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SERENA APOLOGISES, FINALLY
September 15 - In a written
statement to fans posted on USOpen.org, Serena Williams Statement said: “I
want to amend my press statement of yesterday, and want to make it clear as
possible - I want to sincerely apologize FIRST to the lines woman, Kim
Clijsters, the USTA and mostly tennis fans everywhere for my inappropriate
outburst. I'm a woman of great pride, faith and integrity, and I admit when
I'm wrong. 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.” The
incident to which she referred occurred when she was serving at 5-6, 15-30,
against Kim Clijsters in the semi finals. Williams
was called for a foot fault on a second serve, giving Clijsters double match
point, 15-40. The
tirade that Williams unleashed on the baseline judge cost her the match
because she had already acquired a warning earlier on and now incurred a
point penalty. "I
said something and they gave me a point penalty. Unfortunately, it was on
match point," Williams said afterwards. |
"You
know, today was a tough day. I didn't play my best. I think I had more errors
today than all of my other matches combined. "I
think Kim played really well, and I think she came out with a really big
plan. I saw her play in Cincinnati and she played incredible. It's really good
to have her back on tour. Maybe we can get together and have some calming
lessons." And
what about the foot fault? "I'm
pretty sure I did," Williams added. "If she called a foot fault,
she must have seen a foot fault. I mean, she was doing her job. I'm not going
to knock her for doing her job." Clijsters,
who went on to win the title on Sunday night is projected to enter the Top
20. "It's
unfortunate that a match I was playing so well in had to end that way,"
Clijsters said. "I'm
still a little confused about what happened, because I was so focused. The
normal feelings of winning a match weren't quite there, but when everything
sunk in a little bit and what happened got explained to me, it became easier
to understand, not to celebrate, but at least to have a little joy." US
Open Tournament Referee Brian Earley said later: “Miss Williams was assessed
a Code Violation, Warning, for racquet abuse after losing the first set, 6-4. “At
5-6, 15-30, Miss Williams was called for a foot fault on her second serve, making
the score 15-40. She then began yelling at the line umpire using expletives.
The line umpire reported this to the chair umpire. Based on the report, Miss
Williams was assessed a Code Violation, Point Penalty, for Unsportsmanlike
Conduct, thereby ending the match.” Williams
made no apology for behaviour initially, issuing a statement posted on the
WTA website: |
"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." Stacey
Allaster, the new Chairman & CEO, Sony Ericsson WTA Tour also made a
statement: “Serena
Williams' conduct last night was inappropriate and unprofessional. No matter
what the circumstances, no player should be allowed to engage in such
behaviour without suffering consequences. I have spoken with the USTA about
this matter and I agree with the action they have taken. “Serena
is a great player who has done so much for our sport and I am certain she
will continue to be a role model to millions of young women who want to play
the game and excel as Serena has done. As a role model, it's important for a
leader like Serena to step forward and recognize her behaviour last night was
unacceptable, and I believe that her statement earlier today is an
acknowledgement of her responsibility to her fans. Williams
is reported to have been fined $10,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and could
face further penalties. |
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