Serena fined for audible obscenity

Top-ranked Serena Williams was fined US$1,500 for using obscene language during her first-round match against Emilie Loit at the Australian Open. In the second set of her 3-6, 7-6 (5), 7-5 win Tuesday over the 56th ranked Loit, Williams was warned for making an "audible obscenity" in the ninth game, screaming at herself behind the baseline after losing a point. Australian Open tournament referee Peter Bellenger issued the fine, the heaviest of the 15 fines imposed on players for code violations ranging from racket abuse to audible obscenities during the opening days at Melbourne Park.The money collected in fines here is given to the International Tennis Federation for the sport's global development programme. (AP)