Oudin interview after Fed Cup regarding Williams'

[Topaz]

Originally Posted by The Pure One

I see some players in Davis and Fed cup playing their best tennis, giving all they have, with pride and true patriotism. In fact, to some, playing for their country is a dream. No need for money.

To me the WS are for the money. They sure have played injured if there is huge amounts of money (YEC) on the table. Or do you really think they have played in the Fed Cup if it was celebrated around the time of the YEC? No they would not. I recognize that Venus was truly injured but Serenas could play. BTW, I think the WS have played here and there for the US, but consistency is not there.

But, sadly, they are not alone. Bjorn Borg was paid $200,000 to play for his country. In other sports is the same. Look at the baseball classic. How many big leaguer's stay at home and do not play for the USA because the risk of an injury and their mammoth contracts?

Well said, and I believe that some players (like the Italians and Huber on the US squad) truly do love playing for their country. Others, like Sharapova and the sisters, are in it for the money. It is their decision, really, and I'm sure they don't really care if we 'approve' or not.

And, actually, I do think Serena's fitness was in question...and Serena on clay hasn't been a threat to anyone in a while. I honestly don't think she could have pulled the whole squad through on clay...don't see her 'grinding' out many wins on that surface anymore.

[jamesblakefan#1]

Originally Posted by Topaz

Well said, and I believe that some players (like the Italians and Huber on the US squad) truly do love playing for their country. Others, like Sharapova and the sisters, are in it for the money. It is their decision, really, and I'm sure they don't really care if we 'approve' or not.

And, actually, I do think Serena's fitness was in question...and Serena on clay hasn't been a threat to anyone in a while. I honestly don't think she could have pulled the whole squad through on clay...don't see her 'grinding' out many wins on that surface anymore.

Didn't Venus lose to Pennetta at the French a few yrs ago? To expect them to go in and carry the US team while hobbled, on clay, their least favorite surface, it's just too much to ask.

[Topaz]

Originally Posted by jamesblakefan#1

Didn't Venus lose to Pennetta at the French a few yrs ago? To expect them to go in and carry the US team while hobbled, on clay, their least favorite surface, it's just too much to ask.

Yes, and I want to say she's done it more recently as well, too. Having either sister on clay isn't exactly a lock for a win, that's for sure!

I think the US gals did great just to make it that far!

[The Pure One]

Originally Posted by jamesblakefan#1

Didn't Venus lose to Pennetta at the French a few yrs ago?

If that is true, what is your point? So if the 2010 FO happens that Venus has to play Pennetta, she should stay at the Hotel where she is staying and not play the italian?

Originally Posted by jamesblakefan#1

To expect them to go in and carry the US team while hobbled, on clay, their least favorite surface, it's just too much to ask.

Well, if that is the rationale, the whole USA team should stay at home. BTW, what you describe is what a true team player should do. I expect Serena at least to be in Italy and play. After all, she plays very good tennis on clay.

[Steffi-forever]

Originally Posted by LDVTennis

I think he is serious. Scary that there are people that stupid!

He/She was the one who were saying that Dominique Van Roost and Sabine Applemans were the greatest Belgium player ever!

[chrisdaniel]

Well, she has to remember that Serena and Venus are both Jehovah's Witnesses. Representing ones country is not THAT big an issue. I am a Jehovah's Witness, I know. Now, don't get me wrong they have played Fed Cup. And they have played the Olympics. But in the grand scheme of things they don't put it as high as Melanie Oudin does. And it's NOT about the money.

[jamesblakefan#1]

Originally Posted by The Pure One

If that is true, what is your point? So if the 2010 FO happens that Venus has to play Pennetta, she should stay at the Hotel where she is staying and not play the italian?

Well, if that is the rationale, the whole USA team should stay at home. BTW, what you describe is what a true team player should do. I expect Serena at least to be in Italy and play. After all, she plays very good tennis on clay.

They were hurt. Even if they went, they wouldn't have been at their best, and the adjustment to different surface...coming off of the YEC, they just did not have enough time to prepare for the Fed Cup tie. What more do you want? Even if they had went and lost, I'm sure WS haters would criticize them still. Like I said, with the WS, and Serena in particular, it's damned if you do, damned if you don't.

[nothingfails]

Originally Posted by li0scc0

I respectfully disagree. Oudin has had her share of injuries as well, yet clearly she is honored to be there.

She hasn't won a match since the USO, so...

[ttbrowne]

Actually I think it's okay for anyone to diss the Williams sisters no matter the experience. Even Oudin.

[longst]

Originally Posted by jones101

Serena has respresented her county in Fed Cup and olympic play many times so Mel should be a bit more respectful

Money is not the issues, Serena just played 5 matches in 6 days, aches and minor inuries, plus factor in jet lag, travel and switch of surface is a alot to take on board, I dont think she took the decision lightly.

