The Serena Williams US Open controversy rages on. After Serena Williams lost in the final to Naomi Osaka on Saturday, all anyone could talk about was Williams’ altercation with umpire Carlos Ramos that led to her being fined $17,000. Williams received warnings for receiving coaching and breaking a racket, before she was docked a game for calling Ramos a “thief.”
In the fallout of the incident, the U.S. Tennis Association and Women’s Tennis Association both came out in support of Williams. The USTA praised Williams for her conduct after the match, whereas WTA CEO Steve Simon said that “there should be no difference in the standards of tolerance provided to the emotions expressed by men vs. women.”
In response, umpires are reportedly threatening to boycott Williams’ matches, as they feel that Ramos is being unfairly criticized for his conduct during the match, according to The Times of London. Retired umpire Richard Ings confirmed to ESPN that umpires feel that Ramos is being vilified.
