And I’ll bring up the r word too.

But locker room trash talk and physical threats,to me, are beyond the pale. Look to Gottfried or Alice, not Lebron or Shaq or Sidney Crosby.

Bottom line – Martinez Sanchez cheated big time. On a game point. And it’s not only personal glory on the line – it’s tens of thousands of dollars.

I’ve watched Serena get burned enough times with bad line calls and rude behavior (hello, Justine Henin!) – I’d like her opponents to show her more respect.

Yes, it’s not “champion” behavior – but it’s life, and things get messy.

But this, as reported in the Sunday NY Times: “I’m going to get you in the locker room for that; you don’t know me,” is inexcusable. If I were Oracene, I’d make my daughter stand in the corner. Not cool, and not how a champion acts.

See you at the next party!

Maria Jose should have done the right thing, but that crap call didn’t make that much difference to the match and probably fired Serena up. As you put it so well, “Hell hath no fury like a Williams sister scorned.” Be very afraid.

All that said, may I confess to liking Martinez Sanchez’s game, if not her sportsmanship?

I loved the Tennis Party. Next time I’ll bring the cafe et croissants.

I really feel like the Williams sisters get so much crap from all sides. I guess it’s the price of dominating and playing at a whole other level. They do invite some of it with their post-match comments, but I’ve never seen them engage in gamesmanship on the court (unless you count shrieking which is a gray area) Anyway, this is a subject for another blog post.

Though she’s was vindicated here just like she was in 2003 against Justine. Sorry to bring that up, but the parallels are just too clear.

Another thing, Vika was booed off court coz she spent the best part of the match (over both days) doing what she usually does with her on court histrionics. Plenty of ammo to that notorious French crowd. But she also engaged with the crowd a couple of times when they called out separately, making things even more difficult for herself.

When the match was over she didn’t wave to the crowd (unsurprisingly), and actually booed them back!!

Normally I’d take a dim view of this – and I’m as you well know, not a great fan of hers – but on this occasion I actually loved it! The French crowd are sometimes like one of those impatient drivers behind who blow up the minute the light turns green.

I know she fanned the flames but on this occasion found myself supporting her – go Vika!

love the drama quote. poor serena. imagine a reality tv celebrity tennis camp! i would watch that!