Tarpischev, who has been
banned by the WTA for a year and fined $25,000, has also made a public
apology, but that has clearly not satisfied 18-time grand slam champion
Williams.
"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," she said.
Williams, who won the U.S. Open title last month, added: "I thought they were in a way bullying.
"But the WTA and the USTA
(U.S. Tennis Association) 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 bullying remarks."
Tarpischev's apology, in
which he suggested his remarks were a "small joke," has also cut little
ice with world number two Maria Sharapova.
She has played in Russian
FedCup teams captained by Tarpischev, but had little sympathy for her
compatriot when asked for her reaction to the comments.
"I think they were very
disrespectful and uncalled for, and I'm glad that many people have stood
up, including the WTA," she said.
"It was very
inappropriate, especially in his position and all the responsibilities
that he has not just in sport, but being part of the Olympic committee.
It was just really irresponsible on his side."
The controversy has been
an unwelcome distraction ahead of the prestigious end of season finals,
where Williams is bidding for a third straight title.
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