Should SERENA apologize to the Lineswoman for her tyrade ?

Should Serena apologize to the Lineslady ?

  • YES -- she was out of line with all the cursing even though heat of the moment

    Votes: 138 92.6%
  • NO -- Players yell at the linesman all the time, no need for apologize

    Votes: 11 7.4%

  • Total voters
    149
  • Poll closed .

Fedace

Banned
Ok, what has happened is now in the past. but when she was asked in the press conference, if the lineswoman deserves a apology, Serena really dodged that question. "I think in the tennis match, how many times have you seen a player yell at the linesman ? all the time,, players yell at the linesman" said in the press conference.
I can understand Serena not wanting to apologize, since she is still very upset and embarassed at the same time. but tomorrow and day after, Serena will regret what happened...
Should Serena apologize to the lineswoman in the coming days ?:shock:
 

Tennis Fan

Rookie
I understand her anger, but I don't think she handled it correctly & especially when she was about to serve & yelled at the lineswoman a 2nd time. Serena should have kept on getting ready to serve.

She probably should apologize since she used profanity, but has McEnroe or Connors ever apologized for their million outbursts & to chair umpires? That's a huge NO.
 

dwhiteside

Semi-Pro
The thing is, what's the point of an apology unless she means it, except for public image related reasons?

Yes, for public image related reasons she should, even if she doesn't mean it.

I hope she will apologize, and I hope she will mean it. I can't tell if she will and if she does if she will mean it and actually be apologetic - and apologetic because she thinks it was the wrong thing to do, because she thinks it was hurtful and intimidating and immoral. Not wrong to do because it lost her the match and she got in trouble for it, which is the morally undeveloped view of things, a similar view to a child who hits another kid, is scolded and punished by mother, and then apologizes in order to appease his mother and regrets doing it because he was punished, not because he understands why he shouldn't hit people.
 

Mafia13

Rookie
Yes she should, but will she?

Q. Do you think the lineswoman deserves an apology?

A. An apology for?

Q. From you.

A. From me?

This was taken from her post-match interview.
 

malakas

Banned
I think they will make her do it.And considering her character I can't even imagine how hard it will be for her!
 

kabob

Hall of Fame
Maybe. But if she didn't, I don't see anything wrong with it, either. In a momentous occassion like a Grand Slam semifinal, the linespeople are not there to interject themselves into the play. A match should never be decided on a pair of technicalities. Her (the linesperson) actions in that moment were egregious. And so were Serena's words. But not Serena's reaction.
 

Annika

Semi-Pro
Yes Serena probably should apologize to the lineslady. Not making excuses but her father is not a great role model.
 

babbette

Legend
each time I initially decide to watch a match then decide not to to watch it something news worthy happens. Hopefully I can see a replay somewhere. One thing is for sure sometimes things aren't as serious as people make it out to be.:confused:
 

Deuce

Banned
The thing is, what's the point of an apology unless she means it, except for public image related reasons?

Yes, for public image related reasons she should, even if she doesn't mean it.

I hope she will apologize, and I hope she will mean it. I can't tell if she will and if she does if she will mean it and actually be apologetic - and apologetic because she thinks it was the wrong thing to do, because she thinks it was hurtful and intimidating and immoral. Not wrong to do because it lost her the match and she got in trouble for it, which is the morally undeveloped view of things, a similar view to a child who hits another kid, is scolded and punished by mother, and then apologizes in order to appease his mother and regrets doing it because he was punished, not because he understands why he shouldn't hit people.
^ That's the crux of the matter.

I feel that if she truly felt bad for what she'd done, she would have apologized in her post-match press conference. She was given two or three very blatant opportunities to do so in the press conference, via particular questions she was asked. As she did not apologize then, I will view any apology which comes from her now as being phony and insincere.
 

bluetrain4

G.O.A.T.
The thing is, what's the point of an apology unless she means it, except for public image related reasons?

Yes, for public image related reasons she should, even if she doesn't mean it.

I hope she will apologize, and I hope she will mean it. I can't tell if she will and if she does if she will mean it and actually be apologetic - and apologetic because she thinks it was the wrong thing to do, because she thinks it was hurtful and intimidating and immoral. Not wrong to do because it lost her the match and she got in trouble for it, which is the morally undeveloped view of things, a similar view to a child who hits another kid, is scolded and punished by mother, and then apologizes in order to appease his mother and regrets doing it because he was punished, not because he understands why he shouldn't hit people.


I agree. I would hope she would want to offer a sincere apology. But beyond that, the cynic in my thinks she should also do it simply for PR purposes. It can never be confirmed if she was sincere or not. But, the apology, sincere or not, will let many parties move past the incident.
 

rob61

Rookie
She should apologize immediately

The linesperson only did her job, and did it well. Serena's behavior was completely uncalled for, and very unsportsmanlike.

It shows her true colors. Speaking of color, how long before she plays the race card here again, taking a lesson from her dad?

Just because she can hit a tennis ball does not make her a great person. This is the same person who has refused to ever play again at Indian Wells because she and her sister were booed after they cancelled their match. Again, they claimed people there were "racists" and vowed to never play there again.

