damn what do you know?

I'm glad for Stosur. She's a great player, and deserved this success. She could have made it in Roland Garros last year if it hadn't been for Schiavone's work of beauty. Now's the time! Congratulations! She seems to be a nice person too, not like the other.

Sam turned it up when she needed to....Absolutely Awesome. You've done us aussies proud

Serena, once again you proved to be a bad sport. You carry-on like a spoilt brat, very childish - you certainly are NO role model to upcoming players - embarrassing. but I'm sure you're the victim in all this - you play that card sooo well!!!!

I just saw Serena's outburst, it was not nearly what I expected. No biggie, IMO, and as she said after the match, that point would not have made a difference either way.

Cerebus said:

AlexdeParis said:

Wait, you're serious? I think that 5-0 head-to-head record in finals over Nadal this season is enough to make Djokovic the favorite. The last time they played, Nadal was as visibly shaken and bewildered as I've ever seen him on the court.

Interesting almost unbelievable note: If Nadal pulls off the upset, I believe this would be the first title he has ever defended not on clay.

Totally serious. This is now, not the last five times they've played. Nadal has looked better to me than Djokovic. He'll probably get completely destroyed. But he's definitely looked better his last couple matches than Djoko.

Djokovic is in his head. Even Nadal conceded that after Wimbledon.

NDRU said:

I just saw Serena's outburst, it was not nearly what I expected. No biggie, IMO, and as she said after the match, that point would not have made a difference either way.

Exactly. Stosur played exceptionally well. Serena clearly wasn't herself, but she was exceedingly gracious in defeat.

FWIW, it's kind of hard to blame Serena for not knowing the rule. 2 years ago, in the same situation with the same umpire, the point was replayed:

[Edited 9/11/11 17:13pm]

AlexdeParis said:

NDRU said:

I just saw Serena's outburst, it was not nearly what I expected. No biggie, IMO, and as she said after the match, that point would not have made a difference either way.

Exactly. Stosur played exceptionally well. Serena clearly wasn't herself, but she was exceedingly gracious in defeat.

FWIW, it's kind of hard to blame Serena for not knowing the rule. 2 years ago, in the same situation with the same umpire, the point was replayed:

[Edited 9/11/11 17:13pm]

wow, that is funny!

AlexdeParis said:

Cerebus said:

Totally serious. This is now, not the last five times they've played. Nadal has looked better to me than Djokovic. He'll probably get completely destroyed. But he's definitely looked better his last couple matches than Djoko.

Djokovic is in his head. Even Nadal conceded that after Wimbledon.

Well in order for him to be considered one of the best ever he's going to have to get him out of there. I still think Djokovic is as ass - he's just got a team of people coaching him on how to act now. I hope Nadal stomps him.

Cerebus said:

AlexdeParis said:

Djokovic is in his head. Even Nadal conceded that after Wimbledon.

Well in order for him to be considered one of the best ever he's going to have to get him out of there. I still think Djokovic is as ass - he's just got a team of people coaching him on how to act now. I hope Nadal stomps him.

To your first point, I wholeheartedly disagree. I'm not the biggest Nadal fan at all, but he's already one of the best ever. You have to respect his determination, his fight, and his improvement over the years.

Likewise, I used to dislike Djokovic, but you have to respect what he's been able to accomplish this season. He seemed to be stuck in a holding pattern (and even regressing) for a few years, but he's finally managed to put it all together and he's now the clear #1 player. The match tomorrow will be a good one, but I expect Djokovic to come through it as the winner.

AlexdeParis said:

Cerebus said:

Well in order for him to be considered one of the best ever he's going to have to get him out of there. I still think Djokovic is as ass - he's just got a team of people coaching him on how to act now. I hope Nadal stomps him.

To your first point, I wholeheartedly disagree. I'm not the biggest Nadal fan at all, but he's already one of the best ever. You have to respect his determination, his fight, and his improvement over the years.

Likewise, I used to dislike Djokovic, but you have to respect what he's been able to accomplish this season. He seemed to be stuck in a holding pattern (and even regressing) for a few years, but he's finally managed to put it all together and he's now the clear #1 player. The match tomorrow will be a good one, but I expect Djokovic to come through it as the winner.

Ten slams (at least one of each) and a dominant head to head against Federer? Yup, Nadal is definitely already one of the best ever. I've never liked him but if he can stay healthy (which I think is a big question) he has a chance to catch or surpass Federer.

rialb said:

AlexdeParis said:

To your first point, I wholeheartedly disagree. I'm not the biggest Nadal fan at all, but he's already one of the best ever. You have to respect his determination, his fight, and his improvement over the years.

Likewise, I used to dislike Djokovic, but you have to respect what he's been able to accomplish this season. He seemed to be stuck in a holding pattern (and even regressing) for a few years, but he's finally managed to put it all together and he's now the clear #1 player. The match tomorrow will be a good one, but I expect Djokovic to come through it as the winner.

