LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Shame on Serena Williams for her unsporting conduct

In reference to your news report ‘I don’t cheat to win. I’d rather lose’: Serena Williams defends her integrity after US Open final controversy (September 9), Ms Williams is an accomplished and respected tennis player and star. However, her conduct on the court in the US Open Finals was shoddy.

Ms Williams was clearly at fault. Her coach was tutoring her. Even if she missed the tutoring, she did smash her racquet in frustration and nobody can ever call the umpire a “thief” at a match in the presence of a global, live TV audience. Just because a player is an international star does not give him or her the right to abuse match officials.

Ms Williams has been highly unsporting in her conduct. Her tantrums have overshadowed the achievements of 20-yearold Japanese player Naomi Osaka. The fact is that when Ms Williams realised that she might lose after the first set, she started losing her temper. To exacerbate matters, she is giving the entire episode a feminist undertone by alleging that the umpire handed down some penalties because she was a woman.

This is a simple case of awful behaviour. It has nothing to do with feminism. Ms Williams should learn from Roger Federer, who is the epitome of tranquillity and excellent behaviour, whether he wins or loses. I am disappointed with Ms Williams. I was an admirer of her game but now I think she might just be a gifted brat.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai