In the final of the U.S. Open 2011, Serena Williams was given a code violation for verbally abusing the tournament official.

Tournament referee, Brian Earley, will now decide whether to fine Williams.

Samantha Stosur won the match 6-2 6-3.

When Williams played the U.S. Open in 2009, she had left the tournament with a arguable display after a lineswoman called her for a foot fault. When Williams reacted with an obscene tirade that included a threat toward the lineswoman, she was given a penalty point that ended her semifinal match with a loss to eventual champion Kim Clijsters.

Williams has been serving a two-year Grand Slam probation for the outburst at the U.S. Open in 2009. Part of the probation was not having another major offense at a major tournament.

Any impact this code violation might have on Serena Williams' Grand Slam probation would require the incident being ruled a major event, said a statement from the United States Tennis Association.

In the first game of the second set, Williams hit a booming forehand. When the ninth-seeded Stosur dived at the shot before the ball landed, Williams yelled, Come on.

After that the scoreboard moved from 30-40 to deuce. A moment after that, chair umpire Eva Asderaki of Greece assessed Williams a code violation and a point penalty that gave the game to Stosur.

According to the International Tennis Federation rules, Asderaki called Williams for hindrance.

During the first changeover of the set, when Williams was ahead, 2-1, she launched into a tirade toward Asderaki.

Williams was heard to say, What a loser, You're a hater, A code violation because I expressed who I am? Really. Don't even look at me. I promise you, don't look at me.… Don't look my way, and, in a comment that could be interpreted as threatening, If you ever see me walking down the hall, walk the other way.

Asked about her reaction afterwards, Williams said: I don't even remember what I said, it was just so intense out there.

Serena Williams will discover on Monday whether she faces further punishment.