Following criticism from both inside and outside of tennis of an official who penalized Serena Williams during the women’s US Open final on Saturday, other referees claim they are fearful of the same treatment.
Citing a lack of official support for chair umpire Carlos Ramos after he stuck to the rulebook by penalizing Williams, other umpires and officials are concerned about the WTA’s lack of support.
“The umpiring fraternity is thoroughly disturbed at being abandoned by the WTA,” Richard Ings, an ex-elite Gold Badge umpire told ESPN. “They are all fearful that they could be the next Ramos. They feel that no one has their back when they have to make unpopular calls.”
Ramos cited Williams three times Saturday during her loss against Naomi Osaka. Her reaction to his calls was exaggerated, as were the calls themselves.
While Ramos has said he is “fine, given the circumstances,” there have been rumblings that officials were considering boycotting future matches involving Williams.
Citing sources, Ings said that is unlikely.
“Umpires are just upset,” he said. “They’re thinking, ‘What if?’”
Yesterday, a cartoonist who drew a picture of Saturday’s scene at the Open which many felt was racist denied the allegations.
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