Serena Williams: Australian Open faces backlash after Carlos Ramos drama

The Serena Williams fallout is set to escalate, as umpires consider a boycott over the treatment of match official Carlos Ramos.

Serena Williams argues with umpire Carlos Ramos during the US Open final

The fallout from Serena Williams’ US Open tantrum could spread to the Australian Open, with reports umpires are considering refusing to officiate matches involving the American, such is the discontent over the treatment of Carlos Ramos.

The Women’s Tennis Association and United States Tennis Association have backed Williams’ claims of sexism after she was given a game penalty for her behaviour during her straight-sets defeat by Japan’s Naomi Osaka.

This has angered some umpires, who were already unhappy with the haphazard organisation of this year’s US Open.

In another blow to Williams, women’s tennis legend Martina Navratilova has criticised her behaviour, saying it was unacceptable

An anonymous official told The Times that there was a growing consensus umpires were “not supported” by the USTA on several occasions, and that Ramos was “thrown to the wolves for simply doing his job”.

Umpires are discussing whether they could take action to stand up for their profession. One suggestion being floated is to refuse any match assignments involving Williams until she apologises for vilifying Ramos and calling him a “liar” and a “thief”.

It will take quite an effort to convince all umpires to agree to this action, but events in recent weeks are said to have united a group who lack an effective body to represent their interests.

• Cartoon backlash over ‘racist, sexist’ image

Ramos, an experienced Portuguese umpire who has worked in the sport for close to three decades, is understood to be in good spirits despite the intense focus he is under. However, as another official pointed out, the paltry sum of $675 — a standard daily fee — that he received for overseeing the final is not worth the potential repercussions in a match with high stakes.

Ramos has revealed he stayed inside his hotel the day after the women’s final to avoid any potential confrontations on the streets of New York.

Speaking for the first time since Saturday’s match, Carlos Ramos said he was content with his performance despite criticism from high-profile figures such as Billie Jean King.

The rule book clearly shows that all three code violations issued to Williams were correct and the Portuguese official pointed out that umpiring is not a case of pick and choose.

According to Tribuna Expresso, a Portuguese sports news outlet, Ramos has received hundreds of supportive messages from his family, colleagues and players, both active and retired. He has steered clear of social media, opting only to read articles that are considered by his friends to be “balanced”.

“I’m fine, given the circumstances,” Ramos said. “It’s a delicate situation. But umpiring a la carte is something that does not exist.”

The International Tennis Federation confirmed last night that Ramos, a “gold badge” umpire with 30 years experience, will be back at work on Friday for the Davis Cup semi-final between Croatia and the US in Zadar.

The Times