Disqualifications that weaken Serena Williams' sexism accusations US Open 2018 Many men have been penalised

Serena Williams' defeat in the final of the US Open against Naomi Osaka made more headlines for what happened in the press room afterwards, as the younger of the Williams sisters expressed her frustration at being sanctioned for breaking a racket as she felt the punishment would not have been handed to a male player.

She was scathing at the way that the umpire managed the match and said that a male player would not have been treated the same for calling the official a 'thief'.

However, her statements were weakened by the many examples of sanctions and even disqualifications to male tennis players who have crossed the line with their conduct and even verbal expressions.

Here are some of the most memorable disqualifications of male tennis players:

Dimitrov in Sofia

Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov was disqualified at the Sofia Open after splitting a racket in a moment of pure anger. The umpire did not have any second thoughts and dismissed him from the game having been warned previously.

Shapovalov in the Davis Cup

The Canadian was also dismissed in a game against Great Britain for hitting a ball in anger that ended up within the eye of umpire.

Nalbandian at Queens

In 2012, the controversial Argentinian lost the Queens final after kicking an advertising board when he lost a point. He lashed out by kicking a small advertisement in front of a line judge and ended up following through and kicking the judge himself.

McEnroe at the Australian Open

The American was disqualified in Australia for repeatedly violating the rules after being warned.