THE EDITOR, Sir:

I was not happy with Serena Williams' meltdown, but I understand it and empathise. This is a Grand Slam final, where umpires interject sparingly.

The dude was cruel for hitting her so hard for supposedly receiving coaching during the match.

Taking a point and a game away from her at that a crucial stage is unprecedented and overly punitive.

And yes, it's her race! And don't any of you dare tell me otherwise! The United States folks can always find it in their hearts to be lenient and forgiving of whites, but harsh and judgemental towards blacks.

Serena, love you like my grandmother's Sunday dinner. We have your back.

PAUL HAYE haye_p@yahoo.com [2]