Russian tennis chief Shamil Tarpischev referred to the American’s as “the Williams brothers”.
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World number one Serena Williams has slammed Russian Tennis Federation president Shamil Tarpischev for making “sexist, racist and bullying” comments about her and her sister Venus.
Tarpischev referred to the American’s as “the Williams brothers” on a chat show on Russian state television on Friday.
He was fined £15,500 and given a one-year ban from the women’s tour for comments he described as a “joke”.
“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,” Williams told reporters in Singapore.
“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.
Tapischev said 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.”
Serena, 33, has won 18 grand-slam title, while 34-year-old Venus was won eight.
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