I understand that a lot of people, especially Serena's fans, might not agree with me and I am happy to listen to your arguments, but from what I've seen in my life - Serena Williams is not a role model. Not at all.
I do agree that Serena Williams is the greatest tennis player ever. Her results talk louder than words. However, she does not act as a role model at all. Today, her behavior at the US Open was horrendous and arrogant. The 23 times Grand Slam winner could not cope with the fact that she was a weaker player on the court and went berserker on umpire Carlos Ramos, who was only doing his job (I will agree that Ramos could somehow find a way to calm Serena down, but otherwise, he has done nothing wrong). After receiving illegal coaching from her coach Patrick Mouratoglou, Serena got a warning. She was not happy and ranted that she never cheats to the umpire.
Later, after losing an important game in the second set, Serena destroyed her racket and got the point penalty. She then called Ramos a thief and asked for an apology. Naturally, for verbal abuse, Williams got her third warning and a game penalty. The hell broke loose then. Serena called the US Open managers and started talking bullshit as if she was a victim. She even pulled out the "men do worse things and get away with it" card which sounded a little off.
All this act of a spoiled and privileged girl with 23 Grand Slam titles ruined the big day of Naomi Osaka, who won her first Grand Slam. The Japanese superstar is only 20, and it was obvious that she couldn't be happy because of all the drama on court. Fans kept booing throughout the winners' ceremony, and Osaka looked like she has just found out that Santa Claus was not real. That was a very sad watch. Naomi Osaka did not deserve this. However, if she keeps playing as she did so far, she might get at least a dozen more chances to win a Grand Slam. Yes, this lady is the future. Today, she was stronger, faster, and better than Serena Williams. Today, Naomi Osaka played like young Serena.
It was somewhat funny when the announcer asked Naomi Osaka, who was all in tears: "Naomi, I know that your dream was to play in the US Open finals against Serena Williams. How did you like it?" I mean, do those people know how to adapt to the situation? What might have been a good question before the match became a very awkward thing to ask.
Anyway, getting back to Serena Williams. She did not even manage to apologize to fans, Naomi Osaka, and everyone else for her behavior. I do not doubt that in a few days she will say something like "I am sorry for ruining the final," but it won't be genuine. It was clear that she felt like a victim. However, she was the predator today. And a true role model would not act like that. Of course, you can talk about emotions, being a human, and making mistakes if you are to defend Serena Williams' act of desperation, but let's face it - Roger Federer would never act like that, especially not at this point of his career. Also, it is not the first time that Serena Williams does something like what he did today. She is an arrogant woman. Yes, she fights for all the mothers, families, and love, and so on, but I don't exactly buy that act of wonderfulness. She says she is fighting for so all the mothers in the world right now, but in reality, she fights for herself and her 24th Grand Slam. That's the truth.
Before you start hating me (I understand that I am critical toward the world's greatest woman athlete ever, who has fandom all over the world), just think about what would you say if it was Maria Sharapova who acted like Serena Williams today. Yes, you would make a monster out of her. So, let's not use double standards and judge people by their actions, shall we? Today, Serena Williams was arrogant, spoiled, and unable to face the fact that Naomi Osaka was a better player by a clear mile. Because of that, Serena destroyed the whole event. Ok, I love to see drama, so I was quite fascinated (guilty as charged) but extremely sad for Naomi at the same time. That doesn't change the fact that Serena was awful today.
Is Serena Williams the greatest player of all time? Yes. Is she a role model? No. She is just good at hitting the freaking ball. Of course, you might say that she inspired women to go after their dreams and so on and so on. However, all these things are for granted when you are the best player in the world. However, Serena Williams also thinks that she is entitled to do whatever she wants on the court and avoid any penalties. Carols Ramos is one of a few umpires who treat players the same, no matter their popularity and achievements. Would you dare to disagree that Serena Williams felt privileged on the court? Ironically, she claims to be fighting against such behavior.
I also agree that it is an unbelievable achievement to reach 2 Grand Slam finals after giving a birth one year ago. And yet, that only proves that Serena Williams is phenomenal at hitting the ball with a racket. That doesn't make her a good or a bad person whatsoever. And if someone disagrees with me, please explain to me one thing - what kind of an example did Serena Williams set today? Kill or be killed attitude is essential in sports, but to me, fair play is more important. Serena Williams showed no fair play. And it was not a first time.
Serena Williams has 23 reasons to be arrogant and cocky, but it is not an act of a role model. Williams is not down to earth, and that is more than obvious. Naomi Osaka was a much greater role model today and I wish he to win the next Grand Slam without any dramas.
After all, let's not forget the fact that Naomi Osaka was a better player today and would have beaten Serena Williams anyway.
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