US Open umpire did the right thing, Serena Williams just had a temper tantrum
Many umpires may have let this slide but something about the situation made Mr Ramos do what he did. Ms Williams should have accepted his ruling but, rather than focus on getting back into the match (which she was losing), she let it stew to the point that when she lost the next game she smashed her racquet onto the court – an automatic violation.
Mr Ramos then had no choice but to award her opponent a point for Ms Williams’ unsportsmanlike conduct. After dropping the next game, Ms Williams completely lost her composure and threw a temper tantrum like a four-year-old.
Watch: Serena Williams loses her cool
Serena Williams fined US$17,000 for US Open final outbursts at umpire amid sexism row
Calling Mr Ramos a “thief” was the last straw, costing her a game, and soon, the match. For her to say she wouldn’t have been penalised if she were a man misses the point. As tennis great Martina Navratilova points out, no one should act this way on court, particularly a champion. It’s not good for the sport.
Ms Williams brought this on herself. She should reflect on her behaviour and apologise to Naomi Osaka, who wasn’t able to properly savour her victory, and to Mr Ramos, who was only doing his job.
Ted Osborn, Mid-Levels
