Serena, Vaidisova laugh off distraction claim

MELBOURNE, Jan 25 (Reuters) Semi-final opponents Serena Williams and Nicole Vaidisova laughed off a claim that a member of the American's entourage was trying to put off the Czech in their match at the Australian Open today.

Williams beat the 17-year-old 10th seed 7-6 6-4 for a place in her third final at Melbourne Park, but both were taken aback by claims made on a local television channel that a male supporter in Williams's box was using the sun's reflection in his watch to distract Vaidisova.

The governing body of women's tennis (WTA), the International Tennis Federation (ITF), who run the grand slams, and Tennis Australia said no complaint had been received and they would not be investigating the incident.

Television pictures showed the sun reflecting off the supporter's watch and the commentators suggested it was more than 'coincidence' the reflection appeared when Vaidisova was serving.

''Ha, ha, ha, ha,'' Williams said mockingly when confronted with the suggestion at her post-match news conference.

''That's the most outrageous thing I've ever heard. As if anyone would do that on purpose. That's so funny.'' Vaidisova was also perplexed when the suggestion of gamesmanship was put to her.

''I didn't see that. I tried to focus, not pay attention to anything. I really didn't notice that.'' REUTERS PM PM1414