Most people that keep in relative touch with current events has heard of the recent incidents at the US Open concerning its 3 time champion, Serena Williams. She, in her semifinal match against a resurgent Kim Clijsters, threatened a USTA lineswomen after a foot fault on a second serve at 15-30. She had also, earlier in the match broken a racket and was issued a warning. Therefore, with the sudden outburst she was issued a point penalty and subsequently give Clijsters a ticket to the finals in Flushing Meadows.
The question, in my opinion is not the ruling on the court or the severity of the punishment. What I found interesting was that a person’s behavior could potentially nix them from the biggest tournament in professional tennis. This ruling is a nationally adapted rule. I, as a competitive junior player dealt with the same rules. One infraction costs a warning, 2 costs a point, 3: a game, 4: a set, and finally 5: The match.
I found this interesting that in a professional, and even moreso individual sport, an individuals behavior could be their downfall. Its not the same thing in soccer, if you get a carded and have to leave the game, there are still 10 other guys out there to finish the game.