News
Serena Fights Way into The Last 16
By Craig Gabriel
PARIS: It was a pearl of a day in Paris. At times there was not a cloud in the sky as the sun shone down and bathed the red clay courts. They looked even brighter than they normally do. Its days like this that the city lives up to the line "ahhh, Paris in the springtime".
But Serena Williams was doing anything but admiring the sights, in fact she was getting more than what she bargained for because her opponent Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez left a disappointing view in Serena's mind.
Serena tried to make the most of the conditions which were a bit quicker because of the heat and drier air, in an effort to keep flying the family flag but what played on her mind was the fact that a ball off Serena's racquet accidently hit the Spaniard who never admitted it to the umpire.
Serena had to dig deep in an effort but it was she who had the last laugh as she beat the clay court specialist Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours ten minutes on Court Suzanne Lenglen.
"The ball did touch her 100% on her arm," Serena said. "The rules of tennis is when the ball hits your body, then it's out of play. You lose a point automatically. So the ball hit her body, and therefore, she should have lost the point instead of cheating. I hit that ball rather hard. She knew that ball hit her.
"It was clearly my point, and it was like, no way. I would never do that. I've never done that. I've never sunk low, and I would never do that to anyone on this tour and I never have. I've always been a really clean player and a good player, and it doesn't take that to win.
"I looked at her dead in the eye. I said, Why? Just be honest if the ball hit you or not. I mean, Hello. It totally hit her. She was just like - she wouldn't even look at me. She looked down, and I just have no respect for anybody who can't play a professional game and just be really professional out here. Because that's all I've ever been was be extremely professional to anyone I've ever played."
Serena dropped her serve in the fifth game of the first set and she pressed the Spaniard in the tenth game and in doing so almost levelled the set but after a long deuce game, Martinez Sanchez served an ace to win the set.
There was a bit of a breeze blowing across the court and wasn't helping the situation. It made for unpredictable tennis. Serena survived a very tough battle in the fifth game of the second set but she withstood the pressure and a game later she broke serve to love and that set her up to level the match.
The final set swayed back and forth. First Serena got the upper hand with an early break but then Martinez Sanchez made it 2-2. Serena knew she had to assert his authority again and that what she did in no uncertain terms as she won the next three games to lead 5-2. But the Spaniard showed some tenacity and got one of the breaks back. At 5-4 Serena put in a huge effort and held serve to 15 and in doing so wrapped up the match and a place in the last 16.
This marks the seventh time that she has made it to the fourth round or better, a result like this is also a bonus for her ranking because she's gaining points; last year Serena lost in the third round.
Serena is battling a bad throat and the day before she couldn't speak. During the match she even had a coughing fit. To hear her sultry tones, which she is more than amused about, listen to the audio interview here on the website.
In the next round she plays Aleksandra Wozniak of Canada.
You're right-she cheated. Win this!
Watched the whole thing, Serena. You are the most professional athlete out there... any sport! Thank you for setting the standards high. Great playing today!
Even through she didn't speak up, you simply proved that you were the better athlete. Well done, keep your head up!!!
OMG...girl she totally cheated. Not just her though, the umpire too. He didn't even ask her if the ball hit her....urrrggghhh. I was really mad for u; well it seem like u were really mad too. I love it when u said, "well she better not to the net again"......girl I would have loved to see u hit her again, and see her try to deny it twice!
You know what, because you were honest that's what makes you the better player.But because of the fact that you are like that people respect you.And after going through all of that you still kicked her butt! GO HEAD ON !!!