Serena gets ripped on a lot but after beating 5 top 10 players in a row in the biggest non slam event of the year, not being 100% physically, should be respected.

Venus is a bit out of form and carrying an injury too.

Melaine should thank her lucky stars they dont play Fed cup regualrly, she would not be on the team otherwise.

Give this man 100 dollars!!!

[longst]

Originally Posted by ttbrowne

Actually I think it's okay for anyone to diss the Williams sisters no matter the experience. Even Oudin.

Well think again.

[boredone3456]

Mel has a point, Serena has only played Fed Cup something like 5 times in her whole career, which for a near 10 year career is pretty sad for the player who is the top player of her country, especially since many other countries top women consistently show up on their nations rosters. Its not exactly setting a good example for up and coming players.

Venus plays a lot more often, and usually tries to show up when she can so I won't lump her with her sister and say neither ever show. But Serena...well she seems to only play when it fancies her to do so, regardless of what is at stake in the match.

[TennisCoachFLA]

Oudin needs to take care of her own business. Her response to having one nice run at the US Open was to take her prize money, buy a Rolex, and go party. Then come out and play poorly in her next 3 tournies.

I guarantee you that if she had the William's talent and success she would not have a dang thing to do with Fed Cup and would most likely be an unapproachable prima donna. She and her family walk around their country club in GA like royalty, treating people like peons already.

Perhaps she should actually win a single pro tournament then be Ms. pass judgment on other players. Her game has huge holes in it and now that the scouting book is out on her she will be lucky to stay in the top 50.

[Serendipitous]

Originally Posted by TennisCoachFLA

Oudin needs to take care of her own business. Her response to having one nice run at the US Open was to take her prize money, buy a Rolex, and go party. Then come out and play poorly in her next 3 tournies.

I guarantee you that if she had the William's talent and success she would not have a dang thing to do with Fed Cup and would most likely be an unapproachable prima donna.

Perhaps she should actually win a single pro tournament then be Ms. pass judgment on other players. Her game has huge holes in it and now that the scouting book is out on her she will be lucky to stay in the top 50.

+1

Good point.....

[Mick]

haha. wait until serena hears about this. she's not going to like it

[longst]

Originally Posted by TennisCoachFLA

Oudin needs to take care of her own business. Her response to having one nice run at the US Open was to take her prize money, buy a Rolex, and go party. Then come out and play poorly in her next 3 tournies.

I guarantee you that if she had the William's talent and success she would not have a dang thing to do with Fed Cup and would most likely be an unapproachable prima donna. She and her family walk around their country club in GA like royalty, treating people like peons already.

Perhaps she should actually win a single pro tournament then be Ms. pass judgment on other players. Her game has huge holes in it and now that the scouting book is out on her she will be lucky to stay in the top 50.

Wow good comment. How do you know about them treating people at teh club like peasants??

Yeah you're right when they study the video on you, you can wind up like Agnes Szavay or worse....

[Serendipitous]

Originally Posted by longst

Wow good comment. How do you know about them treating people at teh club like peasants??

Yeah you're right when they study the video on you, you can wind up like Agnes Szavay or worse....

Huh?

[TheTruth]

Ah Melanie. One decent run and already the mouth is on full blast. So sad, I so wanted to like her.

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

Originally Posted by Eviscerator

Then you do not care that they put themselves(as usual) above that of their country?

Blind patriotism is never a good thing. Moreover, this is not some war--it is just a tennis event, and both sisters have played (as you pointed out) Fed and the Olympics, but with almost every player--particularly the successful players, only the delusional will say their individual career does not come first, far and above any questionable notions of blind loyalty to a country.

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

Originally Posted by TennisCoachFLA

Oudin needs to take care of her own business. Her response to having one nice run at the US Open was to take her prize money, buy a Rolex, and go party. Then come out and play poorly in her next 3 tournies.

Very interesting.

I guarantee you that if she had the William's talent and success she would not have a dang thing to do with Fed Cup

Agreed; the career comes first, not some fans' idea of being a "patriot."

...and would most likely be an unapproachable prima donna. She and her family walk around their country club in GA like royalty, treating people like peons already.

The only thing capable of shutting this behavior down is for a total beatdown during 2010's slams--and by that I mean no USO-like runs that deep...1st...2nd round exits. It would be perfect if it happened at the hands of either Williams sister.

Perhaps she should actually win a single pro tournament then be Ms. pass judgment on other players. Her game has huge holes in it and now that the scouting book is out on her she will be lucky to stay in the top 50.

Again, very interesting.