NEW YORK - Serena Williams apologized Monday for what she called her "inappropriate outburst" during her semifinal loss to Kim Clijsters at the U.S. Open.
Williams was short on contrition in the post-match news conference after her profanity-laced, finger-pointing tirade at a lineswoman Saturday night - and again in a prepared statement Sunday.
"I want to sincerely apologize FIRST to the lines woman, Kim Clijsters, the USTA and mostly tennis fans everywhere for my inappropriate outburst," Williams' latest statement said.
It was released by the U.S. Tennis Association about a half-hour before Williams and her sister, Venus, played in the women's doubles final, which they won for their 10th Grand Slam title as a team. Given a chance to publicly deliver an apology during the post-match ceremony, Williams declined.
"I'm a woman of great pride, faith and integrity, and I admit when I'm wrong," her written statement said. "I need to make it clear to all young people that I handled myself inappropriately and it's not the way to act - win or lose, good call or bad call in any sport, in any manner. I like to lead by example. We all learn from experiences both good and bad, I will learn and grow from this, and be a better person as a result."
Williams lost her temper after the lineswoman called a foot fault, resulting in a double-fault. That moved Clijsters one point from victory. Williams then was penalized a point for her outburst. Because it happened to come on match point, it ended the semifinal with Clijsters ahead 6-4, 7-5. Clijsters went on to win the championship Sunday.
Williams was fined US$10,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and could face further penalties - including a higher fine and a possible suspension - for what U.S. Open tournament director Jim Curley described as her "threatening manner."
In an interview, Curley also said the tournament considered - and decided against - preventing Williams from participating in the doubles final.
The Williams sisters beat defending champions Cara Black and Liezel Huber 6-2, 6-2 Monday for their first U.S. Open doubles championship since 1999.
Serena Williams apologizes for inappropriate outburst in womens semi
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Published on
September 15, 2009
- Published on December 29, 2009
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The Associated Press ~ staff The News
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Comments
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- Here we go
- - January 18, 2010 at 14:10:46
Wow. All the article talks about is how she apologized for her actions. How could you possibly turn this into a sexist topic. While we're at it we might as well make is racist too. Her actions were uncalled for and she got what she deserved.
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- Becky
- - January 18, 2010 at 12:46:01
Get over it everyone. Serena is talented and if she was a man ESPN would simply play it over and over again on the top 10 plays of the week and dub it entertaining.
Since she is a female and tennis is notorious for promoting only the bad boys like the classic Tarango, Agassi, Connors and McEnroe, of course people are a little more shocked. Does it send a positive message to young people? No, but only time will tell how little girls and boys interpret this. If my daughter saw this I could only hope that she sees the passion for the game and intensity of a female athlete as opposed to seeing her as just some woman who spoke too loudly in the heat of the game.
