IT’S JUST THE SAME FOR MEN
Djokovic enters Williams ‘sexism’ storm
Within minutes of novak Djokovic winning the men’s US Open final, the WtA tour issued a statement undermining the integrity of the umpire involved in the fractious women’s equivalent 24 hours earlier.
WtA chief executive Steve Simon made reference to male and female players receiving the same treatment and complained that ‘we do not believe that this was done last night’ — targeting Portuguese official Carlos Ramos.
So no sooner had Djokovic completed his remarkable summer revival, through a 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 victory over Juan Martin del Potro, than he was having to address the controversy that dominated the finals weekend.
Djokovic (below) empathised with both the umpire and Serena Williams while offering the view that ‘maybe the chair umpire should not have pushed Serena to the limit’.
however, he was less sympathetic on the wider point of whether men and women players are treated differently by those in the chair.
‘i don’t see things as Mr Simon does, i really don’t,’ said Djokovic. ‘i think men and women are treated in this way or the other way depending on the situation. it’s hard to generalise things. i don’t see it’s necessary really to debate that.’ Over the weekend, Ramos was criticised by Katrina Adams, president of the US tennis Association, and Simon added his voice. ‘Yesterday also brought to the forefront the question of whether different standards are applied to men and women in the officiating of matches,’ he said. ‘the WtA believes that there should be no difference in the standards of tolerance provided to the emotions expressed by men versus women and is committed to working with the sport to ensure that all players are treated the same. We do not believe that this was done last night.’
he then put his organisation on a collision course with Wimbledon by calling for coaching restrictions to be scrapped. the All England Club are opposed to that idea. Yet, as seen when Wimbledon adapted its seeding policy to suit her this summer, this is a sport always open to accommodating the needs of its superstars — and the impression is given of being in thrall to Williams.
however, there were already signs that not everyone is buying into the narrative of Williams and her cheerleaders, such as Billie Jean King.
the international tennis Federation issued a statement last night offering some support for Ramos, who earned only $450 for officiating the final.
‘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,’ it read. ‘Mr Ramos’ decisions were in accordance with the relevant rules and were reaffirmed by the US Open’s decision to fine Ms Williams for the three offences.’
Former British no1 and current Fed Cup captain Anne Keothavong, whose brother James is one of the world’s top umpires, tweeted: ‘Sexism is a problem in the wider picture of tennis but i don’t believe the decisions Carlos Ramos made that night had anything to do with it. he was just doing his job.’
British player tara Moore made the point that a coaching free-for-all would disadvantage lower-ranked players with less financial clout.
‘if coaching was allowed at all events, it would make it even more of an elitist sport... what about those players who are not top 80 who can’t afford to travel with a coach?’ she asked.