Are American tennis players dumb?  Well, if you listen to Jim Courier they are. He made a comment that was so unprofessional it made me sick.

During the Venus Williams/Alona Bonderenko match, he referenced Serbian player Ana Ivanovic and said that after one of her matches she was asked what she would do. She responded: “Maybe go to a book store”. Courier thought Ivanovic's response was great and he admired her planned action. He said you wouldn't find the American players going to a book store - all they did was play video games.

I was outraged, especially after Serena Williams received a reprimand for reading during her match against Vera Zvonareva of Russia. Never mind that it was just a notebook with some notes. The implication made by Courier was that American players don’t read. I was flabbergasted.

'I was outragedby Courier's comment, especially after Serena Williams received a reprimand for reading during her match against Vera Zvonareva of Russia'


Perhaps the match officials need to read, because had chair umpire Damian Steiner read the rules, he would have known that Serena was not breaking any. Eventually, according to a report, Steiner did relent. However, he could have saved himself, Serena, Vera and the fans some time and energy had he read and known the rules.

American commentators should be reprimanded for some of the foul things that come out of their mouths. Also during the Venus Williams/Alona Bonderenko match, Tracy Austin said after watching Venus play that Williams was so focused and dialed in that she was worried for Ana Ivanovic. Why? Tracy, aren’t you from America? Isn’t Venus an American and Ivanovic a Serbian? Why show any partiality to any player if you’re a commentator? Why are you worried for any player?

I think it’s a natural response for commentators to cheer for 'home team' players, but for American commentators to be so anti-American is provoking. I’m not saying they are all like this because they are not. I’ve only noticed this with Courier, Austin and Mary Carillo. They seemingly are harder on the players.

Since I live in America, I only hear the American commentators. However, I would love to hear what other countries' commentators have to say about players from their home nations. I hope it’s not like what I see and experience here in the United States.

Do commentators make you cringe - and if so, what sort of comments get you going? Post your thoughts below or write an article for Sportingo if you prefer.