THE International Tennis Federation has moved to pull umpire Carlos Ramos out from under the bus he had been thrown by leading women’s tour officials over his calls against Serena Williams in the US Open final.

The ITF, the governing body of world tennis and the umbrella organisation for the four Grand Slams, moved to support Ramos 24 hours after the WTA, which runs the women’s tour, said female players are held to a higher standard of behaviour than men.

The ITF said Ramos, who works for it, had been correct in all three of the most contentious decisions which led a furious Williams to claim that she had been the victim of sexism in how her US Open final on Sunday was umpired.

“His decisions were in accordance with the relevant rules and were reaffirmed by the US Open’s decision to fine Serena Williams for the three offences,’’ the ITF statement said.

“It is understandable this high-profile and regrettable incident should provoke debate. At the same time, it is important to remember Mr Ramos undertook his duties as an official according to the relevant rule book and acted at all times with professionalism and integrity.”

WTA chief executive Steve Simon said the WTA believes there should be no difference in the standards of tolerance provided to the emotions expressed in matches by men and women.

“(The WTA) is committed to working with the sport to ensure all players are treated the same. We do not believe this was done (in the final).”

Unrest among Grand Slam level umpires built after the WTA’s tacit support of Williams’s conduct towards Ramos and comments from US Tennis Association president Katrina Adams.

London’s Times newspaper reported that some professional umpires had discussed how to show support for their profession, including a refusal to accept appointments to umpire matches of Williams until the American apologises for calling Ramos a “thief’’.

Adams praised Williams for showing “a great deal of class and sportsmanship” during the trophy presentations to her and winner Naomi Osaka, who was tearful over sustained booing of her by the New York.

Adams later said there was “no equality’’ between how umpires react to dialogue between male and female players during matches.

“We watch the guys do this all the time, they’re badgering the umpire on the changeovers. Nothing happens,’’ Adams told ESPN.

“There has to be some consistency across the board. These are conversations that will be imposed.”