I am so tired of Serna WIlliams, she may be one of the best tennis players ever, but she lacks any degree of sportsmanship or grace. Her attitude is unbecoming of a champion, I refuse to watch her.
45
Her greatness is diminished by her continual lack of sportsmanlike conduct.
34
no reason to watch now.
8
The Grand Slam Rulebook Code of Conduct which players agree to adhere to—specifically Article III: Rule P of the Grand Slam Rulebook forbids players from making a verbal remark towards an official that "implies dishonesty", (such as "liar" and "thief".) So, no Serena- you are not better than that.
17
There is an article about Wang in this same paper and not one person who left a comment complaining about Serena took a moment to go to the article and congratulate her. They don’t care about Wang they just want to bash Serena. Also, in this same article, Osaka goes on about how she doesn’t have a championship mentality and blames herself for the loss, not giving Coco credit, and yet crickets.
5
I did not see this match at all --
However - what I find to be poignantly ironic is the juxtaposition of this article - with its many comments regarding Serena Williams being a poor sport and a bad loser - right next to the article about Eli Manning's retirement press conference earlier today - (which I did watch) - where he was lauded as being the finest example of team spirit, good sportsmanship, and humility -- while recognizing the many people who helped him along the way -
During his 16 years in the NFL - Eli Manning was knocked down again, and again, and again -- and each time he stood up with grace, poise and an exemplary sense of being part of a bigger whole --
Yes - I know - tennis is not a team sport --
But a person does not have to play on a team in order to be a good sport...
7
Lot of hate for Serena here...yeah maybe she is not the most gracious winner or loser but neither was....Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe to name just two. She changed women's tennis forever and I will always admire her for that. And yes you can't stay on top forever but it must be hard to face up to that when you have been top for so long, now she is playing people 20 years younger.
17
Both Williams sisters were very good tennis players but completely graceless. When they lost, it was embarrassing to hear their post match interviews with not a hint of complementary comment for their opponents.
Plus, to many observers of the game, Serena's musculoskeletal frame makes one believe she has been juicing. It seems likely and I am surprised there has never been any verifiable testing.
Will not miss her when she retires from the game.
13
Serena has been playing the underdog, in her matches, for too long now. Coming back strong after a first set loss so many times.
She seems incapable of doing that consistently any longer...
Tactical changes in her game are now over due. Her coaches need to deliver that message, or she needs new coaches. Or she's done. Which saddens me. I'm a huge, long time fan, a zealot fan. Saw her and Venus make their debut at the US Open, was sold once I watched them play then...
But Serena has showing a need for a tactical change for a few years now. It was starting to show in her game before she had a child.
6
As she has done in the past Williams did not give credit to her opponent . She claimed she "lost" the match because she didn't play well.
She lost because a better player was on the court with her.
It would have been appropriate for Williams to have acknowledged she was beaten by a player who played better tennis than her - even with the qualification that it was "on the day".
It's a pity Williams hasn't become humble in the twilight of her career. Time for her to retire.
18
From what I could observe, Wang has range and power but little sense of strategy. She kept on sending the ball back to Serena who blasted the ball back. Serena is nearly unbeatable when she doesn't have to move and is able to put the ball where she wants. However, she is vulnerable if you can move her around. Whether opponents are able to do so is another story. Here she had the chance to play her game because Want played an essentially defensive game, sending the ball back without angles. Serena lost because of her many errors, especially over-hitting.
5
@Frank Casa
I don't know if you watched the match or not, but Wang Qiang did drive her from side to side, or at least try to....
5
We'll see you at Roland Garros 2020 Serena where the crowd in cooler climes and better overall conditions will roar your victory. Bonne chance.
4
This is for all sports. Why do people relish talking about how an athlete is "washed up or too old" instead of celebrating their accomplishments. Shouldn't an athlete be allowed to compete as long as they feel fit without all the second guessing? Let her end her career in her own way.
15
Serena has clearly had one foot in and another one out of the wta tour for a few years now.
She seems to enjoy the company of Meghan Markle , drake and a handful of other celebrities too much to really care any longer.
She’s out of shape and outclassed on the court by an up and coming group of young, hungry and focused athletes .
She had a phenomenal run , time to say goodbye.
34
We have forever heard how the top females would lose to the top 200 ranked males.
Serena, and Venus, need to adopt the "male's game" if they wish to remain dominant.
Net play, Net play, Net play.
