Pos or Neg....

I am just so personally disappointed in Serena, the iconic phenomenal tennis super power/fighter to go down in a blaze of ugly. It seems so un Serena like. Like every other fan i just sat with my mouth open as she exited the court. BJK was there as a witness, who has been a friend and mentor to both sisters. So disappointing, a lesson in life for Serena....things don't always go your way, I guess.

I see a big difference between calling people stupid, blind, insane, whatever - and threatening to shove a f**king ball down their f**king throat while shaking a racquet at them and stepping toward them.

But I also think they're right to let her play tomorrow's final (if indeed they do). TALK ABOUT DRAMA!!

I like Serena (though I seldom root for her) but I get really annoyed by the way she turns "intensity" into almost a parody of itself. It's worse than Hewitt back in the day - and boy, was that annoying. But particularly coming from someone her age and with her litany of accomplishments - lame.

But yay for Kim! Talk about a fairy tale story - just what women's tennis needs. Man do I hope she wins. Sucks that she got overshadowed by the greatest drama queen the WTA has ever produced.

Here's Serena's statement about last night that was just released a little while ago:



So even today she's unapologetic.

F*ck you, Serena. She may be a multi-slam winner, but she'll never be a true champion.

That statement ia missing something - an apology.

It perfectly reflects the lack of grace that makes Serena so unlikeable on the court.

Neither.

Serena referenced being from Compton as an excuse to launch into her tirade. Serena justified her attitude toward the situation and the lineswoman and her choice of words as she screamed at her by saying she was from Compton.

If you wonder if it's supposed to be funny or offensive, ask Serena. I took it to me she's equating Compton as being tough, full of fight and aggressiveness, being mean as need be, being willing to battle for what she believes in, even if it's ugly or messy. So when I said she needs to go Compton, I was using her term and definition of it.

Listen to her speak about this. Read the preceding comments and posts. Not just in this thread, but over many years. And then see if you get the reference to Compton.

If the two of you commented are still misunderstanding it, then post again with a description of why you aren't getting it. Otherwise, be offended when offense is given, not just when it's taken. And save your arrogance about the comment being "...just offensive" for another time and place.

So the US Open responds & comes down hard!

...She brought it upon herself. Thank gawd for "sports[wo]manship teeth."

Other things were said in another thread with no offense being meant, whatsoever, but plenty of offense was taken. Hopefully, this won't be like that thread. Let's not let this devolve into what it's most certainly not, please.

It's about Serena's piss poor attitude and lack of class and sportsmanship. Nothing else. Let's not try to make it about something else, either.

HALL OF FAME, KIMMIE!! Way to follow in Evonne's footsteps.

Kim!!!

That's right up there with Monica coming back and winning the AO, after the stabbing, maybe even more impressive. But just as much a feel-great story! They showed her kid in the stands, what a cute little girl! Not even Serena's classless display can tarnish this.

After all the ugliness of Serena's tirade and seeded players falling like autumn leaves in a wind storm, there's a happy ending for the women at this year's USO. Glad it ended on a good note, unless Serena has an encore presentation planned for the doubles final.

I bet Hingis is wishing her comeback was like that, unfortunately, the game had already passed her by even while she was still playing. But you know JH must be feeling the itch, right about now.

Congratulations, Kim!!!

Kim is a deserving champ.

Caroline fought well.

I found myself creeped out by Mary Joe's Stepfordness tonight. Sometimes tennis feels so scripted.

Second-guessing some of my thoughts about Serena this year and the last day or so. I need to read her statement. I was thinking about Zidane, not that the situations are that close...

I know one thing, Carillo is a huge hypocrite with her righteousness while being pals with McEnroe.

Things are so much more complicated than the way the media spins it, even if Serena deserved the default and then some.

Her relationship to Arthur Ashe Stadium is complicated.

