Serena slams Shamil Tarpischev for making 'sexist, racist, bullying' comments

World number one Serena Williams has reportedly slammed Russian Tennis Federation president Shamil Tarpischev for making sexist, racist and bullying comments about her and sister Venus.

Tarpischev referred to the American tennis aces as 'the Williams brothers' on a chat show and was fined 15,500 pounds and given a one-year ban from the women's tour for comments he described as a joke.

Serena said that she thought the comments were very insensitive and extremely sexist as well as racist at the same time. She added that she thought they were, in a way, bullying and she just was not very happy with Tarpischev's comments, The BBC reported.

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and United States Tennis Association (USTA) had condemned Tarpischev's comments.

WTA chief executive Stacy Allaster said that they were insulting, demeaning and have absolutely no place in their sport.

Tarpischev, who is also an International Olympic Committee member, said in a statement that he did not want to offend any athlete with his words, adding that he regrets that this joke has garnered so much attention.

Tarpischev added that the Williams sisters are outstanding athletes who personify strength and perseverance.

Serena has won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, while Venus has won seven, the report added.