The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has defended chair umpire Carlos Ramos whom Serena Williams branded as "liar" and "thief" in the middle of her US open final against Japan's Naomi Osaka.
In a statement the tennis governing body on Monday said, "Carlos Ramos is one of the most experienced and respected umpires in tennis. Mr. Ramos' decisions were in accordance with the relevant rules and were reaffirmed by the U.S. Open's decision to fine Serena Williams for the three offences."
Williams, who was seeking a record-tying 24th Grand Slam singles title, was given a warning for a coaching violation before incurring a point penalty for smashing her racket. After accusing Ramos of being 'a thief for stealing a point from her', she was docked a game.
Serena Williams argues with US Open head referee Brian Earley (C) after problems with chair umpire Carlos Ramos (R) during the women's final, New York, Sept. 8, 2018. /VCG Photo
Ramos, 47, is the only active tennis umpire to have officiated the men's singles finals at all four Grand Slams. He has also been on the chair for the women's singles finals at three of the four majors - the French Open in 2005, Wimbledon in 2008 and at Flushing Meadows on Saturday.
He received praise from the ITF for his professionalism in one of the most controversial Grand Slam finals of all time.
"It is important to remember that Mr. Ramos undertook his duties as an official according to the relevant rule book and acted at all times with professionalism and integrity," the ITF added.
While Williams was fined a total of 17,000 US dollars by the tournament referees' office for the three code violations she received from Ramos, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) also said it would review its policies in the wake of various officiating controversies.
The ITF's support for Ramos comes after the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) expressed disappointment over the handling of the match.
At the same time, Williams' behavior has also bitterly divided the fraternity as several prominent figures such as Billie Jean King have backed Williams for exposing the double standards within tennis while others have criticized the six-time champion for lacking sportsmanship.