Wednesday 12 September 2018 15:57, UK
Umpire Carlos Ramos has defended his officiating in last weekend's controversial US Open final women's final between Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka.
The 47-year-old Portuguese handed out three code violations to runner-up Williams on Saturday, prompting a heated on-court argument with the 23-times Grand Slam champion and sparking a debate about sexism in tennis.
Ramos revealed he had avoided walking the streets of New York on Sunday to avoid any "complicated situations", but confirmed he would be back in the chair on Friday in Zadar, Croatia to officiate the semi-final of the Davis Cup between Croatia and the United States.
"I am good, under the circumstances," Ramos was quoted as saying in Portugal's Tribuna Expresso.
"It's an unhappy situation but a-la-carte refereeing doesn't exist. Don't you worry about me!"
Williams was fined $17,000 and docked a point and a game for three code violations during the match, including breaking a racket and verbally abusing the umpire.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) and Women's Tennis Association (WTA) both publicly backed the allegations of sexism levelled at Ramos after Saturday's match.
Rusedski: Serena's claims 'unjustified'
However, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) came out in defence of Ramos, issuing a statement on Monday which described him as one of the most respected umpires in tennis.
Billie Jean King, the former world No 1 who founded the WTA in the 1970s, said on Tuesday all sides shared blame for the incident, saying Williams was "out of line" but that Ramos could have prevented the controversy with more leniency and clearer communication.
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