INQUIRER Sports

MELBOURNE - Australian Open chief Craig Tiley Wednesday backed Serena Williams not to repeat the foul-mouthed tirade that landed her with a record fine when she defends her title in January.

Tiley described Williams as a "great champion," despite the notorious incident which cost her a place in September's US Open final, her most recent Grand Slam tournament.

"We're confident there will be no repeat and we've had no problems with Serena," Tiley said.

"She's been a great champion, she's supportive of what happens with the Australian Open, she loves the Australian Open (and) she has said this is one of her favorite places to play."

Williams was hit with a 175,000 dollar fine and two years' probation by the International Tennis Federation, meaning she could be suspended from the US Open if she commits another major violation during a Grand Slam.

Williams was two points from defeat against Kim Clijsters when she was called for a foot-fault, prompting the volley of abuse against a line-judge. She was docked another point for the tirade, forfeiting the match.

"The Australian Open and the fans of Australia, we do love watching Serena, so having her in January is great," Tiley said.

"But it is important to know that her behavior at the US Open was unacceptable, it couldn't go unpunished."