Serena Williams has escaped suspension again after her extended tantrum on Sunday during her losing U.S. Open final.Williams was fined $2,000 by Open tournament director Brian Earley on Monday for the verbal abuse of chair umpire Eva Asderaki, which was deemed a code violation on the court. Williams was angered by Asderaki’s decision to cede a key point to Samantha Stosur for “hindrance,” because WIlliams screamed, “Come on,” before the ball reached Stosur.
“This fine is consistent with similar offenses at Grand Slam events,” the USTA said in a statement.
Trailing Stosur 15-40 in the second set, Williams ripped a forehand and let loose her shout. However Asderaki ruled her scream came while Stosur was reaching for her backhand, so the point wasn’t finished and Stosur was awarded a point by Asderaki in accordance with the hindrance rule.
That set Williams off. She blasted the umpire in a scene that was reminiscent of – but not quite as intense – as her tirade on the same court two years ago.
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