Having a supreme serve is the start that needs the requisite follow-up, i.e. the put-away volley.
Practice, Practice, Practice will hopefully allow the mental break-through needed.
Tennis is a game of realization, and it is never too late.
5
Serena got Wanged !!! Wouldn't it be nice if she were more gracious to her opponents and actually serve as a role model for young girls/women coming up.
40
@Bill Fortunately, we have Coco Gauff to look to for that.
4
she has nothing to be ashamed of,
champion of champions in womens tennis.
though, in my mind i'll never understand her
one blurt out years ago to an opponent,
"i'll kill you..!"
smh. :O ? huh? ok,
4
Age matters!
@Joseph And what she went through after the birth of her child affected her health and stamina. I think it is commendable that she has worked so hard to get back in the game after all that.
8
I’m sure most of “negative” or just “go retire” comment here are from another women. Women at its best, they are not very kind toward one another ! Go Serena!
6
It sad and kind of shocking to see all the negative comments about Serena here on the NYTimes. And people bringing up that she plays the so-called "race card" and such. As for Serena not acknowledging her opponent played better. She HAS done that at times. She acknowledged Osaka played better than her. I dont recall her making big excuses in her loss to Andreescu. But even when she does complain, this par for the course for top athletes. Manny Pacquiao didnt say Floyd Mayweather was better when he beat him. Brady never says another team or QB is better than him. What about all the bad behavior from MCenroe? Your Nytimes commenters are being very selective in your sore loser assessments. Just reminds me NYTimes readers aren't all as progressive and fair minded as many assume
20
Serena dominated in a time where female tennis athletes were NOWHERE near the athletes they are now.
Serena's much smaller opponents now hit the ball just as big as Serena did. And serve just a big as Serena did, and move far far better, carrying far less physical and mental weight, or baggage.
I'm just waiting for a female player who will drop shot Serena then lob over her head or pass her until Serena's head explodes.
Serena's easy run is over. What's disgusting here is that Serena doesn't have the grace of a true champion to admit a better player beat her.
27
Time to put on the big girl pants and compliment your opponents who are able to better you. I expected more from her but unfortunately, Serena's behaviors are consistently immature.
41
Serena should remember what her pal Dirty Harry said;
"A wo(man) has got to know her (his) limitations!"
Exactly what's so difficult to stay at home and raise ones children? Is it the "drama" Serena?
3
Sullen and narcissistic- textbook Serena. And the tennis media continues to fawn all over her- you have to wonder why.
36
Because she’s good and that’s what bothers you. You even post something that is so blatantly false. She gave an honest assessment of her performance and here you turn it into a negative. She consistently praises her opponents and if you took the time to actually listen to the pressor instead of reading one line from this article you would have known that.
6
If you got bonus points for being sullen and narcissistic Serena would have won the match.
22
She got whupped. She is not as good, not as dominant. Understandable, given her age and her time off to have a baby.
Like Tiger, like Brady, she doesn’t want to admit it. Also like them, she may rise to the occasion and reach the heights again.
Her having been such a bully during her career, many will cheer her decline.
6
No matter one’s sport or skill, there is something to be said for leaving at the top of one’s game, rather than slowing sputtering to a ...
5
Many of the comments here are repugnant. Nothing brings out the unbridled misogynoir of the otherwise “left-leading” Times readers like an article about Serena — praise or defeat needn’t matter. (Of course many would deny this, claiming their thinly-veiled sexism and racism is about her “attitude,” ironically unable to be conscious of what that indicates.) Unfortunate that she lost. She wasn’t at her best. Wang also played well. Two of those things occurred, simultaneously. Still, Serena remains one of the greatest to ever do it and I hope she’ll give us a few years more. If not, I hope she enjoys whatever she puts her heart into next. She has nothing to prove.
24
There are stories on other tennis players, including Wang and there are no comments under Wang’s story and only 11 comments under Osaka v Gauff (which was the bigger upset). Serena definitely brings out the haters
8
Could not agree more!!!!!
6
Has Serena ever publicly apologized to Osaka for the US Open Final Fiasco?
11
Do you follow tennis? Osaka absolutely adores Serena and has made her feelings known. She even addressed people like you when she said they are using that USOpen incident to pit her against Serena and I was glad that she called people like you out.
7
And she did not have the basic courtesy of complimenting her opponent, Wang, for playing well and playing a better match!
She is so disgraceful, and no number of grand slams would make her a great tennis player!
