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Women and Anger: Serena's Outburst at the US Open

TresSugar — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:49:03 -0700

Anger in tennis is not without precedent: Jimmy Connors and John "Superbrat" McEnroe were criticized for their oncourt outbursts at linespeople when they didn't agree on a call; they were also beloved for their passion. But a couple days ago at the US Open when Serena Williams disputed a call by getting in the linesperson's face and allegedly telling her she wanted to shove a tennis ball down her throat, some people didn't think that her punishment was enough.

Williams was fined the on-site maximum $10,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and $500 for racket abuse, and her action caused her the match point. Kim Clijsters went on to win the match and ultimately the US Open.

Some say Serena's endorsement deals are not in jeopardy, and the crowd booed a reporter who insisted Williams address the issue after winning the US Open doubles match with her sister. But tennis historian Bud Collins was quoted as saying that he couldn't believe that Serena got to play doubles, and that she should be suspended for the rest of the year.

I am shocked that an athlete of Serena's caliber would say something like that in anger, and emotional outbursts or threats make me look askance at the person freaking out. I'm curious though, do you think people are more shocked when they see women get angry than when men flip out?

Unranked Mommy Kim Clijsters Wins US Open

FitSugar — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 21:08:05 -0700

Just like Paula Radcliffe illustrated that motherhood and winning marathons are not mutually exclusive, and just like Dara Torres proved you can come back after childbirth and win Olympic medals, tennis pro Kim Clijsters shows that you can come back and be a champion as well.

Clijsters retired from tennis in 2007 and gave birth to daughter Jada Ellie at the end of February 2008 after a tennis career winning the US Open in 2005, and making it to the finals in the Australian Open and the French Open. By no means a shabby career. Unranked going into the finals of the US Open, she beat Caroline Wozniacki, ranked ninth, in straight sets 7-5, 6-3. I would say her comeback career is on! Unfortunately, her semifinal match against Serena Williams is probably more memorable than her winning match. To see how much Serena has been fined for her display of unsportsmanlike behavior read more.

Serena, whose temper has flared at the Open before, will be fined $10,000 for "unsportsmanlike conduct." She will be fined an additional $500 for "racquet abuse" - she threw her racquet at the end of the first set. Her outburst began when a line judge called a foot fault on match point, after she missed her first serve. According to CBS Sports, Serena told the line judge: "I'm going to shove this [expletive] ball down your [expletive] throat." This was accompanied by some finger jabbing toward the line judge and a swat with her racquet at the woman's general direction. What is truly unfortunate is that upon viewing tape, the foot fault call was a bad one. But due to her antics and language, Serena lost the semifinal match not so much because of a bad call but because of her behavior. The controversy didn't keep her from looking gorgeous at the VMAs though.

US Open News: Meet "Little Miss Upset"

FitSugar — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 03:00:45 -0700

American Melanie Oudin has been christened with the nickname "Little Miss Upset" and this is not because of whiny antics on the court.

The nickname is inspired by Oudin's unexpected wins. The unseeded 17-year-old beat champion Maria Sharapova earlier last week as well as many seeded players, most recently Nadia Petrova in three sets. Of her Labor Day match, Oudin remarked: "It was tough because she (Petrova) was all over me. I could have easily lost. I just kept fighting."

Melanie hails from Marietta, GA and learned the game, alongside her twin sister, from her grandmother. Sharapova and Serena Williams both gave high compliments to Oudin, who is considered short in stature reaching only five foot six inches. Williams, who won her first major title at the US Open at 17, said, "I love how she’s a real big fighter and she never gives up." I like that she is adding some excitement to the game. Are you watching the Open? Who are you rooting for?

Do You Know Your US Open Champs?

FitSugar — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 06:00:16 -0700

The first fuzzy tennis ball of the 2009 US Open will be tossed and served in New York today. But as the pros prepare to rally for that sexy singles trophy, let's test your knowledge of winners past. Find out how much you know about the US Open singles champs with my quiz.

Take the quiz

Fittingly Mad: Sore Losers

FitSugar — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 02:30:00 -0700

She has been railed on by the sports media. They have called her "classless" and "graceless," "sullen" and "sulking." Yep, I am talking about one of my fave tennis stars, Serena Williams and her sorry press conference after losing her quarterfinal match at the US Open.

If you have played competitive sports, or even a wicked game of backgammon, and lost (which inevitably happens if you play games), then you know it is hard to lose. You give it your all, you play the best you can and some days it just isn't enough. Losing with grace, though, is still part of the game. Serena even told reporters:

I really don't feel like talking about it [the match]. It's like I don't want to get fined. That's the only reason I came [to the press conference]. I can't afford to pay the fines because I keep losing.

Not really a stellar postmortem on the match, would you say? Serena lost the match to Justine Henin who just so happens to be ranked #1 in women's tennis right now. So when you lose, and lose to the best, you just need to admit you played your best and your opponent unfortunately played even better. Fans forgive losses quickly, but bad attitudes linger. We love players that show their emotions and get fired up on the court or field, but bad sportsmanship just has a bad aftertaste.

It doesn't matter if you win or lose. It is how you played the game...and how you act afterward!

