A champion should act as a champion as they are seen as role models

SIR, The performance of Serena Williams off the court has tarred her on court reputation. A champion should act as a champion especially as they are seen as role models.

Calling the umpire a liar is wrong - the umpire is right at all times, even when they make mistakes and video reviews should also be removed. After having coached many school sports teams for 30 years I have always emphasised that philosophy and yes, sometimes umpires make mistakes but not intentionally.

The statement that she doesn’t cheat is not that simple - her coaching team admitted there was coaching. It doesn’t matter that the coaching wasn’t seen, it did happen and should be responded to as it is cheating. The reality is that it is her team and thus her responsibility to prevent any cheating.

The statement that it never happened to a man is wrong - John McEnroe was disqualified from the Australian Open on Jan 21 1990 after several code violations.

Not telling the crowd to be quiet immediately during the presentations was also wrong. The winner should be cheered and Serena should be the loudest cheerer. It’s just good manners.

The concern for her daughter is positive although she will see this game and the performance on and off the court and may not see it as such a positive.

Return to being the champion that you have been before. Sincerely,

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia