Tennis star Serena Williams has apologized for losing her temper in an outburst at the US Open caught on video. Williams was fined $10,000 for her verbal attack of a line judge during Sunday’s US Open after she was called on a foot fault during the women’s semifinal match against Kim Clijsters.
Video of the Serena Williams foot fault confrontation shows Williams going after a female line judge after the call, cursing and reportedly threatening the woman. Williams certainly does look scary brandishing her racket at the judge – especially since she threw one of her rackets earlier in the match in a fit of temper.
Serena Williams apologized for her behavior in a video interview after the US Open match. She also took to her blog to post an additional apology, saying: “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.”
The International Tennis Federation is investigating the incident and could levy additional fines or suspension on Williams. The best punishment, however, may have already been handed out. Due to her tirade, Williams was charged with a penalty point and thus lost the women’s semifinal match against Kim Clijsters.