Umpires are considering boycotting matches involving Serena Williams following her reactive behavior in Saturday’s US Open women’s singles final.
Officials are concerned at the treatment of Carlos Ramos after he handed Williams a game penalty in her defeat to Naomi Osaka and the lack of backing by the Portuguese has received in the aftermath.
They are “disturbed” by statements by both the WTA and the United States Tennis Association, and there is a certain appetite for action to be taken.
The International Tennis Federation has attempted to cool the situation, pointing out that Ramos was correct in his handling of the affair, which may go some way to diminishing a potential mutiny brewing among officials.
Ramos was accused of being a thief and a liar by Williams after he initially penalized her for receiving on-court coaching, she was fined $17,000 for the incidents and his fellow officials are keen on an apology from Williams.
