Beyond Ignorant!

I wonder how this ill bred vermin got into the game in the first place.

America's Serena Williams was the target of a racist heckler at the Sony Ericsson on Monday, but held her nerve to record a third round victory over Czech Lucie Safarova.

Late in her 6-3 6-4 win over Safarova, the three-times champion in Miami complained to chair umpire Joan Vornbaum about the verbal abuse being directed at her by a spectator, who she said had been harassing her the entire match.

The WTA confirmed the spectator was removed by security staff and turned over to Miami Dade police.

"The guy said, 'Hit the net like a Negro would'," Williams told reporters.

"I was shocked. I couldn't believe it. I had to do a double take. I think I hit a double fault at that point.

"Who says these things outside of first grade. At a professional venue you don't do that. It was shocking, I couldn't believe he would stoop to that level.

Playing in her first event since winning the Australian Open in January, Williams said she had tried to ignore the heckling but finally had enough when the taunts became racist.

"I really should have said something sooner," she added.

"Even the people out there were pointing to who he was.

"The guy was saying things that shouldn't have been said. It was derogatory.

"Then every time I missed a shot or serve, he would say, 'That's the way to do it'.

"It was outrageous. I couldn't believe what he said."

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