17
She needs to exit gracefully like Chris and Martina did.....but I don't think she's capable of that.
9
Serena beats herself with all those unforced errors! Bottom line. I put my money on youth everytime. Time is marching on. Hope Serena get that elusive 24 without damaging her health and she can...reduce those errors
4
Serena is too old. It's not ageist or sexist or racist to say so. Championship-level tennis puts a lot of miles on your body. I don't understand why she doesn't retire already, as the legend she is.
4
Of courser "it's all on my shoulders," Serena, it's tennis, not baseball. As if in previous matches it wasn't?
This is why people don't like Serena. As for the "debate" after her loss to Osaka at the Open, you neglect to mention that she lied. Her coach admitted coaching her after she screamed to the ump, "I would NEVER cheat!"
15
Serena is consistency a sore loser and is never gracious towards her opponents. Maybe she should look over the net and take a few tips from Federer. Bye Serena, let someone else be a true champion.
16
There is nothing "uncharacteristic" about losing during the twilight of a tennis career. Age does not discriminate. Ask Roger Federer, he knows.
7
Serena has been working the limits of "Medical Exemption" for years. Too bad there is no Medical Exemption for Geting Old.
1
I saw the match. Wang was better. Period.
15
I hope Serena keeps trying. I could watch her lose and be completely graceless for another couple of years.
3
Serena's loss today was due to her errors caused by being nervous. She is not being ungracious and dishonest by saying she lost to a better player. She lost to someone she beat 6-1-6-0 four months ago. Yes, Yang improved her game and was inspired. Serena stopped playing point by point and worried about losing, so she lost.
It is astonishing how much hatred she has to endure given the comments here. She has shown plenty of grace and moxie in the past if you have followed her professional career. And yes. She should be celebrated since she has 23 slam singles titles, 14 doubles titles, 2 mixed doubles 4 Olympic gold medals and over 70 match wins in a 20 year career. She and her sister Venus inspired all the young players who hit hard, play fast and take no prisoners. Still her mind is no longer free. She thinks about her daughter, husband, family, friends, world events, her businesses, all precious but none of it helpful on a tennis court. Yes, she could lose 20 pounds, but the brain is where her problems lie and if she can fix that, she will earn more titles. As for the "never giving her opponent credit", that is patently untrue, see Wimbledon against Kerber, Australian Open against Kerber, US Open against Osaka, Wimbledon against Halep, etc. Just check the press conferences before piling on with all the hate. Serena will win a slam again and no, she has nothing to prove and can retire when she feels like it.
14
These tennis players are good at honest appraisals after their loss. This makes it all the more refreshing since trump finds it impossible to blame himself for a poor showing.
4
This article has been a long time coming. Ever since the "foot fault tantrum" years ago at the US Open, Serena Williams became unwatchable to many because of the heavy chip carried on her shoulder. Unable to share compassion or true acknowledgements to opponents but always seeking the spotlight. Humility is a hard lesson.
12
You do know that she has the highest TV ratings in the WTA
3
Can't stay on the top forever. Time catches up to everyone and folks need to know when to let go. Prize fighters who didn't know when it was over paid a huge price.
Some people are champions, some diplomats, some both. Some people are haters if people don't meet their expectations. People aren't in the world to meet your expectations. As if 20 years of great tennis isn't enough. Sheesh!
3
Anyone who has ever seen her play or even played tennis themselves would testify that she played way below her normal level and while certainly many errors were attributed to her opponents fantastic play....many errors were unforced errors and a lot of them. when Roger or Rafa say they played badly and thus lost, no one comes for them. I'm not saying that is sexism but it certainly is something....
13
There is nothing sadder than an athlete whose best days are behind them trying to hang on. She should retire on top as opposed to becoming a has been tennis player. It is something to many try to do.
1
Serena got by for a long time by being stronger and hitting harder than her opposition. Now the opposition can match her power and return her serves. Many are now faster as well. She's 38 and a sore loser. I liked her sister who plays with class as do most of the women, but Serena is not appealing. She's arrogant, nasty when she is losing.
Unforced errors are a matter of judgment. If I'm rallying with a younger opponent and I lose when I hit it into the net, is it really unforced or am I out of shape and eventually in a long rally (or long game) I'm going to make errors.
I saw goodbye and good riddance to Serena, the sooner the better. The sport will survive without her. And if she keeps playing, losing and behaving badly, it won't help her legacy.
