Serena Williams Slams Russian Tennis Chief After Being Referred To As A 'Brother,' Wins WTA Finals Opener Against Ana Ivanovic

Serena Williams is one happy girl after the Women’s Tennis Association suspended Russian sportsman Shamil Tarpischev for one year after he called Serena and Venus Williams “brothers.” She also won the WTA finals opener against Ana Ivanovic.

“I think the WTA did a great job of taking initiative and taking immediate action to his comments. I thought they were very insensitive and extremely sexist, as well as racist at the same time,” Serena shared with reporters, according to Sister 2 Sister.

Russian Tennis Federation chief Tarpischev outraged a lot of people with his comments and was fined $25,000 as well as given a one-year suspension. Tarpischev was ordered to issue a public apology but claims he was only making a “small joke.”

Serena, on the other hand, doesn't see the comments as a "joke," claims his words reminded her of bullying and said the remarks were “really unacceptable.”

"I have done the best that I could do and that's all I can say. I just wasn't very happy with his comments and I think a lot of people weren't happy as well," Serena explained. "But the WTA and the USTA [United States Tennis Association], they did a wonderful job of making sure that, in this day of age, 2014 for someone with his power, it's really unacceptable to make such, insensitive bullying remarks."

Serena’s tennis rival sided with the legendary tennis champion and feels that Tarpischev's words weren't appropriate.

“I think they were very disrespectful and uncalled for, and I’m glad that many people stood up,” tennis player, Maria Sharapova explained.

Tarpischev issued an apology, but is upset with his punishment.

“I can’t comment. I don’t understand it,” he said.

Meanwhile, Serena showed her fans and critics what she was made of, winning the WTA finals opening game against Ana Ivanovic Monday.