Serena unapologetic at sour end to Open
WORLD No2 Serena Williams has vowed to learn from the on-court clash with a lineswoman that snuffed out her hopes of defending the US Open title.
Williams crashed out at the semi-final stage on Saturday night when she was given a point penalty for launching a tirade at the official.
The sanction came as the American served to stay in the match, and instantly handed Belgium’s Kim Clijsters a 6-4, 7-5 victory at Flushing Meadows.
Three-time champion Williams was unrepentant at her part in the confrontation after the controversy, but insisted she would use the experience to her advantage.
“I think that I’ll learn that it pays to always play your best and always be your best and always act your best no matter what,” said the 27-year-old.
“And I think that I’m young and I feel like in life everyone has to have experience that they take and that they learn from. I like to learn from the past, live in the present, and not make the same mistakes in the future.”
Wimbledon champion Williams dismissed suggestions she should have apologised to the official, at whom she gesticulated with her racket.
“An apology for?” she said. “From me? How many people yell at linespeople? Players, athletes get frustrated. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen that happen.”
The 10-time grand slam winner added that she had learned to control her short fuse. “I used to have a real temper, and I’ve got a lot better,” she said.
“So I know you don’t believe me, but I used to be worse. Yes, yes, indeed.”