In men's tennis, I'm not sure what will happen when Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer exit. If all three retire on top (essentially, if it's a major the odds are one will win) then the sport will be poorer. As much as I like all three, we need some young guns to beat them while they are at the top of their game.
8
Why so many people don't like Serena?
5
@areader because she is a successful woman ! More of those negatives comments are from another women !
3
Always disappointed at the pleasure so many take in criticizing Serena Williams. Even when she criticizes herself.
7
The best player 'of her era', you say? Don't you mean 'the best player of all time'? Even if she never won another match, she has already solidified herself as the best of all time. Put some respect on the name Serena Williams. Really though...
13
Like a lot of Sports stars, she is an admirable player, but not an admirable human being.
37
I lone what Serena and Venus did for the world of tennis, but Shes in denial just like Tom Brady. The younger players are better.
5
Ungracious in defeat yet again. I doubt we’ll ever see her praise an opponent as a worthy winner. For this, the title of champion will never sit well with her.
60
Maybe you should try watching some of her matches. She praises her opponents all the time
3
I can only hope she finally steps away from the game and spares all tennis fans her abysmal attitude.
While true that she is a great athlete and tennis player, her inability to reference her opponent's play in her loss is another of many examples of her poor sportsmanship. I for one am tired of her and her attitude. It's time. Please.
53
It would be easier if you would just stop watching her. She gets the highest TV ratings out of any tennis player in the US so her matches will always be shown in its entirety. Maybe if you had watched the match you would have noticed that Serena congratulated her on the win and gave her words and a handshake.
5
It's amusing to read these quotes from Chris Evert, who does nothing but fawn over and praise Serena, in her role as Open commentator, and who is always telling us Serena's about to do it, about to slam Margaret Court.
Never happens.
It's time for Serena to bow out.
There's no better way to tarnish her amazing career, her spectacular tennis game, and her role in women's tennis, than for her to stick around, losing, and agonizing, and involving us in her private drama.
She has nothing to prove, but something to lose, if she can't reckon with farewell.
25
@history lesson
Pam Shriver is even worse.
2
@history lesson "“I think it ‘s more about working hard to get in better shape,"
You apparently missed this part.
1
It was a close match that could have gone either way. Did you see Serena come from behind to win the second set? Did you see the 24 ball rally?
I think the snide criticisms are about her perceived personality shortcomings, not her play. Her comments afterward were appropriate; she just didn’t say what some commenters wanted her to say.
She is a great, great champion and I hope she continues to amaze us with her athleticism and talent.
24
Ok, I see the argument that Serena really did lose the match due to 56 unforced errors, and, had it not been for those, she would have won. HUH? I saw a very out-of-shape Williams play a younger, faster, fitter, Wang - one who came ready to play. I have no doubt that a more fit Williams probably would have won, but when you are out of shape, you commit unforced errors. Serena still has it, but, at her age, she cannot afford to show up in less than tip-top shape.
45
Other players are no longer completely intimidated by her, they know they have a chance to win I suspect. Serena is a phenomenal athlete - nothing will change that. But time does march on - it's inevitable that younger players will be able to beat her. Of course she is disappointed in her losses - she has set an incredibly high bar for herself. That's how champions behave, regardless of the sport.
18
@dairyfarmersdaughter "Father Time is undefeated"
3
"Best Player of her Era"? Try Best Female Player Ever. Couple of other thoughts. I grow so tired of spectators demanding Serena be more "gracious" in defeat. Does anyone ask the top male athletes to be more "gracious" in defeat? She is a fierce and steely competitor, which is in part why she is so outstanding at her craft.
In the same vein, Serena always gives a degree of credit to her opponents (She was effusive in praising Simona Halep after her loss at Wimbledon last year.). Yet, she also recognizes that she has a level of play that none of her opponents can reach (e.g. a fifth gear when everyone else has three or four). When she says that if she were playing her best, she would not have lost - that is a completely accurate statement. When Serena is serving well, moving well, and mentally confident, she cannot be beat - not by Wang and not by any of the younger players.
Can she re-capture her most elite level in her late 30s - now that remains to be seen.
27
@Edwina Yes, male players are asked to be more gracious , if they are not. Fortunately two of the best, Rafa and Roger, are always gracious.
16
@Edwina
Thank you for expressing how I feel .
Why does Serena have to be ‘nice’
as these commenters demand ?
Continue on Serena.
10
@Edwina Roger. Chris. Naomi Osaka, Kim Clijsters and many more are better than Serena.
