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'Different standard than men': Serena Williams' fresh claims of sexism

Serena Williams admits she wishes she handled the drama of the 2018 US Open final differently, but doesn’t take back anything she said.

The tennis superstar addressed the controversy in a story for Business of Fashion, published on Tuesday.

In it she provides a fresh insight on the drama that included a row with chair umpire Carlos Ramos, a loss to Naomi Osaka, and initiated a heated debate around ‘sexism’ within the sporting world.

When asked if she regretted how she acted during the situation, Williams responded, “That’s a really loaded question.

“Do I feel regret for being penalised for something which has never happened in the history of tennis and I didn’t use one single curse word?”

Serena Williams argues with umpire Carlos Ramos. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Serena Williams argues with umpire Carlos Ramos. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

“For me, being a perfectionist and being a professional, it would be impossible not to wish I didn’t handle a lot of situations differently, even that particular situation.

“So, absolutely. However, I have to tell myself, because of my daughter, that I should be able to have any emotion that any man can have.

“It’s about teaching our new generation that everyone should be treated the same.”

Immediately after the match Williams defended herself by saying: “You definitely can’t go back in time, but I can’t sit here and say I wouldn’t say he’s a thief because I thought he took a game from me. But I’ve seen other men call other umpires several things.”

Serena Williams’ controversial blow-up. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for USTA)
Serena Williams’ controversial blow-up. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for USTA)

‘Different standard than men’

Citing a recent survey, Williams issued some fresh claims of sexism, telling Business of Fashion, “A lot of women said they feel they have to manage their emotions because they’re called ‘too emotional’ or they’re called something else just because we face different challenges than men face.

“So, I always think about that. Why do I have to face a different standard than the man?”

She also opened up about how criticism affects her now as opposed to in the past.

“It’s part of life, you know,” she said. “If someone’s not scrutinising you or talking about you, then you’re not doing something right. If everyone’s praising you and everything’s perfect, then it’s not the real world.”

“People are going to scrutinise you no matter what. They’ll find something wrong with you even if you’re not doing anything wrong. And I don’t let that affect me anymore.”