Even though 20-year-old Naomi Osaka made history on Saturday, the main talking point from the women’s U.S. Open final surrounded Serena Williams.
Williams was given a game penalty for calling chair umpire Carlos Ramos a “thief” after she was adjudged to have received coaching from her box between points. She was also penalized for slamming her racket on the court.
In her post-match press conference, Williams pointed out that it was “sexist” to be punished for her actions.
Billie Jean King, former world No. 1 and winner of 39 grand slams, pushed for the implementation of coaching between points and slammed the “double standards” of refereeing in the WTA and ATP.
Former professional Mardy Fish criticized the decision as well, claiming that other players are also guilty of similar offences.
Ex-Canadian player and current tennis analyst Jesse Levine took a similar stance, too.
Another ex-pro in Andy Roddick really laid into the umpires, saying that it’s the “worst refereeing” he’s ever seen.
Roddick eventually backtracked on his “worst refereeing” take, but went on to mention similar incidents that went unpunished, including umpires who’ve actually “coached” players on court.
There was a controversy that occurred during the early rounds of the U.S. Open when a chair umpire was seen chatting with Nick Kyrgios between games. Despite dropping the first set, Kyrgios recovered and won 4-6, 7-6 (6), 6-3, 6-0 after that quick pep talk.