Serena Williams fined record amount for US Open outburst

The decision has been made. World number one Serena Williams has been fined a record $82,500 for the controversial outburst she made at this year’s US Open.

The ruling was released by Grand Slam administrator Bill Babcock on Monday. According to the ruling, Williams faces a probationary period at the four Grand Slam events next year and by 2011. The fine would increase to $175,000 should Williams commit another major offense in any major event within the period and could be barred from participating in next year’s US Open.

Williams made headlines when she brandished her racket and threatened a lineswoman during her semifinal match at the US Open. A foot-fault call has been called on her serve which gave a match point to her opponent, eventual champion Kim Clijsters. Having incurred a warning earlier in the match, another point was docked which abruptly ended the match with Clijsters clinching the victory.
In a statement, Williams said that she’s “thankful that we now have closure on the incident and we can all move forward.”

“I am back in training in preparation for next season and I continue to be grateful for all of the support from my fans and the tennis community,” she added.

Babcock said that Williams is set to settle the $82,500 fine right now. Williams received a $350,000 paycheck for reaching the US Open semifinals.

The American still ended the season on a high, having won the year-end Sony Ericsson Championships to end the 2009 season as the world number one.

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