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Twitter user accuses tennis journalist for ‘sexist’ Serena Williams tweet over ‘break down’ reference

The West Australian
Serena Williams, of the United States, returns a shot to Victoria Azarenka, of Belarus, during the semifinal of the US Open.
Camera IconSerena Williams, of the United States, returns a shot to Victoria Azarenka, of Belarus, during the semifinal of the US Open. Credit: Frank Franklin II/AP

It’s safe to say this is a moment one Twitter user would like to forget.

Portuguese tennis journalist Jose Morgado tweeted his summary of Serena Williams’ quarter-final win that saw her advance to the US Open semi-finals.

“Serena Williams plays two great sets, comes back from a set and break down to beat Tsvetana Pironkova 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 and reach a 14th #USOpen semi-final,” Morgado wrote.

“39th Grand Slam semi-final as well. What a run Tsveti had … Williams vs Azarenka or Mertens tomorrow.”

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However one Florida woman was quick to accuse the scribe of unfair treatment.

“Kinda (sic) sexist with saying she had a break down,” the user, Kelly, replied.

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“Do you talk about men athletes in this manner?”

The tweet has since been deleted after multiple users pointed out Morgado wasn’t accusing the former world number one of having a breakdown, rather he was referring to Williams being a service break down.

The journalist saw the humorous side of the accidental slip.

“I receive a lot of replies, but this one was the best of the day (so far),” he posted with a link to the deleted post.

“She cameback (sic) from a SET and a BREAK (of serve) down.

“It would be sexist if men didn't comeback from set & break disadvantages day in, day out.”

Unsurprisingly, other social media users also saw the bright side of the misunderstanding, with many posting laughing emojis in response to Morgado’s clarification.

“This is GOLD,” one wrote.

“The world is getting flat again. Break down,” another wrote alongside seven laughing faces.

“I don't know if the person was joking or told that seriously,” a user replied.

“If he/she had told that seriously, then he/she needs to follow tennis a bit more often.”

Another defended Kelly, describing the incident as an honest mistake.

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