WTA back Serena Williams’ sexism claims following US Open final drama

Williams fell 6-2 6-4 to Naomi Osaka in Saturday’s final in a highly-charged match which saw the American repeatedly confront umpire Carlos Ramos.

The umpire initially handed Williams a coaching violation before docking her a point, and after the 36-year-old labelled Ramos a “thief”, he docked her a game in a dramatic second set.

"For me to say 'thief' and for him to take a game, it made me feel like it was a sexist remark," Williams, who was subsequently fined $17,000, said after the match.

"He's never taken a game from a man because they said 'thief'. For me it blows my mind. But I'm going to continue to fight for women and to fight for us to have equal -- like Cornet should be able to take off her shirt without getting a fine. This is outrageous."

WTA chief executive Steve Simon has supported Williams’ claims, stating a different standard of tolerance was on display:

The controversial final also brought to light the debate surrounding on-court coaching.

Williams’ coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, admitted after the match he was coaching from the stands, but also insisted “everyone is doing it 100 per cent of the time”.

On-court coaching is allowed on the WTA Tour, but not at Grand Slams, and Simon believes a further review on this matter is required.

He added: “We also think the issue of coaching needs to be addressed and should be allowed across the sport.

“The WTA supports coaching through its on-court coaching rule, but further review is needed.”