SERENA, SERENA, SERENA!! TO HELL WITH THIS FRENCH OPEN! PLEASE in the name of Jesus...LOL...go into this 2nd week with BELLS ON! I am praying that you beat every opponent from here on out so bad, their MAMA will feel it!!! I am SO SICK & TIRED of people cheating on you & your sister Venus! They are the ones who cause all the drama by cheating, not you! So honey, just don't get all caught up in it, okay?! Really...don't let them phase you...they are NOT WORTH IT! You are half-way through winning this doggone thing! You're about half-way there! KEEP GOING! KEEP FIGHTING! It doesn't matter if you blasted your last opponent, or barely won the Match. A win is a win. You GO OUT THERE...and you play EVERY MATCH like it's a Final. You do this only 4 more times...just FOUR MORE WINS...and you will have your 11th Grand Slam girl!! You can do it! PLEASE fight on and remember that we are there with you!! I promise we are! We're back home cheering for you and sending nothing but love and support to you and Vee. So please, don't let those hateful people keep you down. Lift your head up! We love you here girl! We love you on Serenawilliams.com! And we love you in each and every one of our hearts! Please don't ever forget that. They boo you, because they FEAR you. They don't want you to win because you're too good! YOU WON THE LAST TWO SLAMS IN A ROW!! THAT IS HOW GOOD YOU ARE! So you go out there and do your THING! FORGET THEM! Rest up, please feel 100% and get ready to blast this Canadian Wozniak, or whatever her name is. LOL Just please...take it one round at a time, and simply beat EACH PERSON who comes before you...just FOUR MORE WINS...and you will have another GRAND SLAM! Your 3rd in a ROW and your 11th overall!!!!! Keep it up Serena! I love you, we love you and WE ARE WITH YOU, OKAY!?! I PROMISE...God knows I promise...we are there with you in spirit!!!! :):):):) Big Hug...JR Williams.
Hi Serena, I enjoyed the game, I enjoyed the win, and best of all, I really enjoyed seeing you relaxed and having fun. This round proves no matter what they throw at you, at the end of the day you’re the best. Strange how that Parisian crowd would back a cheater like that, speaks volumes where they’re coming from. In any case, congratulations Serena! You’re in the fourth round!!!
SERENA, SERENA, SERENA!! TO HELL WITH THIS FRENCH OPEN! PLEASE in the name of Jesus...LOL...go into this 2nd week with BELLS ON! I am praying that you beat every opponent from here on out so bad, their MAMA will feel it!!! I am SO SICK & TIRED of people cheating on you & your sister Venus! They are the ones who cause all the drama by cheating, not you! So honey, just don't get all caught up in it, okay?! Really...don't let them phase you...they are NOT WORTH IT! You are half-way through winning this doggone thing! You're about half-way there! KEEP GOING! KEEP FIGHTING! It doesn't matter if you blasted your last opponent, or barely won the Match. A win is a win. You GO OUT THERE...and you play EVERY MATCH like it's a Final. You do this only 4 more times...just FOUR MORE WINS...and you will have your 11th Grand Slam girl!! You can do it! PLEASE fight on and remember that we are there with you!! I promise we are! We're back home cheering for you and sending nothing but love and support to you and Vee. So please, don't let those hateful people keep you down. Lift your head up! We love you here girl! We love you on Serenawilliams.com! And we love you in each and every one of our hearts! Please don't ever forget that. They boo you, because they FEAR you. They don't want you to win because you're too good! YOU WON THE LAST TWO SLAMS IN A ROW!! THAT IS HOW GOOD YOU ARE! So you go out there and do your THING! FORGET THEM! Rest up, please feel 100% and get ready to blast this Canadian Wozniak, or whatever her name is. LOL Just please...take it one round at a time, and simply beat EACH PERSON who comes before you...just FOUR MORE WINS...and you will have another GRAND SLAM! Your 3rd in a ROW and your 11th overall!!!!! Keep it up Serena! I love you, we love you and WE ARE WITH YOU, OKAY!?! I PROMISE...God knows I promise...we are there with you in spirit!!!! :):):):) Big Hug...JR Williams.
I have never rooted harder for anyone. You showed that you have the heart of a lioness. You're the best!!!! Keep it up, Serena!!!!
