Make her stop!

During the masters championships in Doha, Tracy Austin interviewed the players before they went on court to play their matches. For the players, these interviews are a contractual obligation. For the viewers, they're a waste of time, at best. The players can't be faulted for recycling the same phrases: They're going to play their best, etc. Very dull. Tracy Austin, however, is simpering and ingratiating. Today when she interviewed the Williams sisters before their final, it was especially painful. Both Venus and Serena tried not to seem dismissive of Austin's questions. They weren't altogether successful (nor could I blame them). I love the Tennis Channel (and they're not the only outlet that uses these pre-match interviews) but I, for one, wouldn't think losing these moments with the players would be a bad thing.