Female athletes in pursuit of greatness

As was the case with Annika Sorenstam, Serena Williams was driven to tears by the weight of her task. Based on her famous competitive drive, my guess is that Serena cried more from disappointment in her performance than due to the crowd's inexcusable behavior. But if it was fan reaction that brought her to tears of anger, sadness and puzzlement, who could blame her? When given the opportunity to cast blame and point a finger, Serena refrained from doing so. She said she was used to such hostile environments, that it was part of what she routinely has to deal with. That is an utter shame.

Serena Williams is a gifted tennis player with enormous mental strength, so I'm sure she'll continue to dominate the game for however long she chooses to. At her best, on a hard surface, the only other female player who has a chance against her right now is Venus. The two Williams sisters make winning look so easy. Is this why many tennis fans boo their extraordinary efforts, instead of adoring and fawning over them the way Annika Sorenstam was treated at the Colonial? I don't believe so. I believe the true reason for Serena's treatment by French Open fans is as plain as the nose on Serena's face. Or should I say, the complexion of that face, as she looks out at a paler sea of people unwilling to let go of an unenlightened past.

Go To Page: 1 2 3