Flushing Meadows, NY (Sports Network) - Serena Williams was fined$10,000 for her actions at the end of her semifinal loss to KimClijsters at the U.S. Open.$ f* E) S: U K' O2 D
The amount is the largest fine that is allowed to be issued by aGrand Slam tournament for unsportsmanlike conduct. She was also finedan additional $500 for racquet abuse at the conclusion of the firstset. tvb now,tvbnow,bttvb4 S: a3 Y* {* {; F
"Serena Williams' conduct last night was inappropriate andunprofessional. No matter what the circumstances, no player should beallowed to engage in such behavior without suffering consequences,"said Stacey Allaster, chairman and CEO of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour."I have spoken with the USTA about this matter and I agree with theaction they have taken." tvb now,tvbnow,bttvb+ g& d& K% o" k$ h1 C% b( s
Williams was serving to stay in the match and was down 15-30. Shewas called for a foot fault on her second serve in the next point to godown 15-40 and took exception to the call by the line judge. She thenverbally abused the judge, pointing her racquet and finger and yellingat her. 5.39.217.77+ b1 N, h" n7 B/ q- L
Following the exchange, the line judge jogged over to the chairumpire to complain about Williams' tirade. Williams then disputed withthe chair umpire and supervisor, and a code violation forunsportsmanlike conduct was called -- the call awarded the next pointto Clijsters, which ended the match with a 6-4, 7-5 final. 5.39.217.77( J( @# i2 W% i9 J D4 {6 X& P
"Last night everyone could truly see the passion I have for my job,"Williams said Sunday. "Now that I have had time to gain my composure, Ican see that while I don't agree with the unfair line call, in the heatof battle I let my passion and emotion get the better of me and as aresult handled the situation poorly. I would like to thank my fans andsupporters for understanding that I am human, and I look forward tocontinuing the journey, both professionally and personally, with youall as I move forward and grow from this experience." 公仔箱論壇' Y! K8 k' E9 d7 |! K1 b
The fine is just a small portion of her prize money from the tournament, as she received $350,000 for reaching the semifinals. |