Well, there were people booing Serena lastnight after her aweful behavior towards the linesperson. Is Serena going to again use the race card and vow to never play the US Open again?

We could only hope.
 

hellonewbie

Rookie
Maybe. But if she didn't, I don't see anything wrong with it, either. In a momentous occassion like a Grand Slam semifinal, the linespeople are not there to interject themselves into the play. A match should never be decided on a pair of technicalities. Her (the linesperson) actions in that moment were egregious. And so were Serena's words. But not Serena's reaction.

Calling foot-fault is not some trivial technicality, it's to prevent server from gaining advantage, however big or small. I think you don't understand linesperson's role, he/she is there to rule on lines and foot-fault during play, hence inject themselves into play whenever a decision is called for. Serena lost a point for double-faulting, she lost another point for cursing at the linesperson. Too bad she did the latter during such a "momentous occassion" as you put it and it cost her the match.
 

Sander

New User
I hope she will, would be good for her and tennis in general. Many things have already been said, but at the end of the day her behaviour was unacceptable and she should realise she is a role model for young kids as well. It is not even funny how many kids you see around smashing their rackets and acting very unsportmanlike, but hey that's just what they see on tv. I hope tennis associations will continue to be strict and both sponsors and tennis players start thinking what they want to communicate to the public. You don't need stupid aggression to be a great player (Klijsters, Federer, Nadal...).
 

rob61

Rookie
This is not a trivial matter. The foot fault call was done as it should have been done. However, Serena saying she'd "shove the f$#(@ balling down her f#()(*$ throat" is a verbal threat of violence against another person.

This, under US law, is assault. Since this verbal threat of physical assault is evidenced on tape, the linesperson would have every right to press assault charges against Serena.

I doubt she will, but Serena better apologize post hast before she is facing assault charges. Maybe they still have Vic's cell available for her.
 
S

srinrajesh

Guest
This is not a trivial matter. The foot fault call was done as it should have been done. However, Serena saying she'd "shove the f$#(@ balling down her f#()(*$ throat" is a verbal threat of violence against another person.

This, under US law, is assault. Since this verbal threat of physical assault is evidenced on tape, the linesperson would have every right to press assault charges against Serena.

I doubt she will, but Serena better apologize post hast before she is facing assault charges. Maybe they still have Vic's cell available for her.

the williamses have been poor role models for tennis and serena is the worse of the two. They are very unsporting and have such super sized egos that they feel every one is below them.

It is a shame to see such horrible behaviour on the court and still some complaints agaisnt ending it with a point penalty. She should be feeling lucky to escape a ban for few tourneys..

Even when she loses, it is only becos of her poor play rather than the better play of others...
 

jwbarrientos

Hall of Fame
Maybe. But if she didn't, I don't see anything wrong with it, either. In a momentous occassion like a Grand Slam semifinal, the linespeople are not there to interject themselves into the play. A match should never be decided on a pair of technicalities. Her (the linesperson) actions in that moment were egregious. And so were Serena's words. But not Serena's reaction.

IMHO disagree, they are to make calls right there, at her "best understanding" Serena stepped over the line.

What if Serena never started "her acting", Serena has the talent and the Serve to make forget the double fault.
 

Rain

New User
I think she will as well but for the public relations reasons, not so much cause she means it. I really hope in coming days, some dundurhead doesn't turn this into a race issue.

Some posters on TW have already turned it into a race issue. So, this would be a likely outcome. They should just start calling everything in every match, regardless of score and player.
 

DarthFed

Hall of Fame
Some posters on TW have already turned it into a race issue. So, this would be a likely outcome. They should just start calling everything in every match, regardless of score and player.

Yes..then we'll have quick Djokovic and Nadal matches.
 

Fedace

Banned
Some posters on TW have already turned it into a race issue. So, this would be a likely outcome. They should just start calling everything in every match, regardless of score and player.

So do you think the bias exists in the tour ? top players get away with more calls.
 

pabletion

Hall of Fame
yes. But she'll never apologize, just her way she handles herself and her belief that she doesnt owe anyone anything... Apparently yelling "I will shove this f'ing ball down your f'ing throat" to an elderly woman doesnt deserve an apology or second thought from her. One more reason to hate that beeatch, shes discusting.

and she's supposed to be a Jehova's witness...........................................
 

Fedace

Banned
Holy Cow,, Tennis Channel JUST replayed the entire incident with NO blips with No censors.
Actually Serena DID apologize while standing next to the ump chair. She said " I am sorry if i said a bad word but lots of people say bad words" then " she said,,i didn't say i would Kill you" .......

I don't think that counts though......lol
 

rommil

Legend
each time I initially decide to watch a match then decide not to to watch it something news worthy happens. Hopefully I can see a replay somewhere. One thing is for sure sometimes things aren't as serious as people make it out to be.:confused:

Unless it's about Nadal then you go apesh!t over it. Gotcha.
 

gflyer

Professional
yes. But she'll never apologize, just her way she handles herself and her belief that she doesnt owe anyone anything... Apparently yelling "I will shove this f'ing ball down your f'ing throat" to an elderly woman doesnt deserve an apology or second thought from her. One more reason to hate that beeatch, shes discusting.

and she's supposed to be a Jehova's witness...........................................

really? I didn't know.
 

coyfish

Hall of Fame
People keep bringing up connors and JMac. What they did ushered in this new era of disrespect imo. But just because they did it is no reason to allow players to continue the same way don't you think???