Serious congratulations to Kim Clijsters. It's very difficult to properly appreciate just what a stunning feat this was. You can't even try to chalk it up just to a power vacuum in the women's game, because she took out two women who won four of the last five Slams (not to mention 18 Slams total including five USOs) between them on the way to her title and all of the infamously flaky top Russians and Serbs were being upset on the other side of the draw from her anyhow, and in fact overall defeated three Top 10 and two Top 20 players - and will herself now return to the Top 20 on the back of that effort.

Kudos need to go to Wozniacki as well, who for the most part played a spirited, canny, and unintimidated match, nearly pulling the first set out from under Kim in the same way she had done to all of her opponents, by confusing and frustrating them with relentless defence and off-pace shots. I actually got sucked into watching the replay of the match all over again just to revisit the entertaining rallies (especially towards the business end of the first set with all the lobs and exciting net exchanges). She held two points for a 5-2 lead in the first, and also was two points from the set serving for it at 5-4, and that has to give her confidence going forward that she can compete on the biggest stage against the biggest players, even if ultimately Clijsters was able to bring her champion's ability and experience to bear and close it out efficiently once she seized the decisive lead. I'm not sure if we'll necessarily see her in another Slam final again soon, but certainly she will keep cropping up in the second week as she has been and making her presence felt on the tour.

Apropos of nothing, it was the first all-Western European final since Mauresmo v Henin at Wimbledon 2006. Usually a Williams sister, Russian or Serb has shown up since then. Unfortunately the now-seventeen-year straight set final streak at the USO continues, but like last year, it was not a disappointingly straightforward match.

So, yeah. She was very careful to temper expectations with her comeback, but you have to think the primary motivation to return for Clijsters was to lift a second Slam trophy and (like Kuznetsova earlier this year or Sharapova when she won this title) shake the 'stigma' of being regarded as just a one-Slam wonder. (As Jake put it, undisputed Hall of Fame material now.) But to have done it so soon is pretty amazing. Too bad she can't get a wildcard into the YEC to see her mix it up with the top women at an event she also won by defeating both sisters back in 2002. Will she lose her intensity by already achieving this goal though? I'm really curious to see how next year will shape up, especially if Henin does make her own dramatic un-retirement.

One more thing, since I didn't want to taint my glowing post on the championship match with this.

I'm a bit confused by the witch hunt going on regarding Serena for further punishment. She's already been levied the maximum fine for unsportsmanlike conduct, and of course was assessed the point penalty which lost her the match. Maybe it's because I don't remember her actually physically assaulting anybody, or because Mary Carillo (whom I detest with the burning passion of a galaxy's worth of fiery suns) took such an over-the-top sanctimonious stand on it tonight, but I think she's paid for her misdeed enough with the aforementioned penalties, as well as the flak she's getting and will continue to get. Let's move on - not in the flippant, disingenuous way Serena suggested in her press conference, but genuinely so. With that said, I hope she makes a mea culpa or gesture of some kind when she and her sister undoubtedly lift the doubles trophy tomorrow.

But if it's really necessary, maybe we can set her up in one of those carnival dunking booths and the lineswoman can hit the bullseye lever with a tennis ball in a live broadcast on ESPN, if that will help end the fuss.

I have to disagree with the argument that a footfault is a bogus call or "overofficiating." If servers were allowed to step two feet over the line, it would them a huge advantage, especially those with big serves (remember that Serena has the most aces on the WTA Tour this year). Even an extra foot would be a significant advantage. Heck, one of my regular doubles foursome (lefty, big flat and crazy spin serves) was KILLING us with his serve in large part because he was stepping over 4-5" (after we pointed out his footfaulting and he corrected it, we actually had a chance on the return). At what point does footfaulting no longer give a player an advantage? 3 inches? 2?? Should the ITF/ATP/WTA allow the linesperson to make a subjective call? Of course not. If you step on or over the baseline before making contact with the ball on serve, it's a footfault. And you have to call it whenever you see it, even if it's a big point. Since I see it called quite a bit, I also disagree with the notion that it's rampant in the pro ranks.