8
A lot of rancor expressed toward Serena in the comments I've read. I've always felt strong empathy for the aging athlete and this is no exception. I hope Serena can win another Grand Slam and retire with no regrets that she fell short of her grand goals.
When I was young, I read a story by Albert Payson Terhune titled, "Youth Will Be Served" -- it was about a great collie champion, losing his "crown" to the young dog. I always think of it when age is catching up to a great athlete.
Good luck Serena.
14
I think we can all come to the conclusion that Serena Williams will not stay the best tennis player for too much longer. She used to be very good but now the competition is getting younger and better, and I don't think Williams has much more time to adjust to that change. Williams said, "Honestly if we were just honest with ourselves, it's all on my shoulder's". She is not wrong, she controls how hard she works, but other people are putting the pressure on her when it comes to how much longer she has to stay the best. She has been winning and losing a lot lately. Now only time will tell when her time is up. Then a younger and better component will come in destroy her competition just like Williams did in 2017.
16
@Olivia Hagan hi sister olivia
Standing on the court after the match Wang was asked how she won after she was drubbed 6-1, 6-0 by Serena at the US Open. Wang said she worked to improve herself physically, mentally and improve her game. Was she going to celebrate? No. She was going to prepare for the next match. That's an athlete.
And it was in 2009 that Kim Clijsters came back as a new mother, unseeded, and won the US Open defeating Serena Williams in the semi-final who went through another ugly meltdown where Serena threatened a female linesperson, lied about doing it, and was later fined $10 grand.
Kim Clijsters never put herself out to the public as a role model for mothers everywhere, as Serena Williams has. She simply played tennis and was a role model. Big difference.
99
@JohnBarleycorn Serena Williams is an industry unto herself, worth around $200 million. There is much riding on each victory...or loss.
8
@JohnBarleycorn Kim Clijsters is a great champion. But nowhere near the superstar status that is Serena Williams. The mind blowing part of Serenas comeback from Pregnancy is her age, late 30s. A time when most players are retired or barely able to win matches, whereas Serena is still making grand slam finals. Clijsters not putting herself out there as a role model is her choice, one is not better than the other. Whether people like her or not she has achieved global Superstar status, one of the most if not the most celebrate female athlete in history, she has transcended the sport.
9
@JohnBarleycorn
Serena didn't put herself out as a role model directly. Real role models don't monetize their fame through endorsement deals. They mentor others and are accessible.
She wanted to cash in on endorsements, and part of that package is presenting herself as a role model.
In the interim, she became a sore loser and behaved disgracefully.
6
"It is time to gracefully retire. The emperor is naked and we need to say so. She was and always will be a champion. It is time to go. " This pretty much sums it up. We are being shown again and again how difficult it is for those with power, fame, ownership to step down at the appropriate moment. How much is enough when it comes to fame and power? This is the main question addressed in The Irishman recent film which Al Pacino portrays so perfectly. We see it in the current administration. Hoffa didn't "own" the Teamsters even if he created them. Serena doesn't own tennis championship even though she has won so many titles. Trump doesn't "own" the presidency without limitations.
This challenge of letting go surrounds us. And here we see the challenge is not limited to powerful men.
28
Serena lost a match. She will not be the best tennis player forever. Father Time is undefeated - he has beaten every athlete on the planet in every single sport ever played. Serena is no exception. She might give credit where credit is due, though, and understand it isn't always how badly she plays - it is also has well her opponent plays.
48
Serena has rebuilt herself physically following birth, but she has not rebuilt herself mentally. Her stubbornness to play smaller events and gain clear trust and confidence in her game is not serving her right now.
She needs to consider playing lower level tournaments and gaining that mental toughness that so exhibited her career before stepping into maternity leave.
She is fast, powerful, and talented, but it is clear, in spite of her words, that when she encounters another fast, powerful, talented player, she begins to woefully doubt her own game.
15
@Nicolas Fast? Not so much anymore. She just played a lower level tournament in Auckland. Only one opponent ranked higher than 30 in the world. She won that tournament - did it help? She is no longer the best female player in tennis and continues to be afforded seedings that she does not deserve. Had she been given a seeding commensurate with her WTA ranking she would be playing even stronger players in the first and second round. I believe after this relatively early exit, you will not see a top 10 seeding anymore, making a trip to the quarters or semis less and less likely.
4
@Nicolas
Thanks, coach. I (SW) never considered that.