In basically every other sporting organization if you swear at an official you are dealing with play suspension / other penalties. Tennis is the only sport that you can really get away with abusing the officials unscathed.

I think instead of looking to the past we should look to the future and where tennis will be 5 years from now. This type of stuff shouldn't be tolerated and Serena should face tournament suspensions / or some WTA penalty. Criminal charges is overboard but she should have to face SOME consequences instead of being allowed to turn her back on the situation and pretend like it didn't happen.

I find it worse to approach a linesman like that than to approach the chair. The chair is meant to settle these things not the linespeople. To scream at the lineswoman and say "are you crazy", "are you blind", "what the hell", etc. is arguably reasonable. But to drop 4 Fbombs right in front of fans / mics/ and to say she was shove that ball down her throat. That just shows who Serena really is. Johnny Mac is no saint either. I think he has his issues. Too bad he was lucky to get out without punishment. Hes overemotional. Look how he jumped to Serena's defense about the fault before he even knew wtf was going on. Then he realized and backed off . . .
 

fuzz nation

G.O.A.T.
C'mon now, do we honestly need to stop and think this over?

Of course she should apologize.

No way should there be some P-R spectacle made of it, though. I'd personally find it insulting if the powers that be were to put together some half-hearted display for all to see. A genuine gesture would be conducted without a reporter or camera crew in tow, otherwise it's only for show.

Never been behind the family and their "us against the world" attitude that they take with them everywhere they go. They've always been in a position to be more gracious, but they just don't have it.
 

LafayetteHitter

Hall of Fame
Holy Cow,, Tennis Channel JUST replayed the entire incident with NO blips with No censors.
Actually Serena DID apologize while standing next to the ump chair. She said " I am sorry if i said a bad word but lots of people say bad words" then " she said,,i didn't say i would Kill you" .......

I don't think that counts though......lol

That's really not an apologize. That's a cop out lame excuse making typical Williams statement. Serena is simply disgusting and it really gets on my nerves that they can't simply say, "I was wrong".
 

ubermeyer

Hall of Fame
No, of course not. She never had a
"tyrade," so what would she apologize for?

She should most certainly apologize for her inexcusably rude tirade, however.
 

Fedace

Banned
No, of course not. She never had a
"tyrade," so what would she apologize for?

She should most certainly apologize for her inexcusably rude tirade, however.

so you are the person that voted No. i was wondering what kind of person would do that......no wonder..:)
 

kingdaddy41788

Hall of Fame
There's yelling at line judges, and there's yelling at line judges that you're going to physically harm them (or would if you could, etc.). There's a HUGE difference. The two things are hardly even comparable.
 

Richie Rich

Legend
C'mon now, do we honestly need to stop and think this over?

Of course she should apologize.

No way should there be some P-R spectacle made of it, though. I'd personally find it insulting if the powers that be were to put together some half-hearted display for all to see. A genuine gesture would be conducted without a reporter or camera crew in tow, otherwise it's only for show.

Never been behind the family and their "us against the world" attitude that they take with them everywhere they go. They've always been in a position to be more gracious, but they just don't have it.

agree with you 100%
 

kanamit

Hall of Fame
the williamses have been poor role models for tennis and serena is the worse of the two. They are very unsporting and have such super sized egos that they feel every one is below them.

It is a shame to see such horrible behaviour on the court and still some complaints agaisnt ending it with a point penalty. She should be feeling lucky to escape a ban for few tourneys..

Even when she loses, it is only becos of her poor play rather than the better play of others...

Please. Like Serena would consider being banned from non-slam tournaments a punishment. She hates playing them as it is and never puts forth her full effort.
 

pabletion

Hall of Fame
really? I didn't know.

and a 'serious' one at that. She's talked about it before and also goes about 'I wanna thank Jehova my God........., for Im nothing without him...' when she wins tournaments.

I though yesterday she blurted things like G-damn, and 'I'll shove this f'ing ball down your f'ing throat, I swear to G...'

thats when I went woooooooooooow

shes just such a hypocrite and a liar.
 

West Coast Ace

G.O.A.T.
I think she will as well but for the public relations reasons, not so much cause she means it.
And you should have had that as one of your poll options - because it is the answer. She'll roll out some lame apology - sort of like a WTA 2nd serve... :)
 

kendall22

Rookie
Why even bother with this publicist-written BS she put out today. It 's obvious her people made her endorse their words kicking and screaming. She is an embarrassment to the sport and the country.
 

Lee James

Rookie
Who cares if she does or doesn't? No one's opinion of her will change. If she seriously doesn't feel contrite, then she shouldn't apologize. If she does then she should. It's completely between her an the lineswoman. I'm really sick of this demanding apologies from people when their actions had nothing to do with you. The apologies are almost never sincere and all about saving face.
 
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