Over Friday night dinner, Todd asked me what I expected from our post-dinner activity... that being, of course, watching the women's final at the Australian Open. I said that Maria Sharapova should (and likely would) win, but that you just never know with Serena Williams. I added that it was a testament to Serena's talent that she even reached the final given that to me (and many others, including "professionals") she did not appear in great physical shape.
Fast-forward... Serena demolishes Sharapova 6-1, 6-2 in just over an hour, ending a two-year title drought after winning the 2005 Aussie Open. During the match, I admit to re-evaluating my "fitness" comment. Let's just say, Serena looked a whole lot better when she was trouncing the soon to be #1 ranked player off the court vs. the matches where she struggled against some non-household names.
I couldn't help but smile when I read her response to this particular criticism... it is classic Serena...
"I'm definitely in better shape than I get credit for. Just because I have large bosoms and I have a big ass. I swear my waist is 29-30 inches. I swear I have the smallest waist. And just because I have those two 'assets' it looks like I'm not fit. I was just in the locker room staring at my body and I'm like, 'Am I not fit? Am I really not fit? Or is it just because I have all these extra assets that I look not fit.' I think if I were not to eat for two years I still wouldn't be a size 2. No matter how slim I am, I always have this [points] and that [points]. We're living in a Mary-Kate Olsen world. I'm just not built that way. I'm bootylicious and that's how it's always going to be."
(The above quote was shamelessly borrowed from SI's Jon Wertheim Parting Shots from the 2007 Australian Open column)
Comments