Serena Williams has little tolerance for
distasteful insensitivity.
The famed tennis player, 33, and her racket-
swinging sister Venus Williams were the butt of a
joke made by Russian Tennis Federation
president Shamil Tarpischev earlier this month.
When asked on Russia's Evening Urgant talk show
about his experience with the impressive pair,
Tarpischev teased that the two women are
actually the "Williams brothers," as he spoke
about their appearances.

"I thought [his comments] were very insensitive
and extremely sexist as well as racist at the same
time," Serena said this past weekend. "I thought
they were in a way bullying."
The Women's Tennis Association was not fond of
Tarpischev's comments either, and the group
handed down a punishment of a $25,000 fine and
a one-year suspension to Tarpischev.

"I think the WTA did a great job of taking [the]
initiative and taking immediate action to his
comments," Serena said. "In 2014, for someone
with his power, it's really unacceptable to make
such bullying remarks."
Serena also found support in another tennis
heavyweight, as Russian star Maria Sharapova
publicly stood by her side.

"I think they were very disrespectful and
uncalled-for, and I'm glad that many people have
stood up, including the WTA," Sharapova said of
Tarpischev's words. "It was very inappropriate,
especially in his position and all the
responsibilities that he has not just in this sport,
but being part of the Olympic committee. It was
just really irresponsible on his side."
For his part, Tarpischev released a statement
saying his joke was "taken out of humorous
context" when translated into English and was
"said without malice."

ok nah