Serena’s Open blast at umpire was completely over the line
SERENA Williams’ shocking US Open loss to Naomi Osaka left a bad taste in a lot of mouths.
The women’s final was sent spiralling out of control after an ugly confrontation between the 23-time champion and umpire Carlos Ramos.
Williams was reprimanded after her coach illegally gestured to her during the match.
The game continued for barely 10 minutes before Ramos then docked Williams for racquet abuse as Osaka began to run away with the match, sparking another outburst from the 36-year-old.
Serena labelled him a “thief” and a “liar” before claiming she was “owed an apology” from him.
During her rant, she cited sexism for her treatment protesting that male players don’t get treated the same way she was.
Male players over the years have definitely felt the wrath of officials, with many being docked points or even kicked out of tournaments for their behaviour.
Williams has only got herself to blame for losing her composure, while her sense of self-importance, telling Ramos he would never “umpire on my court again”, was distasteful to witness.
No player is above the jurisdiction of the umpire, no matter who they are.
What is more shameful however is how, at the age of just 20, Osaka’s incredible achievement in winning her first major title was overshadowed by Williams’ actions.
As she kept her composure, she was the true champion in more ways than one.