US Open: Naomi Osaka title win overshadowed by Serena Williams controversy
Williams called chair umpire a ‘thief’ during dramatic final in New York
Naomi Osaka made history by becoming the first Japanese tennis player to win a grand slam title but her victory in Saturday’s US Open final was not the major talking point.
Osaka’s opponent, Serena Williams, was involved in a heated argument with the chair umpire Carlos Ramos early in the second set.
Ramos ruled that Williams was being coached from the stands by Patrick Mouratoglou, for which the 36-year-old received an initial code violation. Williams was also given a penalty point for racket abuse, Sky Sports reports, and a game penalty for calling the umpire a “thief”.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The BBC reports that the United States Tennis Association has backed Ramos and said he acted “in accordance to the rules”. But Williams, who was aiming to win a record-equalling 24th grand slam title, accused Ramos of sexism.
Speaking after the 6-2 6-4 loss to Osaka, Williams said: “I’ve seen other men call other umpires several things. I’m here fighting for women’s rights and for women’s equality and for all kinds of stuff.
“For me to say ‘thief’ and for him to take a game, it made me feel like it was a sexist remark. He’s never taken a game from a man because they said ‘thief’.”
Duo in tears
In the presentation Osaka was in tears after the dramatic scenes at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 24,000-capacity crowd booed the umpire’s decision and former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash told BBC Radio it “was the most bizarre match and presentation” he had ever seen.
Japan PM praises Osaka
Take nothing away from 20-year-old Osaka though. While Williams “went into meltdown”, says the BBC, Osaka stayed calm to secure the title.
On Twitter Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe praised Osaka for her victory and for “giving Japan a boost of inspiration at this time of hardship”.
Speaking about the scenes on court Osaka said: “I was just trying to focus. Since it was my first grand slam final, I did not want to get overwhelmed.
“Serena came to the bench and told me she had a point penalty and when she got the game penalty I didn’t know that either. I was just trying to focus on myself at that time.”
The crowd applauded Osaka for her victory and the words she said after receiving the trophy. Osaka said: “I know everyone was cheering for her and I’m sorry it had to end like this. I just want to say thank you for watching the match.
“[It was] always my dream to play Serena in the US Open finals.”
“She played an amazing match,” Williams told the New York Times. “She deserved credit. She deserved to win.”
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Jaguar's stalled rebrand
In the spotlight Critics and car lovers are baffled by the luxury car company's 'complete reset'
By Abby Wilson Published
-
What the chancellor's pension megafund plans mean for your money
Rachel Reeves wants pension schemes to merge and back UK infrastructure – but is it putting your money at risk?
By Marc Shoffman, The Week UK Published
-
Why Māori are protesting in New Zealand
A controversial bill has ignited a 'flashpoint in race relations' as opponents claim it will undermine the rights of Indigenous people
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
Battle of the Sexes: 50 years on from Billie Jean King's landmark victory
In Pictures Beating Bobby Riggs proved a historic moment for tennis and for women's sport globally
By Rebekah Evans Published
-
Coco Gauff: a tennis prodigy comes of age with US Open win
American 19-year-old battled back from a set down to claim first grand slam title
By The Week Staff Published
-
Carlos, the teenage tennis ‘superstar’, triumphs in New York
Speed Read Carlos Alcaraz claimed an ‘extraordinary treble’ at Flushing Meadows
By The Week Staff Published
-
Tennis: Britain’s men thrive and grow at the US Open
feature For the first time in over fifty years, a British quartet made it to the third round of the Open
By The Week Staff Published
-
Emma Raducanu’s fairytale of New York is over
feature British tennis star eyes a ‘clean slate’ after US Open title defence ends at first hurdle
By Mike Starling Published
-
Serena Williams and her ‘evolution’ away from tennis
Why Everyone’s Talking About The 23-time grand slam champion is set to retire after the US Open
By Mike Starling Published
-
What has Serena Williams been doing?
Why Everyone’s Talking About The tennis great made a surprise return to the court this week after a year away
By Richard Windsor Published
-
Mason Greenwood: footballer arrested on suspicion of rape and assault
Speed Read Man Utd confirm the striker will not train or play until further notice
By The Week Staff Published