Shamil Tarpischev, Russian tennis chief was criticized by Serena Williams for making “insensitive, sexist and racist” remarks. Shamil Tarposchev described Serena and Venus Williams as “the Williams brothers”, during a late night TV show. Tarpischev is the chairman of the Kremlin Cup tournament in Moscow . He has held numerous leading positions in sports administration. Tarpischev was banned by the WTA for a whole year and he was also fined $25,000. Soon after Serena Williams’ reaction to his comments, he made a public apology. Serena declared: “I think the WTA did a great job of taking initiative and taking immediate action to his comments. I thought they were very insensitive and extremely sexist as well as racist at the same time”. Williams added: “I thought they were in a way bullying. […] But the WTA and the USTA (U.S. Tennis Association) did a wonderful job of making sure that, in this day of age, 2014 for someone with his power, it’s really unacceptable to make such bullying remarks.”
The WTA responded promptly after hearing about Shamil Tarpischev’s comments. Chief Stacey Allaster declared: “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. I have ordered Mr. Tarpischev to be fined $25,000, the maximum allowed under WTA rules. In addition, he will be suspended from any involvement with the WTA for one year and we are seeking his removal from his position as Chairman of the Board of the Kremlin Cup for one year. Tarpischev declared that he had not intended to insult Serena and Venus Williams and that his remarks were meant as simple jokes. He pointed out that: “Serena and Venus are without doubt outstanding athletes”.
Maria Sharapova was also displeased with Tarpischev’s comments on Serena and Venus Williams. She declared: “I think they were very disrespectful and uncalled for, and I’m glad that many people have stood up, including the WTA. It was very inappropriate, especially in his position and all the responsibilities that he has not just in sport, but being part of the Olympic committee. It was just really irresponsible on his side”. Serena Williams said that these comments were a very powerful distraction ahead of a favorable end of season finals for her. She was playing for a third straight title. Before the game with Ana Ivanovic, on Monday, she declared: “I wasn’t sure if I would be able to make it to this tournament. But I’m here, and I’m better – I feel better than I did in China. I am just getting better every day hopefully”.