Champion Serena Williams was unrepentant and unapologetic after an ugly outburst towards a lineswoman sealed her defeat in the semi-finals at the US Open on Saturday. The American was beaten 6-4, 7-5 by Belgian Kim Clijsters, a match that finished in controversy when she was given a point penalty at match point down after turning on a lineswoman. Serving at a set down and 5-6 and 15-30 in the second, the world No 2 was foot-faulted on her second serve, giving Clijsters two match points.
That prompted Williams, who had already received a warning after smashing her racket at the end of the first set, to approach the lineswoman. Gesturing at her with her racket outstretched, Williams yelled a volley of abuse towards her, resulting in a point penalty and the loss of the match. "I don't think that's necessary for me to speak about that. I've let it go," Williams said. "I didn't threaten (her). I didn't say ... I don't remember anymore, to be honest. I was in the moment. And, you know, everyone's fighting for every point. It was a really crucial point, 15-30, actually."
When asked if the lineswoman deserved an apology, the second seed could not bring herself to say yes. "An apology? From me? Well, how many people yell at linespeople?" Williams said. "If you look at all the people that kind of yell at linespeople, I think it kind of comes sometimes. Players, athletes get frustrated. I don't know how many times I've seen that happen." Television replays were inconclusive as to whether the foot-fault call was correct but Williams said she would be surprised if she had touched the line.
"All year, I've never been foot-faulted and then suddenly in this tournament they keep calling foot faults," she said. "I haven't been called for a foot fault all year until I got to New York, so maybe when I come to this tournament I have to step two feet back." *Reuters
