Closing Thoughts on 2009 US Open in Tennis...
By Scott Burks
The 2009 US Open in Tennis has come to an
inglorious end. Here are my thoughts on what transpired over the
drawn-out, rain-delayed tournament.
Melanie Oudin was the best story of the
tournament. This was the brightest moment in what was otherwise a
dull, elongated tournament. Oudin charmed us with her grit. This
should serve this amateur well in future tournaments. She is
definitely a star in the making.
No one gave a
damn about the men after Andy Roddick lost. I know that Juan
Martin del Potro's
win over that crybaby Roger Federer (more on him later) was huge, but did
anyone stay tuned in after Roddick lost in the earlier rounds of the
tournament? Let's face it, in our major tournaments (tennis or golf)
we Americans only care about the progress of American players. Roddick
was our last hope, and when he was beaten, we tuned out.
Kim Clijsters winning was also a good story.
If it wasn't for Oudin, Clijsters winning the US Open would have been the
story of the tournament. Her coming back from a 3-year layoff to win
the US Open was nothing short of remarkable. She also forced Serena
Williams into a cussing fit (more on that later) along the way in the
semifinals. It's good to see an underdog win a major tournament --
especially while taking out a petulant diva in the process.
Serena Williams acting out was a bad story.
I was embarrassed for Serena when she flipped out on that poor lineswoman at
the end of her loss to Clijsters. Not only did it cost her the match,
but it ruined her rep. While she is reportedly not well-liked among
her peers, she was exposed to the rest of the world for the petulant diva
she makes herself out to be. It's really sad too, especially given her
(and Venus's) rags-to-riches success story. Sister-girl needs to get
it together -- and quickly.
Stars behaving badly is really bad for tennis.
What is up with tennis stars being whiny? First it was Serena, and
Roger Federer got into the act. Memo to Roger: you have won 15 friggin'
majors. Act like you've been there before dude!
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