World number one Serena Williams was irked by what she called as sexist comments from Russian Tennis Federation president Shamil Tarpischev, as the WTA stepped in and issued a stiff sanction on the erring official.
In a report from BBC, World number one Serena Williams slammed the Russian official's sexist comments who earlier called her and sister Venus as "the Williams brothers" during the talk show "Evening Urgant."
Tarpischev then added, "It's frightening when you look at them. But really you just need to play against the ball."
He later said that his comments were meant as a joke.
"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. I just wasn't very happy with his comments. I think a lot of people weren't happy as well," she said.
"But the WTA and the USTA did a wonderful job of making sure that in this day and age, 2014 for someone with his power, it's really unacceptable to make such bullying remarks," world number one Serena Williams added.
The Russian official's sexist comments resulted to a fine of $25,000 and a ban of one year from the women's tennis tour.
In a statement published on ESPN, WTA Tour CEO Stacey Allaster said that the Russian official's sexist comments are "insulting, demeaning and have absolutely no place in our sport."
"Mr. Tarpischev's statements questioning their genders tarnish our great game and two of our champions. His derogatory remarks deserve to be condemned and he will be sanctioned.''
Allaster said that they could not really impose a stiffer fine since the $25,000 is the most allowed under the rules. But they are seeking to remove Tarpischev altogether from the sport.
World number one Serena Williams' rival, Maria Sharapova, also slammed Tarpischev's sexist comments.
"I think they were very disrespectful and uncalled for, and I'm glad that many people have stood up, including the WTA. It was very inappropriate, especially in his position and all the responsibilities that he has not just in sport, but being part of the Olympic committee. It was just really irresponsible on his side," Sharapova said.
