RUSSIAN TENNIS OFFICIAL TARPISCHEV HAS CREATED A MAJOR UPROAR , HE CALLED THE WILLIAMS SISTERS THE WILLIAMS BROTHERS

Written by: Staff on 20th October 2014

RUSSIAN TENNIS OFFICIAL TARPISCHEV HAS CREATED A MAJOR UPROAR , HE CALLED THE WILLIAMS SISTERS THE WILLIAMS BROTHERS

epa04347665 Venus Williams (R) of the US walks past Serena Williams of the US during their semi-final match at the Rogers Cup women tennis tournament in Montreal, Canada, 09 August 2014. EPA/ANDRE PICHETTE |

For the last 30 years, dating back to the days of the Soviet Union and the Cold War, Shamil Tarpischev has not been a man to tangle with. The long standing head of the Russian Tennis Federation is well versed with the corridors of power in the Kremlin and has had the ear of men like Boris Yeltsin and Vladimir Putin. But he will now know not to demean the Williams sisters after a stinging rebuke and $25,000 maximum fine from the WTA.

Tarpischev has also suspended from any involvement with the WTA for the next year after last week making disparaging comments about for questioning Serena and Venus Williams’ gender in comments while appearing on Russian television in the build up to the current WTA Finals in Singapore.

Speaking on Russian State Television on the “Evening Urgant’ program, he conversed with former world no.3 Elena Dementieva, Tarpishchev said : “I was at the Olympics, where Maria Sharapova was in the final, playing with one, with one of the Williams brothers.” He then added they were ‘scary’ to look at.

The WTA responded swiftly and chief executive Stacey Allaster said in a 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.

Venus Williams of the US returns to Serena Williams of the US during their semi-final match at the Rogers Cup women tennis tournament in Montreal, Canada, 09 August 2014. EPA/ANDRE PICHETTE

Serena Williams of the US returns to Venus Williams of the US during their semi-final match at the Rogers Cup women tennis tournament in Montreal, Canada, 09 August 2014. EPA/ANDRE PICHETTE

“Mr. Tarpischev’s statements questioning their genders tarnish our great game and two of our champions. His derogatory remarks deserve to be condemned and he will be sanctioned.”

The condemnation grew. Dave Haggerty, the president and chairman of the United States Tennis Association, demanded a formal apology. “As the president of the Russian Tennis Federation and a member of the International Olympic Committee, Mr. Tarpischev is expected to conduct himself with the highest degree of integrity and sportsmanship,” Haggerty said. “Unfortunately, his comments do not embody either of these traits and in fact were reprehensible.”

Martina Navratilova sent a text message to the New York Times: “Flippant or not, you cannot have an official making this kind of an offhand remark. I think it’s disgraceful, and there should be a serious sanction. This cannot be tolerated.”

Even Maria Sharapova said: “’I think they (Tarpischev’s comments) 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.”

Tarpischev initially maintained his comments were intended to be humorous and insisted the chat show format was intended to be light-hearted. Later, on hearing the WTA were trying to eliminate him as chairman of the Kremlin Cup for one year, he issued a formal statement saying: “I didn’t want to offend any athlete with my words.

“I regret that this joke has garnered so much attention. I don’t think this incident deserves so much fuss. The Williams sisters are outstanding athletes who personify strength and perseverance.”

Serena Williams was unmoved by the apology and termed Tarpischev’s remarks bullying, sexist and racist, adding she supported the one-year suspension. “I think the WTA did a great job of taking (the) initiative and taking immediate action to his comments,” she said in Singapore. ”I thought they were very insensitive and extremely sexist as well as racist at the same time. I thought they were in a way bullying. “

Venus Williams (R) of the US is congratulated by her sister Serena Williams of the US after her win during their semi-final match at the Rogers Cup women tennis tournament in Montreal, Canada, 09 August 2014. EPA/ANDRE PICHETTE

VIA BOB LARSON Tennis News

Topics: Serena Williams, Shamil Tarpischev, Tennis News, Venus Williams, Williams Sisters, Wta

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10sBalls_com says:

October 20, 2014 at 11:34 am

RUSSIAN #TENNIS OFFICIAL TARPISCHEV HAS CREATED A MAJOR UPROAR, HE CALLED THE WILLIAMS SISTERS… http://t.co/NVZZ81IiNy @serenawilliams