Serena Williams is the best athlete in the world and two matches away from winning the coveted calendar Grand Slam, and therefore, most certainly should not have to put up with a question like, "Why are you not smiling?" after dispatching her sister Venus in a US Open quarterfinal match. AND YET!
Here's the full exchange, courtesy of the US Open website:
Q. You just won a match. Normally you smile when you win you come here, you laugh. What happens tonight? Is just because you beat Venus or because you're thinking about what is going next? What's wrong?
SERENA WILLIAMS: It's 11:30. To be perfectly honest with you, I don't want to be here. (Laughter.) I just want to be in bed right now. I have to wake up early to practice.
I don't want to answer any of these questions and you keep asking me the same questions.
It's not really—you're not making it super enjoyable. (Laughter.)
Q. At least I made you laugh.
SERENA WILLIAMS: I'm just being honest.
Q. At least I made you smile. Can I just ask you…
SERENA WILLIAMS: Is it about Venus again?
Serena Williams is not to be trifled with.
Michael Rosen is a reporter for Fusion based out of Oakland.