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In reply to the discussion: Tennis Emporium - Wimbledon - first spoiler of the day [View all]a kennedy
(35,636 posts)Serena Williams blamed her disoriented performance in Tuesdays Wimbledon doubles match on a bug and viral illness. Martina Navratilova isnt buying it.
The nine-time Wimbledon champion gave her thoughts about Serenas odd on-court behavior to Melissa Isaacson of ESPNW.
I find it distressing. I think virus, whatever theyre saying it was, I dont think that was it. I think its clear thats not the case. I dont know what it is, but I hope Serena will be OK.
Serena was unable to catch, toss or hit a ball in warmups. Then, after a 13-minute medical break before the start of the match, she barely moved during points and hit eight consecutive service faults. She finally retired while she and her sister Venus were down 0-3 in the opening set.
But Navratilova had a more practical problem than just Serenas post-match excuse. Why was she playing in the first place?
Ive never seen anything like it and hopefully never will again. Everybody was put in such a difficult position, including the WTA. Its not right. It defies logic on so many fronts. The coach said he hadnt seen her for two days. He didnt know anything. How can you be a coach and not know anything? Thats wrong. And Venus was just kind of there. You dont know whats going on, but virus was not it, that much is clear.
http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/07/serena-williams-wimbledon-what-happened-martina-navratilova-bizarre
