Whatever you think of Serena Williams’s reaction during the weekend’s US Open final, there’s one angry outburst that we urgently need to address - our own.

The 36-year-old has been called “hysterical” and chided for her “ugly tantrum”. God forbid a woman show any passion or anger over something as insignificant as an accusation of cheating during the final of her home nation’s biggest tennis tournament, during which she is trying to win a record 24th title - something she has worked all her life to achieve.

No no, Serena couldn't possibly be justified in her reaction - she must be “hysterical” and at the mercy of her emotions. She just can't control her feelings, right? Hey, maybe she’s still hormonal after having her first child.

Give me a break. When a man stridently makes a point, takes a stand or argues his position, he is patted on the back. Too often, a woman is called “hysterical”. Because we can't possibly express passion or - god forbid! - superior knowledge on a subject, without being at the mercy of our moods. It always has to be personal.

And if we challenge something? We are told - like Serena Williams - that our outburst is 'ugly' or we are 'aggressive'. Should we complain of sexism, as she has done (and tennis is not as progressive as it likes to make out), we’re told to 'get back in the kitchen' or 'get offline'.