US Open umpire tells AP he is focusing on 'working again'

ZADAR, Croatia (AP) The chair umpire who penalized Serena Williams in the U.S. Open final is pleased to be getting back to work.

Carlos Ramos is assigned to the Davis Cup semifinal between Croatia and the United States this weekend in Zadar.

''I'm just focusing on this tie and working again. That's all I can say,'' Ramos told The Associated Press before the opening singles between Borna Coric and Steve Johnson, which he did not officiate.

Ramos was directing the second singles between Marin Cilic and Frances Tiafoe.

Ramos gave Williams three code violations in her straight-set loss to Naomi Osaka last weekend, and the American great argued she wasn't being treated the same as some male players.

USTA president and CEO Katrina Adams, who defended Williams, was overheard apologizing to Ramos on the sidelines of Thursday's draw ceremony.

Ramos wouldn't go into details over his discussion with Adams, who initiated the conversation.

''You know I cannot talk about that,'' Ramos said.

Coric beat Johnson for Croatia to lead 1-0.

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