ITF calls Serena Williams incident “regrettable”, but backs umpire Carlos Ramos

Shahida Jacobs
Serena Williams rages at umpire

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has come out in support of chair umpire Carlos Ramos following his controversial rulings against Serena Williams in the US Open final.

Ramos has come under fire from some quarters after he gave the American three code violations during the match against Naomi Osaka, the first for coaching, the second for racket abuse and the third for verbal abuse after she called him a “liar”.

Williams later said the incident was sexist as she felt she would not have received the code violations if she was male.

The governing body of women’s tennis, the WTA, has backed the 23-time Grand Slam winner’s sexist claims.

However, the ITF has thrown their weight behind the Portuguese official’s rulings, saying he acted “with professionalism and integrity”.

“Carlos Ramos is one of the most experienced and respected umpires in tennis. Mr. Ramos’ decisions were in accordance with the relevant rules and were re-affirmed by the US Open’s decision to fine Serena Williams for the three offences,” an ITF statement said.

“It is understandable that this high profile and regrettable incident should provoke debate.

“At the same time, 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.”

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