Williams outburst could have repercussions as US Open investigates

Sep 12, 2011, 1:45 GMT

New York - Serena Williams could face another disciplinary action from the US Open as early as Monday after officials confirmed they are reviewing her rude outburst directed at the chair umpire during a losing final to Samantha Stosur.

The seething American was issued with a code violation in the first game of the second set and then began ranting at Greek official Eva Asderaki during the ensuing changeover.

'Tournament referee Brian Early is presently reviewing this incident on tape and also will have further discussions with the chair umpire to determine whether this code violation will result in a fine, and, if so, the level of that fine,' said the tournament in a statement.

Williams, who was fined nearly 100,000 dollars for a 2009 semi-final explosion in which she bodily threatened and cursed at a Japanese lineswoman who called her for a foot fault, suffered another New York meltdown as she lost to Stosur 6-2, 6-3 in 73 minutes.

After dropping the opening set, the smouldering Williams bared her fangs as she lit into Asderaki who had ruled a point penalty as Williams yelled 'c'mon' after a shot as Stosur prepared to hit a return, a clear violation of Rule 26.

After losing the game - and her serve - to start the set, the snarling Williams then turned up the volume.

'If you ever see me in the hallway, look the other way,' she told the stunned chair on the changeover. 'You're a hater and unattractive inside.'

Williams has only just finished serving a two-year probation for her 2009 altercation with the lineswoman.

Open officials said that if this latest incident is judged 'major' then further action besides a fine could come into the equation. 'That determination will be made by the Grand Slam committee director (of the International Tennis Federation),' the statement said.

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