As Stosur soars, fools stoke ignorant embers

It's sad that a woman's playing style and physique cannot simply be just that: Her style and physique.

The news that should matter is that Samantha Stosur defeated Dominika Cibulkova to book her place in the French Open women's semifinals. Unfortunately, some seized upon Cibulkova's post-match statements, riding them into absurdity. Apparently certain media members have learned nothing from L'Affaire d'Amelie at the 1999 Australian Open. Or perhaps they have learned everything, all the wrong things.

Yes, Cibulkova said of Stosur, "She played like a man. It's really hard to play against a man." Unfetching, unsporting comments, in truth, and yet exacerbated by those stoking the embers of ignorance for their own gain. To say that, with this win, Stosur "manned up" and was propelled by "a man's game" is not a direct quote from anyone and is wording unbecoming a supposedly impartial scribe who is to pen a straight-up news piece. It is heightened language, dangerous.

Here's Stosur speaking to reporters after her resounding 6-4, 6-1 victory:

"When your opponent's a little bit shorter, it's a little bit easier for me to use that [kick] serve and my forehand up high," Stosur said. "It can help, but they can be a little bit used to it."

According to one, Stosur next plays the "petite" and "slightly built" Sara Errani, a player who is fully capable of upending a foe of any size and strength, and who likely wouldn't be described as such if not for the fact of igniting a riot based on today's choice words from a player. Words that should stand alone, on their own merit (or demerit). Words that should not be fanned for further misuse, co-opted for controversy. For shame.

[Thanks to @DenWNg for the tip on Cibulkova's words, and the twisting of them.]

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PARTING SHOT: Just when you thought Marcel Granollers couldn't be more grating, video resurfaces of just how his unlovely grunt can differentiate even mid-match, from his two-week-old match in Rome against Rafael Nadal:

Granollers was quieted by David Ferrer in the fourth round at Roland Garros, falling 6-3, 6-2, 6-0.

—Jonathan Scott (Talk to me on Twitter @jonscott9.)