Serena could meet abused umpire again

As the Australian Open started today, Serena Williams could come face to face with the woman she abused at last year's US Open.

Japanese lineswoman Shino Tsurubuchi will be on court at the Australian Open for the next two weeks but Australian Open officials will not confirm whether or not Tsurubuchi would be involved in any of the defending champion's matches.

Williams was fined a record $89,420, plus a further $10,840 on-site penalty after abusing Tsurubuchi in the US Open semi-final in reaction to being called for a foot fault.



The foot fault brought up match point for Kim Clijsters and ultimately cost Williams the semi-final after she was docked a point for the expletive-laden outburst

Williams was placed on a two-year good behaviour bond by the International Tennis Federation. She has an $89,420 fine hanging over her head which will be activated if she re-offends.

No doubt Serena will be hoping that the Japanese official keeps well away from her matches, but we'll wait and see whether round 2 takes place or not.