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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsSerena Williams biggest statement today
http://thinkprogress.org/sports/2016/07/09/3796929/serena-williams-wimbledon-still-i-rise/<snip>
However, Serenas biggest statements of the day might have come off of the court.
We already knew that Serena was keeping an eye on what has been happening in the United States this week because of a tweet she sent on Thursday about the death of Philando Castile, but she elaborated on racial tensions in America after defeating Kerber.
I dont think that the answer is to continue to shoot our young black men in the United States, she said, as reported by Ben Rothenberg.
I feel anyone in my color in particular is of concern. I do have nephews that Im thinking, Do I have to call them and tell them, Dont go outside. If you get in your car, it might be the last time I see you.
That is something that I think is of great concern, because it will be devastating. Theyre very good kids. I dont think that the answer is to continue to shoot our young black men in the United States. Its just unfortunate. Or just black people in general.
Also, obviously, violence is not the answer of solving it. The shooting in Dallas was very sad. No one deserves to lose their life, doesnt matter what color they are, where theyre from. Were all human. We have to learn that we have to love one another. Its going to take a lot of education and a lot of work, I think, to get to that point.
But I think, in general, the entire situation is extremely sad, especially for someone like me. Its something that is very painful to see happening.
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Well done sis
Anyone else notice Beyonce and Jay Z in her box
napkinz
(17,199 posts)northoftheborder
(7,572 posts)And I am a big fan of Sirena - and Venus! They are both amazing, remarkable, beautiful people! Champions in many ways! So glad she finally reached her goal of 22 Grand Slams. However, they say she could win a few more before she retires!
northoftheborder
(7,572 posts)Are there ANY tennis fans out there in DU? This is the ONLY professional sport I watch faithfully, and I know no one else in my sphere who does! Would love to converse with anyone who also loves the rackets. No face book for me.
WiffenPoof
(2,404 posts)Been following it for years. Played serious tennis for nearly thirty years. It is really the only sport I follow.
On edit...
Sorry to say that I'm not a huge Serina fan. Although she is arguably the greatest female player in history.
northoftheborder
(7,572 posts)Who do you admire and root for in the current top players?
I've always been a huge fan of Roger Federer; it hurts to see him not win, but he's apparently not ready to retire.
I like some of the younger Americans, especially Madison Keys, Jack Sock.
malaise
(268,885 posts)with skill and elegance combined. He plays the most beautiful tennis I've ever seen. That said at his age there should be no tears after losing. That suggests that he is not preparing for his post player career. I'll never forget when he spoiled Nadal's victory with his crying some years ago.
WiffenPoof
(2,404 posts)I'm a big fan of Roger's. He is an amazing player that has all the tools. He is so graceful on the court that he can lull an opponent to sleep. I love the way he moves around the court making it look so effortless. I would love to see him get at least one more major. However, I sort of thought that this was his best chance at it. I honestly believe that he is arguably the best mens player of all time. I know that this is saying a lot considering the giants that came before him...but in my mind is that good.
(Watching Murray and Raonic as I write this).
There was only one other player I can think of that was even more graceful on the court and that was Miloslav Mecir. His nickname was "The Big Cat." He moved around the count almost as if he were floating. Also...there was no other player that held the ball on the racquet longer than Mecir. Unfortunately, Milosav would suffer a back injury and had to retire from the game.
Not really watching the Final very closely...I don't have a lot of interest in either Raonic or Murray. Let's see...it is on serve in the third. Raonic is mostly a "one trick pony" - that pony being his serve. However, over the past year or so, he has begun to expand his game....especially at the net. Murray is what I call one of those "open mouth slouchers" that doesn't excite me much.
There are quite a few of this same style of player...Isner, Sock, to name a couple. These are players that seem to walk around with their mouths hanging open and their shoulders forward...looking like they are on their last legs. Many of them are "serve" experts which makes the games they play rather boring....at least to me.
I would much rather see a player who adds artistry to their game. Back when the players were slightly smaller, you would see a lot more quickness and creativity on the court. Now, it seems like it is a serve a return and that's it. This is the only reason why we had that epic match between Isner and Mahut (sp) a couple of years back...the serve dominated.
