The Australian Open compere set off a firestorm on Twitter Saturday when he gave a foul-mouthed introduction to beaten women's finalist Li Na on live TV.
Sandy Roberts told a packed Rod Laver Arena that the Chinese star was "battered, bruised and quite possibly buggered", meaning she was exhausted but using a word which risks being misconstrued.
The comment sparked a flood of comments on Twitter, with many contributors wondering how the word may be translated into Mandarin.
The incident recalls last year's boys' final, when Australian winner Luke Saville, 17 at the time, swore in his acceptance speech, also in front of the cameras and with the legendary Rod Laver in attendance.
Saville later blamed "raw emotion" for his colourful language.
China's Li twice needed treatment for injuries during the women's final against Victoria Azarenka, who won 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.
