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Chair umpire Carlos Ramos calls his final match on home soil in Estoril
Known for his controversial role during the 2018 US Open final between Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, Ramos enjoyed an emotional sendoff as he celebrated the end of a decorated 32-year career.On Sunday, top seed Casper Ruud celebrated victory in the Millennium Estoril Open final. But before the Norwegian received the trophy, the tournament organizers took a moment to recognize the third person who participated in the championship match: chair umpire Carlos Ramos.
The Portuguese umpire enjoyed an emotional sendoff on home soil after calling the last match of his 32-year career, a 6-2, 7-6 (3) Ruud victory over Miomir Kecmanovic. Ramos, who was a full-time ITF Gold Badge umpire, was officiating his first ATP final in more than 20 years for the occasion.
“I love Portugal, I love the Estoril Open. The start of my career began in Lisbon, Portugal, at the other version of the Estoril Open,” Ramos told the crowd. “It ends, it's a page that turns, with immense gratitude and humility.
“Tennis and refereeing made me the person I am and I am very grateful to tennis, to the Portuguese public, to my friends… It makes perfect sense to end my career here and I thank the people who made this possible. I say this with great humility and immense pleasure.”
One of the most respected and recognized officials in the game, Ramos, 50, umpired 10 Grand Slam singles finals, an Olympic singles final and five Davis Cup finals throughout his decorated career. In fact, he is one of only two referees to have officiated in all four Grand Slam men's finals—the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open—alongside Allison Hughes.
Despite his long list of accolades, Ramos is still best known for his controversial role during the 2018 US Open final between Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, where his heated clash with the American over a series of code violations made headlines around the world.
Ramos received a standing ovation from the Portuguese crowd on Sunday, before stepping down to let Ruud and Kecmanovic take center stage.
"I couldn't have dreamed of a better way to end my chair umpire career and I'm so grateful,” an emotional Ramos said. “Thanks to everyone. Now I give way to the players, the real ones who played in this final and who deserve to be on the podium.”
Chair umpire Carlos Ramos calls his final match on home soil in Estoril | Tennis.com
Known for his controversial role during the 2018 US Open final between Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, Ramos enjoyed an emotional sendoff as he celebrated the end of a decorated 32-year career.
