Most nay sayers out there that think Serena should be commended here have not played enough real tournament tennis. There is a very old and honest phliosophy on this subject. 'If You Play-You're Well---If You're Not Well-You Don't Play'. After playing myself for years in tennis tournaments (many on the men's satellite pro circuit) - I have frequently dealt with cramps on a very intense level.:
1) Cramps ostensibly mean that you are not in the kind of shape you need to be in to play matches at your chosen level--so let's not sympathize with 'poor Serena' here. She brought these problems on herself by not being properly conditioned. Whether it's cramps OR an injury.
2) Cramps ARE painful...but not THAT painful. And what's more--they can be treated...and can subside and played through during a match. I've done it many times myself, and it happens many times in the world in tournaments every day. So let's not pin an undeserved medal on Serena for getting through something as common as this.
3) Look Serena is notorious for being arrogant and unsportsmanlike--If you can't continue in a timely manner in a tennis match as a real sportsman/woman...you should default - not milk the umpire for more time. Check the rules, if the clock had LEGITIMATELY been on Serena from the minute she lost the previous point and began cramping--she would have earned a default, even before the rain came.
Those still bashing Stich, McEnroe, and any other critic taking Serena to task about her behavi
I echo richards (Serenas dad) voice .... Serena was in deep pain when she put on all the courage to win the match ... I have never seen any other woman play tennis harder than how she played after the injury. Kudos to her.... Sandeep
