US Open: After scandal final: Serena Williams accuses Referee Carlos Ramos of sexism

Serena Williams has accused referee Carlos Ramos of sexism after the lost US Open final in New York. The Portuguese had warned the 36-year-old American three times and awarded her opponent Naomi Osaka (Japan) first a point and then a game. Williams called Ramos a “thief” and a “liar”.

“I have seen other men saying other things to other referees,” Williams said at her press conference one hour after 2:6, 4:6: “I am here to fight for women’s rights, equality and all that. I called him a thief because he took a game from me. He would never take a game away from a man for that.”

Ramos had warned Williams at the beginning of the second set about illegal coaching, and the 23-time Grand Slam winner lost her temper. However, her coach Patrick Mouratoglou admitted the offence later – Williams did not want to know anything about it.

After she destroyed her bat a little later, Ramos had no choice but to warn her for the second time and impose a point penalty.

Many journalists applauded Williams for her speech. “What I have to endure is an example for the next person who wants to express her emotions to be a strong woman,” Williams said: “After today they will be allowed to. Maybe it didn’t work for me, but it will work for the next one.”

The players’ organisation WTA explained: “During the match there were matters that need to be investigated. “But tonight is the time to celebrate these two incredible players, both of great integrity.”

President Katrina Adams of the American Tennis Federation USTA praised Williams “for her class and sporting spirit” and for her speech during the award ceremony, during which Williams tried to stop the spectators’ booing against Referee Ramos.