16 Sep 2009

Serena Williams apologises for outburst

7:26 am on 16 September 2009

Serena Williams has apologised for the abusive and threatening tirade she launched at a line judge during her semi-final loss to the new champion Kim Clijsters at the US Tennis Open.

A dfay after issuing a statement in which she did not offer apologies for Sunday's incident, the 11-time Grand Slam champion came up with an amendment to her comments with another statement, this one containing an apology to the lineswoman, Kim Clijsters, the US Tennis Association and tennis fans.

Despite a five-figure fine, Williams' behaviour is still being investigated by the Grand Slam Committee, and her ultimate fate might not be determined for at least several weeks.

She could be made to pay back her prize money, and a suspension is possible.