Standup Zone Forum
General => Random => Topic started by: connector14 on September 08, 2018, 05:24:17 PM
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Ok. So I watched the womens finals today and was very disappointed that Serena's behavior really took the joy away from young Osaka's victory. Serena definitely lost her cool (as many players sometimes do under such pressure) and she had to pay the price. You can argue that the call about being "coached" during the match was fair or not. (her coach even admitted that he was coaching...so no argument there). I got to thinking about how this could have been prevented.
These players are pros and they hire coaches, trainers, etc. just like other pro sports.
So why not make the coach sit on the bench next to the court so that he or she can do what they are paid to do? The coach of the football team doesn't sit in the stands and expected to keep his mouth shut?! If the player doesn't want the coach to say anything, well, that's up to the player. This devastating call would not have happened if it was permitted for coaches to do their job. This whole situation is going to get so blown out of proportion because of the stage. Young Osaka was robbed of the opportunity to really WIN based solely on her skill. Fans should be upset because Serena's behavior cut the match short and they didn't get to see the match they paid to see.....and I think it would have ended up being a great 3 set match in which either player could have won. Such a shame.
My other peeve for those of you out there that know tennis....I think they should do away with the "let" on serves. Play the point if the ball gets served into the box, even if it hits the net. No different than any other point where the ball hits the net and still goes in....you play it. This would speed up the game, save server energy, and add some extra skill needed to return tricky serves where the ball hits the tape and still goes in. I know there are some pros out there that would like to see this instigated.
Anyway, I hope the men's finals tomorrow go a lot smoother !
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Serena was tanked and knew she was going to loose. Come on, you play tennis,Right. She was gassed and it was going to get ugly. This has pretty much been her mo for years. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Coaching is a whole different subject. No excuse for her behavior. None
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I must disagree, as Serena often likes to fight her way out when she gets behind. Almost as if she plays only as hard as she thinks she needs to and then steps it up out of nowhere to victory. She was clearly being "outplayed" , but my guess is, (had she not had her outburst and meltdown) she was going to fight back. I am no fan of Serena, but I will concede she is probably the strongest womens tennis player of all time up to this point. Naomi Osaka played an amazing tournament and the quality of her tennis was very consistent and she held up well under the tension of this spectacle. Serena took much of the joy of this victory out of her and that cannot be given back. Serena was kind afterwards as I am sure she realized what a mess she made out of what could have been an outstanding final.
Letting coaches coach seems like a reasonable way to avoid this kind of chaos in the future.
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Nope. Wasn’t going to happen. She’s to fat and out of shape. Did she really call sexism?
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Young Osaka played to win. Fantastic victory vs her "idol". Only 20 and mega poised on center court. Cool $3.8 mil for the kid. Seems very grounded. Bravo.
Serena. Not so much. ::)
https://youtu.be/uiBrForlj-k
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Sorry connector but Naomi was on her way to sweeping Serena, there was not going to be a 3rd set. Just like she got swept by Kerber at Wimbledon. When Serena tried to fight back with that break, Naomi spanked her right back with a break and that's what set her off to demolish her racket and go off even more on the umpire. Naomi DOMINATED Serena plain and simple. I'm a Serena fan but am really disappointed at her behavior. She robbed Naomi of her first time glory.
Glad we have some tennis fans on here.
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Sorry connector but Naomi was on her way to sweeping Serena, there was not going to be a 3rd set. Just like she got swept by Kerber at Wimbledon. When Serena tried to fight back with that break, Naomi spanked her right back with a break and that's what set her off to demolish her racket and go off even more on the umpire. Naomi DOMINATED Serena plain and simple. I'm a Serena fan but am really disappointed at her behavior. She robbed Naomi of her first time glory.
Glad we have some tennis fans on here.
Yup. Serena only blows up like that when she is losing.
The whole thing was so unfortunate.
Serena's tirade went on and on and on and on some more, and some more.
Geeze - it was really unbelievable.
Serena called the umpire a liar and later a thief.
However, Serena's coach later admitted, yes he was coaching her, that he couched her
all the tima and that all the coaches did it.
At the same time, Serena said she never cheated and never took coaching. So, hmmm,
it seems one of them is not telling the truth.
