High levels of controversy have followed Serena Williams’ 2-6, 4-6 loss in the US Open final to Naomi Osaka on Saturday.

Tempers flared during the final, with umpire Carlos Ramos imposing a code violation for coaching, deducting a point for racquet abuse and then a game penalty after Williams called Ramos a “thief” and a “liar”.

Williams has since claimed that she was on the receiving end of sexist treatment from the umpire, something the Women’s Tennis Association supports her on.

The WTA’s chief executive, Steve Simon, released a statement which supported Williams' claims of sexism while failing to condemn the American for her behaviour.

Similarly to the WTA, The United States Tennis Association did not hold back in their criticism of the sexism from officials. The President of the USTA, Katrina Adams, told ESPN: “There is no equality. There has to be some consistency across the board at every level of officiating.”

Despite the criticism he has been under, umpire Carlos Ramos appears to be unflustered, while the International Tennis Federation have come out in his defence, claiming that he officiated within the laws of the game.

“Carlos Ramos is one of the most experienced and respected umpires in tennis. Mr Ramos’s decisions were in accordance with the relevant rules and were reaffirmed by the US Open’s decision to fine Ms Williams for the three offences.

“It is understandable that this high-profile and regrettable incident should provoke debate. Mr Ramos undertook his duties as an official according to the relevant rulebook and acted at all times with professionalism and integrity.”

Despite their backing, it would appear umpires are still unhappy with the level of criticism aimed at Ramos and, according to The Times, are threatening to boycott officiating any matches involving the US Open runner-up.

An anonymous source reportedly told The Times that umpires were growing increasingly dispirited by the lack of support and felt Ramos was 'thrown to the wolves for simply doing his job and was not willing to be abused for it'.

Although such a boycott would be incredibly difficult to organise, it is said an apology from Williams would go some way to diffusing the situation.

Given how strongly the 36-year-old felt, both during and after the match, it would appear unlikely she would be prepared to make such a drastic U-turn.