Tennis is not WWE, but if it was I Guess Kerber Just Turned Heel

Tennis is not WWE, but if it was I guess Kerber just turned heel.

Anyone who followed social media on Sunday may think Angelique Kerber sucker punched Bianca Andreescu at the net following the German's second defeat to the 18-year-old in a week's time.

Instead, the three-time Grand Slam champion unleashed her fury on the Canadian with a G-rated remark:

You’re the biggest drama queen ever.

Forget the PG Era. Welcome to the G Era.



How dare she show emotion.

Kerber was obviously frustrated losing to a teenager two tournaments in a row. Various factors pushed Kerber to lash out on Andreescu. Kerber told German media that she was irritated with the tournament's scheduling. Her match with Andreescu did not start until 11:18 p.m. in Miami. Kerber was also battling injuries as she had a wrap around her left leg.

The German's tipping point was most likely Andreescu's call for the trainer after just seven games. The Canadian later called for the trainer two more times in the match.

Put it all together and it is easy to see why Kerber said what she said.

The reaction to her comment, however, was frankly ridiculous. Responses ranged from flat out rage to disappointment to confusion.

Meanwhile, needlessly shitty handshake from Kerber, ironically the one who looked like she needed to grow up there. #MiamiOpen

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) March 24, 2019

You were one of my very favorite players for a few years.
Now, you've lost the respect of most of the tennis fans (& people from the media too).
I think that I understand what's happening: Bianca is so much better than you are as a person and as a player, a lot superior to you.

— Devil In Disguise (@DisguiseDevilin) March 24, 2019

It's as important to know how to lose as to know how to win.... Your reaction saddens me Angie 😞

— Marcel Lespérance (@Marpaules) March 24, 2019

You were my favorite WTA but as of last night you're down buttom. Have you already forgetton how it is for a kid and dream about those wins, effort and journey. You could've tell her a comment on private. So sad for you.

— St-Georges Lucille (@GeorgesLucille) March 24, 2019

You were one of my favs. You are supposed to be a role-model to upcoming players like Bianca. I know we all have bad days, but your comment was classless. I didn't expect that from you being a world-class player. You made yourself to be the #RealDramaQueen

— Anthony Godinho (@ajgodinho) March 24, 2019

Why?

Are athletes not allowed to show discontent? Kerber did not threaten her or say anything derogatory towards her. It was frustration that boiled over.

There is no reason to do a close reading of her comment or to get offended by it. Andreescu didn't even pay attetion to what she said:

Really? I have no idea. I don’t even want to know,

If she doesn't care than no one else should care either considering it was said to her.

People online vented their anger with Kerber all night only to be greeted with a late morning tweet from her congratulating Andreescu.

Tough battle out there last night @miamiopen! Congrats to Bianca @Bandreescu_ for a great performance and a well deserved win. 👍 pic.twitter.com/IpXzAJRNpi

— Angelique Kerber (@AngeliqueKerber) March 24, 2019

The tweet was immediately criticized for being a PR stunt.

Time for damage control. What a joke

— CanuckZilla (@canuck_zilla) March 24, 2019

Some PR advice...#kerberhandshake Rather than FAKE sounding glowing congrats... try a mea culpa! How about “I’m a fierce competitor and I lost my composure. You beat me twice in a week and that was tough ... just like you.. great match. Look forward to next time.”

— Dorothy Engelman (@DorothyEngelman) March 24, 2019

Expect to hear the boos rain down on Kerber when she plays in Canada this coming August because way too many people are easily offended and will hold a grudge.