Serena Williams fined at US Open: Is it sexism?

Serena Williams fined at US Open: Is it sexism?

The 36-year-old was handed a code violation for 'coaching', a penalty point for racquet abuse, and a game penalty for calling the umpire a "liar and a thief" and insisting "you owe me an apology".

Serena Williams
Photo: AFP Serena Williams of the United States argues with referee Brian Earley during her Women's Singles finals match of the 2018 US Open against Naomi Osaka of Japan.

Serena Williams insisted she was not cheating in the US Open final on Saturday before accusing the sport which has made her a global icon and multi-millionaire of sexism.

Breakfast's Martin Bester feels Serena Williams wasn't entirely wrong:

However, the final was overshadowed by the American's angry and tear-filled tirade in the second set.

READ ALSO: Serena fined $17,000 after US Open final outburst

It has already been dubbed 'The Mother of all Meltdowns' by the New York Daily Post.

"He alleged that I was cheating, and I wasn't cheating," Serena Williams told reporters.

"I've seen other men call other umpires several things. I'm here fighting for women's rights and for women's equality."

READ ALSO: Serena: 'I am not a cheat', accuses tennis of 'sexism'

Williams has been fined more than R259,000 for the code violations, and Martin Bester is asking whether this is sexism, as male tennis players have been known to get away with a lot worse.

Show's Stories