The Women Tennis Association has fined Russian Tennis Federation President, Shamil Tarpischev, $25,000, also suspending him for one year from any activity connected with the WTA Tour. Last week, Tarpischev was a guest on a Russian TV program alongside Elena Demetieva and, when the former world number 3 was asked how tough it was to play against the Williams sisters, he interrupted the host and said: “You mean the Williams brothers”.
He then added:
“It’s scary when you look at them, but all you can do is keep playing your game.”
In response, the Chairman and CEO of the WTA, Stacey Allaster, issued the following statement:
“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.
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| Venus and Serena Williams |
The WTA was founded on the principles of equality, opportunity and respect, and Venus and Serena embody all of these attributes. Mr. Tarpischev’s statement questioning their gender tarnishes our great game and two of our champions. His derogatory remarks deserve to be condemned and he will be sanctioned.
“As a result of his comments, 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. His re-instatement will be dependent on good behavior. Mr. Tarpischev’s private letter of acknowledgement is a start. However, Mr. Tarpischev owes Venus and Serena Williams a personal apology, as well as other players and tennis fans everywhere, a public apology.”
Tarspischev is currently also a member of the International Olympic Committee as well as a former Davis and Fed Cup captain and Minister of Sport under Boris Yeltsin`s administration.
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