US Open: WTA chief Simon supports Williams’ sexism accusations

WTA chief Steve Simon has supported tennis icon Serena Williams in her accusations of sexism voiced after the US Open final. There should be no difference in tolerance of emotional expressions between men and women on the court, according to a statement by the WTA on Sunday evening.

The women’s final in New York “raised the question of whether there were differences in the standards of women’s and men’s games”. The WTA is prepared to work with the sport so that all players are treated equally. “We don’t think that was the case last night (Saturday),” wrote Simon in the statement.

US Open Champion Novak Djokovic disagreed with the WTA chief after the men’s final. “I see things differently from Mr. Simon,” said the Serb: “It is difficult to generalize. I don’t think we need to discuss this.”

Williams had accused the referee Carlos Ramos of sexism after her lost final against the Japanese Naomi Osaka (2:6, 4:6). The Portuguese had warned the 36-year-old American three times and awarded her opponent first a point and then a game according to the rules. Williams had called Ramos a “thief” and a “liar”.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner has been fined 17,000 dollars (14,700 euros) for her losses. The penalty will be deducted from Williams’ $1.85 million in the final.

The penalty is as follows: $10,000 for insulting the chair referee, $4,000 for illicit coaching and $3,000 for destroying her racket (“racket abuse”).