The tennis star’s on-the-court outbursts during a Sept. 8 match with Naomi Osaka of Japan were challenged by chair umpire Ramos, and led to a game penalty and several fines for tennis rules violations.
She has claimed sexism was a factor in her penalization.
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) both sent out statements supporting Williams.
But an anonymous official told The Times that there was a growing consensus among some umpires that Ramos was “thrown to the wolves for simply doing his job and was not willing to be abused for it.”
Umpires are reportedly discussing possible action in defense of their profession, with one suggestion allegedly being considered is to refuse to officiate matches involving Williams until she apologizes to Ramos.
“Carlos Ramos is one of the most experienced and respected umpires in tennis,” the statement read. “Mr Ramos’s decisions were in accordance with the relevant rules and were reaffirmed by the US Open’s decision to fine Ms. Williams for the three offenses.
“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 rulebook and acted at all times with professionalism and integrity.”
Three Violations
Williams was warned by Ramos for getting coaching, which is against the Grand Slam rule matches. She disputed the ruling, saying that cheating is “the one thing I’ve never done, ever.” Her coach, after the match, admitted to AP that he indeed was trying to send her a signal.She got another warning a few games later for smashing her racket. The second violation cost her a point, and it led to more arguing from her.
Williams called Ramos “a thief,” which drew the third violation against her for verbal abuse, and it cost her the game. That put Osaka ahead 5-3, AP reported.
“I have never cheated in my life!” Williams said to Ramos. “You owe me an apology.”
Under Article III, Section P of the Grand Slam Rule Book, verbal abuse is defined as “a statement about an official, opponent, sponsor, spectator, or other person that implies dishonesty or is derogatory, insulting, or otherwise abusive.” The section says a player is subject to a fine up to $20,000 for each violation, AP noted.
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