Susie O’Brien: Serenade to Serena Williams, the ‘queen of tennis’ and self-conceit

Serena Williams didn’t just retire from tennis like every other former player, she “evolved” into her post-tennis life — shame she can’t evolve into acting like a grown-up.

Serena Williams may be the GOAT – the greatest of all time – on the tennis court.

But it doesn’t make her a likeable, or even bearable, human being.

On the weekend Williams didn’t retire from tennis like every other former player, she “evolved” into her post-tennis life.

What a pity she can’t evolve into acting like a grown-up.

I am not joining the sycophantic and fawning media pack that unanimously crowned Williams the “queen of tennis”, a “walking phenomenon” and “triumphant and inspirational”.

What I saw was more boorish, self-centred behaviour from a woman who’s been worshipping at the twin altars of anger and entitlement for decades.

Serena Williams’ ‘fairytale’ career was a nightmare for those who dated to oppose her. Picture: Getty Images

Her swansong weekend match – which she lost – was packed with Hollywood heavyweights, sporting greats and a former US president.

Such a send-off was fitting at a private event, but such is Williams’ power that this obsequious show of self-love was allowed to hold up proceedings and distract her opponent.

Too bad for her Aussie opponent Ajla Tomljanovic, whose impressive win paled into insignificance against Williams’ monumental loss.

The fact that the audience at Williams’ farewell felt entitled to boo Tomljanovic’s points and cheer her faults says it all.

Williams’ “fairytale” career, as it’s often described, was a nightmare for those who dared to oppose, or even question, her.

Women like Williams deploy the doctrines of feminism and racial empowerment to make themselves seem like holy goddesses and humanitarian crusaders.

However, Williams’ much-acclaimed support of young women doesn’t apply to those playing opposite her or adjudicating her performance.

Believing every accolade thrown their way, women like this grow up the centre of their universe, basking in the radiant sun of their own self-conceit.

Serena Williams’ litany of faults is long. Picture: Getty Images

Williams, did you know, is the only tennis player to overcome adversity and succeed?

And she’s the only woman on earth who’s ever managed to give birth and continue her day job.

New York Post writer Phil Mushnick spoke the words we dare not say: “Tennis may never again be ‘graced’ by a woman who was such a relentlessly rotten winner and worse loser”.

Touche.

Williams’ litany of faults and double faults – see what I did there? – is long.

As far back as 2009, she was bad-mouthing and bullying, not just her opponents but court staff doing their jobs.

“I swear to God, I’ll f--king take this ball and shove it down your f--king throat!” she said to one woman.

In 2011 she called a chair umpire a “loser”, a “hater” and “unattractive inside”.

By 2018 Williams was expected to become only the second holder of 24 major singles titles in women’s tennis.

She had the show-reel and celebrity fans all ready to proclaim her the greatest ever when the unexpected happened.

She lost to Japan’s Naomi Osaka.

Williams, did you know, is the only tennis player to overcome adversity and succeed? Picture: Getty Images

Williams had a bad day. She threatened the umpire, and even called him a thief.

“You will never, ever, ever be on another court of mine as long as you live,” she said.

And what did she do to a Herald Sun cartoonist who portrayed her accurately as a toddler having a tantrum? She accused him of racism.

It’s no coincidence that Williams was the first guest on the podcast of the pretend duchess, Meghan Markle.

In fact, Williams even consulted Markle about her retirement. Yes, of course she did.

The podcast – which is rapidly slipping down the Spotify rankings – centres on the negative labels that hold women back, like “ambitious” and “bossy” and “diva”.

Neither women have the self-insight to understand that these are not terms applied to put them down as females, but because they are fitting.

Williams’ disrespectful and self-serving actions are reflective of this current generation of accomplished, wealthy American women who willingly dismiss any criticism as racism or sexism.

It’s no coincidence that Williams was the first guest on the podcast of the pretend duchess, Meghan Markle.

The notion that Williams represents the American dream and that her success is due to her self-belief and passion is somewhat disingenuous.

Sure, Williams has played hard, but all the effort would be nothing without her prodigious talent and the support of her family.

Same goes for Markle, the former mid-tier actress who’s only got a platform to preach from because she married a prince.

Both women don’t seem to care who they trample in their bid for greatness, and desire to show they are better than anyone else.

Compare this to the humility and grace shown by Australia’s Ash Barty, another retiring tennis great.

Barty, unlike these other vainglorious vixens, hasn’t yet released an inspiration app, talked at length about her “spiritual goals” or recorded a podcast series telling other women how they can be better at living their lives.

Serena tells us her next chapter will be “like Serena 2.0”.

Sounds a bit like Vegemite iSnack 2.0.

Just like the original, only worse.

Susie O’Brien is a Herald Sun columnist