I totally agree!! She was very unprofessional!! I loved it when you said "She better not come to the net again"!!! Priceless~
Dear Serena, You showed so much class, poise and professionalism today in your match against Martinez Sanchez! I was so impressed, especially in today's world of instant emotional gratification. I can think of one NBC announcer who would not have been able to do that at your age or even now. I play a lot of USTA league tennis, but I have never seen either someone who would cheat like that, or the incredibly mature response you showed. I haven't been much of a fan of yours in the past, but I am now a HUGE one! I hope you win it all, and I wish you the best this year!
Serena handled the situation like a lady! If I could handle a racket like Serena, I would have fired a few more tennis balls in Martinez Sanchez' direction! Way to go Serena! The best way to get even is to win!!!
For sure she cheated, and she is a liar because she lied about it. Just like Henin. Its a shame that these so called WTA pros are not more professional and honorable; and the press are writing the story as if you are wrong for calling her a cheater. I have been trying to find her web site so that I can call her a cheater. I also emailed the WTA to let them know they can and should control cheating by using replay and a huge fine if it is shown that one cheated. The French fans are no better. I know you want to win this Slam, but I wonder if it is worth it? To me it is the "ghetto" of all the Slams, classless. I personally don't believe that it is worthy of your presence there; the French fans should not be given the privilege of seeing you play in person. I don't see why you guys don't boycott the French. That's my opinion! Now you go win this ghetto Slam in singles and in doubles with V. Love you!
Serena! You should be use to players lying when they know they were in the wrong. I believe that it is because you have a presence of confidence, which the French feel is arrogance and you believe in yourself. From a spiritual point, you follow the Law of Attraction... what you throw out to the Universe is what comes back to you. You throw out that you are No. 1 in the world, and when they thought you and Venus were on your way out like your counterparts, you both came back with an attitude that you believe in yourself and was winning Grand Slams. what you two have done for Women's tennis was give tennis a new attitude and direction with a lot more money. You would think that every player out there would give you mad love and respect, but you receive Judas like behavior. please remember you reap what you sow, which is why Justin has retired, and Ms. Bruised arm lost the game! Know that you have haters that wish they received the recognition you have and learn to stay in your focus, your determination to win and handle your business! I pray that you can overcome and win the French again. drown negative booing out and stay focused on one point at a time. Please stay healthy and strong and WIN!!!
Haha, your press conference after this match cracked me up! It's ok, they cant keep you down! You're the best :)
Congratulations, Serena! You are an awesome tennis warrior. I love your fight and desire to win. I am sooo sorry that you had to experience that bad call from Emmanuel Joseph...he really messed up. MARIA JOSE MARTINEZ SANCHEZ cheated- and she knows it- by ignoring the rule and not speaking up when she was on court. Worse yet, she LIED about the ball ever touching her. Thank you for being strong, professional, and brave enough to stand your ground, Serena. That is why we love you so much. Take it to the rest of them, Serena, and may GOD bless you.
p.s. Feel better...Stay strong and mellow. Serena, you ARE the best out there! Hands down! Serena and USA all the way!
Hello Serena: It seems that the French hate Americans. That being said, please don't allow them to take away your dignity. It seems like you and Venus are faced with stiff opposition, even from your own countrymen. Continue your conquest in the dignified way you and V have always done. Don't let the world change you! You and V are role models to young people worldwide. And for this reason you are hated by the opposers. But that's alright. Keep conquering the evil with good, then all will know who gives you and V the strength beyond what is normal.
Serena that was some bull, That bitch was lyin, fa-real. It hit her, dat ball hit her harder then a pimp and a hoe. They lyin cause they tyrna mess wit cho paper. Dont let them mess wit yo paperstacks. you get yo money girl. Nest time knock that bitch out. Im just sayin. ok Im just sayin. I aint provokein
Serena I was thinkin, you know what. Its time fo you to KEEP IT REAL! Dats right, you gots to keep it real girl! See see it all seem suspicious to me cause cause how yo throat get sore. Did dis bieeooch drink out of yo water bottle and give you a cold so you couldnt play good. Was she hittin the ball funky, Did they mess wit cho racket, Oh hell naww. its time to keeps it real. Then the judge saw the ball hit her and gave the game to her. Oh noooo its onn. It aint even going out like dat, We keepsin it realll beeeoch Its onn its onnn. break dis shit on down, We bringin out the Lethal Interjection crew and we burning dis shit down. whats teh name of the tennis stadium? Dont worry Serena, We got dis, ok wE GOT DIS!!! Day fuck wit the wrong mutha fuckas. We commin after you Judge, ITS YO ASS!! ITS YOOOO ASSSSS. You Given Serena back her game!!
