Against Naomi Osaka, Williams proved once again she is a poor loser against new-generation players. In Williams’ semi-final match in 2009 against Belgian Kim Clijsters, her deplorable behaviour was whistled by most spectators, but her outburst while losing against Osaka has drawn public support for this foul-mouthed great of women’s tennis.
In 2009, lip-readers deciphered Williams making this nasty and intimidating threat against a lineswoman: “I’m going to take the f*cking ball and shove it down your f*cking throat.”
Even the ill-tempered and foul-mouthed John McEnroe never used such vulgar and contemptuous expressions. So much for the campaign Williams and others claim to be waging against a supposed climate of anti-feminism and racism in today’s sports.
By the way, Ramos is one of the very few umpires to have officiated in the finals of all of four tennis grand slams – a man with eagle-eyes and a firm knowledge of the rules.
Horst Baer