Talk With Serena Foot Fault Line Judge

[dirtballer]

A reporter Greg Couch was able to track down the Serena foot fault line judge and had a short talk with her. Here's the link:

http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2010/03/17/finally-meeting-the-serena-line-judge/?icid=main|hp-laptop|dl6|link1|http%3A%2F%2Ftennis.fanhouse.com%2F2010%2F03%2F17%2Ffinally-meeting-the-serena-line-judge%2F

Greg Couch was actually sitting about 15 rows behind the line judge at the Open and claims that Serena foot faulted by about 2 inches.

 

[TMF]

Can't open the link, but it doesn't matter anyway whether if she foot faulted or not. The damages been done by Serena was one of the most shocking and horrifying in women's tennis. Hopefully, this will never happen again!!!

 

[dirtballer]

Try this link:

http://tennis.fanhouse.com/2010/03/17/finally-meeting-the-serena-line-judge/

 

[jswinf]

Thanks for the link, I enjoyed reading it, not sure how I feel about it.

 

[Big_Dangerous]

Can't open the link, but it doesn't matter anyway whether if she foot faulted or not. The damages been done by Serena was one of the most shocking and horrifying in women's tennis. Hopefully, this will never happen again!!!

Yeah it was pretty bad.

Although I was watching Tennis Channel's best of 5 and Serena at the 2004 US Open was probably one of the worst calls ever. Ball was so clearly in and the chair umpire called it out despite none of the line judges calling it out, and Serena got pretty pissed, I'm just shocked she didn't threaten to kill the chair umpire.

 

[ttbrowne]

Read the interview and you can't call a foot fault in that situation!
Just like if it was the Superbowl and a reciever stepped out of bounds on the way to scoring a TD...you shouldn't call it!

 

[thehustler]

Read the interview and you can't call a foot fault in that situation!
Just like if it was the Superbowl and a reciever stepped out of bounds on the way to scoring a TD...you shouldn't call it!

Actually you do. I've seen playoff games where someone ran back a kickoff for a touchdown only to see it called back because he stepped out of bounds 60 yards back. Crap happens, calls happen. You can either look at the call and get all upset about it and let it ruin your day, or you can ignore it and move on with your life. It's just a call. It has no bearing on who you are as a person, your soul, your family or anything else. He who dies with the most grand slams, titles, etc still dies.

 

[LDVTennis]

Read the interview and you can't call a foot fault in that situation!
Just like if it was the Superbowl and a reciever stepped out of bounds on the way to scoring a TD...you shouldn't call it!

This doesn't compute. NFL officials overturn TD's like this all the time, on the field or after further review.

 

[deltox]

Read the interview and you can't call a foot fault in that situation!
Just like if it was the Superbowl and a reciever stepped out of bounds on the way to scoring a TD...you shouldn't call it!

dude if someone screws up in the first round of a futures of the gold medal round of the olympics or the finals of wimbledon or any other situation at all, rules are rules. if they are broken the penalty must be enforced no matter how that sounds.

if its an opinion call you can be more gentle in sports like basketball with the hand checks and stuff, but a painted line, in the NBA, NFL, MLB these are definitive. There is no personal opinion involved. its black and white so to speak.

 

[YouJaySoup]

I just saw the same line judge at the Nadal-Ljubo match! There was a solo shot of her on her chair lol in between a game.

 

[gpt]

Read the interview and you can't call a foot fault in that situation!
Just like if it was the Superbowl and a reciever stepped out of bounds on the way to scoring a TD...you shouldn't call it!

Seriously, can you explain to me why it should not have been called?

Is it because it was Serena? Or because it was a semi final at a major? Because it was in the main stadium?

I am interested to know why you believe the rules should not be enforced in this case.

 

[David L]

Here's another interview with her.

SI.com: What have the last five months been like for you?

Shino Tsurubuchi: I was feeling a little bit down. But I am okay now, now I am fine. Many people know my face and that's tough for me. [As an official] you do not want to be famous.

