No Serena to Torment US Open Lineswoman

Tsurubuchi is back officiating at the US Open, while Serena has had to pull out because of cuts on her right foot.

At last year’s US Open tennis tournament, line judge Shino Tsurubuchi called a foot fault on Serena Williams during her semi-final against Kim Clijsters. It provoked Serena into a vicious attack on Tsurubuchi. “If I could, I would shove this ball down your throat and kill you,” Serena reportedly said to Tsurubuchi. It was the worst tantrum in tennis history, earning Serena a record fine of $92,500 and a probation period of two years, during which her behaviour would be monitored.  A year later, Tsurubuchi is back officiating at the US Open, while Serena has had to pull out because of cuts on her right foot. US Open organisers said Tsurubuchi “is a world class official and we are confident in her abilities”. The statement continued: “Consistent with US Open officiating assignments, Ms Tsurubuchi will officiate in both men’s and women’s matches, and will rotate through the various on-court officiating positions.” Thankfully, there will be no Serena to make her quake in her shoes.

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Akshay Sawai