Serena slams 'sexist, racist' slur from Russian boss

Published October 19, 2014
World number one Serena Williams of the US attends a press conference ahead of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) championships in Singapore on October 19, 2014. — Photo by AFP
World number one Serena Williams of the US attends a press conference ahead of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) championships in Singapore on October 19, 2014. — Photo by AFP
World number one Serena Williams of the US attends a press conference ahead of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) championships in Singapore on October 19, 2014. — Photo by AFP
World number one Serena Williams of the US attends a press conference ahead of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) championships in Singapore on October 19, 2014. — Photo by AFP
In this April 16, 2013 file photo, Russia's team captain Shamil Tarpischev speaks during a news conference prior to the Fed Cup match between Russia and Slovakia in Moscow, Russia. — File photo by AP
In this April 16, 2013 file photo, Russia's team captain Shamil Tarpischev speaks during a news conference prior to the Fed Cup match between Russia and Slovakia in Moscow, Russia. — File photo by AP

SINGAPORE: World number one Serena Williams lashed out at “sexist and racist” comments from the head of Russian tennis Sunday after he jokingly called her and her sister Venus the “Williams brothers”.

Williams applauded swift action from the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), which fined Russian federation chief Shamil Tarpischev $25,000 and banned him from tennis for a year.

“Well I think the WTA did a really great job in taking initiative and immediately taking actions,” Williams told reporters ahead of the WTA Finals in Singapore.

“His comments, I thought, were very insensitive, I thought they were extremely sexist as well as racist at the same time, and I thought they were in a way bullying.

“I just wasn't very happy with his comments and I think a lot of people are unhappy as well. “Tarpischev, a vastly experienced coach and administrator, has apologised for the comment which he made on a Russian chat show and which drew a furious reaction when translated into English.

WTA chief Stacey Allaster said his words were “insulting, demeaning and have absolutely no place in our sport”.

Russia's Maria Sharapova, the world number two who is also in Singapore for the season finale, also criticised her fellow countryman for his “very inappropriate” comments.

“I think they were very disrespectful and uncalled for, and I'm glad that many people have stood up, including the WTA,” Sharapova told reporters.

“It was very inappropriate, especially in his position and all the responsibilities that he has not just in sport, but being part of the Olympic committee. It was just really irresponsible on his side.“

In his apology, Tarpischev called the Williams sisters, who have 25 Grand Slam titles between them, “outstanding athletes” but he played down the significance of his off-the-cuff remark.

“I'm sorry that the joke which was taken out of context and attracted so much attention,” he said. “I think this story does not deserve the attention it is receiving. Everything that I said on TV was said without malicious intent.“

Serena Williams is headlining this week's WTA Finals, where she is hoping to become the first woman to win the year-end trophy three years in a row.

She said she was now back hitting balls in practice and hoped to be injury-free after withdrawing from this month's China Open with a knee problem.

“I feel okay. I wasn't sure that I would make it to this tournament, but I am here and I feel better than China,” Williams said. “I am just getting better every day. “

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
Updated 19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...