SI.com: Do you think you made the right call? If you had to do it again would you make the same call?

Tsurubuchi: Yes. I think as umpires, if it's a foot fault, we should call a foot fault. But usually I am at the baseline and I wish -- I pray -- for players: "Please don't touch that line!" I don't like to make that call because players are not happy. But if players touch the line, we have to make the call. But, yes, I pray, "Please don't touch that line because if you touch the line I have to call it and I don't want to."

SI.com: So there are not two sets of rules, one for the first set and one when the match is tight.

Tsurubuchi: Yes. It's very tough.

SI.com: Do you feel you've done your job differently since?

Tsurubuchi: I can work. ATP gave me many opportunities [since] and I am very happy. I am a lucky person. Many umpires want to work ATP in U.S. It's difficult and it makes me happy. I appreciate the opportunity.

SI.com: But you never thought, 'This is too much for me; no more officiating'?

Tsurubuchi: I have a dream. I was never thinking about quitting my job of umpiring. I want to be a good line umpire, it's my dream and I've spent eight years of my time.

SI.com: You've worked your way up.

Tsurubuchi: Yes, in 2007 I get the opportunity to work the U.S. Open. It was very great. I like Arthur Ashe Stadium. It's very fun. Everything is exciting, the lights, the music. It's a great court.

SI.com: So you'll be there in 2010?

Tsurubuchi: I want to come back because my favorite tournament is the U.S. Open. I love it. I want to work [again] it's very important for me.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20.../tsurubuchi.serena/index.html?eref=si_writers

 

[larry10s]

my 2 cents. of course you have to make the call.the rules are the rules. being more inside the court at contactgives your serve an unfair edge.
serena wrote a letter of apology??? no phone call ,no personal eye to eye im sorry??? classless imho

 

[tenis]

Foot fault is simple "foot fault" and should be called at ANY situation.
There is NO question about it. Simple - she did good job.

 

[Bloodshed]

Tennis a clean sport and rules are meant to be followed.

BS sports like hockey and football will get away with stupid calls because you can't penalize a team with a bad call if the game is tight (it's idiotic as it gets).

That's why I'll never respect these kind of sports because the refs can fix the match soo easily.

I'm not sure why these 2 sports are soo respected in North America especially hockey where it's playing in a pathetic era.

 

[Andyroddickfan]

Tennis a clean sport and rules are meant to be followed.

BS sports like hockey and football will get away with stupid calls because you can't penalize a team with a bad call if the game is tight (it's idiotic as it gets).

That's why I'll never respect these kind of sports because the refs can fix the match soo easily.

I'm not sure why these 2 sports are soo respected in North America especially hockey where it's playing in a pathetic era.

K buddy, you can't even believe how tough football is judged, so many times have 50 yard runs or catches been called back buy a holding call by their center let's say, but rules are rules you gotta call it. And as for the hockey statement, you are clearly and idiot and hope you aren't from Canada saying hockey is in a pathetic area, ovie, sid, datsyuk, Malkin, Nash , sooo many great teams and players. Have a nice day.

 

[Tshooter]

"Greg Couch was actually sitting about 15 rows behind the line judge at the Open and claims that Serena foot faulted by about 2 inches."

That's quite a claim.

Like many other people I was also courtside at that match and I'm quite confident NO ONE other then the linesperson was watching the line because no one other then the linesperson ever watches the line.

But I'm to believe at 5-6, love-thirty during a pretty intense match that this guy decided, hey I'll watch the line instead of the server. B.S.

And we don't place the linesperson 15 rows off the court. You would have to be a hawk to see a footfault 15 rows off the court at Ashe stadium.

I'll defer to the linesperson.

 

[gpt]

you guys she's also asian and can't see so imma believe my beezy serena

Huh????????????

 

[Nextman916]

That was a really long read, for a less than satisfying result...

 

[ninman]

Seriously, can you explain to me why it should not have been called?

