By Sara Scott
Tennis Writer
FLUSHING MEADOWS, New York – Serena William's
run was cut short Tuesday after chair umpire Mariana Alves (POR) called out
a ball that was inches inside the line - overruling the line judge who had
correctly called it in.
Serena exited the tournament, losing to Jennifer Capriati
in three. Alves soon followed, after WTA officials reviewed the decision
and blamed her for the mistake.
It was another round of curious officiating that began
at Wimbledon when sister Venus lost a third-set tiebreak and match when her
opponent was awarded an extra point.
"According to tournament referee Brian Earley, "A mistake
was made. Ms. Alves is not scheduled to officiate another match during the
2004 U.S. Open."
Said Tournament Director Jim Curley, "Ms. Alves had
been under consideration to umpire another match, but will now not do
so."
"Regrettably, the replay on television showed that an
incorrect overrule was made," he said.
It takes a lot to fluster Williams -- she almost never
argues calls with the umpires -- but afterward she was still visibly upset
with Alves. "I'd prefer she not umpire at my court anymore," she said. "She's
obviously anti-Serena."
Alves joins Ted Watts, who was removed from Wimbledon
after blowing the scoring in a second-round match between Venus Williams
and Karolina Sprem.
Capriati now faces French Open finalist Elena Dementieva,
who today beat No. 2 seed Amelie Mauresmo 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(1).
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