US Open

Black Cat Back · ‎03-21-2010

Just watched the Serena/Tomljanovic match. As a huge tennis fan, I agree that Serena is the best in women's tennis. She has a wonderful legacy,

I was very impressed with Ajla, who won. What a lady. She endured all the cheers for Serena the whole match and kept her composure. When she won, Serena got all the attention, and she sat there and waited out of respect.

When she was finally interviewed, her grace and heartfelt compliments to Serena were so touching and showed what a winner she is. It was her moment, and she let it be Serena's.

I do think Serena should have thanked her opponent and acknowledged her for a moment. Ajla looks up to her, and Serena should have said something to the effect of wishing her well in the sport, etc. Also, Serena wouldn't sign an autograph when all the tennis superstars do, Rafa, Roger, Novak, etc. I guess she wants people to pay for her autograph is my guess.

I project that Serena is not really done. She may come back. Serena likes the drama and it wouldn't surprise me if this was just a moment to behold for her, and she wants to come back at some point to have the glory.

The US Open is exciting this year. Just wish John Isner could have stayed on (he got hurt) and of course, wish Roger could be there. I think this day is coming soon for Roger too.

I am now a huge fan of Ajla and wish her success as she moves to her next round. I am totally impressed by this young lady.

Mersha · ‎03-10-2010

@Black Cat Back Your post is on the money.

It is tradition for the winner of any match to be acknowledged and interviewed first. I understand this was supposedly Serena's last match but I felt it awkward for Ajla to be sitting as Serena went to center court.

As you said, Serena never acknowledged her great game or level of play. I give Ajla so much credit for battling so hard and dealing with the NY crowd.

I would also like to know why someone came out to carry Serena's bags and racquets off the court for her but Ajla did not receive the same courtesy.

On another note, I hope Rafa stays in the tournament. There are rumors he really wants to get home for the birth of his son. He had such a strange hit on the nose with his racquet last night. Hopefully, he is ok.

"Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are." BF

Black Cat Back · ‎03-21-2010

@Mersha wrote:
@Black Cat Back Your post is on the money.

It is tradition for the winner of any match to be acknowledged and interviewed first. I understand this was supposedly Serena's last match but I felt it awkward for Ajla to be sitting as Serena went to center court.

As you said, Serena never acknowledged her great game or level of play. I give Ajla so much credit for battling so hard and dealing with the NY crowd.

I would also like to know why someone came out to carry Serena's bags and racquets off the court for her but Ajla did not receive the same courtesy.

On another note, I hope Rafa stays in the tournament. There are rumors he really wants to get home for the birth of his son. He had such a strange hit on the nose with his racquet last night. Hopefully, he is ok.

@Mersha

I so agree with you too.

I would love to see Rafa move on. That was a freak accident with the racket. You could tell it shook him up and he seemed a bit dazed. Pretty soon, Rafa and Roger will be passing the torch. But, I still want to see them win and be a part of these tournaments as long as possible. He is such a great player and nice guy. I miss Roger not playing. I still think Roger will come back even just to have one more shot at being in front of the crowds and playing the game he loves so much.

I look forward to a weekend of watching some matches. Go Rafa and Alja!

Thanks for your great post.

Zernia Rose · ‎04-16-2011

@Black Cat Back I agree that Serena's impact is extraordinary and it will be a long time coming for others to match her achievement . If you watched Serena's matches earlier in the week, then you would have seen her signing a significant number of autographs, for children especially-more than most players. Even thouogh she had to go back in for testing (probably), she autographed whatever the children presented to her. Serena usually carrries her own equipment off the courts as do most other players. I believe court officials sought to clear the court faster by removing the equipment for her. The length of the applause, and the long interview served to delay preparation for something else based on the comments made by McEnroe.

i would venture to guess that this was an overwhelming night for her and the former tennis player conducting the interview focused most of her comments/queries on Serena. Aija was interviewed and she will be given additional time as she rises through the tournament. She probably understood the historic nature of Serena's match in much the same way as other players recognize the greatness of Tom Brady and the impact of his retirement/unretirement..

Franklinbell · ‎01-04-2015

@Zernia Rose @Well said! I totally agree!

Mersha · ‎03-10-2010

@Black Cat Back I will truly miss Roger and Rafa when they leave the game.

They are the ultimate professionals, gentlemen, humble and give so much to others.

It will truly be the end of an era when they say goodbye.

"Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are." BF

LizzieInSRQ · ‎12-27-2010

Serena Williams was and still is one of the rudest people to ever play professional tennis. I just read an article specifically about this last night. Good Riddance I say.

kaydee50 · ‎02-07-2011

I'm a fan of Serena's and the matches she played at the US Open are a fitting ending to her career. I truly hope she decides not to come back. It is time for her and Roger, who IMO will not play again, to move on.

I too was impressed with Ajla. It could not have been easy playing in that atmosphere and her comments were right on. I wish her well.

pupwhipped · ‎03-11-2010

@Zernia Rose wrote:
@Black Cat Back I agree that Serena's impact is extraordinary and it will be a long time coming for others to match her achievement . If you watched Serena's matches earlier in the week, then you would have seen her signing a significant number of autographs, for children especially-more than most players. Even thouogh she had to go back in for testing (probably), she autographed whatever the children presented to her. Serena usually carrries her own equipment off the courts as do most other players. I believe court officials sought to clear the court faster by removing the equipment for her. The length of the applause, and the long interview served to delay preparation for something else based on the comments made by McEnroe.

i would venture to guess that this was an overwhelming night for her and the former tennis player conducting the interview focused most of her comments/queries on Serena. Aija was interviewed and she will be given additional time as she rises through the tournament. She probably understood the historic nature of Serena's match in much the same way as other players recognize the greatness of Tom Brady and the impact of his retirement/unretirement..

Agreed, @Zernia Rose. Serena signed plenty of autographs after her previous two matches. Likely if she had hung around last night signing autographs and taking more time she would have been extensively criticized for that. Truly damned if you do and damned if you don't. Crazy.

I congratulate both Ajla and Serena on a competitive and well played match. 🎾🎾

Krimpette · ‎03-09-2010

I have no doubt that Serena will be back. I find it disappointing that so little attention has been paid to the other women (even the men) playing this tournament. Not a game has been shown (at least while I watched) without mention of Serena ad nauseum. Her name has been flashed all over the news, whether print or on line. And not necessarily limited to the sports page. Like Tom Brady, I'm sure the announcement was to get more attention. She'll be back. Not a doubt in my mind.