2
“Honestly, if we were just honest with ourselves, it’s all on my shoulders,” Williams said, acknowledging that this time there was no one else to blame. “I lost that match.”
Had it been the middle of last decade, I would agree that Serena "lost" the match. But to really be honest, in tennis you are only as good as your last match score. In a 3 set match in a major she got beat by the better player yesterday.
32
Bye, bye Serena!
43
@Michael Browder
Please continue Serena!!
4
Williams pathological inability to sincerely praise her opponent's performance when (in those rare instances) she's defeated persists.
She's a winner. But she's also oddly graceless and a textbook sore loser.
191
@RR
Serena will end her career as the only player to never say the better player won the match. What an accomplishment.
102
@RR
A true champion is gracious in defeat, accepts that things don't always go their way, and is secure in themselves, their abilities and their legacy. For all her titles, Serena is none of those things.
17
@Shamrock Could you document that Serena is "the only player to never say the better player won the match"? I very much doubt your statement but am ready to be proved wrong.
5
Serena is out of shape. The extra flab definitely has a negative impact on her game. It was surprising to see her like that but she’s probably losing that single mindedness as her non-tennis life expands.
51
Eventually every champion gets too old to compete against the younger generation. Golf is a bit different, since it's not much physical exertion people can play into their 50's pretty readily, going on technical skill. But there are no champion golfers in their 80's either.
Ms. Williams' difficult pregnancy took a few years off her peak ability, and currently she's just not as good as she was five years ago. And she can't get better, nobody can turn back the clock on aging. 38 is also when most football players have retired, and only a little younger than most baseball, basketball, and hockey players retire. I think people have to accept, there's going to be a new unbeatable champion in tennis soon enough.
18
@Dan Stackhouse
Bro, you can't compare tennis to football and the shelf life of athletes competing in each.
Its like comparing apples to oranges that are bashed with extreme force week after week.
Another ungracious defeat from Williams. Very rarely gives credit to her opponent when clearly outplayed. Like here. Times up for her the sort of powerhouse bullying of players she employed back in her pomp. The young players of today have a more savvy game and won't be intimidated like those who were around when Williams was blasting them off the court with brute power.
109
She is almost 40 years old. She has also had a baby as an older mother. Her body has changed. Plain and simple. It is time to gracefully retire. The emperor is naked and we need to say so. She was and always will be a champion. It is time to go. She is too old and too heavy to compete in this young person's game. Retire, have a few more kids and enjoy the fruits of your labor before you knock out a knee or ankle for good. You have it all. Take it and go gracefully. Start a training camp, help others, show your daughter grace.
61
@This just in
Time to go? As noted in the article, she's made the finals in literally half of the last 8 Grand Slams she's played. The slide towards more and more disappointing results is real, but if anything the past 2 years should encourage her that despite childbirth, more Grand Slam trophies are hardly out of reach. It seems that for a lot of spectators, Serena is the victim of her own success. These would be jaw-dropping results for all but a handful of other players on tour right now, regardless of age.
10
@Kyle What you say is true, but she came into the Australian Open out of shape. I don't think she will make it to another final if she doesn't get in better shape.
18
@Kyle Two years ago, there was Sloane Stephens, Madison Keys, Kerber et al. Now there is Andreescu, Barty, Halep, Gauff, Osaka along with the others. The time to win has past. She could not keep up with players that are 10 to 15 years younger. No one could. Her seedings will drop - she will play these opponents earlier in the tournament, and even if she does win a few in the early rounds - the physical cost would be sizable. She is not in the kind of shape to dominate in the latter rounds as in the past.
3
She's transformed herself into a hulk. No way she has not been juicing. I never did hear how her doping testing went after she hid in her safe room when the doping inspectors showed up. Happy to see her fall.
43
@Paul "I never did hear how her doping testing went after she hid in her safe room when the doping inspectors showed up."
She claimed that she thought they were burglars!!
I got a good chuckle out of that.
6
"Williams, when asked what Wang improved in their rematch, focused instead on her own performance.
“Personally I made a lot of errors,” said Williams, who hit 43 winners and 56 unforced errors. “I didn’t hit any of those shots in New York, or in general in a really long time — so that’s good news. I just made far too many errors to be a professional athlete today.”"
When given the chance to graciously admit defeat and compliment her opponent, Williams instead opts to diminish Wang's well-deserved victory by implying Wang isn't better, she just got lucky; Williams was just having a bad day. Just another item on the laundry list that is Serena Williams being arrogant and having bad manners.
