Back in the chair: Ramos set to officiate at Davis Cup semi-final after Williams ‘sexism’ storm
Portuguese umpire Carlos Ramos, who was at the center of the row with Serena Williams in the US Open final, has been appointed to officiate in the Davis Cup semi-final – a step seen as support from tennis officials.
Williams accused Ramos of sexism during the US Open final in New York, branding him a “thief” and a “liar” after he issued her with a series of code violations.
Ramos came under fire from prominent figures in the world of tennis, including Billie Jean King, while the WTA also backed Williams’ claims of sexism.
However, others supported the official, who is among the most experienced in the sport, with the International Tennis Federation ITF saying he had acted with “professionalism and integrity” in the final.
The ITF has now given a further indication of support for Ramos, seemingly drawing a line under the saga by appointing him to officiate the Davis Cup semi-final between the USA and Croatia in Zadar.
According to Associated Press journalist Andrew Dampf, US Tennis Association head Katrina Adams, who had fiercely supported Williams, was heard apologizing to Ramos at the draw for the Davis Cup semis.
USTA chief @katadams68 overheard apologizing to chair umpire Carlos Ramos for the fallout from US Open final at draw for Davis Cup SF draw between US and Croatia in Zadar pic.twitter.com/48fqyQOVlV
— Andrew Dampf (AP) (@asdampf) September 13, 2018
