Revealed: Serena Williams' exchange with umpire behind closed doors
A new documentary about Serena Williams’ infamous blow-up in the 2018 US Open final claims she sought out umpire Carlos Ramos after the match.
The circumstances around the ugly scenes at Flushing Meadows 12 months ago have been widely covered, however new information has been revealed ahead of the 2019 edition.
In ESPN's Backstory: ‘Serena vs. The Umpire’, reporter Don Van Natta Jr claims the pair engaged in another exchange behind closed doors.
"After the match, Serena sought out Ramos in the referee's lounge, and they talked behind closed doors for several minutes,” he says.
"Two sources told me Serena told Ramos she respected him as an umpire but she did not agree with his calls.
"Ramos told Serena, 'I have nothing against you personally, and I was just doing my job.'“
The documentary features interviews with Serena's coach Patrick Mouratoglou, Chris Evert, Pam Shriver, former umpires Norm and Palma Chryst, and three journalists.
“As an investigative reporter for 25 years, I’ve tried to tell the in-depth stories that others might have overlooked,” said Van Natta.
“I’m excited for the chance to try to reveal new facts and surprising insights about some of sports’ most intriguing unanswered questions.”
Serena and Ramos separated for 2019
The new claims add fresh insight into the pair’s clash, in which Serena accused Ramos of sexism and told him he’d never umpire her matches ever again.
In fact, 12 months later it appears as thought Serena’s wish has been granted.
US Tennis Association chief executive Stacey Allaster has revealed Ramos will not umpire Serena or Venus Williams at the upcoming US Open.
“We don’t need to go there," Allaster told the New York Times.
"There are more than 900 matches here over the three weeks, and there are lots of matches for Carlos to do.
“We want to be focused on the competition and want to go forward.”
Allaster said the move was just for 2019.
However Serena might not even be at Flushing Meadows next week after withdrawing from the Cincinnati Masters with a back issue.
Serena pulled out before her first-round match, citing the same back problem which forced her to pull out of the Rogers Cup final previously.
The American was due to face Zarina Diyas in Ohio and her latest setback places her in some doubt for the US Open.
"I am so sad to withdraw ... I came to Mason on Sunday and have tried everything to be ready to play tonight, and was still hopeful after my practice this morning," she said on the WTA site.
"But unfortunately my back is still not right and I know I should not take to the court."
with agencies
