Should Serena WIlliams be given a ban for her latest US Open outburst?
Should WIlliams be given a ban for her second US Open outburst
Serena Williams' latest US Open outburst spoilt what should have been remembered as a remarkable achievement, but should it result in her being banned?
Williams was clear favourite going into the final but was blown away by Sam Stosur in the first set and was struggling to hold serve in the second when the controversy began.
Having saved one break point with an ace, Williams crunched a forehand on the second and let out a huge cry of 'come on' - but before Stosur had touched the ball.
Under grand slam rules, a deliberate hindrance, such as an intentional shout during a point, sees the perpetrator lose the point, and that was the action the umpire took.
A furious Williams harangued the umpire Eva Asderaki, asking her: "Aren't you the one who screwed me over last time?" and continued to insult the official at the next change of ends, calling her "out of control", a "hater" and "unattractive inside".
Repeat offender
The 'last time' Williams referred to was two years ago when she lost to Kim Clijsters after being given a point penalty for abusing a lineswoman that condemned her to defeat - the umpire then was Louise Engzell.
Williams is a great champion, a 13-time grand slam winner, but her behaviour on Sunday night was not what a champion of the sport should behave like on court - regardless of the circumstances.
The fact she also said "I never complain" despite being on a suspended two-year ban for the incident at Flushing Meadows against Clijsters shows just how thick the red mist was that descended around her yet again.
Williams is unlikely to get a ban, with instead a hefty fine probably coming her way, but should she be given a suspension to teach her a lesson?
Some great names in tennis have come with fiery tempers though, and crowds love characters who prove their determination to win at all costs, but then again this was in the US Open final, which will now only be known for her outburst instead of the great achievement of Sam Stosur.
Surely that is not what USTA officials want from their flagship event, and as this is not the first time for Williams then should she pay the price by being given a ban of some sort?
What do you think? Was Williams' outburst justified, or should she be given a ban for her actions? Let us know your thoughts using the feedback form below.
