learning to love the Swiss Miss

I've always been a fan of Martina Hingis. She's a refreshing example of grace and technique when tennis seems overflowing with testosterone-fueled hitters who share more in common with Barry Bonds. But she's got a problem with diplomacy, and that's cost her a number of fans. Slate sports writer Seth Stevenson used to be one such Monica-hater. He even went so far as to nickname her "Chucky" in reference to her "bulbous" forehead. How rude is that?

On Thursday, Mr. Stevenson wrote a funny and contrite reconsideration of the Swiss Miss. It's worth reading if you're a tennis fan or enjoy seeing sports writers admit their mistakes (how often does that happen?) Without a doubt the funniest passage comes at the end of the article, when Stevenson actually professes a grudging admiration for Martina's lack of tact:

I was even happy to see some of her patented crude arrogance return this week. When asked about her first-round match, Hingis replied, "Well, I don't think I was totally tested today. It's hard to say something after 6-2, 6-2 against Lisa Raymond."

Daaaaaaaamn! Why you gotta hate on Lisa Raymond like that? I'll tell you why: because Chucky's back.