Serena fined $10,500 for semi-final outburst

Serena Williams has been fined 10,500 dollars for her angry outburst at a line judge that ended a US Open semi-final and the incident is being investigated by the Grand Slam Committee.

Serena Williams has been fined 10,500 dollars for her angry outburst at a line judge that ended a US Open semi-final and the incident is being investigated by the Grand Slam Committee.

Volley of abuses: Serena Williams (left) argues with US Open officials after being disqualified for au00a0 foot fault during her women's singles semi-final against Kim Clijsters yesterday. pic/AFP

US Open tournament referee Brian Earley said in a statement Sunday that Williams has been levied the maximum possible fine for unsportsmanlike conduct, 10,000 dollars, plus a 500-dollar fine for racquet abuse.

"The Grand Slam Rule Book also allows for an investigation to be conducted by the Grand Slam Committee administrator to determine if the behavoir of Ms. Williams warrants consideration as a Major Offence, for which additional penalties can be imposed," Earley said.

"This investigation has now begun."

The fine is a mere pittance, even at maximum strength, since Williams received 375,000-dollar for her semi-final run at Flushing Meadows, her matches among the top drawing cards for ticket buyers and television viewers.

US Open officials were reviewing videotapes of Williams confronting a line judge in the bizarre ending to her loss to Belgium's Kim Clijsters.

US television commentator Pam Shriver called for 11-time Grand Slam champion Williams to apologise for threatening the woman.