Serena says sorry for rant
Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:48
Williams had issued a statement on Sunday night regarding her controversial exit from the women’s singles grand slam 24 hours previously, but it had not contained any form of an apology for her actions which had led to a second code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct.
“I want to amend my press statement,” the new release by Williams began, “and want to make it clear as possible – I want to apologise FIRST to the lineswoman, Kim Clijsters, the USTA and mostly tennis fans everywhere for my inappropriate outburst.”
The release continued: “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 initial statement issued by Williams came in the wake of being handed the maximum permissible on-site fine of USD$10,000 by US Open officials.
In her singles semi-final with Clijsters, her tirade at the line judge had come following an earlier code violation for racquet abuse at the end of the first set. That violation also earned Williams a $500 fine, although the second seed and defending champion earned $350,000 as a losing semi-finalist.
Williams could be in for further sanctions, possibly a suspension from future grand slams or the loss of her prize money from this year’s US Open, as the matter has been passed on for further investigation.
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