Are we a Society that bashes our women (Serena & Venus) when they don't do what we think they should?

The treatment of both Williams sisters on both sides of the pond is something which makes my blood boil.The likes of Don Imus and Michael Richards are hung out to dry for single racist outbursts, but the same media that condemns them often handles race in a questionable manner. It seems any reason is good enough to knock Venus & Serena, such as their former domination of the game and the 'noise' they make. When the likes Navratilova & Graf were winning constantly, it was never 'bad for the game' & the on court grunting of the likes of Seles was cute and endearing rather than annoying. When Serena went down with an injury facing Hantuchova, BBC pundits Michael Stich & John McEnroe accused her of 'gamesmanship' - especially rich coming from the king of the on-court tantrums McEnroe! They are also criticised for 'not paying enough attention to their tennis', citing their off court interests. The critics ignore that though they may not enter as many tournaments as some, Venus especially has been absent due to injury, rather than lacking interest in playing.

After Venus beat the plucky Maria Bartoli to clinch her fourth Wimbledon singles title, Martina Navratilova spoke about how she would have liked the opportunity to be interviewed on centre court after her appearances. Both Venus & Maria were gracious in victory and defeat, but in view of the criticism levelled at Venus & Serena for 'not giving credit', do you thnk fearsome competitors like Billie Jean King would have?

Both Venus and Serena are model sportswomen who have reached the top of their profession while staying pleasant and well rounded individuals. They are an inspiration to all and the black community needs people like them, especially considering the appalling behaviour of the man who preceded them as the most recognisable black sportsperson in the world, Mike Tyson.

The Williams sisters are certainly very talented and I think they also have a bit of a chip on their shoulders. I understand why people don't like the attitudes they have because typically most tennis players are typically gracious in a loss and that just usually isn't the case with them.

I don't think they need to be gracious and if they want to downplay the accomplishments of those that beat them by making an excuse then so be it. But know that when the players that loose to them will be gracious and just say it how it is. Sharapova was certainly gracious with her remarks on Venus but should Venus loose at a later point in this championship you can bet her remarks will NOT be gracious.

Certainly there are times where all players loose a match by playing poorly but if you were to read the Williams sisters comments after most of their matches they will usually say that they lost it for this reason or that, not they they got beat by a better player that day.

I'm not bashing them, their remarks and those of their opponents are easily looked up. May the best player each day win their match and be congratulated by their opponent for a match well played no matter who wins.

No the rule isn't written. You are correct. But neither is the golden rule,you know,the one that goes "do unto others as you would have them do unto you".

Mr. Williams taught his daughters to play an incredible tennis game but he was so busy teaching them tennis and boosting their confidence that somewhere along the line simple courtesy and respect towards your opponents and the public somehow get left out.

It's not a question of "tennis etiquette"(a list of things to do and not to do during a competition). It's a question of knowing how to behave and act towards others in a way that will give the least possible offense at all times without losing your own self-respect. Serena is the worst offender. Venus can be and often is a much more gracious and respectful winner and loser.

However,Sheri,as long as you expect people to root for players on the sole basis of their race and or nationality, you will be finding fault with all of us. Most of us who like tennis don't use those 2 things as criteria for picking our favourite players. We like talent,guts,dignity and respect and we applaud these in whomsoever we find it,whether that player is black,blue,male,female,gay,from Africa,Europe,America or Asia

I am a long time tennis fan - American tennis fan. For years we were all on alert that Venus was coming - no mention of Serena at the time even though she was always in the tape when they showed us Venus at 12, 13, 14.... And we all thought Richard Williams smart to not let Venus live on the Juniors Circuit where so many of out young stars were burning out. Most of all, we thought there was no end to RW's cleverness to be able to read a book(s) on playing tennis then teach his kid(s) to play.

Unfortunately, tennis etiquette was not include in those instructions. It may seem silly to you in a soceity which has little regard for manners but tennis opponents walk out of the same dressing room, play a match which one of them wins and walks back into the same dressing room. Tennis manners are essential. The William sisters knew nothing of tennis etiquette when they walked onto the scene.

Here's just a few of the things they did that insulted their opponents and tennis fans:

They do not acknowledge the luck of the net on winning a point.

They wore tiaras on court during matches.

Serena dresses inappropriately for matches.

They brought their puppies onto the court after winning a doubles championship.

They give no credit to a player who finds a way to beat them.

They do not show proper consideration for the opponent during a match.

I was so excited when the William ladies finally started playing the Senior Circuit, I was so prepared to like and support them in all their endeavors, I so miss Lindsey Davenport.

This does not mean I will never like the Williams sisters, I'm warming towards Venus lately, but I reserve the option of respecting them at my discretion.

Does that mean I'm racist? If so, how do you explain my liking James Blake, Malavai Washington and, especially Arther Ashe?

Perhaps I should question if it is not you who are racist as it seems to me you've made Venus and Serena your favorites just because they are black. I hope I am wrong on that point but why else would criticism from a tennis analysist be considered racist because the players she is criticism are black? They are certainly not the only players she make critical remarks about, she make her living as a tennis analyst. I like her (Mary Carillo), I've heard her critisize John McEnroe - her childhood friend who she won the French Mixed Doubles Championship with in their early career.

I find such long answers as this to be rude, sorry to go on about it.

I'll be the first to say I LOTHE Serena---and it has nothing to do with race. Just for ONCE (after a loss) I'd love to hear her say something like, "my best just wasn't good enough today---she DESERVED to win". I understand the need for a strong sense of self-esteem when it comes to WTA professional tennis but until Serena extricates her head from her own a**.......I'll be rooting for her oponent.

P.S. I AM rooting for Venus though!

People are just making something out of nothing when it comes to the sister’s because they are either racist and/or jealous. If a player says they didn’t do their best, I take it as that, and don’t see it as them putting their opponents down. I don’t think players think like that as well. Some just want the sister’s to kiss azz anyways.

And then people continue to say the sister’s aren’t in shape and are not playing well. Ok, lol, if they say they didn’t play well after losing a match, what’s the problem? Wouldn’t it be because they aren’t in good shape and/or didn’t play well? Lol, again. It does not matter what these girls do, the racist and coons will find something to talk about.

its stupidly if you ask me..i really don't understand why people hate on the williams sister, if they are not talking about their hair, they are talking about their looks which has nothing to do with the way they play tennis..i think a lot of it just comes from jealously because they really were the first ones to bring tennis to life and the fact that they are black really made people pay attention and i think a lot of people are mad at that

but oh well

When started watching tennis matches,i thought my parents were only trying to be on the defensive whenever anything is said about the Williams sisters.

But now I've realized that they were and are right.

Did or has anyone of y'all listen Mary Carrero?

This woman is a hater.

I want someone to prove me wrong.

When the Williams sister started the tennis game with big serve,Mary Carrero and her team were around to criticize it,but now that Sharapova,Mauresmo and the "deserving winners" started using the big serve.it is ok.

I hope i got her name right.She is a commentator.

Yah, that's us, kick 'em when they are down. It's something to talk about, but please, Serena and Venus, are true role models for all young women.

This is a free country and when you are famous, you are subject to criticism. I am just sick of when people criticize a Black person suddenly it becomes a racial issue? You can criticize a white, hispanic or oriental but not Black...why?