ANI

Melbourne, Dec 13: American tennis star Serena Williams has launched an extraordinary attack on officials and former players in a bitter aftermath to her record fine.

Considered by many to be fortunate to escape suspension for abusing a lineswoman at the US Open, Williams claims that the $175,000 fine is excessive, and sexist.

Williams was found guilty by the Grand Slam committee of aggravated behaviour for screaming at the lineswoman: "If I could. I would take this f...ing ball and shove it down your f...ing throat."

According to the Daily Telegraph, the committee had the power to ban Williams but opted to give her a suspended sentence until 2011.

Williams, who earned $6.5 million in 2009, however, believes she has been unfairly singled out.

In her blog for global.grind.com, Williams said John McEnroe and Jeff Tarango had got off lightly for breaches of the sport's code of conduct.

"Cool for 'MEN' I guess. Is it because they are all HEs and not a SHE like me? Being American, I guess, the first amendment, freedom of speech, does not apply to a SHE in this case? In any event, the Grand Slam committee, ITF and its staff did not hesitate to call, send a note, text, nor write letters after this incident. Ironic, is it not? ... I don't mind being fined. If I did wrong I accept the repercussions. All I ask for is to be treated equal," said Williams.