Russian official fined for gender jibe at Serena Williams and Venus Williams
The WTA said it has fined Russian Tennis Federation President Shamil Tarpischev US$25,000 over a comment questioning the gender of sisters Serena and Venus Williams.
WTA chief executive Stacey Allaster blasted the remarks made on a late-night chat show, which according to translations circulated on English-language social media included referring to the US superstars as the "Williams brothers".
"The statements made by Shamil Tarpischev on Russian television with respect to two of the greatest athletes in the history of women's tennis are insulting, demeaning and have absolutely no place in our sport," Allaster said.
The WTA was founded on the principles of equality, opportunity and respect, and Venus and Serena embody all of these attributes
Officials of the worldwide women's tennis tour said that the US$25,000 fine is the maximum allowed under their rules.
They are also banning Tarpischev for one year from involvement with the tour and are seeking his removal as chairman of the Kremlin Cup tournament for a year.
The 2014 edition of the combined men's and women's tournament in Moscow is underway this week.
"The WTA was founded on the principles of equality, opportunity and respect, and Venus and Serena embody all of these attributes," Allaster said.