Serena's & Venus's behavior

[jamus30]

I often see negative posts about the behavior of the Williams sisters on this message board. People are mainly critical of their post conferences, saying they rarely give an opponent credit, especially after they've lost.

I don't really care what tennis players say. I just want to see great tennis. But anything is more interesting than hearing all the tennis players say something in press conferences like, "I could have capitalized on a few points here and there, but I think my opponent played well. For sure." Do we really believe that same boring script? However, if one must be critical of the behavior of tennis players, there is much worse behavior exhibited by tennis players that can be criticized.

Furthermore, what do you critical tennis fans think when you watch NBA stars talk trash to each other on court? I think it's entertaining. I have a feeling you probably would to. As long as it's not a Williams sister talking trash, right? (Oops: Did I just open up an opportunity for some imbecile to call the sisters manbeasts who should be in the NBA or something?) What do you think about football players's touchdown celebrations? What do you think about the open racism in soccer? What do you think about the pathetic antics of hockey players?

Do you think tennis fans unfairly criticize Serena & Venus (less often, but still) because they're racist, latent or otherwise? Are fans of other sports as critical of what their sports stars say in press conferences? Why do so many members on this message board seem to be perpetually waiting to hear that Serena said she lost today because she sucked, waiting to hear it so they can come on this message board and criticize her again, and again, and again?

 

[Alexandros]

Serena is my favourite female player to watch on a tennis court when she's fit and playing well. I find her combination of power and athleticism, plus her confidence and determination fascinating to watch.

That said, her attitude and lack of class and sportsmanship in losses tarnishes her reputation as an athlete. It's not a racial thing, it's how it is. Let's call a spade a spade - Serena is a very sore loser.

 

[jamus30]

Serena is my favourite female player to watch on a tennis court when she's fit and playing well. I find her combination of power and athleticism, plus her confidence and determination fascinating to watch.

That said, her attitude and lack of class and sportsmanship in losses tarnishes her reputation as an athlete. It's not a racial thing, it's how it is. Let's call a spade a spade - Serena is a very sore loser.

Yeah, I think Serena's a sore loser. I also think she's the about 10,000th sore loser to ever play tennis. Sore loser number 10,001 is debuting as we speak.

 

[JW10S]

1.) I do not think fans unfairly criticize Venus and Serena, the criticism is warranted. 2.) Yes, fans in other sports are as critical of an athlete's post competition pressers. 3.) Members of this board are not 'perpetually waiting' for Serena's lame excuses for losing yet again--they don't have to wait at all as it happens just about every tournament she plays these days.

 

[Nadal_Freak]

There is some behavior that is far worse on the court. I could care less what they say in the press conference afterwards. Serena is a trusting and fair player to play against and I credit her for that. She gets criticized too much imo. Someone that is unfair is Justine Henin. She's the cheater.

 

[Alexandros]

Yeah, I think Serena's a sore loser. I also think she's the about 10,000th sore loser to ever play tennis. Sore loser number 10,001 is debuting as we speak.

What is your point? Does the fact that there are many other sore losers playing tennis make Serena's behaviour any more acceptable? No. She behaves poorly in her press conference and she cops the criticism as a result of that.

 

[Vision84]

Terral Owens gets a lot of stick in the nfl for having such bad sportsmanship. It is not just tennis.

Besides I am someone who cares a lot about people's character. As a tennis player I appreciate good sportsmanship and depreciate poor sportsmanship. I am less aware of Venus and really don't like Serena's character.

 

[Ossric]

I often see negative posts about the behavior of the Williams sisters on this message board. People are mainly critical of their post conferences, saying they rarely give an opponent credit, especially after they've lost.

I don't really care what tennis players say. I just want to see great tennis. But anything is more interesting than hearing all the tennis players say something in press conferences like, "I could have capitalized on a few points here and there, but I think my opponent played well. For sure." Do we really believe that same boring script? However, if one must be critical of the behavior of tennis players, there is much worse behavior exhibited by tennis players that can be criticized.

Furthermore, what do you critical tennis fans think when you watch NBA stars talk trash to each other on court? I think it's entertaining. I have a feeling you probably would to. As long as it's not a Williams sister talking trash, right? (Oops: Did I just open up an opportunity for some imbecile to call the sisters manbeasts who should be in the NBA or something?) What do you think about football players's touchdown celebrations? What do you think about the open racism in soccer? What do you think about the pathetic antics of hockey players?

Do you think tennis fans unfairly criticize Serena & Venus (less often, but still) because they're racist, latent or otherwise? Are fans of other sports as critical of what their sports stars say in press conferences? Why do so many members on this message board seem to be perpetually waiting to hear that Serena said she lost today because she sucked, waiting to hear it so they can come on this message board and criticize her again, and again, and again?

Talking trash on the court and giving your opponent no credit off are two different beasts.

 

[cknobman]

I often see negative posts about the behavior of the Williams sisters on this message board. People are mainly critical of their post conferences, saying they rarely give an opponent credit, especially after they've lost.

