Serena fined a record $82,000 fine and possible suspension
(November 30, 2009) Finally, after months of speculation, a punishment has been given to WTA World No. 1 Serena Williams’ for her outburst at the U.S. Open earlier this year. She will be fined a record $82,500 for her U.S. Open tirade and could be suspended from that tournament if she has another "major offense" at any Grand Slam in the next two years.
According to the Associated Press, Grand Slam administrator Bill Babcock' said, “Williams faces a "probationary period" at tennis' four major championships in 2010 and 2011. If she has another "major offense" at a Grand Slam tournament in that time, the fine would increase to $175,000 and she would be barred from the following U.S. Open.”
Serena Williams was already fined $10,000 from the U.S. Tennis Association in September -- the maximum onsite penalty a tennis player can face.
The USTA wanted to issue the most appropriate punishment to Serena, one that tennis fans would be satisfied with. Is this record $82,000 fine a fitting penalty for her? With prize-money earnings of more than 6.5 million for 2009, a single-season record for women's tennis, do you feel Serena Williams got off easy or not?
Don’t forget that along with the hefty fine, she is on probation and can possibly face suspension from the U.S. Open if she has another outburst at any Grand Slam for the next two years. Is it possible for Serena to keep her emotions in check for that long?
Let us know what you think in the comments below? We want to hear want you have to say?
Bookmark this page to:
Current rating: 0 (0 ratings)