A sobbing Serena Williams accused Justin Henin-Hardenne of 'lying and fabricating' during their ill-tempered French Open semifinal on Thursday.

Williams was angry that Henin-Hardenne did not allow her to replay her first serve at an important point of the third set during her 6-2 4-6 7-5 defeat by the Belgian in front of a hostile crowd at Roland Garros.

At 4-2 and 30-0, Williams hit her first serve into the net after Henin-Hardenne held up her hand to signal she was not ready but the umpire missed the Belgian's gesture and ordered the American to take her second serve. Williams then lost the game.

"I was a little disappointed with her," Williams said. "It wasn't the turning point of the match, I should have still won the game, but to start lying and fabricating is not fair.

"People want to win these days but this is just a tournament and I'm looking forward to next time already."

Williams broke down in tears at her post-match news conference when asked about the behaviour of the Parisian crowd, some of whom cheered when she missed serves and booed her throughout.

"I'm not used to crying, I'm sorry," she said, wiping tears from her eyes, her voice choked with emotion.

"It was just a tough crowd out there today, really very tough. It's the story of my life. It's a little difficult. All my life I have had to fight.

"It's just another fight I'm going to have to learn to win, that's all. I've just got to keep smiling. It was hard. She started out really strong and from the first point they were all over her to do well.

"It was hard to get in rhythm once they got started it was hard to make them stop."

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What do you think about the story? Read what others have to say: Number of User Comments: 27 Sub: Re: Well Played Henin The William sisters need to understand that they need to accept defeat gracefully, pointing fingers at other doesnt make them professional .Its a game after ... Posted by Helen Pinto Sub: comment on the french open tournament The time you start thinking of the audience you have already lost the match.Serena could have easily won had she held her nerve.She possibly could ... Posted by makarand Sub: Sobbing Serena..... Serena was wrong in whatever she says and wants to share little bit of credit.henin played really well to break her service twice and playing ... Posted by Tarun Sub: Serena beaten fair and square Serena had too many unforced errors in the match for a champion performer. But she was beaten by a player with great temperment. Justine fought ... Posted by charanjay Sub: Serena To be a great player and person you have to be humble - this defeat was just begging to come .... if you feel you ... Posted by DeeKay