WTA chief backs Serena's stand in rulings row

WTA Tour chief executive Steve Simon on Sunday backed Serena Williams' claim that sexism played a role in the code violations that sparked her meltdown in Saturday's US Open final against Naomi Osaka.

Williams was handed three code violations - and docked a point and then a game - in her 6-2, 6-4 loss to Osaka.

Osaka outplayed her childhood hero to become the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam, but her accomplishment was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams.