Throughout her storied career, Serena Williams has encountered not only fierce competitors but also controversial moments that have left fans and analysts questioning the fairness of key officiating decisions. From disputed line calls to questionable lets and body contacts, these incidents have added layers of drama and frustration to some of the biggest matches in women’s tennis history.

In one particularly tense encounter, the match atmosphere was charged as a clearly mishandled “let” call went uncorrected. Serena’s reaction said it all—disbelief and disappointment. “That was clearly a let. The ball deviated,” she told the umpire, pointing out the error with clarity and composure.

Moments like this have ignited passionate responses from viewers and commentators alike. “You have to watch your job,” one analyst said, pointing to the role of umpires in maintaining fairness.

Against Australia’s Sam Stosur, another controversial call came when a ball Serena believed had touched her opponent’s skin was ruled in play. “She hit it with her arm, not the racket,” Williams insisted. According to tennis rules, if the ball touches a player’s body, the point should be awarded to the opponent. “If someone’s skin hits the ball, the point’s mine,” Serena stated in disbelief.

Despite the clear frustration, Williams continued to fight. In the same match, she stormed back to win 7–5 in the final set, a comeback that underscored her legendary tenacity.

But it wasn’t an isolated incident. In another match, a missed call on a ball striking an opponent’s body once again went against Williams. “That ball 100% hit her arm,” a commentator remarked. Yet, the point was not awarded to Serena. “She should have lost the point. Instead, she got away with it,” one broadcaster criticized.

Even when technology was available, errors persisted. A ball landing squarely on the line was called out against Williams, only for replays to confirm it was in. “That was way in,” Serena said as she approached the chair umpire. “Give me a break,” another voice added in the background, echoing the disbelief of fans around the world.

These moments reveal a disturbing pattern that has haunted many of Serena’s most crucial matches. While every athlete faces tough calls, the frequency and magnitude of these decisions against Williams have raised questions about implicit bias, double standards, and the need for better officiating protocols in professional tennis.

Critics argue that the margin of error in these situations is unacceptable, especially when championships and legacies are on the line. In multiple cases, Serena was denied the momentum needed to close out sets or matches due to these controversial rulings.

What’s perhaps most striking is the grace and persistence with which Serena has handled these injustices. She continues to challenge decisions respectfully, asking for clarity while never backing down from the fight on court.

Beyond the physical game, these incidents speak volumes about Serena’s mental resilience. The ability to refocus after feeling robbed of a point or a game demonstrates why she is widely considered one of the greatest athletes of all time.

As technology like Hawk-Eye has been introduced to reduce human error, the hope is that future generations of players won’t have to endure the same injustices. But Serena’s career remains a case study in how even elite athletes are vulnerable to systemic flaws in officiating.

These controversies do not define Serena Williams—but they are an undeniable part of her story. They highlight the need for accountability and reform in tennis officiating and serve as reminders that fairness in sport is not just about the rules—it’s about how consistently and justly those rules are applied.

In the end, Serena Williams’ legacy remains unshaken. Despite the calls that went against her, she has emerged victorious time and time again—not just on the scoreboard, but in the eyes of fans who know greatness when they see it.