The No.1-ranked female tennis player has criticized Shamil Tarpischev for making 'extremely sexist, racist and bullying' comments after he described her and her sister Venus 'scary' to look at.
- Oct 20, 2014
AceShowbiz - Serena Williams has slammed Russian Tennis Federation president, Shamil Tarpischev, for making "extremely sexist, racist and bullying" remarks on her and her sister Venus Williams. On Sunday, October 19 at a press conference for WTA Finals in Singapore, Serena responds to Shamil's comments, "I think the WTA did a great job of taking initiative and taking immediate action to his comments."
"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," she added, "I've done the best that I can do, and that's all I can say. So I just wasn't very happy with his comments. I think a lot of people weren't happy as well... But the WTA and the USTA did a wonderful job of making sure that - in this day of age, 2014, for someone with his power, it's really unacceptable to make such bullying remarks."
Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova also spoke out against Shamil's remarks. "I think they were very disrespectful and uncalled for and I'm glad that many people have stood up, including the WTA," Maria said, "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."
Shamil was fined $25,000 and banned by WTA for a year after referring to Serena and Venus as the "William brothers" during an appearance on Russian State TV talk show on Friday. At that time, Shamil also said of the sisters, "It's scary when you really look at them." His comments were then condemned by WTA and USTA.
WTA chief executive Stacy Allaster said the comments were "insulting, demeaning and have absolutely no place in our sport." He added, "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."
Shamil, who is also a member of the International Olympic committee, then issued an apology in a statement, "I didn't want to offend any athlete with my words. I regret that this joke has garnered so much attention. I don't think this incident deserves so much fuss." He added the Williams sisters were "outstanding athletes" who personified "strength and perseverance."
