Is there anything that Venus and Serena can do right in the tennis world?

Question

It seems to me that no matter what they do, right or wrong they are constantly being critiszed with nasty hateful remarks especially by fellow americans. I hardly ever see other players being talked about in this manner. Just trying to understand truthfully why that is.

Cosidering that from the beginning these two young women had to and still to this day is dealing with racism. Is there any wonder why they always have their defenses up and responds to the media's questions the way they do. I have never seen another tennis palyer say to the media " the other player is simply a better player than I am"... Yet we expect them to say that. I believe that no matter what they say or do, or wether they are graceful or not, the responses they receive from fellow Americans will remain exactly the same. People are just making up excuses for being racist.

Answer 1

Yes, Venus and Serena no doubt face a great deal of racism and no doubt much Williams bashing can be attributed to racism alone.

Still that doesn't mean that there aren't observable behaviors they both exhibit from time-to-time that get them into trouble with fans. I'd like to see Serena demonstrate a little more humility and give her opponents more credit for their victories over her. However, there was a time in womens tennis a few years ago when it was actually true that Serena's matches were hers to win or lose (though I don't think this is true anymore). Venus demonstrates a lot more humility than she used to.

My criticisms of Venus pertain more to her game and current level of commitment than to her personally. I want to see Venus make some serious attempts to improve her game so that she capitalizes more on her natural strengths rather than playing her default defensive baseline game. With a serve like hers, she should be trying to serve and volley more and get to net when she can---she's a good volleyer but she seems to rarely use these skills.

It should be pointed out that it was Richard Williams who revealed that Venus had a bad knee during this year's French Open, not Venus herself. Venus also does not get nearly enough credit for the way she maintains her composure and conducts herself as a professional on court. She never has tantrums, throws racquets, or argues with officials. Serena at times does throw her racquet and have outbursts, but so do a lot of other players so she's no better or worse than others in this regard.

These 2 girls have overcome great odds to get where they are today. Tennis traditionally caters to people who have money (at least in the U.S.) and given that they came from a family of very modest means and did not have a lot of competitive experience prior to joining the professional tour, it is amazing to me that they have been able to accomplish as much as they both have. It is a testament to their talent, determination and hard work. They are both good role models for young girls and I only wish they had more of a public presence.

Answer 2

Yes, actually. Serena won the Australian Open this year, and Venus won Wimbledon. Despite what many are saying, the Williams sisters are very much alive in the tennis world.

Answer 3

They actually have done a lot of good things in tennis. The reason they are criticized is because of their makings too. Sometimes, they just can't accept defeat and don't give credit to their opponents. They feel as if "they are tennis and the reason of tennis". During the days when they ruled women's tennis, they stuck it to everybody's nose that though they don't concentrate (Serena is into acting and Venus in arts and fashion) and have much time on courts, they still win. True. But do you really have to say that? Lately, Serena was fuzzing about people who doubt her capability to win grand slam again (and silenced them by winning Aussie 07). It is because she spent more time in Hollywood than on tennis courts! The best thing the sisters should do is just to stop talking trash and let their tennis do the talking.

Answer 4

Yes they are being criticized simply because they are black. Racism is very rampant in the US and the Williams sisters have been a target of hecklers and racial discrimination, not only by the public. There was an incident where a guest speaker on the Don Imus show made some horrible remark about their physicality, comparing them to the animals in National Geographic. In reality, Venus and Serena Williams are very amiable and caring young women. They were part of the Oprah show which discussed about helping teenage girls deal with their lives, and Venus and Serena gave really healthy advice to those girls.

Answer 5

yes lets go for the race card AGAIN. give me a break. first of all are either of the silver back sisters being denied a right to make a living? does the color of their skin keep them out of the public eye? does the color of their skin hold them back from further advancing their careers? no matter how much society is forced to make us all pretend to coexist in perfect harmony their will always be racism period. the reason why the public and media dislikes these two is because they are ungracious losers. rather than make exuses and blaming yourself for being defeated how about saying hey she was the better player today. justin henin owns serena on clay so just say what the rest of us already know. you dont see federer making exuses on nadals dominance on clay or any other surface do you? maybe they should be a little more humble.

Answer 6

I did not know they were doing anything wrong? I get my information from mainline, creditable sources so I don't read or hear the trash that you hear. Talk radio is mostly for strange people. Ignore it.

Answer 7

dude.... the civil war mightve been fought years ago. but open ur eyez, therez racism everywhere. why dont n e hateful remarks go to maria sharapova? cause she white. i aint white.... dont get me wrong 99% of white ppl are nice peaceful ppl, but that 1 perfect.... kkk, etc. man u cant change their mindz bout colored ppl

Answer 8

Yes, they need to develop grace and manners. Know when to concede defeat and to stop making excuses that will make them look like unprofessional.

Answer 9

yes they can.... they can set up an example of how ugly a player lukzzz if they make their own style statements.. n not carin bout da viewers.//..

Answer 10

S & V are critcized because they are black. Lets face it, thats the only reason. I mean really, how can two black women be so bad but all the other players (white) are good?