Tennis sensation Serena Williams has been fined $17,000 for the code violations she received during the U.S. Open final.
During Saturday’s match, which she lost 6-2 6-4 to Japan’s Naomi Osaka, Williams, was handed a coaching violation and a point penalty for breaking her racquet before a heated argument with umpire Carlos Ramos ended with her losing a game.
She reportedly called the umpire a ‘liar’ and a ‘thief’.
The tournament referee’s office fined the former world number one $10,000 for the “verbal abuse” of Ramos, $4,000 for being warned for coaching and $3,000 for smashing her racket.
Williams, who was seeking a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles tile on Saturday, vigorously disputed each of the violations during the match.
She demanded Ramos apologise for handing her a coaching violation and later called the umpire a “thief” for giving her a point penalty.
Serena’s outburst have also got the social media buzzing. Several users have condoned the fine, while others have come to the tennis star’s defence.
‘No one is bigger than the game’
Nobody should be bigger than the game. If the umpire has a record of poor decisions then needs to be looked at but it seems he is a fair official. Serena Williams committed the violations so she should suck it up. #bbcbreakfast
— Erasmo 🇮🇹🇬🇧🇮🇪 (@Erasmo2058) September 10, 2018
One user criticised the WTA for backing Serena’s claims of sexism
Serena Williams covering her acts and using sexism as an excuse doesn’t take away from the codes she violated. The WTA coming out and backing her claims is beyond belief and outright wrong.
— Mac (@MackenzieCFC) September 10, 2018
The entire controversy has left the Osaka’s historic win overshadowed, one user said.
https://twitter.com/AtticusBakelite/status/1039068477733183488
Other came in defence of the tennis star
Many people saying Serena Williams was justly punished. No. She was punished more harshly than a man, as male tennis players have admitted. There is unconscious bias at work here – some expect "better" behaviour from women & that's #EverydaySexism.
— Susanna Reid (@susannareid100) September 10, 2018
.@serenawilliams You are THE epitome of grace and prowess!!! You are an inspiration to all of us. Your purpose to be a leader and a light is a gift to the world!! We love you and thank you for sharing your greatness and spirit ! Congratulations Queen!!! 🔥🔥👏🏽👏🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽✨✨ pic.twitter.com/2DclKRe2Xr
— Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) September 9, 2018