115
@Darran Serena's assessment was accurate. 56 unforced errors was a gift in a close game. Her opponent did better than New York, yes, worked hard, yes, got lucky, YES. Serena beat herself. She could have included a nod to Wang about improving but her assessment that she gave away the match is accurate.
9
@Darran
I think it’s true that when she loses she has beaten her self.
She’s that good A talent.
However, had she worked as hard as Nadal does to be in shape I can’t imagine she would’ve ever lost any major she was in.
She’s that good a talent.
Her gift is so exceptional that I’m saying she has not fulfilled it.
She’s that good a talent.
2
@Darran
Her assessment was of herself .
What is wrong with that ?
6
It would be nice if just once Serena would acknowledge her opponent's effort when she loses. Grows tiresome and not the sign of a real champion as accomplished as she is.
130
I have played for more than 70 years and my dad was a teaching pro - tennis is in my blood. But I rarely watch women's matches because so many of them are a competition of unforced errors; the Serena-Wang match was an excellent example. Yes, Wang was the better player! Serena indeed is one of the greatest athletes in our sport, but in the last few years, we have lavished praise on her most mediocre performances and brushed off her bad behavior - both of which we seem to attribute to, "She is the first woman in the universe ever to have a baby!" Let's let go of the hype and let Serena retire gracefully, if she will.
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Serena , keep on going . Too many women gave up on their carriers to have children and regretted it. You have shown that you can have it both ways. That picture of you holding your sweet daughter and holding a trophy said it all. Thank you Serena!
10
it sounds like serena admitted she choked because that’s the definition of not rising to the occasion when you beat yourself rather than acknowledging that your opponent beat you
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I think it’s unfair that players that beat Serena always seem to “play their best match ever” against her and that Serena only loses when she plays her worst ever. What a pity. Poor Serena. Its only fair and just when she wins.
Something should be done to reduce the number of times her opponents play their best match ever.
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@Shamrock : LOL, Shamrock! Wow, I needed such a laugh!
2
The only thing that could be better than seeing Serena lose would be to see Trump removed as president and led out of the White House to face charges of fraud and tax evasion.
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@Jim Tagley ~
Will rejoice when and if trump is removed from the White House but I will be sad when Serena retires. I love watching her play. As the saying goes and it seems apt for tennis "youth will be served".
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@Jim Tagley
In handcuffs and held without bail as a flight risk, probably to Russia to be with his good friend Putin, and someone who, like Manafort, would attempt to exert pressure on possible prosecution witnesses.
2
Last night's match was one of the worst matches I have ever seen Serena play. Too many unforced errors. Her shots were flying all over the court. One has to wonder if tying Margaret Court's record is in the back of her head and partly the cause as to why she played so poorly.
5
Did Wang transmit the Coronavirus to weaken her opponents?
3
I have a question: Did the lost bring about the end of Wozniacki career? Or was this the planned last match of her career?
1
@English Kibbons I believe she announced her intent to retire after this tournament.
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@English Kibbons Planned last tournament. They've been talking about it since the first round.
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@English Kibbons It was planned that this would be her last pro match.
1
I was disappointed that Serena did not acknowledge the tremendous match played against her by Wang. Wang’s composure and shot making was awesome to behold. And, yes, as Serena acknowledged about her own efforts, there was something lacking. In each match there has to be a winner and loser. No one has won every tennis match that they play. I wish that Serena could have exemplified the Wimbledon phrase about treating winning and losing a match with humility.
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@Mike You clearly did not watch her entire press conference when she did acknowledge that Wang had played very well. Why do people always have to be so lazy in their criticisms of Serena ?
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I doubt humility is a word Serena has ever heard of?
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Did you actually watch the press conference or are you just taking the one line from the article and running with it? I ask because the press conference I saw, she did acknowledge her opponents performance but there was no way in hiding the fact that she made 56 errors.
3
You just can’t hold back the decline brought on naturally by advancing age after peak performance years. Great champions adjust their game, use their experience, but eventually the body betrays them. Ms. Quiang was simply the better, younger, physically steadier player in this match. Ms. William’s days as an unbeatable dominating force ... are coming to a close. And so it goes. What an amazing career, but hopefully she retires while still a formidable competitor.
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[Evert] added: “I think it ‘s more about working hard to get in better shape, which might help relieve some of the stress and make things easier for her.”