Mis Serena! what yu did today was proverbial, I am respecting and admiring you know than ever in my life.... it is now 11 years that I follow you, but performance like today, human and sport wise talking is superb you are the greatest personality in the sport world I have ever known. Next Wozniak, that lady you know well how to play it does not worry my to much... Please thanks for being like you are. Jose Regino Venezuela
You were right Serena and you kept acting very professional. You´re really a great role model for everyone. And that´s also why I love you for such your clean and an amazing spirit. Keep up the good work, stay strong and fight. You can do it! Fingers crossed as always and all the best in the next round! I. :)
omg! I heard your voice now, you´re ill. I´m really worried about you Serena. Take a good care about your health, hope you´ll feel better soon. Best wishes to you and hugs bringing you some energy.
that girl was a serious b***h. but you got it in the end and thats all that matters. you have such class Serena, no one does it better than you and does it more fairly. i know you will win this!
Serena, you are in a class all your own....tennis and looks!!!
You go SERENA!!!!!!!! I just Love IT. So many times they have tried to keep you from the French Open but you keep getting back up. Stay strong and hang in there YOU CAN DO IT. You are half way there and you are the #1 player. Fight hard!!
Good luck tomorrow. Show them who's really number 1!
Yeah the networks really were embarrassed. They didn't know what to say. They didn't want to say racism. I think they went to commercial. When The Tennis Channel replayed it... they edited out most of the drama and went to commercial and came back on the next game. Just deleted it. Chair Umpires get rated after their matches. I hope his rating is in the toilet. That was grossly irresponsible. And as for the player... if you know her history ... it's clear she has some more growing up to do.
No matter how life treats you! I know Serena is A beautiful name that makes the Lawn tennis world go round! LOL
Hi Serena. Looking forward to your match today. Looking forward to some more great Serena action. And of course most of all, I'm looking forward to seeing you light up that gloomy Parisian crowd with your beautiful winning smile. May the Force be with you.
Go girl and clinch it.WE all love you,no matter what,even when u win or loose.We`ll support you to the last.Don`t get distracted by any act of cun or cheating or whatever,just stay focussed and determined.You are on a class of your own.Go and win it!
It`s unbelieveable,people could be that unprofessional to just win a game.Wel, who laughed last at the end anyway
Serena, First of all, I agree with you about the point in question. The replays are conclusive and I do believe that the ball hit her first before hitting the racquet. However, the phrase "grow up" would be a good one to use here. You are one of the most arrogant, egotistical, selfish and dramatic players on the wta tour. Your sportsmanship is absolutely appalling and I feel very strongly that your dramatic behavior is unnecessary and gives the women's tour a bad name. I sincerely hope that you can take an honest look at the film of your matches and press conferences and endeavor to make yourself more professional. I do not believe I have been more disappointed in the behavior of any other professional American athlete with your talent level.
Serena, First of all, I agree with you about the point in question. The replays are conclusive and I do believe that the ball hit her first before hitting the racquet. However, the phrase "grow up" would be a good one to use here. You are one of the most arrogant, egotistical, selfish and dramatic players on the wta tour. Your sportsmanship is absolutely appalling and I feel very strongly that your dramatic behavior is unnecessary and gives the women's tour a bad name. I sincerely hope that you can take an honest look at the film of your matches and press conferences and endeavor to make yourself more professional. I do not believe I have been more disappointed in the behavior of any other professional American athlete with your talent level.
