Serena won't be influenced by US Open controversy, says top tennis chief
Speaking to British Media the ITF President David Haggerty commented on the controversial US Open final involving Serena Williams and the chair umpire Carlos Ramos. Haggerty believes Serena will be fine next month in Melbourne: ‘I think many months have gone by, I’m sure there has been reflection on all fronts', said Haggerty. 'I think she will play in the Australian Open and I’m sure she’ll be back in her form. I’m sure Carlos will be at the Australian Open calling matches. Whether they’re scheduled together, time will tell.’
Asked if Ramos may not umpire Serena's matches for a while, Haggerty replied: 'That could be something for the tournament to consider. They could consider that they could consider how to schedule and what to do. Haggerty believes the row could come under consideration. You’ve seen quite a few women’s matches that are being chaired by women referees. I think at the US Open in this instance was to have a man do a woman and a woman do a man to make that same statement. I think all the officials and referees that are at a Grand Slam are capable. But I don’t think it has to be mandatory that he not umpire a match or referee a match that she’s in.’
Haggerty offered the ITF support to Ramos, who went through a lot of pressure. ‘We certainly support the umpires and referees. We have workshops and different things. Carlos followed the rules – he did what he was supposed to do and we’ve said that publicly after the incident. I think everyone after that event took a full meditation and reflection on what was done.'
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from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2PADqMb
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