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Williams wishes she could give line judge a hug
2009-09-14
NEW YORK - After two days to think about it, Serena Williams wishes she could give the line judge she yelled at "a big ol' hug." Williams teamed with sister Venus on Monday to win the U.S. Open doubles title with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Cara Black and Liezel Huber. At the post-match news conference, she discussed her outburst Saturday. After being called for a foot fault toward the end of her match against Kim Clijsters, she directed a profanity-laced tirade at the line judge that led to a point penalty that ended the match. Williams was fined $10,000 on Sunday and issued a written apology Monday, a day after coming out with a different, less-contrite statement. In the news conference, she said the line judge was only doing her job. Asked what she'd do if she saw the line judge again, Williams replied: "I'd like to give her a big ol' hug and put it all behind us like I have. Move on from it like I have and just learn." Before that, Williams was interviewed on the court by Patrick McEnroe, who asked if there was anything she wanted to say to the crowd of a few thousand at Arthur Ashe Stadium. "I think I said it all," Williams replied. "I love my fans. Most of all, I'm really excited to be here and play another match with Venus and, thank you, Venus, for allowing us to win today." McEnroe tried again, asking Serena what "clicked in your head" to compel her to come out with her apology Monday. But before he could get the whole question out, the fans started booing and her big sister interrupted. "I think what the crowd is saying is, `Patrick, let's move on,'" Venus said.
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