Umpires arereportedly considering boycottingSerena Williams‘ matches after she butted heads with chair umpire Carlos Ramos during thecontentious U.S. Open women’s singles final last weekend.
Umpires are debating whether to bow out of working at Williams’ matches unless she apologizes for criticizing Ramos,The Times of Londonreported.
The USTA declined PEOPLE’s request for comment.
The Timesnoted that, as a result of the treatment of Ramos, umpires are coming together in a profession that lacks significant organization.
The statement continued, “It is understandable that this high-profile and regrettable incident should provoke debate. At the same time, it is important to remember that Mr. Ramos undertook his duties as an official according to the relevant rule book and acted at all times with professionalism and integrity.”
And according toUSA Today, Ramos told Portugal’sTribuna Expressoof the controversy, “I’m fine, given the circumstances. It’s a delicate situation, but ‘a la carte’ arbitration does not exist. Do not worry about me!”
Ramos reportedly told the outlet that he was “sure of his performance,”USA Todaysaid. He will be the umpire at matches this week for the Davis Cup, according toUSA Today.
After winning the men’s singles final at the U.S. Open on Sunday,Novak Djokovictold reporters, “I have my personal opinion that maybe the chair umpire should not have pushed Serena to the limit, especially in a Grand Slam final … He did change the course of the match. It was, in my opinion, maybe unnecessary. We all go through our emotions, especially when you’re fighting for a Grand Slam trophy.”
Ramos gave Williams, 36, a violation for illegal coaching from her player box during the first set. Williams told Ramos, “I don’t cheat to win. I’d rather lose.”
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Williams’ second violation was for breaking her racket.
The athlete told Ramos during the match, “You will never, ever, ever be on another court of mine as long as you live. You are the liar. When are you going to give me my apology? You owe me an apology. Say it. Say you’re sorry… And you stole a point from me. You’re a thief, too!”
Ramos gave Williams her third violation for verbal abuse.
Williamswas later fined $17,000 for the violations. The tournament referee’s office deducted from Williams’ $1.85 million prize money $10,000 for verbally abusing the umpire, $4,000 for receiving a warning about coaching, and $3,000 for breaking a racket,the Associated Pressreported on Sunday.
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At a press conference ahead of the fines, Williams said that shewas paving the wayfor future female tennis players.
source: people.com