Is it because it was Serena? Or because it was a semi final at a major? Because it was in the main stadium?

I am interested to know why you believe the rules should not be enforced in this case.

Dude it was a big point, in the rule book it says "on a big point **** the rules", that's just how sport works.

 

[topspin]

"Greg Couch was actually sitting about 15 rows behind the line judge at the Open and claims that Serena foot faulted by about 2 inches."

That's quite a claim.

Like many other people I was also courtside at that match and I'm quite confident NO ONE other then the linesperson was watching the line because no one other then the linesperson ever watches the line.

But I'm to believe at 5-6, love-thirty during a pretty intense match that this guy decided, hey I'll watch the line instead of the server. B.S.

And we don't place the linesperson 15 rows off the court. You would have to be a hawk to see a footfault 15 rows off the court at Ashe stadium.

I'll defer to the linesperson.

Strange post. I can spot a foot fault from the upper decks of the Montreal stadium, which is way more than 15 rows up from the court. The fact that the reporter saw the footfault clearly just shows how obvious a call it was. Anyhow there were pictures posted of the foot fault and it was very clear from those too (to anyone who is objective and not a pro-Serena poster).

 

[cknobman]

"Greg Couch was actually sitting about 15 rows behind the line judge at the Open and claims that Serena foot faulted by about 2 inches."

That's quite a claim.

Like many other people I was also courtside at that match and I'm quite confident NO ONE other then the linesperson was watching the line because no one other then the linesperson ever watches the line.

But I'm to believe at 5-6, love-thirty during a pretty intense match that this guy decided, hey I'll watch the line instead of the server. B.S.

And we don't place the linesperson 15 rows off the court. You would have to be a hawk to see a footfault 15 rows off the court at Ashe stadium.

I'll defer to the linesperson.

Not watch the line during a serve? You must be in the minority cause Ive always watched it wether live, tv, or even an opponent Im playing against on the other side of the net I watch the for the foot fault every time.

 

[kingdaddy41788]

Read the interview and you can't call a foot fault in that situation!
Just like if it was the Superbowl and a reciever stepped out of bounds on the way to scoring a TD...you shouldn't call it!

Fail. You. Are. A. Failure. Of course you call it. If you have any integrity at all (and obviously, you don't), you call it in any situation.

 

[pmerk34]

Not watch the line during a serve? You must be in the minority cause Ive always watched it wether live, tv, or even an opponent Im playing against on the other side of the net I watch the for the foot fault every time.

You must be a joy to play against.

 

[jrod]

"Greg Couch was actually sitting about 15 rows behind the line judge at the Open and claims that Serena foot faulted by about 2 inches."

That's quite a claim.

Like many other people I was also courtside at that match and I'm quite confident NO ONE other then the linesperson was watching the line because no one other then the linesperson ever watches the line.

But I'm to believe at 5-6, love-thirty during a pretty intense match that this guy decided, hey I'll watch the line instead of the server. B.S.

And we don't place the linesperson 15 rows off the court. You would have to be a hawk to see a footfault 15 rows off the court at Ashe stadium.

I'll defer to the linesperson.

You know, it's odd what you are saying because my recollection is Serena was foot faulting the entire tournament and I remember quite clearly wondering why the hell no one is calling these. I suspect it's entirely possible that others made the same observation I had and decided to actually pay attention to her service, including Greg Couch.

So, despite the confidence you've expressed about what others were thinking or doing during that match, I'm more confident you are wrong.

 

[decades]

I just saw the same line judge at the Nadal-Ljubo match! There was a solo shot of her on her chair lol in between a game.

you mean that little gal who was wearing protective head gear? :shock:

 

[decades]

She shouldn't have made that call then, it was inconclusive. even so, Serena should not have said she wanted to stuff the ball down her throat! they both made mistakes.

 

[cknobman]

You must be a joy to play against.

