Aussie fans' brutal reaction to Federer and Serena announcement
Australian tennis fans don’t appear eager to forgive and forget Serena Williams’ controversial meltdown in the US Open final.
As news broke on Wednesday that Serena will take part in the annual Hopman Cup in Perth, fans should have been salivating over the prospect of a mixed doubles showdown between herself and Roger Federer.
Williams, 37, will represent the United States alongside Frances Tiafoe at the team event, which begins on December 29.
The 23-time grand slam champion is set to face Federer on New Year’s Day in 2019, when USA meet Switzerland.
“I always enjoy playing in Western Australia and in front of the crowd there at Perth Arena,” Williams said on Wednesday.
“The Aussie fans are always so warm and supportive and the Hopman Cup has always given me a great start to the season, especially ahead of the Australian Open.”
However fans weren’t so supportive of the news that Serena was heading Down Under earlier than anticipated.
Dozens of users reacted to the announcement with comments referencing her US Open scandal.
Serena doesn’t deserve such a reception from us. I was considering going to Perth with my family hearing Roger is coming back. But now I’ve changed my mind as my protest.
— April Pan (@aprilpoon) October 3, 2018
Do the umpires know she’s a mother though?
— Matt Campbell (@MCCam88) October 3, 2018
If she is losing another match, I hope she doesn't chuck a tantrum
— Andy Hayward (@andyleawe20) October 3, 2018
A spoilt brat v a calm headed articulated player and great role model.
— dave bannister (@davebannister9) October 3, 2018
Serena Williams
Please don’t come to,the Aust Open Tennis
We Australians pride ourselves on sportsmanship
You are a great tennis player but an appalling sportswoman
Please do not come to Australia – I do not want my grandchildren exposed to your
disgraceful behaviour— dmy (@meadowrains) October 3, 2018
Class(Federer) vs Classless(Serena)
— 5Maria5 (@QueenMasha2) October 3, 2018
The chair umpires should be scared of SW 23 after US Open 2018 pic.twitter.com/mQ8vYnLUNF
— Ravi Kolachina (@KolachinaRavi) October 3, 2018
I hope she doesn't cheat again.
— splashyellow (@c_chancz) October 3, 2018
Umpires – she’s heading your way pic.twitter.com/ETwj6g8KQK
— JazzBand (@jjazzyjane) October 3, 2018
However there was plenty of love at the thought of seeing 48 grand slam titles in action on the one court.
Love it!!! Serena and Roger! ❤️ Can’t wait to watch them! The best athletes ever!
— Laury Lory 🇦🇷🇺🇸 (@laurynewyork) October 3, 2018
SERENA WILLIAMS vs ROGER FEDERER! https://t.co/SDb7krbBbQ
— Tim Harford (@TimHarford) October 3, 2018
Federer and Serena will play the same Hopman Cup edition for the first time.
The event got 48 singles Grand Slams combined. Surely a record.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) October 3, 2018
The future of the #HopmanCup might be in doubt but the 2019 edition will be a big one. Serena Williams joins Roger Federer (on different teams of course) at Perth Arena from Dec 29 🎾
— Brett Sprigg (@BrettSprigg) October 3, 2018
Federer announced he would return for a third straight Hopman Cup earlier this year, while it will be Williams’ fifth.
Williams hit the headlines at the recent US Open when she was involved in a bitter spat with chair umpire Carlos Ramos during her final loss to Japan’s Naomi Osaka.
Williams, who called the umpire a thief, was fined $23,500 over the incident.
‘Not the happiest memory’
On Tuesday, Osaka admitted that winning the US Open was “bittersweet” and “not the happiest memory”, revealing that she’s been trying to forget about the victory.
“For me, I don’t know, I don’t know, the memory of the US Open is a little bit bittersweet,” Osaka said.
“Right after, the day after, I really didn’t want to think about it because it wasn’t necessarily the happiest memory for me.
“I just sort of wanted to move on at that point.”
Federer’s kind words for crestfallen Osaka
However these comments from Federer might go a long way to changing her mood.
The Swiss legend on Wednesday described Osaka as a champion, praising her ‘winning mentality’.
“I think winning Indian Wells helped her to believe that she could also win another big title,” said Federer, speaking at a Uniqlo event signing with the Japanese clothing company.
“I think she is a champion in the sense that she doesn’t shy away from the big stage.
“Indian Wells is the second biggest tennis court we have in the world and the US Open is the biggest one.
“She succeeded in both of them and that shows a winner’s mentality.”
with AAP