Get the Insider App A personalized feed, summary mode, and ad-free experience. Download the app Close icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification.
Serena Williams says there's "absolutely a double standard" based on race and gender in tennis.
The 23-time Grand Slam champ says she'd "be in jail" had she acted like Alexander Zverev.
The German star lashed out at a Mexican Open official, slamming his racket on the ump's chair.
Over 3 million people read Morning Brew; you should too Loading Something is loading. Email address By clicking ‘Sign up’, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider as well as other partner offers and accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Serena Williams says that "there is absolutely a double standard" in the world of tennis.
In an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour on Friday, the 23-time Grand Slam champion reflected on the response to Alexander Zverev's recent outburst at the Mexican Open. The top-ranked German star lashed out at an umpire, smashing the official's chair with his racket before getting booted from the tournament.
"I would probably be in jail if I did that," Williams said. "Like, literally, no joke."
Germany's Alexander Zverev smashes his racket on the umpire's chair. Abierto Mexico de Tenis/Handout via REUTERS
Williams has undoubtedly faced harsher punishment for far less serious offenses throughout her illustrious professional tennis career. Most famously, she was issued three penalties — including a point penalty — and a $17,000 fine for speaking out against an umpire and smashing her racket in frustration during the 2018 US Open final against Naomi Osaka.
Though Williams technically broke the rules, tennis fans and experts widely agreed that three violations and a $17,000 fine were excessive. And there's no question that Williams' punishment was not commensurate with those delivered to white male players who have had similar, or worse, outbursts on the court.
The most successful Black woman in tennis history is practically an authority on double standards within her sport.
Williams expresses frustration with the chair umpire during the 2018 US Open final. Danielle Parhizkaran-USA
"You see that when you see other things happening on the tour," Williams said. "Like, wait, if I had done that, hmm."
"But it's okay," she added. "At the end of the day, I am who I am, and I love who I am, and I love the impact that I've had on people. I love the impact that I continue to have on people."
Check out Williams' full response to Amanpour below: