Williams Fined for Verbal Outburst At U.s. Open

Tennis ace Serena Williams has been fined $2,000 (£1,250) for verbally lashing out against an umpire at the U.S. Open during her match on Sunday (11Sep11).

Williams shouted at the presiding referee after what she thought was a poor call, and, in the midst of passion, she blasted the official as a "hater", who was "unattractive inside".

The remarks were captured on camera and went viral, prompting bosses atthe Tournament Grand Slam Committee to launch an investigation into the incident and review the star's behaviour.

And on Monday (12Sep11), Williams, who earned a grand total of $1.4 million (£875,000) during the tournament, was slapped on the wrist witha small fine.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Tennis Association says, "Williams' conduct... does not rise to the level of a major offence".

Williams went on to lose the match against her opponent Samantha Stosurin straight sets.

It's not the first time her temper has landed her in trouble in New York - Williams was fined $82,500 (£51,500) for a foul-mouthed tirade during her 2009 semi-final defeat by Kim Clijsters.