Forget Serena's outburst, celebrate Federer's greatness

The final weekend of the U.S Open Tennis Championships featured two unbelievable moments, each memorable for their outcomes.

The first occurred Saturday night in the women’s semifinal between defending champ Serena Williams and unseeded Kim Clijsters , who went on to shock everyone by winning the women’s title. Williams was about to go down to defeat, she was just one point from losing when the line judge called her for a foot fault. Admittedly a rare call and rarer still at that moment in a match. But Serena proceeded to go all John McEnroe on the judge, who was also half the size of Williams. She ran to the match referee like a scared child to plead for her safety.

Now I’m not going to sit here and defend Williams. She was out of line and it cost her a penalty point and in turn the match. She’s admitted she was wrong and has apologized to the line judge, the USTA and the fans. She’s going to be fined and possibly suspended for her actions. In a statement she released Monday she said, ”I need to make it clear to all young people that I handled myself inappropriately”. Done. Enough said. Let’s not make this more than it is.

While it’s not the first time Williams has ranted on the court, it’s no worse than what Mac and Jimmy Connors did routinely in their careers and in large regard we loved them for it. They were standing up to the man. Fighting like the underdog Americans we like to see ourselves as and no one screamed for their apologies. I think people and many media members are making it such a big deal because she’s a woman and she’s black, but that shouldn’t have any part in this.

Too me It’s just sad that a player as great as Williams couldn’t see she was giving away her chance at another major title. For someone who performs under pressure all the time, she blew it big time.

Now, for the memorable moment on the other end of the spectrum. Roger Federer advanced to a shot as his 6th straight Open title beating Novak Djokovic in straight sets and got to match point on an improbable winner hit backward and between his legs racing away from the net after a Djokovic lob. His peers say he’s the best ever and making unbelievable shots like that look easy only confirms it. Take THAT ball and shove it down your throat!

That’s the moment I’ll remember from this weekend.