Serena Williams Slams Russian Tennis Official For Referring Her And Her Sister As "Williams Brothers"

Serena Williams came out swinging against Russian tennis president Shamil Tarpischevfor his “insensitive, sexist and racist” remarks, after Tarpischev referred to Williams and her sister Venus as the “Williams brothers” on a late night television talk show.

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has fined Tarpischev $25,000 for the remarks and banned him from involvement with the women’s tour for one year, according to the BBC. Tarpischev has issued a public apology, claiming it was a “small joke” made with no “malicious intent.”

In a statement, Tarpische, who is also an International Olympic Committee member, said: “I didn't want to offend any athlete with my words. I regret that this joke has garnered so much attention. I don't think this incident deserves so much fuss.”

Williams, who has 18 Grand Slam titles under her belt, disagreed. Speaking to reporters today, Williams slammed Tarpischev for the comments. “I thought they were very insensitive and extremely sexist, as well as racist at the same time,” Williams said, while commending the WTA for their swift action and initiative in responding to Tarpischev’s comments, which she considered “bullying.”

“The WTA and the USTA (U.S. Tennis Association) did a wonderful job of making sure that—in this day of age, 2014 for someone with his power, it's really unacceptable to make such bullying remarks,” Williams said.

WTA chief executive Stacy Allaster said that the comments were “insulting, demeaning and have absolutely no place in our sport.”
Via.vanityfair