Honestly I hardly ever say anything to my opponent unless their foot completely crosses the line and enters the court.

About 75% of people I play touch the line but its not worth saying anything because:

• I know I touch the line sometimes.
• We are not professionals and touching the line isnt going to make or break a match
• If I say something about it, the match then gets tense and neither I nor the person Im playing have as good of a time.

In regards to Serena (or any other pro) touching the line, it should always be called. They are professionals and get paid to play and should abide by the rules.

 

[TMF]

I find it funny that there are some lunatic posters who fight hard to defend Serena by blaming on the line judge’s honesty and integrity.

 

[pmerk34]

Honestly I hardly ever say anything to my opponent unless their foot completely crosses the line and enters the court.

About 75% of people I play touch the line but its not worth saying anything because:

• I know I touch the line sometimes.
• We are not professionals and touching the line isnt going to make or break a match
• If I say something about it, the match then gets tense and neither I nor the person Im playing have as good of a time.

In regards to Serena (or any other pro) touching the line, it should always be called. They are professionals and get paid to play and should abide by the rules.

Agreed!!!!

 

[Bloodshed]

K buddy, you can't even believe how tough football is judged, so many times have 50 yard runs or catches been called back buy a holding call by their center let's say, but rules are rules you gotta call it. And as for the hockey statement, you are clearly and idiot and hope you aren't from Canada saying hockey is in a pathetic area, ovie, sid, datsyuk, Malkin, Nash , sooo many great teams and players. Have a nice day.

Hockey is a little better than what it was like 4 years ago because of Crosby and Overchkin (there's a reason why there was a strike because it sucked lower than WTA standards during that time).

I remember when St.Louis was the leading scorer with 93 pts and the leading scorer had 41? HAHAHA my god what a joke. Remember back in 1992-93 when at least 2 members per team had at least 100 points? Scoring 50 goals was easy and was much more exciting than this pathetic excuse of a sport called hockey.

And not to forget that hockey has the BIOAT (biggest idiot of all time) of a sorry excuse called Gary Bettman who's ruining the sport even more.

A loser sport that deserves to be banished IMHO.

 

[pmerk34]

Hockey is a little better than what it was like 4 years ago because of Crosby and Overchkin (there's a reason why there was a strike because it sucked lower than WTA standards during that time).

I remember when St.Louis was the leading scorer with 93 pts and the leading scorer had 41? HAHAHA my god what a joke. Remember back in 1992-93 when at least 2 members per team had at least 100 points? Scoring 50 goals was easy and was much more exciting than this pathetic excuse of a sport called hockey.

And not to forget that hockey has the BIOAT (biggest idiot of all time) of a sorry excuse called Gary Bettman who's ruining the sport even more.

A loser sport that deserves to be banished IMHO.

They refuse to make the rink bigger and refuse to enforce rules that would open up the game. They also allow fighting which every other sport bans and hands out suspensions for. They allow thugs on skates.

 

[Chadwixx]

She shouldn't have made that call then, it was inconclusive. even so, Serena should not have said she wanted to stuff the ball down her throat! they both made mistakes.

Actually serena made two mistakes (foot faulting and the violent tantrum), the linesjudge did nothing wrong.

Its the easiest call for a linesperson to make. Two inches is obvious.

 

[P_Agony]

I just saw the same line judge at the Nadal-Ljubo match! There was a solo shot of her on her chair lol in between a game.

Hey, at least now we know she's still alive ;-)

 

[Tshooter]

"You know, it's odd what you are saying"

I believe it's referred to as hyperbole.

But I think the point is valid. The eagle eyed poster that calls them from the top of the stadium notwithstanding, the chances of someone in the crowd doing better on that call then the person whose job it is to sit on the line and stare at the line each and every serve is remote.

So I wouldn't put much, if any, weight into a claim from the 15 row.

As for the actual call, I won't rehash my reasoning on why I think the call was appropriate other then to repeat that I don't see the linesperson as having any option if she saw the fault. I understand there are other opinions.

