- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Breaking out, in what has become characteristic bad sportsmanship, the antics of Serena Williams have damaged the sport of tennis by detracting from an inspirational Samantha Stosur’s maiden grand slam title.
Coining the term ‘white maggot’ in Australia, sporting culture here has historically seen umpire-taunting and abuse as part of the game.
Looking to develop our game for the good of itself and the people involved, respect for the umpire and audience have become part of our grassroots programs, to eventually eradicate vulgar behaviour from our culture.
In the United States, however, such culture is not recognisable, because it simply does not receive media attention.
Line ball calls are reviewed by the booth and decisions are accepted. Coaches move on, players move on and decisions are forgotten.
Blighting a memorable US Open and 9/11 tribute, Williams’ act of frustration may be considered un-American or worse, unpatriotic.
Further to the anguish of sporting romantics, Williams’ refusal to shake the hand of umpire Eva Asderaki after the game, tempered with the concept of ‘what happens on the field, stays on the field’.
This has led to suggestions that Asderaki lost the match for Williams, and Williams lost the match because she could not handle the mental pressures of the grand slam final.
Both aforementioned situations are rubbish.
Winning 6-2, 6-3, Stosur controlled the entire match and simply outplayed Williams. There are no excuses for Williams’ loss and her actions demonstrate a lack of professionalism.
Shadowed by a history of ill temperament, the directed outburst of intimidation, is now the third major on-court outburst by Williams in a US Open.
Coupled with the pressure of performing in front of her home crowd, support in her homeland has surely waned.
Labelled “unsportsman-like conduct” in the NFL and “demonstrative behaviour” in the AFL, such acts are not tolerated, resulting in both, on-field penalties and sanctions in more severe cases.
Raising questions over whether sportsmen should be considered role models for children, tennis players have traditionally been more tame and reliable. This is partially attributed to the concept of individualism in the sport, where team environment have led to the detriment of players in other sports.
Having held the perch of the leading female tennis player over the last decade, Williams will still have her admiring fans but it is disappointing that her outburst has drawn attention away from deserving winner, Sam Stosur.
This highlights the rarity of disrespectful behaviour in tennis.
Losing points during the game has not deterred Williams nor did the $82,500 fine for her major offence during the 2009 US Open. With a significant fine on the horizon, various additional sanctions may include suspension from minor and major tournaments.
Dummy spits will continue to be heavily scrutinised by all observers but this is the only way a sportsman-like culture will be maintained.
Through the public humiliation of Williams, sporting bodies can utilise media outlets to promote good behaviour through the punishment of bad.
It’s just unfortunate that this overshadows the magnificent determination and success of Stosur.
Whether it’s aces or races, try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp for great odds and a great punting experience. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.