Former world No.1 Serena Williams has been docked $17,000 for three code violations she committed during the US Open final on Saturday.
The fine consists of three separate penalties. The 37-year-old has been fined $10,000 for ‘verbal abuse’ of the chair umpire, $4000 for being warned for coaching and $3000 for smashing her racket. The fine will be deducted from her runner-up prize money of $1.85 million.
Williams engaged in a heated argument with the umpire, Carlos Ramos, during a controversy-stricken final between her and Naomi Osaka. During the second set, Williams was issued with a warning for coaching. Something she argued with the official by stating that she ‘would rather lose than cheat.’ Her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, later confirmed that he was coaching from the stands. Using his hand to illustrate that his player should move further inside the court. Although, he insisted that it was never done directly to Williams and that she didn’t see it.
The second warning also resulted in a point penalty for the 23-time grand slam champion. After losing a 3-1 advantage, the American smashed her racket onto the ground. Triggering the penalty in accordance to the rules. Following on from that, Williams later blasted Ramos for the actions he had taken again her.
“You will never, ever, ever be on another court of mine as long as you live. You are the liar. You owe me an apology. You stole a point from me. You’re a thief, too.” Said Williams.
It was after her third outburst where Ramos took the decision to slam Williams with a game penalty. Stunning the New York crowd and resulting in the referee being called onto the court to talk with a furious Williams. Who later accused the umpire of being sexist against her, by arguing that no such action would be taken again a male player.
Osaka won the women’s final 6-2, 6-4, to become the first Japanese player to win a grand slam title at the age of 20.