It seems to me there should have been a third penalty given when she continued her tirade
for minutes and minutes even after the penalty game was awarded. It was after that
penalty game was awarded that she tried to use the "sexist card" - that men do it all
the time and they were trying to penalize her for being a woman - of course, that is
illogical since her opponent that was "benefiting" was a woman also. And, even Chris Everett
pointed out that men shut their mouths after the first non-penalty warning so as not
to lose a point from doing it a second time.
Still, there was a lot of really good tennis in that match.
The most unfortunate part was that Serena's disgraceful display robbed Naomi of her celebration.
It really wasn't fair to Naomi at all.
Naomi played very very well and showed real class.
She's only 20 so she'll likely be winning a lot more championships.
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Perhaps this ugly finals will convince the WTA that it would be better to let the coaches sit down by the players and coach to their hearts content just like in Davis Cup tennis matches. Just maybe (and I stress MAYBE) Serena would not have made such a mess of herself. She certainly did not set a very good example for other up and coming players. Naomi was robbed of her joy in the victory.
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Serena was tanked and knew she was going to loose. Come on, you play tennis,Right. She was gassed and it was going to get ugly. This has pretty much been her mo for years. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Coaching is a whole different subject. No excuse for her behavior. None
Agree 100%, a third set wasn't going to happen no matter what, and Serena down deep knew that, so she goes out saying "It's not fair!", and I'm glad she got fined afterwards, totally deserved it, even though the fine was pittance to her. But being an elitist doesn't pay like it used to.
I feel sorry for Naomi, Serena took the shine off her trophy.
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The mark of an all-time great isn’t how they win, it’s how they lose.
Finally Serena has come up against someone who is physically strong enough to take her on, and is better prepared and more disciplined.
This is probably the start of the end for Serena. If she were the female equivalent of Roger Federer then she’d use this to motivate herself to re-focus, and come back with some new tricks and in physically better shape. But I don’t think she has that level of class. I hope I am wrong.
The umpire probably is made of the wrong stuff mentally, and should be shuffled off to less high profile matches. He made himself the news. A more skilled umpire might have been able to defuse the situation, and there is a legitimate question about whether a different standard was being applied to Serena than would have been applied to the men.
But, as my father used to say, “two wrongs don’t make a right”.
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It was unfortunate end for sure. I to wish Serena had maintained her cool no doubt she does as well. The picture of Serena next to Naomi in the NYT with her eyes closed trying to find calm is just so human and full of vulnerability. This along with her incredible tennis and physicality is why she is so loved.
I would make a strong case that no athlete in the history of sport has been as objectified, sexualized and born racial hate as much as Serena. And that includes Jackie Robinson, Ali, Jack Johnson and Arthur Ashe. She has taken it all with her big, girl tutu on.
Agree with the "let" change other then that Tennis at its best is gripping drama.
Serena is magnificent in all her humanity.
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I've always been a Serena Williams fan.
I was dismayed at her behavior at the ceremony.
Her ego stole Naomi's moment. Sad to see.
She is a top role model... this was a great opportunity to show how to handle defeat with dignity.
Naomi Osaka kicked her ass....
and the entire US Open Awards Ceremony was all about Serena.
Chris Everett blubbered over Serena
"Serena, not the finish we were looking for" WTF?
then
"Naomi, you played well.... we'll get through this" huh?
Poor Naomi looked miserable and pissed all the way through what SHOULD have been her magnificent moment of glory.
Her Mom was pissed and sad as well.
Finally the announcer mentioned that Naomi was the first person from Japan to ever win a US Open....
Too little too late.
Japan is not going to be happy about the disrespect shown Naomi at this awards ceremony.
Christen from JP Morgan Chase, was the only one who treated Naomi with the respect she deserved IMO.
Chris Everett was awful....
she gave a heartfelt hug Serena, as she handed her the runner up trophy
then just "dropped off" the Winners Trophy to poor Naomi.
It's hard to even watch this video of the award ceremony.... a total disgrace for the US Open IMO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCm3BemDlj8
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What's the deal with tennis players? All sports have a certain level of ego and self-absorption, but tennis seems to take that to new levels. I don't watch it, I don't watch any televised sports, but I watched the clips here. Wow, what a pack of dickheads.
