NEW YORK - Serena Williams made a triumphant return to Arthur Ashe Stadium yesterday, teaming with sister Venus to win the US Open women’s doubles championship two days after her singles quest ended in a profanity-laced tirade.
Then she turned the lens on herself, issuing an unequivocal apology to the lineswoman whose foot-fault call sent her into a rage one point from defeat in Saturday’s semifinal; to Kim Clijsters, her opponent, who went on to win the singles; to the US Tennis Association; and to tennis fans.
While Williams said she didn’t think her foot had touched the line on the critical point, she added, “Looking back on it, I think the lady did the best that she could.’’
On Sunday, Serena was fined $10,500 for the outburst (and for smashing her racket in the match). The sport’s governing body for Grand Slam events is investigating whether further penalties are warranted.
Shortly before the doubles final, in which the sisters routed the world’s No. 1 team, Cara Black and Liezel Huber, 6-2, 6-2, Williams issued a second statement about the controversy. Unlike her initial one, yesterday’s included an explicit apology and an admission of wrongdoing. It read in part:
“I want to sincerely apologize first to the lineswoman, Kim Clijsters, the USTA, and mostly tennis fans everywhere for my inappropriate outburst.’’
