Oudin interview after Fed Cup regarding Williams'

[volleynets]

Melanie takes a small stab at the Williams sisters and tells it like it is. I guess there is not enough money involved for the Williams sisters to play for their own country.

“I wanted to come here. I wanted to play for my country. Other people choose different things,” U.S. Open quarterfinalist Melanie Oudin said after her 7-5, 6-2 loss to Flavia Pennetta gave Italy an insurmountable 3-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

“Some people I guess didn’t want to play as badly as I did. But I think that the team that we had here really wanted to be here,” Oudin said. “You don’t want people here that don’t want to be here. Even if you lose, if you give it everything you have, then that’s the best you can do.”

Source:
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news;_y...Ak4v7YF?slug=ap-fedcupfinal&prov=ap&type=lgns

 

[Rob_C]

Melanie takes a small stab at the Williams sisters and tells it like it is. I guess there is not enough money involved for the Williams sisters to play for their own country.

“I wanted to come here. I wanted to play for my country. Other people choose different things,” U.S. Open quarterfinalist Melanie Oudin said after her 7-5, 6-2 loss to Flavia Pennetta gave Italy an insurmountable 3-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

“Some people I guess didn’t want to play as badly as I did. But I think that the team that we had here really wanted to be here,” Oudin said. “You don’t want people here that don’t want to be here. Even if you lose, if you give it everything you have, then that’s the best you can do.”

Source:
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news;_y...Ak4v7YF?slug=ap-fedcupfinal&prov=ap&type=lgns

She's getting a little ahead of herself. Both Venus and Serena played the YEC with their legs bandaged. Venus has been playing the last few months with that leg injury. I see no problem with them shutting it down for the rest of the year.

 

[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.

 

[volleynets]

She's getting a little ahead of herself. Both Venus and Serena played the YEC with their legs bandaged. Venus has been playing the last few months with that leg injury. I see no problem with them shutting it down for the rest of the year.

I agree that Melanie is ahead of herself. So far the only significant thing in her tennis career is the USO so she should not talk about players out of her league in a bitter way.

 

[volleynets]

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.

Agreed to everything except the money. If the money was there than you can bet the Sisters would no matter what injuries.

 

[Topaz]

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.

Plus the sisters also played doubles at YEC...one more match on top of the others.

 

[dincuss]

I think Oudin is trying to suck up to america,
trying to look like the "good kid".

 

[imalil2gangsta4u]

Oudin means well, but shes out of place to say that.

 

[li0scc0]

Oudin means well, but shes out of place to say that.

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

 

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

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.

Agreed.

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

True. Moreover, her suggestive "patriot" talk flies out of the window considering the sisters' Fed cup and Olympics appearances. I was a supporter of her play during the USO, but this recent comment seems like she's the product of those with certain baseless issues with the WS--which a little readily available information would prevent said issues from being a foot in Oudin's mouth.

 

[Eviscerator]

She's getting a little ahead of herself. Both Venus and Serena played the YEC with their legs bandaged. Venus has been playing the last few months with that leg injury. I see no problem with them shutting it down for the rest of the year.

Then you do not care that they put themselves(as usual) above that of their country?
I've never cared for the William sisters, and cannot stand their parents. However I've have given them a break because they have (on occasion) played for their country in Fed Cup and the Olympics. Sadly this is but another case where they put their own personal interests above all else.

 

[jamesblakefan#1]

Then you do not care that they put themselves(as usual) above that of their country?
I've never cared for the William sisters, and cannot stand their parents. However I've have given them a break because they have (on occasion) played for their country in Fed Cup and the Olympics. Sadly this is but another case where they put their own personal interests above all else.

Did you watch the YEC and see how wrapped up both the WS were? For them it seems like damned if you do, damned if you don't. Both actually played a more full schedule this year on the WTA tour, something people routinely say they don't do, yet people still find a way to criticize them for not playing Fed Cup.

If anything blame the Fed Cup system, for scheduling the finals straight after the end of the YEC. Unlike the Davis Cup final, which is always a week break between the YEC.

 

[Topaz]

^^^Venus was visibly limping in the final...I have a feeling her knee issues are not going to go away.

 

[cuddles26]

Melanie is just a stupid loser who had a fluke semi-good U.S Open barely beating grand slam flake Dementieva, a broken shouldered Sharapova, and a typically badly choking Petrova, before being schooled badly by pusher Wozniacki. Next year she will be back to losing 2nd or 3rd round of all the slams like she belongs. She should not delude herself to think she is now some power who is privileged to speak out against such greats as the Williams sisters.

