Williams’ US Open umpire battle

Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka battled it out at the US Open final for the women’s title on Sept. 8. The match was marred with controversy after umpire Carlos Ramos penalized Williams with three violations in the second set. Ramos charged Williams with being coached from the sideline, a point penalty for breaking her racket and, after she called him a “thief,” a point for verbal abuse.

Onlookers and fans of both Williams and Osaka were furious with Ramos, yelling and booing from the sidelines. Ramos was docking Williams points for issues that male players are known to go unpenalized for. Williams believed the sexism was clear.

“I’ve seen other men call other umpires several things. I’m here fighting for women’s rights and for women’s equality and for all kinds of stuff,” Serena Williams said to ESPN. “For me to say ‘thief’ and for him to take a game, it made me feel like it was a sexist remark. He’s never taken a game from a man because they said ‘thief.” Serena was noticeably affected by Ramos’ call and some fans believe Ramos was the reason she lost the title.

Osaka, Williams competition and the champion of the match was openly distraught as she was being awarded, the crowd booing the announcer as her name was called. Serena attempted to give Osaka back her big moment by calming the angry crowd.

“Let’s make it the best moment we can,” Williams said during the awarding.  But Osaka was clearly not enjoying her win, crying and hiding her face as she was handed her trophy. West Essex staff member Caroline Blanchard gave her opinion on the match.

“It’s like they were both right and they were both wrong,” history teacher Mrs.Blanchard said. “The umpire had to give her the second technical foul, but the first one, it wouldn’t of happened to a man. Women are over-sighted, but when she called him that name, he really had no choice.”