Tiebreak...Murray wins it. I'm happy for the UK.
I love watching point construction by artistic and creative players. I like watching receivers neutralize serves or watching offense turn to defense. Great stuff.
For so many years, tennis has suffered from being seen as some sort of pansy sport. Nothing can be further from the truth. We are a long way from wood racquets and polite shots. All one has to do is watch someone like Sampras throw up at the end of the court after nearly six hours of a five set match. No one can tell me that tennis can't be brutal and unforgiving. I recall an Asian player a few years back that laid writhing on the court after an attack of severe cramps. No one was allowed to help him...etc. etc.
I also like the "one-on-one" aspect of the game. I tend to lean towards non-team sports.
Anyway...I could go on and on. But you are probably bored by now.
-P
MisterFred
(525 posts)MarianJack
(10,237 posts)I do love Serena and consider her to be the greatest player of all time. My current favorite is, however, Victoria Azarenka, and I hope to see her win a couple more slams before the end of her career!
PEACE!
3Stones
(85 posts)Congratulations to Serena for tying Graf's record!! Favorite player is Nadal but Federer is pure magical to watch. I think Muguruza is the future of women's tennis, but Serena has a few slams left in her before retirement. My favorite female player of all time was Justine Henin...
bigwillq
(72,790 posts)northoftheborder
(7,572 posts)someone did start a Wimbledon thread.....
I hadn't checked in a long time over on that forum....
perhaps there are enough interested to have a Tennis heading under Sports
UncleTomsEvilBrother
(945 posts)I love watching it and attending the tournaments. Currently into the Williams Sisters and Nadal as favorites. I am a SERIOUS fan. LOL! I keep up with the stories, politics, and gossip.
bigwillq
(72,790 posts)malaise
(268,885 posts)M$Greedia could have helped educate folks on a great family story - and two classy tennis players but instead they opt for gossip and appeal to low hanging fruit who'd rather watch the Jerry Springer type show.
BlueMTexpat
(15,366 posts)but I also love Venus. I am ecstatic that the sisters won their doubles match only a couple hours after Senera's win. http://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/36756044 The women's tour is getting much more competitive, however, and there are many good young players, including a couple of good Americans (Madison Keys, Sloane Stephens, etc.) who are due to leave their marks.
I am also a huge Roger Federer fan. His style of tennis is magical and I am so glad that he is planning to stay around for a while. While I was disappointed at his semi-final loss to Raonic, he came farther in Wimbledon than I expected after missing so much tennis time this year. Even though his first matches had less challenging opponents, he gave the fans two thrilling five-set matches in succession against two very worthy opponents.
I was impressed by Sam Querrey's performance at Wimbledon and hope that he works generally on his movement around the court, which could improve his overall game. He's improved a lot in the last couple years. That said, I believe the "young guns" in men's tennis, especially Alexander Zverev, are going to surprise the "older" generation sooner rather than later. To those like Zverev (19), even Raonic (25) looks ancient. IMO, Raonic is due for a breakthrough and could win over Murray in the finals if Raonic is not overly worn out by Friday's five-setter. Raonic's court movement has greatly improved and he has always had a strong serve, but Andy will likely have the crowd.
malaise
(268,885 posts)our cricket team (West Indies). We lost badly so they went to Wimbledon to see if they could find tickets to buy. Richard Williams saw them outside and went over to them - he told them to meet him the next morning near the practice courts. They were given box seats - just like that. There began a love story with the Williams family and Jamaica.
BlueMTexpat
(15,366 posts)malaise
(268,885 posts)Last edited Sun Jul 10, 2016, 03:56 PM - Edit history (2)
I wish. Serena was here last year helping to build homes for the needy
BlueMTexpat
(15,366 posts)"homes" but yes, she is truly a great human being in so many ways.
What an inspiration for young women everywhere, and especially women of color!
malaise
(268,885 posts)Thanks - corrected
a kennedy
(29,644 posts)and LOVED the beaded wonders, Venus and Serena. Hated John Mac's horrible outbursts....and loved John Conners hair when flying. Oh yah, huge fan here.
malaise
(268,885 posts)That was 1975 I think