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Agence France-Presse

WTA Tour chief executive Steve Simon on Sunday backed Serena Williams’ claim that sexism played a role in the code violations that sparked her US Open final meltdown.
Williams was handed three code violations – and docked a point and then a game – in her 6-2, 6-4 loss to Naomi Osaka in the Flushing Meadows final
Osaka outplayed her childhood hero to become the first Japanese player to win a grand slam, but her accomplishment was swamped in the controversy surrounding 23-time grand slam champion Williams.

The American superstar claimed chair umpire Carlos Ramos meted out penalties for infractions that male players could have got away with.
“Yesterday also brought to the forefront the question of whether different standards are applied to men and women in the officiating of matches,” Simon said in a statement.
US Open: sexism against Serena – organisers and umpire Carlos Ramos owe Williams an apology for their double standards
“The WTA believes that there should be no difference in the standards of tolerance provided to the emotions expressed by men vs women and is committed to working with the sport to ensure that all players are treated the same.
“We do not believe that this was done last night.”
Williams was most incensed by the first code violation she received – for coaching from her box.

It’s not clear if she even saw the hand gestures by coach Patrick Mouratoglou sitting in her box, and Simon said the sport as a whole should examine the rules on coaching.
“We also think the issue of coaching needs to be addressed and should be allowed across the sport,” he said.
Naomi Osaka’s US Open win over Serena Williams gives Japan an unlikely hero after devastating typhoon and earthquake
“The WTA supports coaching through its on-court coaching rule, but further review is needed.
“Yesterday’s match showcased one of tennis’ new stars as well as one of the greatest players of the game,” Simon concluded.
“We look forward to more thrilling matches between these great athletes and hope that what we all witnessed yesterday never happens again.”


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US Open (tennis)

Serena Williams gets backing in US Open sexism row by WTA chief Steve Simon after loss to Naomi Osaka

US Open champion Naomi Osaka hides her face as Serena Williams reflects on her performance and behaviour. Photo: AFP

FILE PHOTO: Naomi Osaka of Japan, Serena Williams of the United States, and chair umpire Carlos Ramos talk after Ramos charges Williams with a game penalty in the second set in the women's final on day thirteen of the 2018 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, U.S., September 8, 2018. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY SPORTS/File Photo

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 08: Serena Williams of the United States reacts looks on after her defeat in the Women's Singles finals match to Naomi Osaka of Japan as umpire Carlos Ramos leaves the court on Day Thirteen of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Julian Finney/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

US Open final: Serena Williams blasts umpire as ‘liar and a thief’ in historic loss to Japan’s Naomi Osaka

America in meltdown as umpire warns her for receiving coaching from her box, but Osaka holds her nerve in historic win for Japan

Sep 8, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Serena Williams of the United States, left, and Naomi Osaka of Japan hug after Osaka wins the women's final on day thirteen of the 2018 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY SPORTS

epa07007132 Serena Williams of the US gestures towards chair umpire Carlos Ramos (L) as she plays Naomi Osaka of Japan during the women's final on the thirteenth day of the US Open Tennis Championships the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, USA, 08 September 2018. The US Open runs from 27 August through 09 September. EPA-EFE/BRIAN HIRSCHFELD *** Local Caption *** 53000073

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 08: Naomi Osaka of Japan speaks to the media after winning the Women's Singles finals match against Serena Williams of the United States on Day Thirteen of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

Serena Williams launches her tirade at chair umpire Carlos Ramos on her way to losing the US Open final to Naomi Osaka of Japan. Photo: EPA

US Open: Naomi Osaka beats angry Serena Williams to become first Japanese to win a grand slam title

Naomi Osaka, of Japan after defeating Serena Williams in the women's final of the US Open tennis tournament on Saturday. Photo: AP

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 08: Serena Williams of the United States reacts after her defeat in the Women's Singles finals match to Naomi Osaka of Japan on Day Thirteen of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Julian Finney/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 08: Serena Williams of the United States argues with umpire Carlos Ramos during her Women's Singles finals match against Naomi Osaka of Japan on Day Thirteen of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Julian Finney/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

Sport

Tennis

Steve Simon agrees with ‘double standards’ argument that umpire Carlos Ramos did not treat women’s finalists in same way he would have done men


Serena Williams

Serena Williams gets backing in US Open sexism row by WTA chief Steve Simon after loss to Naomi Osaka

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Steve Simon agrees with ‘double standards’ argument that umpire Carlos Ramos did not treat women’s finalists in same way he would have done men

Steve Simon agrees with ‘double standards’ argument that umpire Carlos Ramos did not treat women’s finalists in same way he would have done men