Serena Williams, arguably the best women’s tennis player of all time, was involved in controversy in the 158^th edition of the U.S. Open. As Serena was going for her 24^th Grand Slam Title, she was given three code violations during her match, and eventual loss to up-and-coming 20-year-old, Naomi Osaka. Which since have become more than just code violations.

It began with her first violation during set two, game two, when official, Carlos Ramos, said that, “Williams was receiving coaching.” Which Williams responded, “I don’t cheat to win, I’d rather lose. Just letting you know.” It seemed at this point Williams took this violation personally and wasn’t going to let it go. The second violation was for racket abuse, which automatically gave a point to Osaka. Williams then called Ramos a “thief”, which resulted to her third violation and cost her a game. Williams was hit with a $17,000 fine from the U.S. Tennis Association shortly after the ending of the tournament.

It becomes a question of: Would this have happened during a men’s match? Williams said she’s seen male players call other umpires “several things”. As some see Ramos for doing his job, others know he could have handled it differently. Billie Jean King, a tennis legend and equal rights advocate agrees with Williams saying, “When a woman is emotional, she’s “hysterical” and she’s penalized 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”.

This has opened a new door for equality in the sport of tennis. Women are being held to a different standard as men, and it needs to be dealt with before another incident like the 158^th U.S. Open occurs.