By TeamWTA
September 14 2004

The US Open has apologised to Serena Williams for the bad linecall made during her quarterfinal match versus Jennifer Capriati. The line call was controversial as it meant the end of her march to the next round semi-finale. Williams made a point at deuce in the opening game of the third set. It was 'in'for the linesman but the umpire decided it was out.

At first Williams thought the umpire called the score wrongly but the Portuguese then confirmed the score to USTA officials overruling their decision.

"I called Serena," said Arlen Kantarian, the CEO of Professional Tennis. "I apologized for the call, the overrule -- which was a clear mistake -- and told her how important she was to the U.S. Open, how she was a class act and how well she handled the situation last night."

"She was very appreciative of the call."

U.S. Open Tournament Director Jim Curley confirmed an earlier statement by the USTA that Alves would not officiate in any further matches at the tournament.

"It was a mistake but she is a very experienced umpire and mistakes get made out there," said Curley.

"She was under consideration for another match, a women's match, but we decided that it was in the best interests of the tournament (that she stand down)," he said.