Serena Williams says there is “absolutely” a double-standard between how men’s players’ outbursts are judged compared to women’s players.
Williams was at the centre of one of the game’s biggest scandals at the 2018 US Open final when she lashed chair umpire Carlos Ramos over a series of code violations in her eventual loss to Naomi Osaka.
The 23-time Grand Slam winner was roundly criticised for her actions after that particular match, something she says doesn’t happen to her male counterparts.
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When asked about her reaction to German world No.3 Alexander Zverev’s attack on a chair umpire during the Mexican Open, Williams’ response was telling.
“There is absolutely a double standard,” Williams told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour. “I would probably be in jail if I did that. Like, literally, no joke.”
“I was actually on probation once, and I was like, ‘What did I ever do to get a probation?’.
“There absolutely is (a double-standard), you see that when you see other things happen on the tour.
“I am who I am and I love who I am and I love the impact I’ve had on people and I love the impact that I continue to have on people.”
Williams missed January’s Australian Open due to her recovery from a leg injury, but says she hopes to make a return at Roland-Garros, the next Grand Slam on the tennis calendar.
“Paris is one of my favorite cities, and I actually love the clay,” she said.
“So we’ll see what happens. Hopefully if my body is holding up, then I’ll definitely be there.”
Much has been made of Williams’ attempt to equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, with Williams stuck on 23 since her 2017 Australian Open win.
According to the American, she should be well ahead of the Australian.
“I should have been at like 30 or 32 (grand slam singles titles),” Williams said.
“I should have had it (the record), really, I’ve had many opportunities to have it. But I’m not giving up.”