Chair umpire Carlos Ramos has spoken publicly for the first time since the controversial US Open tennis women's final between Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, insisting he is "fine".
Ramos handed out three code violations - including a game penalty for verbal abuse - to runner-up Williams during the match, sparking a verbal barrage from the tennis legend.
Williams called Ramos a "thief" and accused him of being "sexist" during the 6-2 6-4 defeat at Flushing Meadows, leading to plenty social media debate, which remains divided on the issue.
Ramos spoke briefly to Portuguese newspaper Tribuna Expresso about the final.
"I'm fine, given the circumstances," Ramos said. "It's a delicate situation, but umpiring 'a la carte' doesn't exist.
"Don't worry about me."
The 47-year-old also said he had avoided walking the streets of New York after the final to avoid any "complicated situations" and he has refrained from going on social media.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) defended Ramos for his actions during the final and the US Open fined Williams NZ$26,006 for her three code violations.
But the backlash continues to rage, as Australian cartoonist Mark Knight was widely criticised for his "racist and sexist" depiction of Williams' outburst.
He drew a picture showing a furious Williams stomping on her racquet, with a baby's dummy on the court beside her. In the background, Ramos is seen asking opponent Naomi Osaka, "Can you just let her win?".
Despite the backlash, the paper defended Knight's cartoon.
Ramos confirmed he would be back in the chair in a few days for the Davis Cup semi-final matches between the US and Croatia in Zadar.
Newshub.
