Serena Williams was all class after losing to Angelique Kerber in the Australian Open women’s final
Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Serena Williams didn’t look like someone who lost when she took to the podium following her three-set loss to Angelique Kerber -- far from it. Kerber has been playing since 2008 without a Grand Slam victory and it was unclear how much longer her window would be open. Serena knew that, and congratulated her for not only winning the match, but being the best player at the Australian Open.
This wasn’t simply lip service, or pulling from a playbook of things an athlete should say to appear humble. The candid photos of Williams and Kerber prove that she was genuinely, seriously and wholeheartedly happy for her competitor.
via Cameron Spencer/ Getty Images
via Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
And perhaps the greatest tennis photo of all time ...
via Michael Dodge/ Getty Images
It was clear Serena was disappointed with her performance, but remained overjoyed for Kerber. That’s what being a role model is all about.
