Serena sexism claims 'far-fetched' – Jamie Murray

US Open mixed doubles champion Jamie Murray believes Serena Williams' claims of sexism in the wake of her umpire row are wide of the mark.

Published : Sep 14, 2018 15:31 IST

Serena Williams was given a code violation for what chair umpire Carlos Ramos deemed to be on-court coaching.
Serena Williams was given a code violation for what chair umpire Carlos Ramos deemed to be on-court coaching.
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Serena Williams was given a code violation for what chair umpire Carlos Ramos deemed to be on-court coaching.

Serena Williams' claims that she was punished more harshly during her US Open umpire row because she is female have been described as "far-fetched" by Jamie Murray.

During the final against Naomi Osaka, Williams was given a code violation for what chair umpire Carlos Ramos deemed to be on-court coaching.

The 23-time grand slam champion vehemently denied that accusation and, after smashing her racket having been broken in the second set, was docked a point by Ramos.

Williams angrily confronted Ramos, demanding an apology and branding him a "liar" and a "thief", comments which prompted the official to hand down a game penalty.

RELATED | Serena's Flushing Meadows meltdown: A psychologist's take

In the aftermath of her defeat, Williams claimed that had she been male, she would have been treated more leniently, but Murray – who won the mixed doubles final alongside Bethanie Mattek-Sands – does not agree.

"I think that’s a bit far-fetched. I think the umpire, he did what was within his rights," the Briton, who is the older brother of former world number one Andy Murray, told BBC Sport.

"Coaching is common, a lot of people are doing it, some people aren't getting called for it. To get called in a grand slam final was perhaps a bit tight, but I think the reaction was pretty overboard I've seen a lot of people get called for coaching before, and you might have a grumble and stuff, but you get on with it," he added.

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