In the days following Serena Williams‘ highly controversial argument with chair umpire Carlos Ramos during the U.S. Open women’s singles final, umpires are reportedly considering boycotting the tennis player’s future matches.
Umpires are reportedly contemplating removing themselves from Williams’ matches unless she issues a public apology for criticising Ramos, according to The Times of London.
A tennis official told the publication that umpires felt “not supported” by the United States Tennis Association. The insider adds that umpires thought Ramos was “thrown to the wolves for simply doing his job and was not willing to be abused for it.”
The Times reported that the incident has sparked outrage among umpires and they are coming together as a profession.
On Monday, The International Tennis Federation defended Ramos in a statement.
“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.”
“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.”
The ITF has released the following statement relating to umpiring decisions during the 2018 #USOpen Women’s Finalhttps://t.co/unVikjmsUP pic.twitter.com/buWRnWHUFz
— ITF (@ITFTennis) September 10, 2018
Ramos has since spoken out about the backlash via Portugal’s Tribuna Expresso.
“I’m fine, given the circumstances,” he told the publication. “It’s a delicate situation, but ‘a la carte’ arbitration does not exist. Do not worry about me!”
Ramos told the outlet that he was “sure of his performance.”
