Serena Williams Fined $17,000 For U.S. Open Controversy

After yesterday’s controversy with the umpire during the U.S. Open, Serena Williams be fined $17,000 for three separate code violations.

Williams will be fined $4,000 for a coaching violation, $3,000 for smashing her racquet, and $10,000 for verbal abuse towards the umpire.

On Saturday, Serena was penalized during the tennis tournament’s final against Naomi Osaka after the umpire accused her of receiving coaching from the sidelines.

Williams ended up taking a 3-2 lead in the set when Ramos again warned Williams about a potential coaching violation. This prompted Williams to address him. “I’ve never cheated in my life,” Williams said. “You owe me an apology.” In turn, Ramos gave Williams a one-game penalty for verbal abuse which knocked her down 5-3. Williams then called Ramos a thief.
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Williams continued to argue that it was not fair that she be accused of cheating and mentioned that tennis officials had done that before as she held back tears. After the match, Williams refused to shake hands with Ramos and suggested he needed to apologize again.

After the tournament, Williams’ coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, admitted to coaching after the match, but said he didn’t think Serena was paying attention to him.

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While Williams was upset with the umpire, she was overjoyed that Osaka took home her first U.S. Open final. When Osaka was announced the winner, the audience booed her, but Williams came to her defense.
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“I just want to tell you guys she played well and this is her first Grand Slam,” Williams said, as cheers erupted. ” … Let’s give everyone the credit where credit is due, and let’s not boo anymore. We’re going to get through this and let’s be positive. So congratulations, Naomi! No more booing!” Osaka became the first Japanese woman to win a Grand Slam Final.

Serena Williams has to pay for the fines out of her $1.85 Million tournament winnings.