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I say she’s just catching up to what the guys did for years.
McEnroe, in a classy move, actually acknowledged the double standard.
Let’s wait til she is joking about her bad behavior in a beer ad before we all get outraged. ;)
“Oh my, what will the children think?” You mean about Serena, or the men who cussed and compulsively gambled their way to titles for the last 50 years?
Just sayin’...
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Still fully mired in controversy and sexism. Dickheads yes. BS galore yes. Williams vs Osaka -> 0-2. No fluke. Coaching foul was just a "warning". But Serena simply could not let it go and came unhinged as Osaka fired back winning shots. Osaka simply did not crumble under the booing and center stage pressure. She played within herself -> one point at a time. Ramos is hardcore yes. But sexism. Hmm?
About history with Ramos in Williams press conference right after losing -> "he's always been a great umpire".
"The sexism narrative also failed to reflect the statistics from the US Open, which showed 86 code violations were handed out to male players in the course of the fortnight, but only 22 to women."
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2018/09/10/fire-umpire-carlos-ramos-acted-times-integrity-says-itf-following/
https://youtu.be/NMAXEaGGoGk
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I have some sympathy for her.
Meanwhile, if you want to see ranting taken to the level of art, go to baseball, specifically managers. And learn--always ask for nail clippers at the end:
(warning: language)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=40&v=QOZxT9MHAJU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=40&v=QOZxT9MHAJU)
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Neither Williams nor Earley were prepared to reveal exactly what was said to the lineswoman but the New York tabloids, which splashed the story across the back pages yesterday morning, were not so reticent. Suffice to say, it was not exactly ladylike: "I swear to God I'll fucking take the ball and shove it down your fucking throat."
Serena can give it pretty harsh when she wants. So yes "thief" was kinda subdued for her in this instance. But sexism and equality. Hmmm?
At least "emotional" Mac etc was smart enough to get called for spewing profanity as a first "warning" most times. Not dumb enough to be assessed a lost point or lost game like Serena. Worst as most note -> is the lost shine Naomi will have the rest of her life looking back at the win on court and the booing at the awards ceremony. That was a true disgrace. Was really quite revolting to watch actually. Especially the comments made by the presenters.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/sep/13/serena-williams-tirade-us-open
https://youtu.be/2cRIb63X_e0
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“The sexism narrative also failed to reflect the statistics from the US Open, which showed 86 code violations were handed out to male players in the course of the fortnight, but only 22 to women."
You can’t infer from this that sexism isn’t at work. Maybe the women are just a lot better behaved than the men, and if men had done the same things as got those 22 code violations handed out to women, they’d not have been penalised for them.
The earlier example of Alize Cornet's code violation for an on-court shirt switch is a more obvious example that there might be double standards at play.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/45341199
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Bottom line Naomi Osaka DOMINATED Serena not once but twice this year already. The NYC fans are lame for egging her behavior on and continuing to boo during the awards ceremony.
I wonder how things would've played out if Serena had a meltdown at Wimbledon after she got dominated by Angie Kerber as well. Would the Brits have shown more class?
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entitled trash
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Bottom line Naomi Osaka DOMINATED Serena not once but twice this year already. The NYC fans are lame for egging her behavior on and continuing to boo during the awards ceremony.
I wonder how things would've played out if Serena had a meltdown at Wimbledon after she got dominated by Angie Kerber as well. Would the Brits have shown more class?
As a Brit, I can say that we nearly always root for the underdog. (Probably because we usually are ;) ). It’s kind of a cultural difference between the UK and US. So the Brits would probably have been behind Osaka from the start, and Serena would have been even more unpopular by the end. I doubt we would have booed during the award ceremony no matter what happened though. That’s awful.
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entitled trash
Your bitterness is showing.
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Nope. Wasn’t going to happen. She’s to fat and out of shape. Did she really call sexism?
She could take you down, I bet.
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It was unfortunate end for sure. I to wish Serena had maintained her cool no doubt she does as well. The picture of Serena next to Naomi in the NYT with her eyes closed trying to find calm is just so human and full of vulnerability. This along with her incredible tennis and physicality is why she is so loved.
I would make a strong case that no athlete in the history of sport has been as objectified, sexualized and born racial hate as much as Serena. And that includes Jackie Robinson, Ali, Jack Johnson and Arthur Ashe. She has taken it all with her big, girl tutu on.
