Seems like a big fine for a minor incident, especially since the call was BS.
But to threaten to shove a tennis bowl down the referee’s f-cking mouth is a bit over the top.
I do not agree. She should have been suspended for her outrageous outburst. Her outburst was unprecendented. She appeared to be ready to attack the line judge.
The call was cheesy, and should not have been made at that point unless it was a gross violation. But it was the worst profanity-ridden threatening outburst I have ever seen in tennis. She made McEnroe look like a choir boy.
I didn’t consider it a minor incident, she threatened the line judge and I don’t believe even McEnroe ever did that, she should have been suspended, IMO.
Replay confirmed it was a foot fault, which was her second. It just happened to be on match point. Tough luck, Serena.
But regardless of the call, Serena was far and above way out of line to say to the line judge, "I swear to God I'm [expletive] going to take this [expletive] ball and shove it down your [expletive] throat, you hear that? I swear to God." (according to ESPN)
That is not a minor incident. Serena should count herself lucky she was not thrown out of the USTA.
Her outburst was a direct physical threat to the line judge. This can’t be tolerated in any professinal sport.
The tournement director should have had security remove her from the event.
If it were up to me she would be OUT OF TENNIS for a year. Possibly for life if she did not publicly appologize for her actions.
I don’t recall similar treatment for McEnroe.
The call was correct albeit at an unfortunate time. The punishment was a slap on the wrist — she should’ve lost all earnings from the US Open and been DQ’ed from the Australian Open.