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After the U.S Open final and a loss to Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams was hit with what many are calling unfair fines totaling $17,000 for three code violations.
No one is arguing that Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam winner and multimillionaire, can't afford the fines but they are taking exception to them on principle. The fines were broken down to $10,000 for "verbal abuse", $4,000 for coaching, and $3,000 for smashing her racket. The money is said to be deducted from her $1.85 million prize money.
Patrick Mouratoglou, Williams' coach, pointed out the hypocrisy for one of the fines, saying:
I'm honest, I was coaching. I don't think she looked at me so that's why she didn't even think I was but I was, like 100 percent of the coaches in 100 percent of the matches so we have to stop this hypocritical thing.
Mouratoglou pointed out the difference in treatment Rafael Nadal received from Carlos Ramos (the same official):
[Nadal's uncle] Toni's coaching every single point and [Ramos] never gave a warning, so I don't really get it.
Mouratoglou wasn't the only one who didn't get it. Twitter was having a hard time with the hypocrisy.
For her part, Williams carried on the fight for the next in line.
One fan sent out a series of tweets pointing out the difference in how players are treated:
Fans were supporting Williams.
Even tennis legend Billie Jean King weighed in.
Yes, more voices need to do the same.
H/T: The Root, Wall Street Journal