Class is out

Serena Williams is a great tennis player, but not a great champion. Time after time she refuses to give credit to her opponents when they defeat her, always saying “I didn’t play well” and disparaging her opponent’s play. I saw the Henin-Williams match, and let me tell you, Henin put a comprehensive beatdown on Serena, and there was nothing lucky about it. Serena was flat-out outplayed.

Being a champion is not only about winning. As long as Serena continues this pouty, sour behavior when she loses to a tough opponent, she risks becoming the Barry Bonds of tennis.

Franklyn Ajaye

Los Angeles

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Since poor Serena’s

$18 million in winnings won’t cover fines, she should be forced to watch Jelena Jankovic’s gracious, generous response after her loss to Venus. It’s a perfect example of how class -- unlike Serena’s jewelry -- is something neither she nor her unfunny joke of a father will ever be able to buy.

Beverly Delott

Pacific Palisades

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Hallelujah, the tennis gods have spoken! Even in their heavens they cannot stand for any more of Maria Sharapova’s needless and ridiculous screaming -- terrible ear-splitting sounds more appropriately coming from the throats of Chihuahuas.

Ron Romanosky

Tustin

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There is an old axiom: “If you can’t beat them, join them.” I suggest Andy Roddick talk Roger Federer into playing doubles.

Ron Cooper

La Crescenta