I don't really care what tennis players say. I just want to see great tennis. But anything is more interesting than hearing all the tennis players say something in press conferences like, "I could have capitalized on a few points here and there, but I think my opponent played well. For sure." Do we really believe that same boring script? However, if one must be critical of the behavior of tennis players, there is much worse behavior exhibited by tennis players that can be criticized.

Furthermore, what do you critical tennis fans think when you watch NBA stars talk trash to each other on court? I think it's entertaining. I have a feeling you probably would to. As long as it's not a Williams sister talking trash, right? (Oops: Did I just open up an opportunity for some imbecile to call the sisters manbeasts who should be in the NBA or something?) What do you think about football players's touchdown celebrations? What do you think about the open racism in soccer? What do you think about the pathetic antics of hockey players?

Do you think tennis fans unfairly criticize Serena & Venus (less often, but still) because they're racist, latent or otherwise? Are fans of other sports as critical of what their sports stars say in press conferences? Why do so many members on this message board seem to be perpetually waiting to hear that Serena said she lost today because she sucked, waiting to hear it so they can come on this message board and criticize her again, and again, and again?

Please dont start this poor poor pitiful me crap again on the board. Everyone is not racist and everyone does not owe or is not obligated to avoid criticizing someone because of their race. People are not automatically considered racist for making comments about a person if they are not caucasian. Maybe you can get some sympathy from the American crowd because our media hypes this crap up and our country likes to appease anyone who cries out, but internationally your are not going to get the same reaction.

 

[MEAC_ALLAMERICAN]

If anyone reads this little post within all this drivel, is there a thread every 2-3 weeks about Venus and Serena's behavior?

 

[jamus30]

What is your point? Does the fact that there are many other sore losers playing tennis make Serena's behaviour any more acceptable? No. She behaves poorly in her press conference and she cops the criticism as a result of that.

I think I made my point clearly. No, I don't think the fact that there are many other sore losers playing tennis makes Serena's behavior any more acceptable. I don't think being a sore loser is as big a deal as other things though. I expect that you are as critical of other tennis players's behavior as you are of Serena's, no?

 

[jamus30]

Please dont start this poor poor pitiful me crap again on the board. Everyone is not racist and everyone does not owe or is not obligated to avoid criticizing someone because of their race. People are not automatically considered racist for making comments about a person if they are not caucasian. Maybe you can get some sympathy from the American crowd because our media hypes this crap up and our country likes to appease anyone who cries out, but internationally your are not going to get the same reaction.

I don't think I started any "poor poor pitiful me crap" on this board, whatever that is. Maybe you could expound. And I definitely don't think people are obligated to avoid criticizing someone because of their race. However, based on my observation of tennis, especially in the Southeastern U.S. where I live, tennis and golf are sports institutions that still have racism. Since racism is a prevalent and destructive force in the world, I figure my questions are fairly reasonable. The Williams family has said that they have had to deal with racism in tennis, and we've seen a little proof of that on television. Just this year Serena had to deal with racism at the tournament in Miami. And professional black tennis players have mentioned not being allowed to play at certain tennis establishments up into the '80s. Let's not assume that the members of this message board don't represent the worldwide tennis community.

Recently, I saw a member post this: "4/5 years ago i can said tennis totally dominated by the Williams sisters b4 both of them got injured and forced to pull out from the tour almost a year. Now totally different era, we have white people like Justine, Maria, players from Serbia, Sveta, Petrova to fight for. At least more contenders to beat and fight on the tour. Yeah, i do admit once Justine on form its pretty hard for others to stop her from winning. This year so far only Bartoli can do that on grass court."

Sound a little racist to you? I am unsure and would like to know what you think.

 

[krz]

yay! Another great opportunity to use the waabulance picture lol

but I won't 3 times in 3 days is to much

 

[cknobman]

I don't think I started any "poor poor pitiful me crap" on this board, whatever that is. Maybe you could expound. And I definitely don't think people are obligated to avoid criticizing someone because of their race. However, based on my observation of tennis, especially in the Southeastern U.S. where I live, tennis and golf are sports institutions that still have racism. Since racism is a prevalent and destructive force in the world, I figure my questions are fairly reasonable. The Williams family has said that they have had to deal with racism in tennis, and we've seen a little proof of that on television. Just this year Serena had to deal with racism at the tournament in Miami. And professional black tennis players have mentioned not being allowed to play at certain tennis establishments up into the '80s. Let's not assume that the members of this message board don't represent the worldwide tennis community.

Recently, I saw a member post this: "4/5 years ago i can said tennis totally dominated by the Williams sisters b4 both of them got injured and forced to pull out from the tour almost a year. Now totally different era, we have white people like Justine, Maria, players from Serbia, Sveta, Petrova to fight for. At least more contenders to beat and fight on the tour. Yeah, i do admit once Justine on form its pretty hard for others to stop her from winning. This year so far only Bartoli can do that on grass court."

Sound a little racist to you? I am unsure and would like to know what you think.

Again let me repeat part of my previous post..... Maybe you can get some sympathy from the American crowd because our media hypes this crap up and our country likes to appease anyone who cries out, but internationally your are not going to get the same reaction.

