Tennis body says umpire Ramos played by rules

London, Sept. 10: Carlos Ramos has been praised for acting with “professionalism and integrity” by the International Tennis Federation after the umpire was labelled a liar and a thief by Serena Williams during the American star’s US Open final meltdown.

Serena launched an astonishing verbal attack on chair umpire Ramos as she crashed to a shock 2- 6, 4- 6 defeat by Japan’s Naomi Osaka on Saturday.

The 23- time Grand Slam champion was given three code violations by Ramos, the first for receiving coaching, the second for racket abuse and the third for verbal abuse of the umpire.

The second and third violations earned Serena a point penalty and then a game penalty, giving Osaka a 5- 3 second set lead that effectively gifted her the US title. were in accordance with

Serena had demanded the relevant rules and an apology from Ramos were re- affirmed by the during her rant and later US Open’s decision to fine called the punishment Serena Williams for the “sexist”, while claiming three offences,” an ITF she was fighting for statement said. women’s rights because “It is understandable male players got away that this high profile and with similar antics. regrettable incident

The former world number should provoke debate. one’s defiant stance “At the same time, it is was backed by WTA Tour important to remember chief executive Steve that Mr. Ramos undertook Simon and legendary former his duties as an official female player Billieaccording to the relevant Jean King, who questioned rule book and acted at all the coaching penalty times with professionalism that first sparked and integrity,” the Serena’s anger. ITF statement read.

But the ITF, world tennis’ Former umpire Richard governing body, Ings also backed Ramos responded to the controversy for his handling of the by insisting Ramos stunning incident. was well within his rights Ings told BBC Radio that to hand down the penalties. “Carlos Ramos is an umpire with 40 years of

“Carlos Ramos is one of experience.” the most experienced and “He handled that match respected umpires in tennis. perfectly.”— absolutely Mr. Ramos’ decisions AFP