Category: US Open

Serena Williams has recently announced she needed foot surgery to repair the damage done to her foot when she stepped on broken glass at a restaurant. It was confirmed then that the world No.1 would miss three tournaments leading up to the US Open, but the latest news coming out of the mouth of tour spokesman Andrew Walker is that Serena’s appearance at the final Grand Slam of the year is questionable as well.

Serena’s recent tweets tell us she can’t wait to get back to playing tennis:

hi guys! thanks for all the get well wishes. it really means a lot 🙂 can’t wait to get out of bed & back on the courts & do what i do best!

Hey guys I’m doing better. Thanks for all the love.

i am having a tough few days. my mm and friends have been taking good care of me. i hoe to be bak on the our soon. i miss playing…

love my crew taking care o me after surgery notice my dogs sooo cute

(source: ESPN, photo: sr_cranks)

We have the final verdict on Serena Williams’ outburst in the US Open 2009 semifinal – the world No.1 has been fined $175,000 and put on probation for two years.

If she makes further major offences at a Grand Slam in the next two years, she will be suspended from the US Open in 2010, 2011 or 2012. If she makes no major offence during the period mentioned, her fine will be reduced to $82,500.

Williams had already been fined $10,500 for the misconduct which included an expletive-laced rant at the official. It is the biggest fine given to a women’s tennis player since record began in 1990.

The $175,000 fine includes the $10,500 penalty.

Most sources of information now indicate that Serena Williams will be fined as much as 1 million dollars for her misconduct in the 2009 US Open semifinal against Kim Clijsters.

Williams is not likely to be banned from the 2010 Australian Open, but could lose her US Open ranking points and be obliged to give back her US Open prize money. Also, she could be suspended from playing the next US Open.

The ITF’s Grand Slam Committee is expected to announce a final verdict very soon.

Reminder: Williams has already been fined $10,500 for the incident. (source: Women Who Serve, photo: Ralf Reinecke)

Serena Williams was fined $10,500 by officials at the US Open and could face further sanctions for her angry outburst during the semifinal against Kim Clijsters.

Sony Ericsson WTA Tour CEO Stacey Allaster issued a statement in support of the United States Tennis Association’s decision.

Serena Williams’ conduct last night was inappropriate and unprofessional. No matter what the circumstances, no player should be allowed to engage in such behavior without suffering consequences. I have spoken with the USTA about this matter and I agree with the action they have taken.

Pursuant to the Grand Slam Rule Book, the USTA fined Serena the maximum penalty of $10,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and $500 for racquet abuse.

Not formally, but Serena Williams apologized to her fans via a written statement released by her management.

Last night everyone could truly see the passion I have for my job. 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 and as a result 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.

(source: On the Baseline, photo by our reader Colleen)