Tennis great, Roger Federer has said that fellow tennis star Serena Williams “went too far” in her explosion at the umpire during the US Open final in September.

Osaka’s 6-2 6-4 victory over Williams on September 9 was overshadowed by the American’s outbursts during the second set.

Williams, 37, was given a first code violation after umpire Carlos Ramos judged a gesture from coach Patrick Mouratoglou to be coaching and later followed by a penalty point for racquet abuse and a game penalty for calling the umpire a “liar” and a “thief” during her loss to Naomi Osaka.

While speaking to reporters, Federer said the incident could have been managed with a better approach.

“I feel like Serena should have walked away,” he said. “She did, but she went too far. She should have walked earlier.”

He, however, added that Williams’ actions were “a little bit excusable”.

He added: “The umpire maybe should not have pushed her there. It’s unfortunate, but an incredible case study.”

When the game finished, she called him “a liar” and “a thief”. That led to Ramos docking her the next game – leaving Osaka needing just one for victory.

The 23 time Grand Slam champion accused the umpire of being “sexist” for her to have been penalised in a game.

She received a $17,000 fine from the United States Tennis Association for the code violations.

Federer also commented on the subject of female players’ on-court attire.

It was announced in September that Williams would be banned from wearing a black catsuit at future French Opens, after she wore the outfit at the tournament in May, with the organisers set to introduce a stricter dress code.

Also at the US Open, France’s Alize Cornet was handed a code violation for changing her shirt on court.

“What was the problem with taking the shirt off or the catsuit?” said the 20-time Grand Slam singles champion. Serena has worn crazier stuff in the past. Guys have worn crazier stuff. For me it was all a bit of nonsense.

“I was totally on the women’s side. Leave them alone.”