Ten slams (at least one of each) and a dominant head to head against Federer? Yup, Nadal is definitely already one of the best ever. I've never liked him but if he can stay healthy (which I think is a big question) he has a chance to catch or surpass Federer.

OK, maybe it was a bad choice of words on my part. If you count his grand slams, yes, he should be considered one of the best ever. But if he doesn't beat Djokovic to win one that will always be a footnote to his career. "One of the best ever, even though he couldn't beat Djokovic in a grand slam final." Same as it would have been said he was only one of the best clay court players ever until he started winning on other surfaces.

Serena is simply a petulant child. When things aren't going her way, she has a tantrum.

It was quite satisfying, cathartic even, watching her getting smacked around the court like that.

Well done Sam. A great win from a genuinely positive role model.

Cerebus said:

rialb said:

Ten slams (at least one of each) and a dominant head to head against Federer? Yup, Nadal is definitely already one of the best ever. I've never liked him but if he can stay healthy (which I think is a big question) he has a chance to catch or surpass Federer.

OK, maybe it was a bad choice of words on my part. If you count his grand slams, yes, he should be considered one of the best ever. But if he doesn't beat Djokovic to win one that will always be a footnote to his career. "One of the best ever, even though he couldn't beat Djokovic in a grand slam final." Same as it would have been said he was only one of the best clay court players ever until he started winning on other surfaces.

It's not like he hasn't ever beaten Djokovic in a slam final. Hell, he did it at the US Open last year. But losing the last 5 times they've played on all 3 surfaces (including twice on clay) has put a lot of doubt in his mind.

AlexdeParis said:

Cerebus said:

OK, maybe it was a bad choice of words on my part. If you count his grand slams, yes, he should be considered one of the best ever. But if he doesn't beat Djokovic to win one that will always be a footnote to his career. "One of the best ever, even though he couldn't beat Djokovic in a grand slam final." Same as it would have been said he was only one of the best clay court players ever until he started winning on other surfaces.

It's not like he hasn't ever beaten Djokovic in a slam final. Hell, he did it at the US Open last year. But losing the last 5 times they've played on all 3 surfaces (including twice on clay) has put a lot of doubt in his mind.

I wasn't sure about that. I've been watching tennis (and basketball, football and golf) for about 25 years now, but I have no memory for stats. Not with any of them. I have to look that stuff up and I was totally being lazy.

I still expect him to destry Djokovic tomorrow. The power of positive thought and all that.

Cerebus said:

AlexdeParis said:

It's not like he hasn't ever beaten Djokovic in a slam final. Hell, he did it at the US Open last year. But losing the last 5 times they've played on all 3 surfaces (including twice on clay) has put a lot of doubt in his mind.

I wasn't sure about that. I've been watching tennis (and basketball, football and golf) for about 25 years now, but I have no memory for stats. Not with any of them. I have to look that stuff up and I was totally being lazy.

I still expect him to destry Djokovic tomorrow. The power of positive thought and all that.

Well, I think that would be positively terrible.

I really want to see if Djokovic can challenge McEnroe's record for the best season ever. At this point in the season, they lost in the same 2 tournaments (Roland Garros and Cincinnati). John's only other loss was in the David Cup, which Novak will be playing next week.

TyphoonTip said:

Serena is simply a petulant child. When things aren't going her way, she has a tantrum.

It was quite satisfying, cathartic even, watching her getting smacked around the court like that.

Well done Sam. A great win from a genuinely positive role model.

Well said...Sam was far too good for SW- just outplayed in every respect...

Why oh why does Serena always play that victim card - her victim complex is becoming very boring....she's a poor ambassador for the sport...

And Sam you were very diplomatic with your choice of words. Classy

Cerebus said:

rialb said:

Ten slams (at least one of each) and a dominant head to head against Federer? Yup, Nadal is definitely already one of the best ever. I've never liked him but if he can stay healthy (which I think is a big question) he has a chance to catch or surpass Federer.

OK, maybe it was a bad choice of words on my part. If you count his grand slams, yes, he should be considered one of the best ever. But if he doesn't beat Djokovic to win one that will always be a footnote to his career. "One of the best ever, even though he couldn't beat Djokovic in a grand slam final." Same as it would have been said he was only one of the best clay court players ever until he started winning on other surfaces.

Well, he won Djokovic in last year's US Open final. Also, even the bestest player has a footnote to his career. That's like diminishing Federer's career saying that Nadal was his constant footnote.

jstar69 said:

TyphoonTip said:

Serena is simply a petulant child. When things aren't going her way, she has a tantrum.

It was quite satisfying, cathartic even, watching her getting smacked around the court like that.

Well done Sam. A great win from a genuinely positive role model.

Well said...Sam was far too good for SW- just outplayed in every respect...

