Tennis: In defence of 'dazzling'

Serena Williams says it is outrageous to suggest her "close friend" deliberately tried to upset her opponent Nicole Vaidisova during their Australian Open semifinal.

Television footage highlighted a young man sitting with Williams' entourage on Thursday with his left wrist raised to his chin and sunlight reflecting off his watch.

Channel Seven commentator John Barrett alleged the pictures were shot while the Czech teenager was serving and the reflection was shining in her eyes.

"It is an extraordinary coincidence that whenever Vaidisova is serving, that youngster seems to be getting [the sunlight] into the eyes of Vaidisova," Barrett said.

Williams said the man was a young Australian tennis fan who had become a "close friend" since they first met when he was 12, but would not name him.

She described the story as a fabrication.

"I never saw the glare. Vaidisova said she never saw the glare. I'm not answering any more questions about a god dang watch. This is stupid."

- AAP