 

[Steffi-forever]

Serena Williams is the greatest female player in history. Yes even greater than Graf, Navratilova, and Evert. Deal with it losers.

Losers?

Chris Evert :
18 Grand Slam singles titles
7 Roland Garros
158 titles
34 Grand Slam finals
52 Grand Slam semifinals
125 consecutive wins on clay

Martina Navratilova
18 Grand Slam singles titles
9 Wimbledon
167 titles
Won 74 consecutive matches
19 consecutive Grand Slam semifinals
6 consecutive Grand Slam titles

Steffi Graf
22 Grand Slam singles titles
The most Hardcourt Slams
8 Year-end at #1 and most weeks at #1
13 consecutive Grand Slam finals
Won every Grand Slam title 4 times each
Golden Slam

Serena Williams
11 Grand Slam titles
4 Australian Open titles (Tie with Court, Goolagong, Graf and Seles)
Unseeded Grand Slam Winner (Australian Open 2007) (Tie with O'Neil)
Highest Career earning
Highest Single Year Earning
Highest streak of consecutive initial Grand Slam finals won (Doubles) (10)

So Serena is the Ultimate Greatest?
Are you being serious?

 

[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?

 

[sureshs]

Melanie takes a small stab at the Williams sisters and tells it like it is. I guess there is not enough money involved for the Williams sisters to play for their own country.

“I wanted to come here. I wanted to play for my country. Other people choose different things,” U.S. Open quarterfinalist Melanie Oudin said after her 7-5, 6-2 loss to Flavia Pennetta gave Italy an insurmountable 3-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

“Some people I guess didn’t want to play as badly as I did. But I think that the team that we had here really wanted to be here,” Oudin said. “You don’t want people here that don’t want to be here. Even if you lose, if you give it everything you have, then that’s the best you can do.”

Source:
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news;_y...Ak4v7YF?slug=ap-fedcupfinal&prov=ap&type=lgns

Not only did Oudin lose here, she lost to oldie Jill Craybas and youngie Alexa Glatch since the USO. She should learn to win some matches before talking.

 

[Serendipitous]

 

[sureshs]

Then you do not care that they put themselves(as usual) above that of their country?
I've never cared for the William sisters, and cannot stand their parents. However I've have given them a break because they have (on occasion) played for their country in Fed Cup and the Olympics. Sadly this is but another case where they put their own personal interests above all else.

Playing for country is an obsolete concept. They now get paid to play, not like it was before. Playing in important tournaments which make money and generate employment for their countrymen is as important if not more than playing Fed Cup in Italy. When the Williams play in a US tournament, it generates revenue and jobs. They should continue to do that instead of participating in an antiquated concept like Fed or Davis Cup, which have no meaning today when players play doubles or mixed doubles with partners from other countries. Federer too does not give a rat's ass about DC but of course doesn't say it openly. Coming together for a pseudo-patriotic feeling is not important. Leizel Huber and Vania King don't play doubles together when it matters - that is when they want to make money. So why the sham of playing together for the US?

The other issue is that Oudin, King, Huber and Glatch are several notches below the Wiliiams sisters. There is really no fun being on a team with inferior players. Heck, the guys at my club refuse to play league matches with partners they think are below them and feign injury or family obligations. And frankly captain Mary Jo was never in the top league of singles players and the Williams would not like to be "captained" by a nobody like her.

 

[LDVTennis]

Losers?

Chris Evert :
18 Grand Slam singles titles
7 Roland Garros
158 titles
34 Grand Slam finals
52 Grand Slam semifinals
125 consecutive wins on clay

Martina Navratilova
18 Grand Slam singles titles
9 Wimbledon
167 titles
Won 74 consecutive matches
19 consecutive Grand Slam semifinals
6 consecutive Grand Slam titles

Steffi Graf
22 Grand Slam singles titles
The most Hardcourt Slams
8 Year-end at #1 and most weeks at #1
13 consecutive Grand Slam finals
Won every Grand Slam title 4 times each
Golden Slam

Serena Williams
11 Grand Slam titles
4 Australian Open titles (Tie with Court, Goolagong, Graf and Seles)
Unseeded Grand Slam Winner (Australian Open 2007) (Tie with O'Neil)
Highest Career earning
Highest Single Year Earning
Highest streak of consecutive initial Grand Slam finals won (Doubles) (10)

So Serena is the Ultimate Greatest?
Are you being serious?

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

 

[Topaz]

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]

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]

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]

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?

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.