• Tennis

Tarpischev told to apologise for 'Williams brothers' jibe

Shamil Tarpischev's original reaction to the Williams sisters comment was "I can't comment [because] I don't understand it" © AP

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Russian Tennis Federation president Shamil Tarpischev has been forced to apologise for describing the Serena and Venus Williams as "brothers" and describing them as "scary" to look at.

The Women's Tennis Association handed Tarpischev a one-year ban and a £15,500 fine, while the International Tennis Federation came under fire for failing to act on the comments.

Martina Navratilova was one critic, saying the ITF's silence on the matter was "pretty deafening".

Navratilova, a 59-time grand slam champion across singles, doubles and mixed-doubles, added: "Certainly this kind of bullying comment cannot be tolerated from anyone, but particularly from a high-up official in the tennis world."

But ITF president Ricci Bitti has now responded to make it clear his actions were not tolerated.

"The ITF was very disappointed when it learned that Shamil Tarpischev, long-time president of the Russian Tennis Federation, made derogatory remarks about the gender of Serena and Venus Williams," he told Press Association Sport.

"What Mr Tarpischev said was wholly unacceptable to the ITF and, when we learned of the issue, we encouraged him to apologise immediately.

"Mr Tarpischev has taken an important step by sending his apology to the ITF, the WTA and to the Williams sisters.

"Although Mr Tarpischev assured us his comment was meant as a joke, we made it clear to him what he said is inappropriate in any context.

"We were especially disappointed as Mr Tarpischev has a long and distinguished career in tennis, serving as Davis Cup and Fed Cup captain, and fostering the growth of tennis in Russia, including the development of many successful men and women players.

"We hope his acceptance of fault in this matter, which includes the penalty assessed by the WTA Tour, will allow all of us to move forward."

Serena Williams described the comments as "sexist, racist and, in a way, bullying".

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