If Serena has a PR agency, she should fire them immediately. If you're not going to take responsibility and issue an apology after truly shameful behavior, then don't bother making any public statement at all. If that isn't PR 101, it should be. She embarrassed herself in her postmatch presser and then made things even worse with that nonapology bullsh*t.

ok then, ENOUGH about the drama and ugliness of the semifinal and CONGRATS to Kim!!! She played absolutely beautiful tennis in the semi, and she overcame the wind and Wozniacki's crafty game to win another Slam!! I think Hall of Fame induction should be automatic for any WTAer who has a kid and then comes back to win a Slam. I still can't get over what terrific shape she's in. Sure, she's still young and obviously has great genes, but still, she must have worked her butt off in the gym. By the way, who is Kim's coach? They kept showing her husband, her (I'm assuming by the resemblance) brother-in-law, and an older man (father-in-law?), but I've never seen them point out her coach.

let me speak as an USTA Official. (Southern Section)

As others have said, the rules are you can not step into the court prior to hitting the ball for a serve. It's the same thing for stepping over the line during a free throw in basketball. or a receivers feet being inbounds in football.

For those who say, "it's such an important point. why call such a little thing?"....well! Tennis is a game where a match point is often decided by a ball being a fraction of an inch long or wide. Should those balls be played as "in" because "it's such an important point"? Do we get to pick and choose when a rule applies?

Ugh. I was in Chicago for a wedding all weekend, so I didn't get to see the matches, but I heard about the semifinals from a friend. I love the Williams Sisters so much, but this was just awful and I'm ashamed of being a Serena fan. I almost want them to just default the Sisters out of doubles, because the match will be so awkward and uncomfortable. But, that's not necessarily fair to Venus. Either way, I can't imagine Serena is in the right frame of mind to play tennis and Venus is still dealing with her injury. They'll probably lose anyway.

I think Serena's behavior demonstrates the dark side of her fighting warrior spirit that has led her to so many slams, particularly when she was thought to be past her prime and over the hill. It's that fight and will to win of a champion that I admire so much, but it also comes with the hate to lose baggage that can lead to disgraceful actions when things don't turn out the champion's way. This became clearer to me when I learned what Michael Jordan had to say during his Hall of Fame induction. I'm a huge fan of MJ's for much the same reason I am of Serena's, but hearing how he dedicated his speech to pointing out all the people who he got even with over his career, made him seem petty and desperate. Even though he has beaten all his greatest competitors, it was like he needed to keep on beating them -- his will to win can never be sated. Similarly, I love LeBron James and hope he starts his own dynasty in the NBA, but his desire to win so much enabled him to rationalize not shaking hands with the Orlando Magic when they proved to be the superior team.

I can identify with Serena a lot, because I'm a sore loser when it comes to competitive endeavors. For me, the sore losing part comes with wanting to win so badly. I've thrown temper tantrums before -- though it's basically among friends when I do it, so it doesn't matter, and it's never been up to the level of Serena's actions. When you become so emotionally invested in something, it's hard to turn down the emotions so quickly. This is why I totally understood why Federer could not keep his composure during the awards ceremony at the Aussie Open.

I've read that people are calling for Serena's suspension from future Slams, possibly even for a whole year. Whatever happens, I hope Serena accepts the punishment and moves on from there. If she is forced off the tour, it might give her a chance to figure out how to maintain her competitive nature, while reigning in her over the top, infantile emotions. I think she still has future slams in her, but I hope along the way she is able to earn the respect of the tennis world that she has rightfully lost. More generally, she needs to control that temper, or it could spiral into something worse at some point in her life (whether tennis related or not).

Time for dubs! Also from Serena's website today

Press Statement Amendment

Hey guys!!!

I want to amend my press statement of yesterday, and want to make it clear as possible - I want to sincerely apologize FIRST to the lines woman, Kim Clijsters, the USTA, and tennis fans everywhere for my inappropriate outburst. I'm a woman of great pride, faith and integrity, and I admit when I'm wrong.

I need to make it clear to all young people that I handled myself inappropriately and it's not the way to act -- win or lose, good call or bad call in any sport, in any manner.

I like to lead by example. We all learn from experiences both good and bad. I will learn and grow from this, and be a better person as a result.

