US Open: $17,000 fine: Serena Williams fined after final scandal

Serena Williams has been fined 17,000 dollars (14,700 euros) for her losses in the US Open final.

According to the Grand Slam tournament referee’s office in Flushing Meadows, the American was punished for three offences after her defeat against Japanese Naomi Osaka: insulting chair referee Carlos Ramos ($10,000), illicit coaching ($4,000) and breaking her bat ($3,000).

After the Portuguese Ramos warned her about illegal coaching at the beginning of the second set, Williams attacked him verbally: “I’m not cheating to win. I’d rather lose.” A short time later, out of frustration, she destroyed her bat, received her second warning and thus a points deduction. “You owe me an apology,” she yelled at Ramos and called him a “thief” and a “liar.”

After the match, Williams accused the referee of sexism. The fine will be deducted from Williams’ $1.85 million in the final.