Agree with the "let" change other then that Tennis at its best is gripping drama.
Serena is magnificent in all her humanity.
Right on.
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Thanks for the perspective A10. Seems like at Wimbledon Serena knew the crowd would not have backed her like they did in NYC so she behaved. Gotta put some blame on the fans too I suppose and the USTA. They really do kiss Serena's behind especially Katrina Adams the CEO. No Serena no US tennis. Kinda like how golf went back to obscurity when Tiger was out.
Bottom line Naomi Osaka DOMINATED Serena not once but twice this year already. The NYC fans are lame for egging her behavior on and continuing to boo during the awards ceremony.
I wonder how things would've played out if Serena had a meltdown at Wimbledon after she got dominated by Angie Kerber as well. Would the Brits have shown more class?
As a Brit, I can say that we nearly always root for the underdog. (Probably because we usually are ;) ). It’s kind of a cultural difference between the UK and US. So the Brits would probably have been behind Osaka from the start, and Serena would have been even more unpopular by the end. I doubt we would have booed during the award ceremony no matter what happened though. That’s awful.
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"As a Brit, I can say that we nearly always root for the underdog. (Probably because we usually are ;) ). It’s kind of a cultural difference between the UK and US"
Eh..... not so much. Not having "their" team or person in the show.... the majority of Americans would tend toward the underdog. And... I can't say I recall Brits ever rooting against Andy Murray at Wimbledon. I don't think I've ever watched a match where Manchester United fans were pulling for Everton.
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"As a Brit, I can say that we nearly always root for the underdog. (Probably because we usually are ;) ). It’s kind of a cultural difference between the UK and US"
Eh..... not so much. Not having "their" team or person in the show.... the majority of Americans would tend toward the underdog. And... I can't say I recall Brits ever rooting against Andy Murray at Wimbledon. I don't think I've ever watched a match where Manchester United fans were pulling for Everton.
Well I think you just undid your own argument there. No-one except Man U fans want Man U to succeed :)
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I love sports and so do my 3 daughters. I have one on varsity Volleyball, and two playing soccer right now (youth and middle school).
My kids aren't always the best players on their teams but they are uber-competitive. Whatever game they are playing they fight until the last play or second on the clock, and are often inconsolable after a loss (my middle daughter collapsed on the floor in a pile of tears after losing a 9 year old basketball tournament, half of her team did not know if they were the Home or Away team on the scoreboard). It is a blessing and a curse to have that drive to win. Losing "PIG" in the backyard creates tears and animosity for at least an hour. I have taken my daughters golfing and had to yell at them for pushing and shoving on the green after losing a hole. Like I said they hate to lose. My wife has outlawed Monopoly and Poker from our house.
My oldest and I talked about Serena on Sunday night. It gave me a starting point for some good talks so thanks Serena and Official for that. The press is partly to blame for pushing the narrative, but my opinion is and always will be that we have to take our L's with dignity (and my kids are bad at this). Show deference to the victor for their effort and skill (and luck). I spoke to my daughter about how it is most likely that the official screwed up, but Serena let her ego interfere too much with the outcome of the game and tarnished the championship. Asking the ref to apologize during the match is laughable, it is just a way of giving up without damaging her own ego.
I like Serena and her story is a great American sports story. I just don't want my little athletes to think that any part of what she did is acceptable. John McEnroe was a great tennis player, but no one remembers much about his tennis game, just his melt downs. Serena should be remembered for being the greatest American tennis player, not this.
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"As a Brit, I can say that we nearly always root for the underdog. (Probably because we usually are ;) ). It’s kind of a cultural difference between the UK and US"
Eh..... not so much. Not having "their" team or person in the show.... the majority of Americans would tend toward the underdog. And... I can't say I recall Brits ever rooting against Andy Murray at Wimbledon. I don't think I've ever watched a match where Manchester United fans were pulling for Everton.
Well I think you just undid your own argument there. No-one except Man U fans want Man U to succeed :)
Precisely! Man U will certainly be the long shot to win in more than a few matches this season and....... I can't see them getting too many/any? sympathy votes on that basis. :P
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Bottom line Naomi Osaka DOMINATED Serena not once but twice this year already. The NYC fans are lame for egging her behavior on and continuing to boo during the awards ceremony.
