As anyone who has watched her booming forehands and relentless court coverage can attest, Serena Williams is a powerhouse of a woman. But in winning her second consecutive Australian Open, Williams proved her mind is even stronger than her body.
Remember how Williams, the No. 1 ranked player in the world, ended last season?
It was with her being cast as the villain of women sports, after melting down at the U.S. Open and threatening a line judge with bodily harm (specifically shoving a tennis ball down the lines woman's blanking throat).
Some sports talkers were forecasting a rapid decline for the 28-year-old star. Aside from fighting nagging knee injuries, the sports gabbers said Williams was unsuccessfully fighting the call of the jet-setting, limousine-riding lifestyle outside of tennis.
They added that her outside activities, such as taking a small ownership stake with her sister Venus in the Miami Dolphins football team would only further distract her.
They were wrong.
In beating Justine Henin for her 12th major title, Williams showed the ability to brush aside distractions like an opponent's weak volley. It would have been easy to beg off the 2010 season's opening event for Williams. But she didn't.
Critics enjoy saying Williams doesn't seem focused, because she has the audacity to enjoy her fame and celebrity. No one criticizes top players like Henin or Kim Clijsters, though, when they walked away from the sport for significant periods.
Some might criticize Williams for coming off a bit haughty and taken with herself in some interviews. Fine. But when it comes down to the game played between the white chalk lines, Williams has no equal.
Comments: (9)
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By: hwill2000 on 2/01/2010 7:46PM
Go Serena!!!! you did well for the USA.
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By: Ernestine Bailey on 2/02/2010 8:40AM
Go Girl,You are the "BEST"
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By: Railgun101 on 2/02/2010 8:54AM
"She is Beautiful" Go Woman your the best keep on till ya cant go no further and who's to say when that is? the sky's the limit go go go !!!
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By: Williamsfan on 2/02/2010 9:33AM
They say she's out of shape, but as sista's we know the girl is banging!
They voice negative comments about her personal life outside of tennis. We have yet to hear or see any of these in the media.
They state her outside interest are distractions.
We as sista's see her as a minority business owner running thangs and whooping A#$ on the tennis court.
At the Australian Open the commentators stated she was battered, looked tired not performing to their approval.
We know Serena played the singles and doubles game almost simultaneously! And still won!
YOU ARE THE BEST! Strong Black Sista.
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By: Mike on 2/02/2010 11:44AM
Nice photo and you are a beautiful outside but I can see that inner beauty also. Yes, she's strong, powerful and fast and is capable of physically beating up alot of men out here. But she is a professional athlete and all pro athletes are very tough physically. Serena is a true strong black woman. Congrats. Serena, don't you dare end up with some non-black man. You're the type of woman a black man needs.
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By: Mike on 2/02/2010 11:59AM
And Serena, there are strong black men out here. I'm one and you aint kicking my butt :0D. You're a woman and you need a big, strong, black man. You need a Mandingo and you'd have a clan of big strong boys and girls. If I see you with some white boy or hispanic, I'm gonna come and find you and kick your butt. Take Care.
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By: meanvee on 2/02/2010 3:20PM
They better realize that sserena is maybe the best female tennis player ever!
HTTP://www.JustWaffleMakers.com - waffle cone makers also.
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By: Bill Coleman on 2/02/2010 4:19PM
Serena Williams is going to go down in History as the greatest women Tennis player in our times. She is focus and got it going on.. She is the Best of the Best...bill Coleman..Sac.
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By: M Price on 2/02/2010 5:24PM
WOW, Serena has it going on. She and Venus are the only players that I will stay up and watch at 3:30 in the am. Keep on keeping on Serena.
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