Sunday 9 September 2018 12:36, UK
Billie Jean King has thanked Serena Williams for calling out a "double standard" after her confrontation with the umpire in her US Open final defeat against Naomi Osaka.
The 36-year-old insisted she did not cheat before accusing chair umpire Carlos Ramos of sexism after she received an initial code violation for coaching, a penalty point for racket abuse and a game penalty for calling the umpire a "thief".
King, who won 12 Grand Slam singles titles during her career and helped found the women's tennis tour, defended Williams saying she believes there were several mistakes made in the final.
"Several things went very wrong during the US Open women's finals today. Coaching on every point should be allowed in tennis. It isn't, and as a result, a player was penalised for the actions of her coach. This should not happen," King said on Twitter.
"When a woman is emotional, she's "hysterical" and she's penalised for it. When a man does the same he's "outspoken" and there are no repercussions. Thank you Serena Williams, for calling out this double standard. More voices are needed to do the same."
Former US Open champion Andy Roddick also backed Williams, branding the refereeing as the "worst" he has ever seen, while former quarter-finalist Mardy Fish criticised the "ridiculous" calls made.
But not everyone was in agreement, Richard Ings, a former rules and competition chief for the ATP, defended Ramos and said he was "doing his job".
In a statement, the US Open said the chair umpire's decision was final.
British No 4 Liam Broady said he was "absolutely gutted" for Osaka - who became the first Japanese Grand Slam winner - saying she had her moment "snatched away from her".
US Open 2017 men's finalist Kevin Anderson urged 20-year-old Osaka to "feel proud" for competing against her idol Williams.
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Tennis is back on Sky Sports screens with the Laver Cup in September while we will also have coverage of the ATP Finals in November with every match live on Sky Sports.