Good going Serena, you’re looking better every match, hardly worked up a sweat, only took 53 minuets. The Fifth Round next!!! Yea!!!
TO Patrick Danville! I cannot believe what you said. I´m ashamed of the so-called fans with such behavior as you showed here on Serena´s site. You have right for your opinion, ok, but it´s a matter of view first and second personally I´m proud of Serena she´s so brave and talks about this incident aloud. She is totally right, it was an importatnt point that could significantly affect the game, and it´s poor that such faults can ever happen in a professional sport. Sorry to me it´s not normal, that somebody is trying to cheat just to gain the important point and no one cares. Unbelievable! I´m glad Serena spoke about it, because she for sure helped the other players, I´m sure that will not happen again furthermore not from M.Sanchez Martinez.
Good job Serena today! I´m happy and proud of you! Keep going for your goal. You can do it!! Your fans that love you are with you! :) I.
wishing u all the best serena.wish to see u play someday
Hi, Serena! Great win over the Canadian! You are showing that winning glow! My prayers are with you. GOD has made you awesome!
to PATRICK DANVILLE. YOU DO AGREE THAT THE BALL HIT SANCHEZ BEFORE HITTING THE RACQUET SO WHAT ARE U COMPLAINING ABOUT? I GUEST U ARE SAYING THAT SERENA SHOULDNT SAY ANYTHING ABOUT HOW SHE CHEATED. I THINK YOU SHOULD GROW UP . YOU DONT LIVE IN THE REAL WORLD HOW WOULD U FEEL IF U KNOW SOMEONE CHEATED U .. WHEN IT HAPPENS TO U THEN U CAN ACT GROW UP
Good job Serebaby,I know you've got a tough one coming up but do your best,that's all you could do!!!Go Serena,go!!!
@Iveta Zacharova, @esther mcbean I think Mr. Danville is not just talking about her behavior in terms of this incident. It is not like he is the only one who is catching on about her attitude. The Associated Press tennis writer even ends the story about this incident with "talk about drama." And what was with Serena's comment about "she had better not approach the net again?" Are threats an example of good sportsmanship? Who knows, maybe in that situation, if you were Sanchez and you just had a ball hit right at you and had to defend yourself, wouldn't you be miffed and maybe not thinking about the rules? Although I don't think she should have won the point, there should be a replay of the point in that situation. Besides this, there is her little snipes at how she should be #1 in the world, despite the fact that the ranking system clearly shows Safina almost 2,000 pts. ahead because of her results at tournament after tournament. So what if Serena has more grand slam wins under her belt? If the ranking system values playing at more tournaments over just winning the grand slams, maybe Serena should stop griping about the system and get out there and play as much as Safina does. Also, I've heard several of her pressers after matches - does she ever say anything nice about her opponents, as opposed to just saying I played like this and I played like that and I had a cold, and I, I, I? Federer, Nadal and many of the other top ranked players can cough up some good things about how their opponents. Why not her? Finally, lets take a moment about decency. I may be confused, but the Williams' sisters design tennis apparel, correct? Couldn't they make something a bit more modest for the fuller figured female tennis player that covers everything a bit more decently instead of having half the shorts sticking out below the skirt in the back?
I certainly saw the incident live on tv. I could not believe what was going on, never mind beauty, you are the true world number one, keep it up...
I was very happy to hear that Serena won against the Canadian.I couldn't follow the French Open due to studies but I pray Serena win the Golden medal.Good luck precious one.S.R.Germany.
to Susannah Dean. I don´t want to argue with you, you can think what you want, it´s your right. I understand Serena and her feelings and I´m really proud of her, I do not think she did/does anything wrong or it´s not polite enough etc. I like Serena as a player and a human being too and I think she´s very kindly and friendly to the others in general. When you don´t see it, so I´m truly sorry for you. I just ask, why do you take some effort and write here on Serena´s site when you don´t like her? How can you talk about decency when even yourself show no decency? Even this speaks for itself and shows what personalities you both are. I just cannot understand this, I cannot imagine I´d go on Safina´s, Jankovic´ or anybody else site and write not nice things about them. I cannot. I wish you both the best regardless I do not agree with you, but if I can ask you, let Serena be alone and focus on your own life, supporting or criticising the other persons. OK? Thanks.