You keep on believing that all non black americans are racist and everyone is out to get you and the black american race. As for the Williams having to endure racism on the WTA, true but they dish it out as well. Here is a quote from none other than Richard Williams himself:
" Hi I'm Richard Williams. There are those who want to ask me what I think of inter-marriage. Anyone that's marrying outside of this race that's black should be hung by their necks until sundown. Please leave a message after the tone."

-Answering machine message on Richard Williams's phone during the late 1990's

 

[jamus30]

Again let me repeat part of my previous post..... Maybe you can get some sympathy from the American crowd because our media hypes this crap up and our country likes to appease anyone who cries out, but internationally your are not going to get the same reaction.

You keep on believing that all non black americans are racist and everyone is out to get you and the black american race. As for the Williams having to endure racism on the WTA, true but they dish it out as well. Here is a quote from none other than Richard Williams himself:
" Hi I'm Richard Williams. There are those who want to ask me what I think of inter-marriage. Anyone that's marrying outside of this race that's black should be hung by their necks until sundown. Please leave a message after the tone."

-Answering machine message on Richard Williams's phone during the late 1990's

I don't recall saying or showing that I believe that all non-black Americans are racist and everyone is out to get me and the black American race. I hardly think I come across as that irrational. I don't even recall saying that I'm black. Maybe I have amnesia. Please let me know if I do.

Anyway, Richard is a bit of a crackpot when it comes to issues of race. He is however a crackpot who has undoubtedly dealt with a lot of racism in his life. I don't think he really believes much of what he says. If he did indeed say those people should be hung, he must think Venus and Serena are approaching the gallows as we speak since both of them have/are dating white guys. However, I doubt he would wish that for his daughters. And I doubt they would believe he wishes that for them.

 

[jamus30]

yay! Another great opportunity to use the waabulance picture lol

but I won't 3 times in 3 days is to much

If you're referring to me, my post is more akin to thoughtful commentary and questions rather than "*****ing and crying." I have an australopithecine picture ready to combat your waambulance picture. I might even be nice and use an erectus picture instead.

 

[AlpineCadet]

1.) I do not think fans unfairly criticize Venus and Serena, the criticism is warranted. 2.) Yes, fans in other sports are as critical of an athlete's post competition pressers. 3.) Members of this board are not 'perpetually waiting' for Serena's lame excuses for losing yet again--they don't have to wait at all as it happens just about every tournament she plays these days.

You are by far the nicest person on these boards. Keep up the good work!

 

[Rodditha]

Those who claims to be haters are always on the Williams. They hate the Williams but they are the first to make threads about the Williams. Why are the Williams press conferences are so interesting to y'all if you (those who claim to be haters) hate the Williams ?

 

[gerikoh]

i like watching venus' game. she's got a lot of variety. however serena, she's got a lot of variety too. but she's fond of talking of an achievement that she's yet to achieve, then be like a sore looser for not achieving what she thought she could achieved.

 

[Benjamin007]

For me very simple i like to watch players with good attitude on and off court for examples Justine, Maria, Dinara, Jankovic. To those sisters nope as both of them really lack of sportmanship.

 

[janipyt05]

i don't know where you guys get this no credit thing i have heard many times Serena give credit to her opponents, that is just crap. Which player likes to lose just because she honest about losing and acting like she hates it which is natural you are in a bad mood you wish you could do better because you know you can, stop acting like what she is doing isn't something any of us have not done before.
Serena may kick up but one thing she is not is a cheat

 

[janipyt05]

For me very simple i like to watch players with good attitude on and off court for examples Justine, Maria, Dinara, Jankovic. To those sisters nope as both of them really lack of sportmanship.

I really would take justine out of that one with her cheating self her and her coach admitting yes he does it until he is stopped he will continue so pls, secondly as much as i like maria she is another one who cheat with her daddy signing to her, going off court at the same time
Better to hate losing than cheat

 

[Rodditha]

Are the press conferences that important for us to like a player ?
I didn't even know Roddick's press conferences when i started following his matches. Why don't follow their matches and don't follow their press conferences.
I don't understand those haters, i think people watch tennis for the game and not for the press conferences.

 

[cknobman]

I really would take justine out of that one with her cheating self her and her coach admitting yes he does it until he is stopped he will continue so pls, secondly as much as i like maria she is another one who cheat with her daddy signing to her, going off court at the same time
Better to hate losing than cheat

Side court coaching is rampant throughout the WTA regardless of who you refer to. Almost all players who have family/coach attend their matches cheat. Why in the heck do you think they have been experimenting with in between set coaching at alot of the event. Everyone does it and no one can stop it so why not just allow it? In the tournaments Ive seen the coaching in between sets it seems as though the coaching only works 50/50. Some matches no matter what is said a player is going to do what they want and/or their opponent is just going to flat out play them.

 

[DMich]

I also think its a mistake to conflate Venus and Serena all of the time. I think they have very different personalities. I'm much more of a Venus fan.