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Serena fined $10,000 for Wimbledon court damage
LONDON, July 9, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Seven-time champion Serena Williams has been fined $10,000 for damaging one of the All England Club courts with her racquet, officials said Tuesday.
The 37-year-old American was sanctioned for an incident which took place during a practice session before the tournament got underway.
“The code given is for unsportsmanlike behaviour. The reason is court damage,” a spokeswoman told AFP.
Williams, who reached her 12th Wimbledon semi-final later Tuesday with a hard fought 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 victory over unseeded compatriot Alison Riske, said she was mystified by the fine.
“I guess if you could tell me, I would appreciate it. I mean, I have always been an Avenger in my heart. Maybe I’m super strong, I don’t know,” she said.
Serena returns to Centre Court later in the day to partner Britain’s Andy Murray in the mixed doubles.
BSS/AFP/MMA/2350HRS