Why oh why does Serena always play that victim card - her victim complex is becoming very boring....she's a poor ambassador for the sport...

And Sam you were very diplomatic with your choice of words. Classy

Yup, she needs to grow the f*** up. Her momma ought to whip her ass for the disrepect she shows officials! Brat.

LMAO at all the Serena haters.

phunkdaddy said:

LMAO at all the Serena haters.

I just laughed seeing it on youtube for the first time 5 minutes ago, hearing what she said. I thought what she chose to say was odd. It wasn't profane, but it was pretty weird, like she was all discombobulated and worked up, but it wasn't really threatening, just a bit of a juvenile tantrum. I can understand the negativity coming her way because it was totally classless and it's not the first time. I like her though, and she seemed to have given it some thought by the end and had put that single point in the match in its proper perspective. She'll be alright.

I think Serena is the best thing to happen to women's tennis since Martina Navratolova, but she has a poor attitude when things are not going her way. She blasted through this tourmament, but she let the umpire throw her completely off her game. Not very professional IMO. I'm a big fan of the Williams' sisters, but Serena has to grow up a little.

phunkdaddy said:

LMAO at all the Serena haters.

Eh, what she did is hardly the worst thing ever but she looked pretty silly especially since she was completely wrong and Eva Asderaki was completely right. This is hardly comparable to what happened to her back in 2004 against Capriati when several horrible calls went against her.

It is also woth noting that we are talking about a woman who is going to be thirty years old soon. Some of what she was saying sounded like the rantings of a thirteen year old.

I do give her points for being very gracious at the end of the match. It was weird to see Sam and Serena sitting next to each other laughing and smiling, they looked like a doubles team that had just one.

I thought that it was a little inappropriate for Mary Carillo to ask Serena about the incident during the presentation. Yes, people want to hear her reaction but that should have been saved for the press conference.

phunkdaddy said:

LMAO at all the Serena haters.

I don't hate her, I hate her attitude.

There are plenty of champions that exude class and wouldn't talk back like a child for 5 minutes. Probably the vast majority of them.

Keep your lame, boring hissy fits to yourself and get on with the game that has brought you fame and fortune that is beyond most peoples wildest dreams and be grateful that you've made it already!

Rafa, please win!!!

I agree, I'd prefer to see people act more mature, including the people I see every day when no championship/millions of dollars are riding on the situation.

But I can't expect every athlete to be composed and mature, especially when they are putting everything into a match, physically and emotionally, and it's the biggest moment of their lives. I would probably have a meltdown too.

Look at how professional McEnroe is now that he is not playing tennis. But he could not control himself on the court. It was a weakness, but we all have them.

It's their job to be the best tennis players in the world, not examples of maturity for others to follow.

NDRU said:

I agree, I'd prefer to see people act more mature, including the people I see every day when no championship/millions of dollars are riding on the situation.

But I can't expect every athlete to be composed and mature, especially when they are putting everything into a match, physically and emotionally, and it's the biggest moment of their lives. I would probably have a meltdown too.

Look at how professional McEnroe is now that he is not playing tennis. But he could not control himself on the court. It was a weakness, but we all have them.

It's their job to be the best tennis players in the world, not examples of maturity for others to follow.

I agree that in the heat of the moment it is entirely understandable and forgivable that she would do something silly. I would hope that given that she was wrong and that Eva Asderaki made the correct call that Serena would apologise. Saying "I truly despise you" and "I hate you" to Eva, when all she was guilty of was doing her job, is going too far.

I think that Eva deserves a lot of credit for not being intimidated.

NDRU said:

I agree, I'd prefer to see people act more mature, including the people I see every day when no championship/millions of dollars are riding on the situation.

But I can't expect every athlete to be composed and mature, especially when they are putting everything into a match, physically and emotionally, and it's the biggest moment of their lives. I would probably have a meltdown too.

Look at how professional McEnroe is now that he is not playing tennis. But he could not control himself on the court. It was a weakness, but we all have them.

It's their job to be the best tennis players in the world, not examples of maturity for others to follow.

^^

Sam Stosur was kicking Serena's ass and Serena didn't like it, so she threw a tantrum, like she usually does when things aren't going her way on the court. The way Sam handled the situation was so great, she just kept on kicking her ass.

The 2011 US Open Women's Singles Champion - Samantha Stosur

BTW Serena got fined $2000 so they just want this to go away.

“This fine is consistent with similar offenses at Grand Slam events,” the U.S. Tennis Association said in the statement. “After independently reviewing the incident which served as the basis for the code violation, and taking into account the level of fine imposed by the U.S. Open referee, the Grand Slam Committee director has determined that Ms. Williams’s conduct, while verbally abusive, does not rise to the level of a major offense under the Grand Slam Code of Conduct.”

Considering she was given a $500,000 bonus for being the best performing player through the US Open series, I'm pretty sure she'll wear the fine.

[Edited 9/12/11 15:02pm]