We have to play by the rules and undoubtedly Serena didn't or did she? Let's talk tennis!

Professionally speaking, I am not but I am speaking as a tennis player and a fan of the game. During the U. S. Open semifinal a line judge called a foul on Serena for a foot fault during the match point serve.

What is a Foot Fault? When a person serves the ball in tennis they are to stay within a certain area. Not stepping over the line until the racket comes into contact with the ball. Likewise there is an imaginary line right down the middle separating both sides of the court. A fault would be stepping over either one of these lines before contact with the ball is made.

Did Serena foot fault? It didn't look like it to me!! What do you think? Also, if Serena did foot fault I cannot help but wonder why any judge would not use better judgement before making a call like that. During a critical time in the match a judge has the option to call the foot fault or let the game go on and let the player win or lose for herself. Instead this judge made the decision to make the call and not allow either of the players to finish the game for themselves. I do realize she is “just doing her job” but was she?

I have to mention Serena was in a very aggressive stance, pointing her racket and yelling at the judge. According to ESPN Serena's words were "I swear to God I'm [expletive] going to take this [expletive] ball and shove it down your [expletive] throat, you hear that? I swear to God."

This in itself was very unprofessional! At the same time I see her point of anger. I can say for myself if I had worked my dairy air off my whole life to play professional tennis and had one official arrogantly make a call that was not hers to make I think I would be quite perturbed myself!!

Uncalled for? Yes, it was. If only Serena could have kept her cool. Maybe just shook her head and walked over to shake her opponent's hand. If only she had changed her wording to something a little less threatening! Similarly, would the outcome have been different if she had walked over to the proper official and just questioned the call? Most likely so but that would only be ideal. When tempers flare and someone is angry most of the time the outcome isn't one of calm perfection. John McEnroe is proof positive of that! I have read where many people are calling Serena a spoiled brat and arrogant. Not to mention I just heard one reporter say “ I have never seen an outburst like that”. That made me chuckle!! I personally have seen it time and time again in many athletic venues! I can't help but wonder what someone else in her shoes would have done. We have to think in light of the many years Serena has done many positive things for women's tennis and played the game with excellence. Simply put, there is no one omitted from poor decisions! Including the line judge!!

Kim Clijsters I should most definitely mention. In my book she is considered extremely unfortunate as well! I don't think anyone would want to win like that! Kim was definitely “in the game” it is a shame in itself that she couldn't finish what she started. Although, a win is a win and she moves on to the final.

I have to conclude that all and all the fault lies within the “fault” itself. It is critical in my mind that we find a rule and stick to it! Do you call it like you see it or do you use logic and let their game speak for itself? Isn't that why we play the game in the first place! Or is it? Undoubtedly, either way, tennis makes for excellent entertainment!