 

[Tshooter]

"You must be a joy to play against."

That made this thread.

 

[Rippy]

Read the interview and you can't call a foot fault in that situation!
Just like if it was the Superbowl and a reciever stepped out of bounds on the way to scoring a TD...you shouldn't call it!

Yes you can. Rules are rules.

 

[Chadwixx]

Honestly I hardly ever say anything to my opponent unless their foot completely crosses the line and enters the court.

About 75% of people I play touch the line but its not worth saying anything because:

• I know I touch the line sometimes.
• We are not professionals and touching the line isnt going to make or break a match
• If I say something about it, the match then gets tense and neither I nor the person Im playing have as good of a time.

In regards to Serena (or any other pro) touching the line, it should always be called. They are professionals and get paid to play and should abide by the rules.

Your not allowed to call foot faults on your opponent anyways.

 

[Deleted member 22147]

That first article is so tedious, the guy rambles on as if he's just seen Elvis before we get to the "interview" which lasts about 10 words.

 

[cknobman]

Your not allowed to call foot faults on your opponent anyways.

Of course you cant "call" a footfault but if Im playing someone who is literally stepping over the line then I will say something to them. It is up to them from that point on whether they choose to address the issue or not. If it is a tournament and I mention it and they disregard my observations then I will call for a USTA official.

But as I stated before this hardly ever happens in fact I can only recall once ever where I had to get a USTA official.

 

[pmerk34]

Of course you cant "call" a footfault but if Im playing someone who is literally stepping over the line then I will say something to them. It is up to them from that point on whether they choose to address the issue or not. If it is a tournament and I mention it and they disregard my observations then I will call for a USTA official.

But as I stated before this hardly ever happens in fact I can only recall once ever where I had to get a USTA official.

Yeah the USTA rule book makes it pretty clear that unless it is blatant and obviousi.e: just taking a giant step into the court. -you can't call it.

 

[topspin]

She shouldn't have made that call then, it was inconclusive. even so, Serena should not have said she wanted to stuff the ball down her throat! they both made mistakes.

Absurd post. The linesperson did her job perfectly. And the foot fault was clear and obvious and should be called. The rules are there to be respected.

 

[decades]

Absurd post. The linesperson did her job perfectly. And the foot fault was clear and obvious and should be called. The rules are there to be respected.

unfortunately it was never conclusive that it was a foot fault. and unfortunately her timing couldn't have been worse! terrible call. terrible timing!

 

[MAX PLY]

unfortunately it was never conclusive that it was a foot fault. and unfortunately her timing couldn't have been worse! terrible call. terrible timing!

You've made the "inconclusive" point twice on this thread with absolutely no basis for that conclusion. Certainly the linesperson did not think it was inconclusive (officials' training mandates you must see the foot fault to call it and presumptively the linesperson did see it--not that hard to call really) and The rules presume the linesperson got it right subject to evidence to the contrary. I have seen no evidence to the contrary--on what evidentuary basis do you make your claim? Timing has nothing to do with it, conclusive or not.

 

[LPShanet]

She shouldn't have made that call then, it was inconclusive. even so, Serena should not have said she wanted to stuff the ball down her throat! they both made mistakes.

How is a foot fault referred to as being 2+ inches "inconclusive"? It was apparently clear enough that not only did the line judge (who said she doesn't want to call it if she doesn't have to) see it clearly, but so did a press member sitting quite a bit behind her. Since the day in question, several photographers have also come forward saying they saw the foot fault very clearly from the photo pit. None of them have any stake or bias in the issue. Nothing inconclusive about it. This part of the debate is dead.

You can argue all you want about whether or not to call something in a particular situation, since that is a philosophical argument. And probably an interesting one, and one worth having at many levels. But the "inconclusive" thing has been totally debunked by this point, and bringing it into the mix again is just misdirecting the thread, and causing unnecessary conflict between people on both sides of the debate.

