The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has defended
the chair umpire who came under fire from Serena Williams for his
handling of the women's US Open final.
Umpire Carlos Ramos, who gave Serena Williams three code violations
during the final, acted within the "relevant rules," a statement by
the sport's governing body said.
The umpire's decisions "were re-affirmed by the US Open's decision to
fine Serena Williams for the three offences," the statement said.
Williams was cited by Ramos during her 6-2, 6-4 defeat to Naomi Osaka
on Saturday: for receiving coaching signals; for breaking her
racquet; and for calling Ramos a thief.
"It is understandable that this high profile and regrettable incident
should provoke debate," the ITF said.
But Ramos is "one of the most experienced and respected umpires in
tennis" and "undertook his duties as an official according to the
relevant rule book and acted at all times with professionalism and
integrity," the statement said.
Williams had a point taken away during the final for racquet abuse
and a game away for verbal abuse. She was later fined 4,000 dollars
for the coaching violation, 3,000 dollars for destroying her racquet
and 10,000 for verbal abuse.