Serena Williams’ US Open treatment divides the tennis world
There were messages of support for Williams, who was fined US$17,000, as well as those condemning her behaviour and agreeing with the umpire’s calls
Serena Williams’ behaviour in Saturday’s US Open final divided the tennis world after she called the chair umpire a “liar” and a “thief” and said he treated her differently than male players during her loss to Naomi Osaka.
Williams, who was seeking a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title on Saturday, was handed a warning for a coaching violation before being deducted a point for smashing her racket.
She then had a heated argument with chair umpire Carlos Ramos, which cost her a game.
The six-times US Open champion, who has since been fined US$17,000 by the United States Tennis Association for the violations, vigorously disputed each during the match.
In the wake of Osaka’s first Grand Slam triumph, there were messages of support for Williams as well as those condemning her behaviour and agreeing with the umpire’s calls.