I wonder how things would've played out if Serena had a meltdown at Wimbledon after she got dominated by Angie Kerber as well. Would the Brits have shown more class?
As a Brit, I can say that we nearly always root for the underdog. (Probably because we usually are ;) ). It’s kind of a cultural difference between the UK and US. So the Brits would probably have been behind Osaka from the start, and Serena would have been even more unpopular by the end. I doubt we would have booed during the award ceremony no matter what happened though. That’s awful.
That's interesting you think people in the US aren't the same as the UK in regard to rooting for the underdogs. I've always assumed it's universal. But you made me think about it, and it does seem to be not always true. Maybe it's more true with teams than individuals. Lots of people will root for the underdog team, especially when the favorite is viewed as arrogant or cocky. But with individuals, it does seem to be not so true. If people like the favored individual, they'll often root for him or her, especially if they're going after some goal or record (like Michael Phelps). (Maybe the record makes even the dominant athlete seem like an underdog--not against other athletes, but against the difficulty of breaking a record--it's the athlete against the clock, or the medal count, or the limits of physiology.) People used to seem to root for Tiger Woods when he was invincible, maybe because he was still likable then. Now, he's more of an underdog, but he's also become seen as a bad guy, so his support has evaporated.
Or, if it's international competition, an athlete being American will trump the foreigner being an underdog.
It could also be that wanting to see an arrogant or entitled athlete get beat is a stronger drive than wanting to see an underdog win.
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pdxmike....that makes a lot of sense. A lot of nonsense.
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So the WTA did issue Serena a monetary fine ...a slap on the wrist compared to her purse, but still at least she didn't get away with her disappointing behavior. Would be better to see one of her major sponsors drop her....now that would be a serious behavior modifier. I don't know about "sexism". I do know that some of these past male stars (Johnny Mac, Jimmy Conners, Nasty Nastacy...or whatever his name was) all displayed thoroughly obnoxious behavior at times in their careers and yet they are still remembered as great tennis stars and had tremendous star power. Tennis needed the excitement and controversy to gather viewers....kinda like NASCAR in the early days when everyone looked forward to seeing fights break out between the drivers...or better yet, major wrecks where someone might actually get killed. We humans are still evolving and some of our entertainment desires are still a little twisted (think professional wrestling):.........
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pdxmike....that makes a lot of sense. A lot of nonsense.
Why?
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Lots of discussion in the UK news about the Australian cartoon of Serena. It’s keeping this news story on the front pages. With the lurch towards the extreme right in the Swedish Vote this week (as a reaction to immigration) the issue of potential racism is very topical for EU countries. So these stories are all feeding into each other and Serena is at the centre of it.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/tennis/australian-paper-defends-racist-serena-13230548
The argument has been made that there is an “angry black woman” trope, which this cartoon feeds into. I must say I’d never heard of this, so it’s been interesting to be educated about the history of this.
The problem that Serena-supporters seem be be facing with this argument is the question of how many Caucasian players have acted in quite such an aggressive way towards an umpire. Of course, the problem statistically is that nearly all the top professionals are caucasion. So Serena is an outlier no matter what she does. Similarly, her chosen clothing makes her stand out: her garb for that match looked pretty cartoonish to my mind, so by the time it is parodied in a cartoon the effect might look unfavourably (and perhaps unfairly) extreme.
It’s a very complex multi-layered issue. Who would have thought that one simple temper-tantrum by a tennis player sore at losing could have triggered such a debate?
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/tennis/australian-paper-defends-racist-serena-13230548
No-one yet has mentioned yet the issue of trying to be world’s number one in a sport while coping with a one-year-old baby. And how that might affect one’s ability to tolerate frustration. Maybe that particular topic is too hot for anyone to handle! :) Wouldn’t this be interesting if that was a better explanation for that sporting event than anything to do with “race”, or sexism? Is it implausible that Serena was just tired because she’s a mum of a young child and so she lost her temper like many new parents do?
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Being from Australia I can tell you that it is indeed and certainly a racist, sexist country. Our national anthem is Advance Australia FAIR. We have major discrimination against female, aged, the disabled and the indigenous population. It’s just considered normal here. We’re a country of folk wits.
