‘Ramos Crossed the Line’: Who Said What on Serena Controversy

Here’s a look at what some of the tennis players had to say about the tussle between Serena Williams and the umpire.

Serena Williams insisted she was not cheating in the US Open final on Saturday before accusing the sport, which has made her a global icon and multi-millionaire, of sexism.

Naomi Osaka won the final 6-2, 6-4 to become Japan's first ever Grand Slam singles champion and delay Williams's bid for a record-equaling 24th major title.

However, the final was overshadowed by the American's angry and teary-eyed tirade in the second set.

The 36-year-old was handed a code violation for coaching, a penalty point for racket abuse and a game penalty for calling umpire Carlos Ramos a "liar and a thief" and insisting "you owe me an apology".

Here’s a look at what the greats of the game had to say about the incident.

Men and Women Should be Treated Equally: WTA

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.

Steve Simon, CEO, WTA

Umpire’s Involvement Was Unnecessary: Djokovic

I really felt for her yesterday. Tough thing for a chair umpire to deal with, as well. We have to empathise with him. Everyone was in a very awkward situation yesterday. A lot of emotions. Serena was crying. Naomi was crying. It was really, really tough. But I have my personal opinion that maybe the chair umpire should not have pushed Serena to the limit, especially in a Grand Slam final.

Novak Djokovic

But he disagreed with WTA CEO Steve Simon, who said men and women should be treated equally, but that wasn't the case on Saturday.

But I don’t think it’s (the right) time and place to get into other subjects. I don’t agree with (WTA CEO) Mr Steve Simon. I really don’t. I think men and women are treated this way or the other way depending on the situation. It’s hard to generalise things. I don’t see it’s necessary really to debate that.

Novak Djokovic

Ramos Crossed the Line: Billie Jean King

Ramos crossed the line. He made himself part of the match. He involved himself in the end result. An umpire’s job is to keep control of the match, and he let it get out of control.

Billie Jean King wrote in a column for The Washington Post

(2/2) When a woman is emotional, she’s “hysterical” and she’s penalized for it. When a man does the same, he’s “outspoken” & and there are no repercussions. Thank you, @serenawilliams, for calling out this double standard. More voices are needed to do the same.

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 9, 2018

The 12-time Grand Slam champion expressed that men and women are treated differently in most arenas of life.

Did Ramos treat Williams differently than male players have been treated? I think he did. Women are treated differently in most arenas of life. This is especially true for women of colour. And what played out on the court yesterday happens far too often.

Billie Jean King wrote in a column for The Washington Post

Victoria Azarenka Stands by King

The two-time Australian Open champion, Victoria Azarenka stood by Billie Jean King by tweeting that a man wouldn’t have been penalised as much as Serena Williams was in the US Open final.

If it was men’s match, this wouldn’t happen like this. It just wouldn’t.

Victoria Azarenka

I Have Said Worse and Not Gotten Penalised: James Blake

I will admit I have said worse and not gotten penalised. And I’ve also been given a “soft warning” by the ump where they tell you knock it off or I will have to give you a violation. He should have at least given her (Serena) that courtesy. Sad to mar a well played final that way.

James Blake

(With inputs from PTI and AP.)