Following her now infamous outburst during her semi-final loss against Kim Clijsters, Serena has been handed the maximum fine of $10,000 (£6,000) for the tirade aimed at the line judge, plus a $500 fine for racquet abuse at the end of the first set.

The fine is the maximum on-site penalty that can be given for unsportsmanlike behaviour in a Grand Slam Tournament, and sees a fairly nominal amount given that her prize money for reaching the semi-finals is $350,000.

However, and investigation has been opened by the Grand Slam committee administrator, Bill Babcock, to determine if Serena's actions should be considered a "major offence". The investigation will review videos of the event and interview all those involved.

Article V of the Grand Slam Rule Book states that when unsportsmanlike conduct is referred to the Grand Slam Committee it can be treated as “aggravated behaviour” that "is flagrant and particularly injurious to the success of a Grand Slam, or is singularly egregious." It also states that such a violation "shall subject a player to a fine of up to $250,000 or the amount of prize money won at the tournament, whichever is greater".

It is also within the committee's power to ban Serena from next years US Open, this is however highly unlikely. The action has only ever been taken once before – at the 1995 Wimbledon when Jeff Tarango walked off the court in the middle of the match in protest of a call, and was subsequently suspended for the 1996 event.

Although Serena barely acknowledged the event in her post match interview, she did release a statement the next day, it did not, however, contain an apology. Leaving many people, both in and out of the tennis community, hoping that she will use Monday's doubles final as an opportunity to fully apologise.

Here is the full statement released by Serena William on Sunday :

"Last night everyone could truly see the passion I have for my job. Now that I have had time to gain my composure, I can see that while I don't agree with the unfair line call, in the heat of battle I let my passion and emotion get the better of me and as a result handled the situation poorly. I would like to thank my fans and supporters for understanding that I am human and I look forward to continuing the journey, both professionally and personally, with you all as I move forward and grow from this experience."

And the response from Stacy Allaster, Chairman and CEO of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour:

“Serena Williams' conduct last night was inappropriate and unprofessional. No matter what the circumstances, no player should be allowed to engage in such behaviour without suffering consequences. I have spoken with the USTA about this matter and I agree with the action they have taken.

Serena is a great player who has done so much for our sport and I am certain she will continue to be a role model to millions of young women who want to play the game and excel as Serena has done. As a role model, it's important for a leader like Serena to step forward and recognize her behaviour last night was unacceptable, and I believe that her statement earlier today is an acknowledgement of her responsibility to her fans.”