US Open umpire who called out Serena Williams also ruined Naomi Osaka’s moment of glory

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Serena Williams gestures towards chair umpire Carlos Ramos during her US Open final match against Naomi Osaka of Japan, in New York on September 8. Osaka won 6-2, 6-4. Photo: EPA

Published: 4:01am, 12 Sep 2018Updated: 5:52am, 12 Sep 2018

I refer to last Saturday’s US Open final, and agree with analysts who say umpire Carlos Ramos lost his head and should not be allowed to officiate at any other important matches (“Serena Williams’ US Open treatment divides the tennis world”, September 10).

Did Ramos not realise he was umpiring a Grand Slam final? He cautioned Williams because her coach made some insignificant hand signals which she barely acknowledged, as she was at the other end. It was revealed that most coaches try to do some coaching of this sort and are mostly ignored by the umpires. In this case, Ramos chose to make an issue of an imperceptible hand signal.

Williams received a point penalty, and then a game penalty. Even 70s and 80s legend Chris Evert says the rule on coaching from the stands should be eliminated. Ramos outdid himself as judge, jury and executioner.

Serena Williams comforts a tearful Naomi Osaka of Japan, as the crowd boos, during the trophy ceremony following their US Open singles final. Photo: USA TODAY via Reuters

Moreover, Naomi Osaka was playing very well and didn’t need any of these gifts from the chair to win. The whole controversy not only detracted from her outstanding play but also marginalised and demeaned her victory.

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