Xxxx,

S

PR is PR. I guess if it stops the Salem trials and gives Serena a creed to attempt to uphold, maybe it's good, but looking for closure from press statements...

I don't know if anyone here is saying that it's wrong to call a footfault. I'm not. But some people may be saying that the timing of the footfault call was suspect at the very least. On Tennis Channel it was clearer that Serena footfaulted than it was in the CBS coverage. (The officiating at the USO this year has been poor in my opinion. There were bungled calls aplenty in the Clijsters-Serena match, and don't get me started on Djokovic-Federer yesterday.)

Only time will tell how Serena will move on from this, and what perspectives any of us have on the matter. airrunner, I loved your post. And Urban Suede that is some funny writing (if Serena doesn't drown in the dunk tank, no doubt about it -- she's a witch).

One thing's for sure: Serena has really had some issues with the white lines at Arthur Ashe.

Especially now that a PR apology has been issued, I wanted to ask if the USTA/USO issued an official apology to Serena in the wake of the Capriati match. I seem to remember they did, but don't have time to look it up at the moment...if they did, it would be interesting to read.

They sure did! AND they fired the chair umpire! This actually is a delicious read, especially Serena's line about how she "doesn't protest calls," and the USTA's line about Serena being a "class act."

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/5933547/

Congratulation to Venus and Serena for winning their 10th doubles grand slam, 2nd overall US Open doubles grand slam, and for winning 3 out of the 4 doubles grand slams this year!! With all of the controversy, it was nice to see them get plenty of crowd support, particularly Serena in her darkest hour. Serena seemed to channel all of her energy into that match, and they completely dominated the #1 ranked doubles team of Black and Huber. Was glad that Serena was allowed to compete in the final because it wouldn't have been fair to Venus.

Patrick McEnroe's interview was so full of fail in trying to bring up the foot fault controversy. The crowd boo'd him when he kept trying to press it, and Venus...lol...that girl is so sharp. She stepped in and said "what I think the crowd is trying to say is that its time to move on" to which the crowd cheered. Yes, Patrick was being a journalist, but I just felt that wasn't the right time or place for that. Just to point out though...there was a point shown during the doubles in which Serena did foot fault, but was not called for it. So..she does do it.

Serena's amended apology should've been her first apology. It should've been what he stated in the press room instead of being so dismissive about it. Its how she responds now that is important to me. She's never done anything like that before and I seriously doubt it will happen again. McEnroe has profited from being a tennis bad boy and I also think there's a double standard for the men and the women. What Serena did was awful and $10,500 is not enough of a fine. It should be her whole singles check in my opinion. You can't do what she did and only have to pay what I read is 3% of the check she earned for reaching the doubles. I do think though that many people are already trying to move on, as was shown by the crowd booing Patrick McEnroe. This was a terrible incident that will be forgotten about soon enough. We have short term memories and the only ones who will try to keep it going are ones who didn't care for her in the first place. Still a fan though. Congrats girls for leaving with some hardware at the end of this. Serena.....never again do I want to see that ghetto display!!!

And also congratulations to Kim Clijsters on what has to be one of the most improbable and remarkable comebacks in not only tennis history, but sports history. Amazing after just her 3rd tourney back she walks away as the winner. Her daughter is adorable and its the tennis story of the year, which should not be overshadowed by the foot fault controversy. It will be interesting to see now though how she plays moving forward now that there will be pressure. We saw it a bit last night in her match with Caroline, but she overcame very well. With the win she moves up to #19. No more wildcards for cupcake Kimmy!!! Welcome back Kim. We've missed your presence.

That may be true but I STILL can't stand him. He's the worst ie of an athlete to respect, which I never will regardless of his accomplishments. Serena is on the cusp as far as I'm concerned.

Correct!

I never liked Johnny Mac or Jimmy Connors because of their attitudes and behaviour. Their tennis was marvelous but t this day, I do not care for either of them because of their ass**** behaviour.

Serena's fined & is put on a two-year "probation," so to speak.

I'm glad my wife can finally move on.