News Americas, FLUSHING, NY, Tues. Sept. 13, 2011: Serena Williams has been slapped with a fine for her verbal abuse on September 11th of a chair umpire.
US Open Tournament Referee Brian Earley fined Williams $2,000 following the code violation issued for verbal abuse during the women’s singles final.
But a USTA statement added: “After independently reviewing the incident which served as the basis for the code violation, and taking into account the level of fine imposed by the US Open referee, the Grand Slam Committee Director has determined that Ms. Williams’ conduct, while verbally abusive, does not rise to the level of a major offense under the Grand Slam Code of Conduct.”
Williams was beaten by the ninth-seeded Aussie, Sam Stosur, in the women’s semi-finals in Queens, Sunday. The 6-2, 6-3 win came after Williams got into an argument with the chair umpire in the second set; a slight reminder of the ugly tirade of two years ago.
Chair umpire Eva Asderaki ruled that Williams hindered Stosur’s ability to complete the point and awarded it to Stosur – putting her ahead 1-0 in that set.
But Williams was not amused. “I’m not giving her that game,” Williams told the umpire after the game was called for Stosur. “I promise you, that’s not cool. That’s totally not cool.”
Some fans began booing, delaying the start of the next game as both players waited for the commotion to subside.
During the changeover two games later, Williams continued to talk to Asderaki, saying, “You’re out of control. … You’re a hater, and you’re just unattractive inside.”
Williams also told the official: “Really, don’t even look at me.”
Asderaki issued a code violation warning for verbal abuse, and Tournament director Brian Earley said he would speak to the chair umpire and review tape to determine whether Williams would be fined. That decision will be announced today.
At her news conference after, Williams rolled her eyes while deflecting a question about whether she regretted what she said to Asderaki.
“I don’t even remember what I said. It was just so intense out there. … I guess I’ll see it on YouTube,” Williams said.
But there was no ugliness as witnessed two years ago as Williams continued to play.
The fine is consistent with similar offenses at Grand Slam events, a USTA statement said Monday, adding that as with all fines at the US Open, the monies levied are provided to the Grand Slam Development Fund which develops tennis programs around the world.
