News: Sam Stosur defeats Serena Williams, US Open Final

News

US Open Women’s Final

 

Samantha Stosur (Aus) def Serena Williams (USA)

6-2, 6-3

 

Australia’s Sam Stosur has won her first grand slam title in a final marred by poor behaviour and sportsmanship from Williams. Her tirades against the umpire were uncalled for and seemed more designed to unsettle the opposition than actually make a point. And it did rattle Sam… for all of a minute. Of course, the crowd took Williams’ side, also trying to faze the Australian, but to no avail.

 

The incident came when Williams thought she had hit a winner and yelled “Come on!” before Stosur had even had a chance to hit the ball. Because the umpire regarded that as a hindrance to Stosur, she awarded the point to Stosur. Which, by the way, is in the rules. But then Williams and a crowd that really does send those stereotypes of Americans all around the world lost it.

 

What I want to know is where the match referee was in all of this? The Umpire (Eva Asderaki) did an amazing job, holding firm against the abuse, awarding a deserved code violation, but surely the match referee should have come out at some point to try and calm things down. Williams was just trying to be a bully and intimidate her way through, but she was outplayed and outgunned completely by a totally dominant Stosur.

 

As much as Williams played like crap (especially in that first set), Stosur barely put a foot wrong. Her power and touch were superb, her timing was spot on, her serving was stunning. Post-match, Williams praised Stosur and did not blame the umpiring for the loss, but she still looked upset.

 

Australian. Perpetual student. Married. Kids. Write for Sports and Wrestling and anyone else if they want me. Is there anything else?