During the US Open women’s finals match, tennis superstar Serena Williams was penalized for receiving in-match coaching, smashing her racket and verbal abuse by umpire Carlos Ramos. Williams called the umpire a thief for penalizing her and scolded him for insinuating that she would cheat during her match.
Williams accused Ramos of being sexist in the way he responded to her gripes regarding his officiating. Both Williams and her coach Patrick Mouratoglou believe that many players including men receive in game coaching during their matches. Eventually Williams lost the match to her opponent Naomi Osaka and defended herself regarding the dispute with the umpire. Via BBC Sports,
“He’s never taken a game from a man because they said ‘thief,'” she said, per BBC Sport. “But I’ve seen other men call other umpires several things. I’m here fighting for women’s rights and for women’s equality and for all kinds of stuff.”
Many have since given their opinion on the dust up between Willams and the umpire. Swiss men’s tennis superstar was asked about the incident during an interview with Sunday Times,
“She went too far,” the Swiss said. “She should have walked earlier. It’s a little bit excusable. The umpire maybe should not have pushed her there. It’s unfortunate but an incredible case study.”
Federer in the same interview did go on to defend Williams right to wear the catsuit that was deemed ineligible at the French Open:
“What was the problem with taking the T-shirt off or the catsuit?” he said. “Serena has worn crazier stuff in the past. Guys have worn crazier stuff. … For me, it was a bit of nonsense. Just chill out for a second. I was totally on the women’s side. Leave them alone.”
Federer had another strong year himself and is for sure in talks as being one of the greatest tennis players ever.