Serena Williams has slammed a Russian Tennis official over some of his remarks which she said were “insensitive,” “sexist” and “racist.”
Serena and Venus Williams are popularly known as the William's Sisters, and between them, they have 25 Grand Slam singles titles, several doubles, with Serena being the current world #1 tennis champion. And to think someone would just so casually insult their efforts because they're black and women? SMH...
Shamil Tarpischev, referred to Venus and Serena Williams as the "Williams Brothers" on a Russian TV Chat show, adding, “it’s scary when you really look at them."
The head of the Russian Tennis Federation has been suspended for a year and fined $25,000 by the Russian Women’s Tennis Association.
Serena Williams, who was in Singapore on Sunday at the WTA Tour Finals, commended them for disciplining him, the Washington Post reports.
“I think the WTA did a great job of taking initiative and taking immediate action to his comments. I thought they were very insensitive and extremely sexist as well as racist at the same time. I thought they were in a way bullying. ”
Tarpischev, a member of the International Olympic Committee, has released a statement where he said the comments were a “joke” with no "malicious intent", according to the BBC.
“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.”
Tarpischev added the Williams sisters are "outstanding athletes" who "personify strength and perseverance".
Women's Tennis Association (WTA) chief executive Stacy Allaster said the comments were "insulting, demeaning and have absolutely no place in our sport".
Photo Credit - ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/Getty Images
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