Not that it’s something I personally condone and the government has all the PC policies and procedures to make it look good but that’s bullshite in reality.
However the cartoon and don’t forget it’s just a cartoon, is meant to be insulting as cartoons are, is not unprovoked. Serena knew what she was saying and doing and her coach admitted to the cheating, so there’s little moral ground to stand on except to go back to the Im black and a Woman and therefore it’s discrimination.
Sometimes , you’re better off not cheating and then trying to scream your way out of it.
If she’d just got on with the match it would be forgotten by now.
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The cartoon, even as cartoons go is indefensible evidenced by erasing Naomi and putting in a blond with a pin up body. Fuck that guy and his editors.
As far as the double standard and sexism toward women go I like Martina's take on things: She wrote women should set the standard of sportsmanship and fair play and Serena's actions should not be the standard. I feel like I have seen some women get heated over the years but the light does not shine as brightly on anyone else but Serena. I know I am totally capable of going bat shit crazy when I am fired up and feel wronged.
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That is probably the most sensible explanation for her behavior. It is pretty incredible for Serena to have made it to two major finals in a row only a year out of giving birth. New mom and still on top of her career. Also she had several complications after giving birth. She probably should've milked that narrative instead of sexism. Although some may take that as a sexist stance. I guess she just had a bad day in the end while Naomi Osaka had a great day.
No-one yet has mentioned yet the issue of trying to be world’s number one in a sport while coping with a one-year-old baby. And how that might affect one’s ability to tolerate frustration. Maybe that particular topic is too hot for anyone to handle! :) Wouldn’t this be interesting if that was a better explanation for that sporting event than anything to do with “race”, or sexism? Is it implausible that Serena was just tired because she’s a mum of a young child and so she lost her temper like many new parents do?
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That is probably the most sensible explanation for her behavior. It is pretty incredible for Serena to have made it to two major finals in a row only a year out of giving birth. New mom and still on top of her career. Also she had several complications after giving birth. She probably should've milked that narrative instead of sexism. Although some may take that as a sexist stance. I guess she just had a bad day in the end while Naomi Osaka had a great day.
No-one yet has mentioned yet the issue of trying to be world’s number one in a sport while coping with a one-year-old baby. And how that might affect one’s ability to tolerate frustration. Maybe that particular topic is too hot for anyone to handle! :) Wouldn’t this be interesting if that was a better explanation for that sporting event than anything to do with “race”, or sexism? Is it implausible that Serena was just tired because she’s a mum of a young child and so she lost her temper like many new parents do?
I'm actually surprised that we haven't seen the post-partum depression card being played yet, but there is still time for that.
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It's become quite a show and I'm sure the tennis world is eating it up....just like they did back in the day when Mac and Conners made such asses out of themselves....but the crowd loved it.
Serena and her fans can make all the excuses an complaints they want but it all comes down to the fact that she was soundly beaten by a rising young star. I'd like to see the Williams sisters move on with their lives as there are more important things to do than just play tennis.
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Just in:
"Tennis umpires reportedly considering boycott of Serena Williams matches"
Washington Post
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I've never seen any other female pros destroy rackets like Serena.
I wonder about her anger - the whole display this time.
I still wonder if performance enhancing drugs is part of the reason for it
- there has been a lot of discourse about her (and others) using PEDs.
Of course, Sharapova received her recent suspension. And Serena (and others)
have exemptions to drugs that are banned without them. In that case,
I wonder about quantities.
Also, she seemed so sensitive about any implications of cheating,
yet her coach freely admitted that they do [illigal] coaching "all the time" - that
everyone does it. And yet, Serena vehemently denied it - in fact, that was the
supposed impetus of the whole current situation. (And, she called the umpire
a "liar" before she called him a "thief.")
Given her displays of rage, it just seems something is up.
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Come on Subber...try raising a one year old child and making a couple grand slam finals. Talk about pressure, but it does not excuse the behavior. I've read that Serena is the most tested person on the tour, part of what makes her feel targeted in the sport along with the catsuit ban, etc.
