Serena Williams Fined $17,000 Following U.S. Open Controversy

Serena Williams is facing a fine of $17,000 for the three violations she incurred during her loss in the U.S. Open women’s final to Naomi Osaka, USA Today reports.

Osaka defeated Williams 6-2, 6-4 in the U.S. Open final, where Williams was hit with multiple code violations, including a game penalty for verbal abuse.

During the second set, chair umpire Carlos Ramos issued Williams a coaching warning, to which the 23-time grand slam champion become visibly upset and vehemently denied any illegal coaching. Tensions continued to rise when Williams slammed her racket after losing a serve in the fifth game, which prompted Ramos to issue Osaka the first point of the sixth game.

“You will never, ever, ever be on another court of mine as long as you live. You are the liar. When are you going to give me my apology? You owe me an apology. Say it. Say you’re sorry,” Williams then told Ramos. “And you stole a point from me. You’re a thief, too.”

Ramos subsequently served Williams with a game penalty. She called officials to the court to express her frustration over the call, claiming it highlighted a double-standard. The match ultimately went to Osaka.