Serena Williams’ outburst in the women’s championship match was the talk of the U.S. Open Sunday, and the tennis star could dace further consequences yet.
Williams was docked a point early in the second set against Samantha Stosur – who won 6-2, 6-3 – after shouting “Come on!!!” as encouragement to herself.
That’s typically standard, but because she yelled before the point was over, she was penalized … and then LOST IT at the umpire for evoking the “hindrance rule.”
Watch Williams’ U.S. Open outburst here:
“If you ever see me walking down the hall, look the other way because you’re out of control,” Serena said. “You’re a hater and you’re unattractive inside.”
It is worth noting that Williams, who infamously lost a match by virtue of a pair of code violations in her 2009 semifinal meltdown, did not use any profanity.
Nevertheless, she ranted to the point where a referee will pass along the findings of the investigation to the Tournament Grand Slam Committee.
That board will decide what discipline, if any, is appropriate. Fines are all but a given; Worst case is she could be banned from future tournaments.
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal play for the men’s title today at 4 p.m.
UPDATE: Officials just fined Serena $2,000 for the outburst, deeming that “Williams’ conduct … does not rise to the level of a major offense.”
Evidently not. Her runner-up prize? $1.4 million. So that’s that.