The 2018 U.S Open final between Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka last fall was very exciting as Osaka pulled the win out against the legend but controversy overshadowed her well-earned win. Williams felt that chair umpire Carlos Ramos wasn’t calling the match fair and it was shown has she had some choice words for him and wanted him to apologize.
ESPN has a new docuseries titled “Backstory” and it will begin with and it will begin with “Serena vs. The Umpire.” The Williams-Osaka match will be dissected by ESPN’s and Pulitzer Prize winner Don Van Natta, Jr. It will air on August 18 at 1PM ET.
“We’re exploring stories that are unresolved and have layers to them, and that’s certainly the case with what happened at last year’s US Open women’s final,” said John Dahl, Vice President and Executive Producer, ESPN Special Projects and Original Content. “With this and subsequent stories, viewers will follow along with Don on his deep dive for truth.”
Van Natta will dive deep into why Williams confronted Ramos and exactly what happened. Interviews with Williams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou; match broadcasters Chris Evert and Pam Shriver, retired chair umpire Norm Chryst; his wife and retired line umpire Palma Chryst, and three tennis journalists who were right behind Ramos’ chair will all be conducted.
Flip the page for a preview of Serena vs. The Umpire.
