Sport

Serena Williams could face action after US Open final outburst

Simon Cambers
13 April 2012

Serena Williams could be suspended from next year's US Open after launching another tirade of abuse towards an official in last night's final.

The American was beaten 6-2, 6-3 by Samantha Stosur as the Australian won her first Grand Slam in brilliant style.

But an outburst by Williams at the start of the second set overshadowed Stosur's moment of glory and could prove costly to the 13-times Grand Slam champion. Williams lost her rag at break point down in the first game of the second set when, having hit a forehand that was destined to be a winner, she shouted "come on".

Because she did so before Stosur had a chance to react, the umpire ruled that it was an "intentional hindrance" and handed the point, and therefore a break of serve, to the Australian.

Williams then ranted at the umpire, Eva Asderaki, telling her: "If you ever see me walking down the hall look the other way. You're totally out of control. You're a hater and you're unattractive inside.

"Don't go giving me a code violation, expressing
my opinion. We're in America, last time I checked. Don't even look at me. Don't look my way."

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Williams is still on a two‑year suspended ban for a foul-mouthed outburst towards a lineswoman during her semi-final with Belgian Kim Clijsters here in 2009.

"Any impact this code violation might have on Serena Williams' Grand Slam probation would require the incident being ruled a major event," the USTA said. "That determination will be made by the Grand Slam committee director."

Williams refused to apologise for her actions, claiming she did not even remember what she had said.

"It was just so intense out there," she insisted. "I guess I'll see it on YouTube. I was just in the zone. I think everyone, when they play, they kind of zone out kind of thing."
The 29-year-old did not blame the controversial lost point for her defeat. She added: "It wouldn't have made a difference. I hit a winner but I guess it didn't count. It wouldn't have mattered in the end. Sam played really well."

While the match will inevitably be remembered for Williams' conduct, what cannot be overstated is just how well Stosur played on her first match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The 27-year-old, the first Australian woman to win one of the majors since Evonne Goolagong in 1980, said: "I've played matches where I feel like I can't miss a ball, and it's fantastic, but to do it under these circumstances in this kind of final against a player like Serena make it one of the best days of my career."

Rafael Nadal will be trying to defend his title here later today when he plays world No 1 Novak Djokovic, who has lost just twice this year.

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