Roger Federer feels Serena Williams ‘went too far’ and says catsuit ban is ‘nonsense’
Roger Federer has shared his opinion on the controversial US Open final involving Serena Williams and Roland Garros’ decision to ban catsuits.
Naomi Osaka won the US Open final, but it was overshadowed by Williams’ run-in with chair umpire Carlos Ramos.
The American was given code penalties for coaching and racket abuse, and a game penalty for calling Ramos a “thief” and a “liar” while she also felt the whole debacle was a bit “sexist”.
Although Federer feels her actions were “a little bit excusable”, he told the Sunday Times in an interview: “I feel like Serena should have walked away.
“She did, but she went too far. She should have walked earlier.”
He added: “The umpire maybe should not have pushed her there. It’s unfortunate, but an incredible case study.”
Roland Garros, officials, meanwhile, decided to ban catsuits after Williams wore the black attire at this year’s French Open.
There was also controversy at this year’s US Open when Alize Cornet was given a code violation for changing her shirt on court despite men being allowed to do it without any penaltyes.
“What was the problem with taking the shirt off or the catsuit?” Federer asked.
“Serena has worn crazier stuff in the past. Guys have worn crazier stuff. For me it was all a bit of nonsense.
“I was totally on the women’s side. Leave them alone.”
More from Tennis365:
Comment: The WWE may be coveting Serena Williams, but tennis needs her more
Tennis365’s A to Z of tennis for October: An ‘unpretentious’ Andy Murray, WWE’s Serena Williams wish
Can Andre Agassi help flailing Grigor Dimitrov to turn things around
Comment: Alexander Zverev needs to stop pleading for patience and start seizing his opportunity
Novak Djokovic back at No 1 after Rafael Nadal pulls out of Paris Masters
Latest
-
ATP TourDaniil Medvedev closing in on career milestone as he returns to action this week
Daniil Medvedev will become the first player outside the ‘Big Four’ to claim a top two spot in the ATP rankings this week.
-
ATP Tour‘I’m pumped to be competing again’ – Andy Murray steps up his comeback in Rotterdam
Andy Murray has declared he is ready to step up his latest comeback effort, as he prepares to compete in the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam.
-
Tennis NewsHistoric day for Novak Djokovic as he equals Roger Federer’s record of weeks as world No.1
Djokovic is guaranteed to set a new mark next week.
-
ATP TourDavid Goffin ends long wait for an ATP title with a win in Montpellier
David Goffin captured his first ATP Tour title for more than three years by winning the Open Sud de France in Montpellier.
-
Tennis NewsRoger Federer sends his fans into a frenzy with Twitter post ahead of his return to action
Roger Federer fans are counting down to his return to action in Doha next week and his tweet teasing his return instantly became a big hit.
-
Tennis NewsIga Swiatek’s perfect week as she claims her second WTA title
Iga Swiatek won her second career WTA title with victory over Belinda Bencic in the final of the Adelaide International.
-
NewsJamie Murray says quarantine threat on tour means players must be ready to adapt
The doubles specialist plans to travel to tournaments in Mexico and Miami next month without knowing what to expect on arrival.
-
Tennis NewsBattle of the Brits event is back and this time with spectators
The Battle of the Brits events were a huge success during the Covid-19 crisis and now they are set to return with spectators.
-
Tennis FeaturesThe only way is up for Naomi Osaka as she looks to replicate hard-court success on clay and grass
Oli Jefford on the world being Naomi Osaka’s oyster.
-
Kevin PalmerBritain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.