catlover79
09-13-2009, 07:46 PM
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,26069480-23216,00.html
From correspondents in New York, New York
September 14, 2009 Serena Williams has been fined $US10,500 ($A12,000) for her angry outburst at a line judge in her US Open semi-final, but the incident is still being investigated by the grand slam committee.
US Open tournament referee Brian Earley said in a statement that Williams has been levied the maximum possible fine for unsportsmanlike conduct, US$10,000, plus a $US500 fine for racquet abuse.
"The grand slam rule book also allows for an investigation to be conducted by the grand slam committee administrator to determine if the behaviour of Ms Williams warrants consideration as a Major Offence, for which additional penalties can be imposed," Earley said.
"This investigation has now begun."
The fine is a mere pittance, even at maximum strength, since Williams received $US375,000 ($A434,000) for her semi-final run at Flushing Meadows, her matches among the top drawing cards for ticket buyers and television viewers.
US Open officials were reviewing videotapes on Sunday of Williams confronting a line judge in the bizarre ending to her loss to Clijsters.
Both Williams and match umpire Louise Engzell were interviewed by Earley before they left for home Saturday night.
US television commentator Pam Shriver called for 11-time grand slam champion Williams to apologise for threatening the woman who called a foot fault upon the reigning champion to give Clijsters two match points.
Williams reacted by walking toward the woman who made the call, waving her racquet before her, and launching into a profanity-tinged tirade that led to an unsportsmanlike conduct violation.
Because Williams had already received a warning after smashing her racquet following the last point of the first set, the penalty point she was assessed handed Clijsters a berth in Sunday's final.
Agence France-Presse
From correspondents in New York, New York
September 14, 2009 Serena Williams has been fined $US10,500 ($A12,000) for her angry outburst at a line judge in her US Open semi-final, but the incident is still being investigated by the grand slam committee.
US Open tournament referee Brian Earley said in a statement that Williams has been levied the maximum possible fine for unsportsmanlike conduct, US$10,000, plus a $US500 fine for racquet abuse.
"The grand slam rule book also allows for an investigation to be conducted by the grand slam committee administrator to determine if the behaviour of Ms Williams warrants consideration as a Major Offence, for which additional penalties can be imposed," Earley said.
"This investigation has now begun."
The fine is a mere pittance, even at maximum strength, since Williams received $US375,000 ($A434,000) for her semi-final run at Flushing Meadows, her matches among the top drawing cards for ticket buyers and television viewers.
US Open officials were reviewing videotapes on Sunday of Williams confronting a line judge in the bizarre ending to her loss to Clijsters.
Both Williams and match umpire Louise Engzell were interviewed by Earley before they left for home Saturday night.
US television commentator Pam Shriver called for 11-time grand slam champion Williams to apologise for threatening the woman who called a foot fault upon the reigning champion to give Clijsters two match points.
Williams reacted by walking toward the woman who made the call, waving her racquet before her, and launching into a profanity-tinged tirade that led to an unsportsmanlike conduct violation.
Because Williams had already received a warning after smashing her racquet following the last point of the first set, the penalty point she was assessed handed Clijsters a berth in Sunday's final.
Agence France-Presse