New York - Serena Williams was handed a 10,500-dollar fine Sunday for the obscene outburst against a lineswoman that got her defaulted on a point penalty from her US Open semi-final Saturday against Kim Clijsters. While trying to calm the waters under what was surely pressure from the WTA and Open officials, the US player stopped well short of making an apology.
"Last night everyone could truly see the passion I have for my job," she said in a statement. "Now that I have had time to gain my composure, I can see that while I don't agree with the unfair line call, in the heat of battle I let my passion and emotion get the better of me.
"As a result, I handled the situation poorly. I would like to thank my fans and supporters for understanding that I am human, and I look forward to continuing the journey, both professionally and personally, with you all as I move forward and grow from this experience."
Williams was accused of threatening the lineswoman, who called a foot fault that gave a match point to Clijsters in their drama-packed semi.
"The maximum permissible on site-fine of 10,000 dollars has been levied for unsportsmanlike conduct against Serena Williams for her on-court behaviour during the women's semi-final," a statement from US Open officials read.
"Ms Williams also will be fined 500 dollars for racket abuse, which took place at the end of the first set of the same match."
WTA chief Stacey Allaster condemned the incident, calling Williams' behavior "inappropriate and unprofessional."
"No matter what the circumstances, no player should be allowed to engage in such behavior without suffering consequences," Allaster said. "I have spoken with the USTA about this matter, and I agree with the action they have taken."
She then praised Williams as a role model, adding: "It's important for a leader like Serena to step forward and recognize her behavior last night was unacceptable. I believe that her statement earlier today is an acknowledgement of her responsibility to her fans."
