NEW YORK – Serena Williams’ profanity-laced, finger-pointing tirade at a US Open linesperson drew a $10,000 fine Sunday, and more punishment could follow from a broader investigation into what the head of the tournament called her “threatening manner.”
The fine – not quite three percent of the $350,000 in prize money Williams earned by reaching the semifinals – is the maximum on-site penalty that can be issued for unsportsmanlike conduct at a Grand Slam tournament.
“The average individual would look at that and say, ‘A $10,000 fine for what she did? What are you guys, crazy?’ The answer is: the process isn’t over,” tournament director Jim Curley said in an interview with The Associated Press.
Bill Babcock, the top administrator for Grand Slam tournaments, will review what happened Saturday night, when Williams yelled at a linesperson who called a foot fault with the defending champion two points away from losing to Kim Clijsters in the semifinals. (AP)