telegraph | As the sport continued to tear itself apart over the Serena Williams sexism row, the International Tennis Federation stepped in on Monday night to defend beleaguered umpire Carlos Ramos.
In the absence of any representative body to speak for
tennis officials, it fell to the ITF to say what should be evident to
all: despite Williams’s repeated insistence that Ramos owes her an
apology, he was just doing his job when he penalised her a point and a
game during Saturday’s tumultuous women’s US Open final.
“Carlos Ramos is one of the most experienced and respected
umpires in tennis,” said the ITF, which is Ramos’s employer. “[His]
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 this high-profile and regrettable
incident should provoke debate. At the same time, it is important to
remember Mr Ramos undertook his duties as an official according to the
relevant rule book and acted at all times with professionalism and
integrity.”
The statement might not have been necessary were it not for
the further accusations of sexism that were levelled at Ramos on Sunday
by two of tennis’ major stakeholders. First Katrina Adams, the head of
the United States Tennis Association, told ESPN: “We watch the guys do
this all the time, they’re badgering the umpire on the changeovers.
Nothing happens. There’s no equality. There has to be some consistency
across the board. These are conversations that will be imposed in the
next weeks.”
