Nice to See U.S. Open Linesperson Tsurubuchi Back at Work

It was a pleasant surprise to see linesperson Shino Tsurubuchi at work when I attended the Roddick-Verdasco final at the SAP Open on Valentine's day. 

Tsurubuchi was the official that was repeatedly threatened with assault by Serena Williams during the U.S. Open. It's great to see that tennis officials haven't punished here for doing her job correctly. 

 She was interviewed by Sports Illustrated, but studiously avoided discussing Williams, which is understandable but a shame since Williams has made bizarre claims about discussions with her, seems charming and truly involved in her work. Here's an excerpt:

SI.com: What have the last five months been like for you?

Shino Tsurubuchi:I was feeling a little bit down. But I am okay now, now I am fine. Many people know my face and that's tough for me. [As an official] you do not want to be famous.

SI.com:Do you think you made the right call? If you had to do it again would you make the same call?

Tsurubuchi:Yes. I think as umpires, if it's a foot fault, we should call a foot fault. But usually I am at the baseline and I wish -- I pray -- for players: "Please don't touch that line!" I don't like to make that call because players are not happy. But if players touch the line, we have to make the call. But, yes, I pray, "Please don't touch that line because if you touch the line I have to call it and I don't want to."

 SI.com:So there are not two sets of rules, one for the first set and one when the match is tight.

Tsurubuchi:Yes. It's very tough.

SI.com:Do you feel you've done your job differently since?

Tsurubuchi:I can work. ATP gave me many opportunities [since] and I am very happy. I am a lucky person. Many umpires want to work ATP in U.S. It's difficult and it makes me happy. I appreciate the opportunity.

SI.com: But you never thought, 'This is too much for me; no more officiating'?

Tsurubuchi:I have a dream. I was never thinking about quitting my job of umpiring. I want to be a good line umpire, it's my dream and I've spent eight years of my time.

Read More at SI.