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Venus' Short Shorts: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 11:25:00 -0700

Tennis fashions have certainly evolved and come a long way from the pastels and "skirts only rules" for the ladies. You all loved Sharapova's red tennis dress, but tell me how you feel about the SHORT shorts Venus Williams wore during her last match at the US Open. No doubt she looks amazing, and by making it all the way to the semi-finals being seeded 12th in the tournament, we know Venus is one fierce competitor.

Today in the semi-finals, Venus takes on top ranked Justine Henin, who defeated sister Serena just two days ago!!! Should be a great game and she will probably be wearing some fashion forward tennis wear too.

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Are You Watching the U.S. Open?

FitSugar — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Even though the finals are not until next weekend, Labor Day weekend is when I start to get fired up about the U.S. Open. This year the fashions might even rival the tennis with some of the top seeded players sporting some personal and stylish designs. The competition is fierce and these women are strong, making the matches very exciting to watch.

So I want to know...

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A Week In Review: FitSugar Roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 04:00:00 -0700

In case you missed it, here's what we've been talking about...

The US Open is going strong... My eyes are on Venus Williams and her new clothing line, eleVen.

Not only is Maria Sharapova in Shape, but she's been wearing an unusual tennis dress for the US Open. Do you like Sharapova's red tennis dress? Take the poll.

Speaking of polls, How many servings of dairy do you eat in a day? Also, do you prefer cardio, weights or stretching the most?

Seriously, caffeine is not dehydrating.

Been neglecting your abs? Here are five reasons you should work them.

Like sesame seeds? Then you've got to try Bumble Bars.

Interesting news -- Lip balm is addictive.

Confused about Iron and how much you should be getting? Here's all you need to know about iron and more.

Jessica Alba uses the Wii for exercise while Victoria Beckham talks about how much she hates exercise.

Learn how to do the Camel to Child's Pose for a great yoga combination for you to add to your repertoire.

An 8-year-old girl just completed a really long marathon -- Do you think this is something 8-year-olds should be doing?

Here are five reasons you should run uphill.

Here is a great StairMaster workout that you might want to give a shot next time you're at the gym.

Maria Sharapova is in Shape

FitSugar — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 10:15:00 -0700

I'm following Maria Sharapova religiously right now for the US Open, so I was thrilled to see her on the cover of Shape.

The debate's still up on whether or not we're loving Maria's bright red tennis dress, but here's what she had to say on dieting and working out:

Banish the word “diet” from your vocabulary: To say Maria enjoys eating is like saying she’s a pretty good tennis player. “Nothing makes me happier than having an amazing meal,” she says. “But I never diet because I need to be strong.” Maria eats three big meals a day, always making sure to have a balance of both carbs and proteins, and she snacks on fresh fruit along with a slice of ham or some other protein. And she never denies herself a sweet if she wants it. “The moment someone says I can’t have something, forget it. I want it even more,” she says. “If I crave a cookie, I eat it.”
Shake up your exercise routine: Playing tennis nearly every day can get boring, so Maria makes it a point to switch up her activities whenever she can. “I bike and do yoga. But my new favorite thing is a salsa dance class called Video-sync,” she says. The program, developed by J. Marcos at Sports Club/LA in Miami, combines dance and fitness with a focus on core work to build strong abs. The classes aren’t highly choreographed, so Maria can let loose without stressing about getting the steps right. “I love it,” she says. “It’s so energetic and fun!”

And does Maria ever give her body an exercise break? To find out, just read more

Know when to give your body a break: “I’m usually go-go-go, but when I hit the wall, that’s it - I’m done,” says Maria. Earlier this year, she injured her shoulder, which forced her to take 10 weeks off from competing. “I try to be smart about it,” she says.

“If my body is tired or injured, I’ll let it rest.” Her favorite ways to de-stress include going to spas (she loves massages) and relaxing on the beach. Shopping also helps her unwind: “I love to shop for clothes and jewelry, especially vintage stuff,” she says.

There is a lot more in the interview, so check out the September 2007 issue of Shape on newsstands now.

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Venus Williams Launches EleVen Clothing Line

FitSugar — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 11:00:00 -0700

My girl, Venus Williams, has recently launched her new clothing line, EleVen in collaboration with Steve & Barry's.

While Williams is only wearing the V-Court pro sneaker at the U.S. Open, which is going on now, EleVen's launch collection will have more than 120 pieces. The collection will cover a wide spectrum, from performance apparel to lounge wear, accessories and footwear. Sneaker styles are appropriately named after tennis terms such as Ace, Deuce and Swing. Many of the items are versatile in nature and can be worn to workout and then go out!

Venus has been working at getting her degree in fashion design at the Art Institute of Florida, so I am thrilled at the prospect of fashionable workout gear. What's more? It's affordable too since everything in the collection is rumored to be priced at $19.98 or less. Unfortunately, you won't be able to buy the gear until November, but you can sign up for email updates at EleVenByVenus.com. I've also heard that a couple of hundred pairs of the V-Court will be sold this Friday at the Steve & Barry's Manhattan flagship store -- So all you New Yorkers can get an early peek...

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