Repenting diva in action!
After her outburst toward a courtside judge at the U.S. Open, Serena Williams visits Good Morning America to promote her new book and set the record straight.
I “really just lost control,” said Williams. “As a competitor and as someone who’s really passionate about their work, I got a little over-excited.”
The temper tantrum began when the judge ruled that her foot crossed the line during a serve, which resulted in a double fault.
“I feel like taking this [expletive] ball and shoving it down your [expletive] throat,” she shouted as she approached the line judge pointing her finger and throwing out more expletives.
The tennis star was fined $10,000 for Sunday’s rant and penalized the final point in her semifinal match against Kim Clijsters. Depending on the investigation by tournament officials, more punishment may follow.
Serena noted that the call was over a mistake she hadn’t made all year and “I just thought, ‘What’s going on?'” But, she does feel remorse for the judge who did not deserve such aggressive treatment.
Adding, “I felt like I wanted to give her a big hug, obviously after the whole tirade was over. And tell her, you know, ‘I’m sorry.'”
Williams has learned from the lessons of her past and posted an apology on her
“I want to amend my press statement of yesterday, and want to make it clear as possible – I want to sincerely apologize FIRST to the lines woman, Kim Clijsters, the USTA, and tennis fans everywhere for my inappropriate outburst. I’m a woman of great pride, faith and integrity, and I admit when I’m wrong.
I need to make it clear to all young people that I handled myself inappropriately and it’s not the way to act — win or lose, good call or bad call in any sport, in any manner.
I like to lead by example. We all learn from experiences both good and bad. I will learn and grow from this, and be a better person as a result.”
Amen, sister!
[Image via WENN.]
