Serena Williams declares she’s “never cheated in her life” after her hopes of winning a 24th grand slam title ended in extraordinary scenes at the US Open.

Williams has been fined $US17,000 for code violations she received during Saturday’s US Open final against Japan’s Naomi Osaka which she lost 6-2 6-4.

Williams was handed a coaching violation and a point penalty for breaking her racquet before a heated argument with umpire Carlos Ramos ended with her losing a game.

But Alan Jones has come to Williams’ defence.

“She is, in my opinion, the greatest female player ever,” he says.

Williams, who was seeking a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title vigorously disputed each of the violations during the match.

She demanded Ramos apologise for handing her a coaching violation and later called the umpire a “thief” for giving her a point penalty.

“You will never be on another court of mine as long as you live. Say it. Say you’re sorry,” Williams said to Ramos.

“How many times have you seen that, in fact, on the television this morning you pictures of Novak Djokovic bouncing his racket and smashing it, no penalty,” says Alan.

Click PLAY below to hear Alan’s comments in full

“She made some outstanding points. She said she’s seen men coached from the box.

“She’s heard men use far worse language to the umpire, she’d never seen them penalised a game.

“My view is… I think Serena Williams was very roughly treated.”