More Thoughts On Venus and Her Role in the Universe

It was most fitting for Venus Williams to advance to the final of the U.S. Open at the new tennis complex named for Arthur Ashe.

We know she will continually improve her tennis game and succeed in winning important matches. What she must work on now is to achieve the humble and gracious attitudes of Ashe and Althea Gibson.

If she can keep her enthusiasm and attain quiet respect for her personal demeanor, the tennis world will open their arms and embrace her as a worthy rising star.

DIANE MACFARLAND

San Marino

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Venus Williams is obviously a gifted tennis player. However, if her goal is to become a champion, she will face the awkward and delicate task of redefining the relationship with her father. He was a terribly negative influence despite her success during the U.S. Open. If this negative influence continues to surface, it may impede her development, overshadow her accomplishments and make it difficult for her to become a champion.

ALAN S. KUMMER

Palos Verdes

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OK, so Venus went into retrograde during the U.S. Open final. If I remember high school astronomy correctly, a planet in retrograde only appears to be going backward. This young woman’s performance during the tournament proved beyond any doubt that she has the talent, fortitude and intelligence to one day be a champion. Venus, keep your head up.

E.M. BROWN

Culver City

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Julie Cart [Sept. 9] says that Venus Williams is more articulate than most tennis players. Really? In what language? Most of the European players are multilingual.

PAUL TRACY

Oceanside

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Mike Downey’s article on Venus Williams [Sept. 5] was insulting. Mike states “What we have here is Bo Derek with a backhand.” Mike, braids have been a part of the African American hairstyle for a very long time. Bo Derek did not originate nor create the braid hairstyle.

RAYMOND E. HARDY

Compton

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Since Arthur Ashe isn’t around for an assist, let me help Mike Downey sort this thing out. In his hand-wringing, gee-I-wish-I-knew-what-to-think column [Sept. 8] on the remarks of Richard Williams, he wonders whether to say “Right on!” or “Knock it off!”

This one’s a no-brainer, Mike. The latter comment or even a stronger variation thereof would be perfect. My guess is that you already know this, but in this age of political correctness, one can’t be too careful.

BILL SHANNON

Oceanside

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Mike Downey wonders if Arthur Ashe were here, what would he make of Richard Williams.

I believe Arthur would have given him a good Ashe-kicking!

GARY RUDNICK

Palm Desert