In a statement of U.S. Open organizers, Brian Earley said the fine was for the code violation of verbal abuse.
“This fine is consistent with similar offenses at Grand Slam events,” the statement said.
“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 U.S. 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.”
Serena Williams yelled “come on” in celebration before the ball landed. Samantha Stosur barely was able to touch the ball, but the winner was taken away because of the hindrance rule that allows for a point penalty if the “hindrance” is considered to be on purpose.
After the point penalty, which ended up giving the game to Samantha Stosur, Serena Williams launched into a verbal attack against Greek chair umpire, Eva Asderaki.
“What a loser,” “You’re a hater,” “A code violation because I expressed who I am? Really. Don’t even look at me. I promise you, don’t look at me. … Don’t look my way.” And, in a comment that could be interpreted as threatening, she said, “If you ever see me walking down the hall, walk the other way.”
The $2,000 fine Serena Williams received wasn’t even the largest issued so far at the Open. Men’s doubles players Mike Bryan was fined $10,000 for an “off court” incident after he and brother Bob Bryan lost in the first round. Because Mike Bryan can still appeal the fine, a U.S. Open official said, the nature of the offense would not be disclosed.
Serena Williams was technically still under two-year probation in major tournaments as a result of her obscene outburst during her 2009 U.S. Open semifinal loss to Kim Clijsters.
If Sunday’s incident had been deemed “major,” Serena Williams could have been suspended from the 2012 U.S. Open.
px03E5NnPSU zT234u0oY3cAt least five people, including a four-month-old baby, have been killed after dozens of tornadoes…
Harvey Weinstein has been hospitalized just days after his 2020 rape conviction in New York…
Hamas has published a video showing the first proof of life of US and Israeli…
Prosecutors and Donald Trump’s attorneys delivered opening statements and the first witness was called on…
The House of Representatives has finally approved $61 billion in new US military aid for…
The real estate market in the United States has always been a gauge for economic…