Dropping 15-20 pounds wouldn't hurt either. She used to use the weight to give her power, but now it's just slowing her down on the court.
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@JerseyGirl I think that it was Chrissie was conveying in a diplomatic way -
2
The big problem for Serena Williams is that she presses too much, gets nervous, and loses her composure. 56 unforced errors told the story of this match. She complained about "too many unforced errors " in the 2nd round as well, even though she won it comfortably. Since returning to tennis in Wimbledon in 2018 Serena Williams has been her own worst enemy. As a Williams fan I keep hoping she wins another major but that hope is fading.
7
It's a pattern you see with aging atheletes in all sports. They lose 1% of their ability and they are not the same. She doesn't have the power she once had. The other athletes have caught up, partly inspired by her. (Tiger Woods syndrome). And then there's the other thing. She's always been too emotional. Five years ago, her overwhelming power and talent made it mostly irrelevant. It sure wasn't irrelevant last night. She wore her emotions on her sleeve so much that it was a bit painful to watch. Her metal breakdown gave Wang the signal that she was ripe for the taking. I always assumed she'd break Margaret Court's record. Now, I don't think she will. She's been a great champ, but it's time for her to hang 'em up. Thanks for the memories, Serena!
16
Serena was described in the local media as going for a "full court press" (in pursuit of Margaret Court's record of 24 majors) in this Australian Open. That's been the big problem for her. She presses too much, gets nervous, loses her composure. 56 unforced errors told the story of this match. She complained about "too many unforced errors " in the 2nd round as well, even though she won it comfortably. Since returning to tennis from giving birth Serena Williams has been her own worst enemy. One has to doubt now if she will ever win another major.
2
Serena is a living legend. Nothing more needs be said. Go Serena! We're behind you every step of the way of your glorious career.
11
@EDC Sorry, but she's history.
2
@farhorizons Do you have a crystal ball? I think everyone said the same thing about Tiger, yes? Until she retires she continues to be a threat to everyone on tour. And she's still the player to beat and the player every other player wants to play. History? Ha!
1
Wang was the better player in this match. Unusual seeing Williams on the defensive end of things, but for a majority of the match she was.
Williams also lacked a consistent first serve which cost her. Her movement and footwork at times were awkward. And yes, a lot of unforced errors although her opponent had much to do with that.
21
There is a new generation of players coming up all the time. So, no wonder there are upsets. Williams and Wozniacki play amazing tennis but can't stop the advance of younger players.
22
Speed intervals. Court time and LSD once or twice a week. Improved diet. Light weights gym tme Deep breathing mantras.
All good but at most buy 2 yrs. as all other players now doing same.
Would be worth two yrs but may be too hard now.
3
Wang played a great steady match. She seemed completely unflappable.
Maybe its father time, maybe it was over confidence after steam rolling Wang at the US Open.
It was entertaining, but Wang was in control from the start.
And personally, I think "I'm definitely going to be training tomorrow" is not the right path. See what Federer does, he manages his workouts and tennis at his age. Serena could benefit from the same.
22
So lucky to have been able to watch Serena play at such an amazing level for so many years. I hope she gets another slam, but honestly, she doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone.
36
Whether she wins or loses, I feel we're all lucky to witness the career of this great athlete, Serena Williams.
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@Jim U
I hope she retires soon....
4
Wang played a really good match, it's just a pity that Serena couldn't acknowledge that. Serena tried to power her off the court and she couldn't. Serena may not have played her best tennis, but she didn't lose the match. Wang was just better on the day.
148
@catee Serena's never been known to be gracious in defeat. It's a rarity when she acknowledges that her opponent was simply better.
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@catee -- I watched the match, too. Serena beat herself. Again. She dissolved into self-doubt as soon as things didn't go her way. Wang played well, but she didn't beat Serena. Sad to see that beneath such a champion there is a pretender to the throne without true belief in herself. I feel women's tennis will be better off once she retires. I will not miss her pomp and egotism ... her tantrums and yelling ... and her arrogance and insincerity. I wish she'd hurry up.
39
@catee I watched and Serena's unforced errors made the difference. She beat herself and then owned it. That's a cold assessment not playing into 'graciously' acknowledging an opponent who worked hard and played consistently -- and still would not have beat Serena on an average day. Even with a mountain of unforced errors -- a real gift, Wang barely won. Serena will have more bad days but that doesn't mean her opponents are better. Coco, on the other hand. She is really going to get better, really better.
8