WTA bans Russia tennis chief for 'Williams brothers' jibe

Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) chief executive Stacy Allaster said the comments were "insulting, demeaning and have absolutely no place on our sport".

WTA bans Russia tennis chief for 'Williams brothers' jibe

(Reuters)





Allaster 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.

"As a result of his comments I have ordered Mr. Tarpischev to be fined $25,000, the maximum allowed under WTA rules."

She added that he would be suspended from any involvement with the WTA for a year.

World number one Serena Williams has won 18 grand slam singles titles while her sister Venus has won seven majors.

Dave Haggerty, president of the United States Tennis Association, called on Tarpischev to issue an apology.

"As the president of the Russian Tennis Federation and a member of the International Olympic Committee, Mr. Tarpischev is expected to conduct himself with the highest degree of integrity and sportsmanship," Haggerty said in a statement.

"Unfortunately, his comments do not embody either of these traits and in fact were reprehensible."





(Reporting by Peter Rutherford in Seoul; Editing by Nick Mulvenney)


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