HI WILLIAM THE QUEEN OF TENNIS THE HISTORY OF THE GAME CAN NEVER BE COMPLETE WITHOUT YOU .SEEING U ONE DAY WILL BE A LIFE TIME ACHIEVMENT IT HAS BEEN A BURNING DESIRE IN ME FOR 8 YRS NOW BT IT WONT BE LONG I BELIVE.YOUR GAME IS ALWAYS MEMORABLE .YOUR THE BEST.
I did not see the play, but I no you nor Venus would not call something like that if it wasn't true. My family is praying for you to win it all. I heard them say if you win you will not get your #1 spot back, we will no who is the best. Good luck and my GOD Bless You. Sammy from Decatur GA
Dear Serena: I have watched you over the years, praying with many tears of Joy in your accomplishments on the tennis professional tour. You have inspired me in many ways with your professionalism, and humbleness. I am older gentleman of 53 and truly I appreciate the way you have gone about your profession. My prayers will continue to go up for you, and I pray, and deeply hope that you will be the 2009 Women French Open Champion. Thank You for so many fond memories. Go Serena Go. Truly and Sincerely, Anthony Dozier/Wichita,Kansas
Good luck Serena the rest of the way. I know that you can do it your strength speed and will are going to prevail. Take a hint from this 60 year old geezer that still plays tennis and squash mental focus is the key. I only just joined your website however be assurred you have always been an inspiration to me...coping with my cancer operation 2 years ago....and my current separated shoulder...I have used your performances and attitude as a tonic and inspiration. Best of luck the rest of this week...my thoughts are with you on every point.
Hi Serena I was watching your match, I hope you win I had to leave home, if you do not win the game, she did not beat you, you gave her the game, I hope you win. you made to many mistakes.
My dear i can only say i wish u the very best. I was thought in sports to play and win both oponent and the referee. So baby go on all out and beat them all
I'm usually not one for online posting, but this incident was so absurd I had to respond to the Fendrich peice on yahoo sports the other day referring to Serena as "drama" and having a "penchant for theatrics" with the following: "Sanchez' reference to Serena's objection as being "stupid" was very low class. It was on the level of a five year old getting called out in a school yard and yelling that her accuser is "a poopey head". Seriously, as a grown adult and professional player, respect for herself, her career, and the game itself should have taken precedence. A more mature response stating "I did not cheat. I won't comment on this any further." would have carried far more weight. Instead, she amateurishly opted to add more fuel to the fire unnecessarily. And YES, Serena and Venus do stand out more than others - both appearance and skill-wise. So to say that they don't get targeted a good bit more because of it is both absurd and truly ignorant of the obvious. In a world where other players frequently get angry and throw racquets and have on-court red-faced temper tantrums (yeah Roddick, hey Sharapova), is it interesting that "drama" should ensue from one objection to a bad call that included ZERO yelling, tantrums, racquet throwing, cursing, loud sighing, etc. Serena handled herself with decency and class. It is disappointing that other players choose not to hold themselves to a similar standard."
Can't stand dishonest people and I don't know why they all seem to chump on you. I've never you seen you be anything but honest and play your game. Sorry she was so greedy for a win she couldn't be honest but glad you took her down!
You know I was actually listening to the French Open Radio online and then I watched the match on ESPN. The people on the Radio made it sound like it was your fault and that you were being a bad sport about it down to the nonexistent hand shake. Of course when I watched you on ESPN the truth was told, I wish they would fire those commentators! I knew they were just being mean, I just didn't understand why. You have never given any impression that you were anything but straight up. Don't let the stupid people get you down the rest of still dig you and always will!!