Serena Williams fined $17K for rules violations at US Open

Serena Williams was fined $ 17,000 for three warnings she received in the US Open final on Saturday, marked by her rage against the referee she described as a "thief", according to the report fines established by the tournament.

In her lost final against Japan's Naomi Osaka (6-2, 6-4), the American was warned for "coaching", "smashing her racket" and then "verbal abuse". The first is worth $ 4,000 fine, the second $ 3,000 and the third $ 10,000.

It all started when Serena received a first warning for "coaching", banned in the match, at the beginning of the second set, at 1-0, 40-15, Osaka service.

Then, Had followed muscular arguments between Serena and chair umpire, the Portuguese Carlos Ramos, who had gradually become envenomed.

"I don’t cheat to win, I’d rather lose," defended the younger Williams sisters at once.

"You owe me an apology," she told him. "I've never cheated in my life. I have a daughter and I stand for what's right." 

It was after a second warning for smashing her racket after being unraveled, which earned her a penalty point, that Serena got out of her hinges.

"You attack me, you’re wrong, you will never play one of my matches again, you owe me an apology, you’re a liar," she said.

"You are a thief, you stole a point from me," she said. It was then that the Portuguese referee inflicted a third warning, synonymous with penalty play, a rare sanction at this level.

Two games later, the American star bowed in confusion and saw her dream to equal the absolute record of Grand Slam titles, fly away.

The WTA issued the following statement:

"Congratulations to both Naomi and Serena for reaching the final at the 50th anniversary of the US Open and to Naomi for winning her first Grand Slam title. They both played superb tennis throughout the US Open.

"There are matters that need to be looked into that took place during the match. For tonight, it is time to celebrate these two amazing players, both of whom have great integrity.

"Naomi is a deserving champion and Serena at all times plays with class and makes us proud."

US Open officials released a statement after the match that read, in part: "The chair umpire's decision was final and not reviewable by the Tournament Referee or the Grand Slam Supervisor who were called to the court at that time."

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