Serena Williams Disappoints Children

It was difficult to get tickets to the semi-final match between Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters, but it was more difficult to explain to the children Serena's inappropriate behavior!

Serena had not lost a set in her earlier matches, but it was evident early on that she could not handle the consistent deep shots and angles of Clijsters. For the first time in this US Open, Serena was not dictating the match. Clijsters broke her to take the first set 6-4. Serena's frustation was evident as she flipped her racquet and then smashed it at the end of the set. Serena received a code violation. She clearly had started to lose her focus.

Serena played better in the second set, but was never truly in command. She was trailing 6-5 and was serving. She fell behind 15-30, and then the bottom fell out. She faulted on her first serve and then was called for a foot fault to lose the point and make the score 15-40. Mt. Serena then erupted. She turned to the lineswoman and threatened to shove the ball down her throat with a few other colorful words which were caught on the microphone. Not only was she verbally abusing this poor official, but at the same time was shaking her racquet in a menacing way. After she had finished her first attack, she returned to the baseline to serve, but was distracted by the official returning from the chair umpire. At this point, she again screamed at the lineswoman with more colorful language. Tournament referee Brian Earley came onto the court, and gave Serena her second code violation which cost her a point, which was match point.

Kim Clijsters had no idea what was happening as Serena crossed the net to congratulate her. Clijsters had a look of bewilderment as she sat in her chair waiting to be interviewed. Serena William's embarassing behavior took away from the excellent play of Clijsters and her well deserved victory.

There are no excuses for Serena's behavior!! Bad calls are part of all sports and the true champions, the true professionals are able to rise above these obstacles. Earlier in the week, I witnessed a dubious foot fault called against Serena Williams. She handled this call by staring down the official without any verbage or threatening mannerisms. This also is not acceptable behavior, but a better choice of action than she exhibited against Clijsters.

What is an appropriate penalty? In basketball two technicals and you are thrown out of the game; in baseball argue with the umpire too vigorously, and you are thrown out of the game. Why should tennis be any different? She should have been immediately disqualified. She received $10,500.00 dollars in fines, about 3% of her winnings. Is that enough?

Anyone can have a meltdown. The frustation of not playing well, the pressure of being expected to win and then a bad call- all the ingredients for an explosion-BANG! However Serena had a bigger problem- Hubris. She could not accept responsibility for her actions and apologize. She did not apologize at her press conference after the match or the following day. All she could muster was that John McEnroe was one of her heroes, as if to wash away this hideous outburst by drawing comparisons to someone else known for abusing officials. Even McEnroe the commentator was at an immediate lose of words. There are no excuses. She then said that after gaining her composure, " in the heat of battle I let my passion and emotion get the better of me, and as a result, I handled the situation poorly. I would like to thank my fans for understanding I am human and look forward to continuing my journey, both professionally and personally."

Yes Serena you are human. We can understand that. What we cannot understand is why you did not apologize to this official immediately. Why did it take 3 days to begrudingly offer this official any apology?? We can all lose a match and recover our standings, but we cannot lose our dignity and walk away carefree. You have damaged yourself and have disappointed everyone!!

Tennis Racquets For Kids Brings Smiles to Queens

Tennis Racquets for Kids teamed up with the City Parks Foundation (CPF) on August 17th, 2009, to bring tennis to Corona Park in Flushing Meadow. The non profit tennis charity donated close to 100 racquets to kids from age 8 to 15. A tennis clinic was also conducted by Tennis Racquets for Kids, featuring Zachary Mintz, Paige Mintz, and Michael Lem. Zachary and Michael spoke to to the kids before the clinic began explaining to them that these racquets are an opportunity for them to learn and play the game of tennis, but also represent a responsibilty for them to pass these racquets on to others when they outgrow them, and give other children the same opportunity.The racquets and clinic were greatly appreciated by the children and their families. The free racquets were a surprise and acknowledged with hugs, smiles and high fives! By collecting used tennis racquets," recycling them", Tennis Racquets for Kids has brought smiles to hundreds of kids this summer. Many are dreaming about one day playing in the US Open in the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.



The City Parks Foundation of New York is an excellent partner sharing the same ideals and goals as Tennis Racquets for Kids. It is the only independent, non profit organization to offer park programs throughout the five boroughs of New York City. Their programs and community building initiatives reach more than 600,000 New Yorkers each year. We are honored to be working with this organization and are planning more activities in the future.



We are still collecting racquets are various donation sites and appreciate those people who have sent us racquets directly. The racquets in your basement or garage are opportunity to bring a small amout of happiness to others. Whether you have Prince, Wilson,Babolat, Head, or Yonex tennis racquets the same smiles and hugs from the kids receiving them will apply. Donate for the LOVE of the Game!!