Serena Williams meltdown: beaten star accuses umpire Carlos Ramos of ‘sexism’ in stunning row

SERENA Williams has been sensationally upset in the US Open final — and has unloaded on the match officials in an extraordinary, fiery meltdown.

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 08: Serena Williams of the United States reacts while being interviewed after her defeat in the Women's Singles finals match to Naomi Osaka of Japan on Day Thirteen of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

• Serena’s meltdown: ‘I don’t cheat to win’
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SERENA Williams has made the stunning claim that her US Open final meltdown was sparked by an act of sexism on the part of chair umpire Carlos Ramos.

Williams was defeated 6-2 6-4 to Japan’s Naomi Osaka in a match that was overshadowed by her stunning row with Ramos during the second set after as the 23-time grand slam champion was docked a point — and then a game — for repeated code violations.

Serena Williams argues with tournament referee Brian Earley during her extraordinary meltdown. Picture: Getty

Williams was furious when she was given a coaching violation early in the second set after a hand gesture from her coach Patrick Mouratoglou.

She was then docked a point for a second violation when she smashed her racket after dropping serve at 3-3.

The 36-year-old Williams maintained that she “is not a cheater” and demanded an apology.

Continuing her argument with Ramos at the change of ends, Williams maintained that she “is not a cheater” and demanded an apology before she accused him of being a “thief” for taking a point away from her.

Williams received a second violation for smashing her racket. Picture: Getty

Ramos gave her a third violation, which resulted in a game penalty.

A furious Williams revealed after the match that she was standing up for women’s rights, and accused Ramos of making “a sexist remark”.

“I can’t sit here and say I wouldn’t say ‘he’s a thief’ because I thought he took the game from me. But I’ve seen other men call other umpires several things,” an emotional Williams said.

Serena Williams berates chair umpire Carlos Ramos. Picture: Getty

“And I’m here, fighting for women’s rights and women’s equality and all kinds of stuff.

“And for me to say ‘thief’ and for him to take a game… it made me feel like it was a sexist remark.

“He’s never taken a game from a man because they said thief. It blows my mind. I’m going to continue to fight for women and fight for us to have equal (rights).”

It’s not the first sexism controversy to hit this year’s US Open, with French star Alize Cornet hit with a code violation for changing her top on court.

After a 10-minute break given to players due to the oppressive conditions, Cornet realised her shirt was on back to front. She quickly removed it and put it on correctly, but was hit with a code violation for the 15-second act.

Alize Cornet came back to court after 10 minute heat break. Had her fresh shirt on back to front. Changed at back of court. Got a code violation. Unsportsmanlike conduct..... 😳
But the men can change shirts on court. https://t.co/sCN4KDXYTb

— judy murray (@JudyMurray) August 28, 2018

Cornet was baffled at the decision, as were tennis fans around the world who noted male players often sit shirtless during the change of ends.

“Cornet should be able to take her shirt off without getting a fine,” Williams continued.

“This is outrageous, you know? I just feel like the fact that I have to go through this is just an example for the next person that has emotions and wants to express themselves and want to be a strong woman.

“They’re going to be allowed to do that because of today. Maybe it didn’t work out for me but it’s going to work out for the next person.”

Serena Williams gestures angrily with umpire Carlos Ramos. Picture: Getty

Mouratoglou agreed with Williams that the code violation for coaching was unusual — and also strongly hinted at sexism as the root of the issue.

“It’s strange because this chair umpire was the chair umpire of most of the finals for Rafa (Nadal) and (his coach) Toni is coaching every single point, and he never gave a warning,” Mouratoglou said.

“So I don’t really get it. “

Originally published as Serena Williams meltdown: beaten star accuses umpire Carlos Ramos of ‘sexism’ in stunning row