Role Model - Not

Serena Williams has just today(15/2/13)  reclaimed the World Number 1 slot. No doubt this is an accurate reflection of her standing in the Women's Game. However I cannot feel anything other than dismay. Any hopes, long since cherished, for a more upstanding comportment within tennis have taken a serious blow. Unfortunately the wishes expressed in the following short piece written in 2011 have not borne fruit. Williams has flourished as others have flattered to deceive.
2011
The umpire officiating the Women's Singles Final at Flushing Meadows this weekend received something like $250 for her part in the proceedings. Who knows what Serena Williams earnt over the course of the last fortnight. Her official reward for being runner - up (losing) was $1.4m. In the event the overwhelming favourite was spectacularly thrashed by the unfancied, but much deserving winner, Sam Stosur, of Australia. Finally somebody took the fight to Serena and the American quite clearly could not handle it.
Worse, much worse, she showed it. In a demonstration of a total lack of star quality, Serena abused the umpire for having the temerity to make a call against her. It matters not whether the call was right. Serena told the umpire, inter alia, that she was 'unattractive inside'.

Poor Sport

 The tournament organisers, confirming their total lack of credibility fined her $2000 dollars for this display of petulance. Serena could not even bring herself to apologise post match. The Grand Slam Committee decided in their infinite wisdom that the abuse did not amount to a major offence. What a terrific role model!
Serena was already on probation at the US Open. 2 years ago, whilst also losing (coincidence?) in the semi final against Kim Clijsters, she made unpleasant threats to a female line judge. She was given a suspended sentence. Memories are clearly short.
It would be nice if the authorities for once chose to stand up for their own officials rather than the spoilt children they pander to. Serena will never be considered a great and memorable champion, certainly by this writer. Lets hope the likes of Stosur continue to expose the shortcomings in Serena's game as well.