Williams hit with record fine

Serena Williams was fined a record $82,500 for her tirade at a U.S. Open line judge and could be suspended from that tournament if she has another “major offense” at any Grand Slam tennis tournament in the next two years.

Grand Slam administrator Bill Babcock’s ruling was released Monday. He said Williams faces a “probationary period” at tennis’ four major championships in 2010 and 2011. If she has another “major offense” at a Grand Slam in that time, the fine would increase to $175,000 and she would be barred from the following U.S. Open.

“But if she does not have another offense in the next two years, the suspension is lifted,” Babcock said.

The previous record Grand Slam fine was $43,756 to Jeff Tarango in 1995.