Serena apologises for rant

Williams: Lost her cool

I want to amend my press statement of yesterday and want to make it clear as possible - I want to sincerely apologise first to the lineswoman, Kim Clijsters, the US Tennis Association and mostly tennis fans everywhere for my inappropriate outburst.

Serena Williams
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Serena Williams has made a full and frank apology for verbally abusing a line judge at the US Open.

Williams launched her stunning tirade when foot-faulted on a second serve at 15-30 down in the 12th game of the second set of her semi-final with Kim Clijsters on Saturday to hand the Belgian match point.

Having already been warned for racquet abuse earlier in the contest, Williams was then given a point penalty for her behaviour to bring an end to the contest in controversial circumstances.

She has since apologised, but until Monday she had not said sorry to the line judge at the centre of the row.

"I want to amend my press statement of yesterday and want to make it clear as possible - I want to sincerely apologise first to the lineswoman, Kim Clijsters, the US Tennis Association and mostly tennis fans everywhere for my inappropriate outburst," Williams said.

"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."

Williams and her sister Venus, meanwhile, are due out on court to play in the US Open women's doubles final later on Monday.