HOW THE TENNIS WORLD REACTED

SUE BARKER — Former world No 3

Serena has a point in the fact that I’ve sat courtside watching the men ranting at umpires and they haven’t been given a code violation. We saw Alize Cornet being given a violation last week for changing her shirt oncourt then, in the same tournament, Mohamed Lahyani gets off the umpires’ chair to talk to Nick Kyrgios and persuade him not to give up. They have to look at the rules of what is allowed and what isn’t.

BILLIE JEAN KING — 12 singles Grand Slams

When a woman is emotional, she’s ‘hysterical’ and she’s penalised for it. When a man does the same, he’s ‘outspoken’ and there are no repercussions.

ANDREW CASTLE — Former British No 1

You just can’t act like that I’m afraid. Serena now claiming that men do this. More nonsense. Is she claiming sexism? This is not right.

CHRIS EVERT — 18 singles Grand Slams

She broke her racket, a warning for sure. But the third time, calling the umpire a thief, while we hear mostly men say four-letter words, I don’t think that warranted a docked game.

MARGARET COURT — 24 singles Grand Slams

It’s sad for the sport when a player tries to become bigger than the rules. Because she was outplayed in the first set, I think pressure got to her more than anything.

ANDY RODDICK — 2003 US Open champion

It was the worst refereeing I’ve ever seen...the worst! I’ve seen an umpire borderline coach a player up and another dock a game for being called a thief. There needs to be continuity.

MARDY FISH — 2008 US Open qtr-finalist

What a wild US Open for the refs. Two ridiculous calls. I can promise you, that’s not coaching, racket abuse no doubt, but the verbal abuse? It’s the US Open final!

JAMES BLAKE — Two-time US Open qtr-finalist

I will admit I have said worse and not been penalised. And I’ve also been given a ‘soft warning’ by the umpire where they tell you knock it off or I will have to give you a violation. He should have at least given her that courtesy.

THE WTA

There are matters that need to be looked into. For now, it is time to celebrate two amazing players, both of whom have great integrity. Naomi is a deserving champion and Serena at all times plays with class and makes us proud.