Mike Alvear's Urge & Merge

In what has to be the most dramatic event in U.S. Open history, Serena Williams, the #2 ranked woman in the world, lost to new mom Kim Clijsters in the semifinals, after Williams threatened a line official. Serena’s threat lead to an automatic point loss on, get this, MATCH POINT, giving Clijsters the victory.

Here’s what happened:

• Clijsters won the first set 6-4 and leading the second set 6-5.
• It’s 15-30, Serena serving.
• Line judge calls foot fault on Serena. Point to Clijsters.
• It’s now 15-40. Match Point.
• Serena, pissed off at the call, approaches line judge threateningly, and according to on-the-court Miami Herald reporter, said, “You’re lucky I’m not shoving this ball down your throat!”
• Remember, it’s MATCH POINT.
• Chair Umpire confers with line judge, triggers automatic point loss for the on-court outburst.
• Penalty point on Match Point! Unbelievable! Serena Loses. Kim Clijsters wins!

The NY Times had an interesting article on the asterisk that will forever be placed on Serena’s resume. I disagree though; as shocking as her behavior was, YOU ARE ALLOWED TO MAKE A MISTAKE. Serena is a beautiful, regal presence on the court (I saw her at Wimbledon a few years ago). She is about as exciting a tennis pro to watch as any man or woman that came before her.

The only way the stain will stick is if she tries to Shout It Out.

This entry was posted Sep. 14th, 2009 at 9:25 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.