Just like when the guy in the Bigfoot suit came forward, there was no point in continuing to argue the validity of the film he was in. If you want to continue the debate, it only makes sense to do so on two fronts:

1. Whether you should call the lines the same way in all situations

and

2. Whether Serena should have reacted the way she did or differently

 

[topspin]

unfortunately it was never conclusive that it was a foot fault. and unfortunately her timing couldn't have been worse! terrible call. terrible timing!

Wrong. Fortunately, it was very conclusive based on the fact that the line judge had a perfect view of the line and Serena's foot. Also by the pictures that were posted on various websites clearly showing her foot on the line. And also now by this reporter who saw her foot clearly on the line from his seating position a few rows up from the line judge. What more do you want? Just accept reality.

As for the timing, it is just silly and outrageous for anyone to suggest that the rule should be called depending on the match situation. The line judges are trained to make their calls consistently. It's a game of inches. What you are implying would mean that you'd find it justified if a line judged saw a ball hit a line (slightly) and not call it in simply because the receiving player would lose on such a close call. Absurd! She touched the line, thereby breaking the rules, it got called and rightly so. There is no difference with a close line call. So do not look for the rules to be changed only because your player got caught with her foot on the line and then in her mouth.

 

[Murray Mound]

Who cares if sernea ever so slightly foot faulted or not.....it's not like she's a serve and volleyer. What difference does it make?

 

[decades]

Wrong. Fortunately, it was very conclusive based on the fact that the line judge had a perfect view of the line and Serena's foot. Also by the pictures that were posted on various websites clearly showing her foot on the line. And also now by this reporter who saw her foot clearly on the line from his seating position a few rows up from the line judge. What more do you want? Just accept reality.

As for the timing, it is just silly and outrageous for anyone to suggest that the rule should be called depending on the match situation. The line judges are trained to make their calls consistently. It's a game of inches. What you are implying would mean that you'd find it justified if a line judged saw a ball hit a line (slightly) and not call it in simply because the receiving player would lose on such a close call. Absurd! She touched the line, thereby breaking the rules, it got called and rightly so. There is no difference with a close line call. So do not look for the rules to be changed only because your player got caught with her foot on the line and then in her mouth.

it was just an awful time to make a call that was inconclusive at best. but she did and now we see the result.

 

[decades]

How is a foot fault referred to as being 2+ inches "inconclusive"? It was apparently clear enough that not only did the line judge (who said she doesn't want to call it if she doesn't have to) see it clearly, but so did a press member sitting quite a bit behind her. Since the day in question, several photographers have also come forward saying they saw the foot fault very clearly from the photo pit. None of them have any stake or bias in the issue. Nothing inconclusive about it. This part of the debate is dead.

You can argue all you want about whether or not to call something in a particular situation, since that is a philosophical argument. And probably an interesting one, and one worth having at many levels. But the "inconclusive" thing has been totally debunked by this point, and bringing it into the mix again is just misdirecting the thread, and causing unnecessary conflict between people on both sides of the debate.

Just like when the guy in the Bigfoot suit came forward, there was no point in continuing to argue the validity of the film he was in. If you want to continue the debate, it only makes sense to do so on two fronts:

1. Whether you should call the lines the same way in all situations

and

2. Whether Serena should have reacted the way she did or differently

ok where is the conclusive proof that she foot faulted. please post a link. thank you.

 

[decades]

You've made the "inconclusive" point twice on this thread with absolutely no basis for that conclusion. Certainly the linesperson did not think it was inconclusive (officials' training mandates you must see the foot fault to call it and presumptively the linesperson did see it--not that hard to call really) and The rules presume the linesperson got it right subject to evidence to the contrary. I have seen no evidence to the contrary--on what evidentuary basis do you make your claim? Timing has nothing to do with it, conclusive or not.

it was just a very unfortunate time to make her only foot fault call of the match on Serena. I don't believe replays ever were conclusive that it was a foot fault.