Serena Has Another Outburst

Already being outplayed by Sam Stousur in the U.S. Open final this weekend, the last thing Serena Williams needed was to lose a game for yelling during a point.

That's what happened early in the second set, leading to an argument between Williams and the chair umpire, a scene less ugly than - but reminiscent of - the American's triade two years ago at the same tournament.  In the end, Stourur beat Williams, 6-2, 6-3, Sunday in a surprisingly lopsided upset for her first Grand Slam title. 

Down a set and facing a break point in the first game of the second, the 13-time major champion hit a forehand and shouted, "Come on!" as Stousur reached down for a backhand.  Chair umpire Eva Asderaki ruled that Williams hindered Stourur's ability to complete the point and awarded it to Stosur - putting her ahead 1-0 in that set. Williams went over to talk to Asderaki, saying, "I'm not giving her that game."  She also said "I promise you, that's not cool.  That's totally not cool."  Tournament director Brian Earley said Asderaki's ruling was proper, according to U.S. Tennis Association spokesman Chris Widmaier.Williams said later that she thought that last part of the rule applied - and the point should have been replayed - such as when one player's hat flies off during a point.  During the changeover two games later, Williams continue to talk to Asderaki, saying, "You're out of control.   You're a hater, and  you're just unattractive inside."  Finishing by saying "Really, don't even look at me." 

Later, at a newsconverence Williams rolled her eyes while deflecting a question about whether she regretted what she said to Asderaki.  "I don't even remember what I said.  It was just so intense out there.  I guess I'll see it on YouTube," Williams said.

Stourur played very well.  Hitting powerful strokes from the baseline, and looking fresher than the far-more-accomplished Williams right from the start, the ninth-seeded Stosur became the first American woman to win a major championship since Evonne Gloolagong Cawley at Wimbledon in 1980.

Williams really needs someone to help her out with anger, control and answering tough questions from media. It doesn't appear that she has a rep, but should really find one.  Tennis is a 'nice and clean' sport, a lot like golf.  It doesn't tolerate out of control behavior.  Williams has such a great career behind her, it would be sad to see her have more issues.