The chair umpire who pleaded against Serena Williams last Saturday in the final of the US Open, came out of his silence for the first time to say he is fine.

Carlos Ramos gave a short interview published Wednesday in the pages of the Portuguese newspaper Tribuna Expresso.

“I’m fine, given the circumstances,” he said. “It’s a delicate situation, but a la carte arbitration does not exist. Do not worry about me!”

It also states that Ramos has received hundreds of messages of support from family members, colleagues, players and former players.

He adds that he has avoided social media and just reads articles that show neutrality and impartiality. He also said he was not out the next day of the final to avoid trouble.

On Monday, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) defended Ramos for his exemplary behavior during the final.

The management of the US Open has also fined Williams $ 17,000 for its three breaches of the Code of Conduct.

For its part, the WTA has called for the fair treatment of all tennis players and for coaching to be allowed in all tournaments.

Finally, the ITF appointed Carlos Ramos to officiate, as of Friday, in Zadar, the semi-final Davis Cup between the United States and Croatia.