On a positive note, here's why Naomi will be the new face of tennis. Totally great personality...
https://youtu.be/x_UdFZKtDJA
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As noted young Osaka looks very grounded. But in response to PPD. This from a couple months back ->
The former world No. 1 posted to her Instagram account Monday night saying she has been battling with postpartum depression, and that the root of her struggles last week was that, "Mostly, I felt like I was not a good mom."
https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/serena-williams-postpartum-depression-1.4775866
She is transitioning to being a new mom. The "cheating" matter really got under her skin as no doubt being a good role model mom has major importance for her. But in standing up for sexism and equality for verbal abuse -> she may have undermined all this. This vid may put in better context her position.
Serena's coach freely admitted to giving hand signals which is "cheating" ... and that all coaches do it. This in complete contradiction to Serena's position on the matter. She was so pissed on learning he said this -> she sent him a text just before entering her press conference.
"We don't have signals. We have never discussed signals."
Was asked in her press conference how she will explain this incident to her daughter when she grows up. Her response in part ->
"Always stay gracious and stay humble and that's the lesson I think we can all learn from this. Just like I did."
https://youtu.be/bRa8kp_1zvI
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I can't imagine the pressure of performing at that level with that many people watching and even hearing your every word. People under far less pressure occasionally have meltdowns, and luckily for the vast majority of people, there are typically no more than a few witnesses, and nobody recording.
Also, everyone can relate to someone "overreacting"--but overreacting is often (almost always?) the result of hitting a point of cumulative frustration. The "last straw" might be something seemingly inconsequential. She's had incredible pressure and scrutiny since childhood, I imagine, so plenty of ongoing opportunities to build up frustration.
I also imagine tennis can be a particularly frustrating sport, where releasing tension by hitting harder can work against you. And you're certainly on stage. That could at least partly explain why tennis has had plenty of players known for tantrums.
I put up the baseball manager rant video for entertainment, but it's also a reminder that guys have meltdowns a lot worse than Serena Williams' all the time in sports. It gets dismissed as a bad day or bad temper, without being analyzed beyond that. I can see merit to the sexism comment. I can imagine officials being more lenient when a guy swears or breaks a racquet, and women wanting the same freedom to do that.
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I agree with PDX above. Men get away with assholishness much easier than women. I know many men who are assholes, everyone knows it- including the asshole himself. It is seen as a common trait among men. Sometimes even a lovable trait if they can turn it off in the correct setting. I remember working with a guy who would fly into a screaming rage within seconds in any argument and he flew into the screaming rage 1 -2 x per week. However, no one really disliked the guy they just knew that was who he was. Most people could see it coming and besides the person under attack, everyone else was chuckling in their cubicle.
In the Serena case, I think she has moved away from it as simply as "I messed up, I regret it" and the whole thing is over. It was bad sportsmanship, and being a poor loser plain and simple. The press and social media provide the only remaining momentum to the story.
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As well I. But simply cannot condone her actions. She went to the sexism card as a last resort. She was pissed and fuming on the "cheating" matter. She knew she would lose a point then a game if she continued. She knew the consequences -> but had to throw in "thief" because he would not apologize to her. She does have a history on forcing people to apologize to her. Some view her as a "bully". In my view Ramos should have given her the courtesy of saying to her before assessing that game penalty -> Serena if you continue ...
But interestingly Ramos did not insinuate she was a "cheat". It was only Serena. He just called a "warning" that her coach was coaching with hand signals.
It seems her energy would have been much better focussed in getting to a third set. Some players create a disruption and a distraction intentionally to disrupt their opponent -> and motivate themselves. So maybe that was a part of it as well. Serena did win the next game at love. Osaka tuning all that out -> was special in my view. So very hard to do.
Serena said it best herself ->
"Always stay gracious and stay humble and that's the lesson I think we can all learn from this. Just like I did."
Personally love tennis. Played my whole life. So was very hard to watch as Serena has been the GOAT for so long. This was not the best moment to push the sexism card as other journalists note. Ramos probs did unleash on her -> but Serena pushed him to. He did act within the Grand Slam Rule Book. We all can learn from this. I know I have. ;)
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This was prime time quality tennis from young Osaka vs No.1. With some coaching thrown in. ;D
https://youtu.be/SdQZg102Uxs
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Fun to watch.....two very well matched players and both true champs!