( CNN ) -- Serena Williams slammed Russian tennis chief Shamil Tarpischev for his `` insensitive , sexist and racist '' remarks in describing her and sister Venus as the `` Williams brothers '' on a late night TV chat show . The world number one gave her first public reaction Sunday to Tarpischev 's comments as she spoke to reporters on the eve of the WTA Tour Finals in Singapore . 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 . She opens against former world number one Ana Ivanovic Monday , hoping to shrug off injury and illness scares from her two previous tournaments in China . `` I was n't sure if I would be able to make it to this tournament , '' she admitted . `` But I 'm here , and I 'm really -- I feel better than I did obviously in China . I am just getting better every day hopefully . '' On the men 's ATP Tour , the race to secure a place in its eight-man Tour Finals in London next month is hotting up . Britain 's Andy Murray improved his chances of claiming one of the three remaining spots available by beating Spain 's David Ferrer 5-7 6-2 7-5 to win the Austrian Open in Vienna . It 's the 30th career title for Murray , who has gone above Ferrer in the standings . Both will now play in Valencia next week . Top seed Tomas Berdych also did his cause no harm by beating defending champion Grigor Dimitrov 5-7 6-4 6-4 to claim the Stockholm Open title Sunday . The Czech is now seventh , just ahead of Murray in the qualifying battle , while defeat damages the hopes of Bulgaria 's Dimitrov , who was seeking his fourth title of the year . U.S. Open Marin Cilic , who has already booked his place at London , won the Kremlin Cup tournament , beating Spaniard Roberto Bautista-Agut in straight sets . Tarpischev is chairman of the annual event in the Russian capital Moscow , and after his remarks about the Williams sisters , the WTA is demanding he stands down from that position .
Serena Williams criticizes Shamil Tarpischev for `` sexist '' remarks . Tarpischev called Serena and her sister Venus the `` Williams brothers '' on a TV show . Maria Sharapova also slams her fellow Russian for his comments . Andy Murray and Tomas Berdych in key ATP victories .