Stosur stunsSerena in one-sided final | Inquirer News

Stosur stunsSerena in one-sided final

/ 07:23 AM September 13, 2011

NEW YORK  — Feeling wronged again at the U.S. Open, Serena Williams couldn’t let it go.

“That’s totally not cool,” she shouted at the umpire. Then, a few minutes later, she told her, “You’re a hater, and you’re just unattractive inside.”

The real trouble for Williams, though, was standing on the other side of the net, not in the umpire’s chair.

Article continues after this advertisement

Sam Stosur pushed the 13-time Grand Slam champion all over Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday and took what she wanted, along with what the umpire gave her, winning the U.S. Open in a result that was as surprising for who won as how lopsided it was.

FEATURED STORIES

The ninth-seeded Australian won her first Grand Slam title with a 6-2, 6-3 dismantling of No. 28 Williams, the three-time U.S. Open champion who hadn’t lost a set en route to the final.

She lost two quick ones to Stosur. And, for the second time in three years, Williams did not leave Flushing Meadows quietly.

Article continues after this advertisement

This time, the drama began when Williams, down a set and facing break point in the first game of the second, flushed a forehand deep to Stosur’s backhand side and screamed out `C’mon!’ — figuring she had hit a shot that Stosur wouldn’t reach.

Article continues after this advertisement

But Stosur got a racket on the ball and the umpire, Eva Asderaki, called Williams for a hindrance — shouting out while the ball was still in play — and awarded the point, and thus the game, to Stosur.

Article continues after this advertisement

What followed was nowhere near as menacing as 2009, when Williams berated and brandished her racket at a line judge who called a foot fault in her semifinal against Kim Clijsters. But it memorable nonetheless.

Williams went over to talk to Asderaki, saying, “I’m not giving her that game,” then, “I promise you, that’s not cool. That’s totally not cool.”

Article continues after this advertisement

The fans, sitting on their hands as they watched an unexpected first-set flattening of the American, got riled up and so did Williams, breaking Stosur’s serve on the next game, then holding her own serve for a 2-1 lead.

But on the next changeover, Williams took things up again with Asderaki and she made it personal.

“You’re out of control,” she said. “You’re a hater, and you’re just unattractive inside.”

Then, a few moments later: “You’re out of control.” And, “Really, don’t even look at me.”

And as quickly as she had gained the momentum and the support of the crowd, they were gone, leaving Williams to explain and deflect — and wait to hear if there will be further consequences.

Asderaki issued a code violation warning for verbal abuse and the U.S. Tennis Association said officials would decide Monday whether Williams would be fined.

“I don’t even remember what I said,” Williams said after the match. “It was just so intense out there. It’s the final for me, and I was just … I guess I’ll see it on YouTube.”

What she’ll also see, if she watches long enough, is a rare example of a player who doesn’t feel beaten before she even walks onto the court against Williams.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

That’s Stosur, a one-time doubles specialist who has revamped her game over the past several years and moved her way into the top 10 in singles. /ap

TAGS: tennis, U.S. Open

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.