Serena Williams has defended her verbal outburst at umpire Eva Asderaki during last year's US Open final.

The former world number one reacted angrily after Asderaki had ruled that her shout of "come on!" following a forehand shot was a hindrance and awarded a point to her opponent Samantha Stosur.

However, Williams has played down the incident by claiming that she is an emotional player.

"I honestly think I was really toned down, like I didn't use any bad language or anything so I wouldn't change it so much," said the 30-year-old. "I'm an emotional player and I'm an extremely emotional person, oh my goodness, it was what it was.

"I'm always going to be me. If that means I'm giving 200% then that's how I am.

"I love that and I think people can respect that when they see me play."

Williams is currently 12th in the world rankings.