The 2012 US Open concluded on Monday night, September 10, when Andy Murray defeated Novak Djokovic (7-6, 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2) for his first Grand Slam title ever. Not only did he make history for himself, but he made history for his country. He is the first British man to win a major since 1936. Serena Williams also made history when she won the US Open singles title Sunday night, defeating Victoria Azarenka (6-2, 2-6, 7-5), and setting her record to 15-4 in major titles. This matchup between Williams and Azarenka was one of the Open’s most thrilling matches in history; it was heart-stopping until Championship point.
Most people don’t even know that there is a Junior US Open going on at the same time as the professionals. I am unsure if they televise it, so it’s very likely only tennis followers would know about it. Sixteen year old Taylor Townsend, the world’s top-ranked girl (USA), was under fire these past couple weeks. The Wall Street Journal first reported that USTA would withhold funding her tournament appearance while she focused on her health and fitness.
Serena Williams commented on these reports and says she is alarmed of USTA’s decision. She follows saying, “If that happened, that’s obviously a tragedy, because everyone deserves to play.” "She's so sweet and she works so hard," she added. "For a female, particularly, in the United States, in particular, and African-American, to have to deal with that is unnecessary.... Women athletes come in all different sizes and shapes and colors and everything. I think you can see that more than anywhere on the tennis tour." "She's still No. 1," Williams said. "That's saying something."
Appearance and body size have nothing to do with how well you will be able to perform and play. I know this because I play tennis, and I’m sure other people who play sports in general can back me up. If you think you’re better than someone because they look different than you, you’re in for a shocker. If that’s not stereotyping, then I don’t know what is. I have never heard of an association not funding someone because they were “concerned with her health.” This girl is not even close to being overweight! Some people are just born with different bodies or have something called muscle. Some have big bones, some are heavier set, and some people are super skinny; everyone’s different. Whether the United States Tennis Association was afraid she’d get sick or they were embarrassed to have her play, they are not justified in saying so publicly. No matter what you think, you need to keep it to yourself. Taylor is an excellent player and has earned her spot as the No. 1 player in the junior tennis world. Taylor rose above the situation and made it to the quarterfinals in singles, and won the junior doubles title with her partner, Gabrielle Andrews. Her practice and hard work paid off, and I’m sure she will continue to make history in tennis.
The United States Tennis Association is a respectable tennis association, but their decision regarding Taylor Townsend was extremely wrong. It was unfortunate and unnecessary for Taylor to have to deal with this. As Serena Williams says, “She’s still No.1.” On and off the court. (567)
Official Site of the US Open
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