SportsControversy As Naomi Osaka Defeats Serena Williams To Win US Open

Controversy As Naomi Osaka Defeats Serena Williams To Win US Open

BEVERLY HILLS, September 09, (THEWILL) – Naomi Osaka of Japan has won US Open after defeating Serena Williams of the United States.

Osaka became the first Japanese woman to win a Grand Slam title as her idol Serena Williams imploded in the face of a code violation from the chair umpire on Saturday.

Osaka, 20, triumphed 6-2, 6-4 in the match marred by Williams’s second set outburst, the American enraged by umpire Carlos Ramos’s warning for receiving coaching from her box.

She tearfully accused him of being a “thief” and demanded an apology from the official.

Serena Williams’ bid for a 24th Grand Slam title imploded in a furious tirade against umpire Carlos Ramos, calling him a thief after he docked her a point for two code violations.

Her outburst then earned her a game penalty, prompting a further outburst to tournament officials and putting Naomi Osaka within one game of victory.

During the trophy ceremony in Arthur Ashe Stadium, thousands of fans jeered repeatedly, and both Osaka, the champion, and Williams, the runner-up in her bid for a record-tying 24th Grand Slam trophy, cried.

Williams put an arm around Osaka’s shoulder and told the crowd: “I know you guys were here rooting, and I was rooting, too, but let’s make this the best moment we can. We’re going to get through this, and let’s be positive. So congratulations, Naomi. No more booing.”

A teary Osaka addressed the pro-Williams crowd, saying, “I’m sorry. I know that everyone was cheering for her, and I’m sorry that it had to end like this. I just want to say thank you for watching the match. Thank you.”

“It was always my dream to play Serena in the US Open finals, so I’m really glad that I was able to do that. I’m really grateful that I was able to play with you. Thank you,” she added.

The WTA released a statement after the match, urging celebration of both players while saying, “There are matters that need to be looked into.”

WTA Statement on 2018 US Open Final

Congratulations to both Naomi and Serena for reaching the final at the 50th anniversary of the US Open and to Naomi for winning her first Grand Slam title. They both played superb tennis throughout the US Open. There are matters that need to be looked into that took place during the match. For tonight, it is time to celebrate these two amazing players, both of whom have great integrity. Naomi is a deserving champion, and Serena at all times plays with class and makes us proud.

The US Open later issued a statement saying that Ramos’ decision was “final and not reviewable by the Tournament Referee or the Grand Slam Supervisor who were called to the court at that time.”

The US Open on the Women’s Final

In its own statement, the US Open recounted the moments leading up to the warning and penalties issued to Williams and said Ramos’ decision to assess a third code violation “was final and not reviewable by the Tournament Referee or the Grand Slam Supervisor who were called to the court at that time.”

Williams objected right away, saying she would “rather lose” than cheat.

“I have never cheated in my life!” Williams said. “You owe me an apology.”

She resumed arguing with Ramos later, saying, “You stole a point from me. You’re a thief, too.”

He responded by issuing a third code violation, which results in a lost game. That made it 5-3 for Osaka.

Ramos called both players over to explain his ruling, and Williams began laughing, saying: “Are you kidding me?” She asked to speak to tournament referee Brian Earley, who walked onto the court along with a Grand Slam supervisor. Williams told them the whole episode “is not fair” and said, “This has happened to me too many times.”

“To lose a game for saying that is not fair,” Williams said. “There’s a lot of men out here that have said a lot of things, and because they are men, that doesn’t happen.”

Soon thereafter, the match was over.

UTSA chairman and president Katrina Adams released a statement on the final later Saturday, congratulating Williams for her “great deal of class and sportsmanship.”

“This was Naomi’s moment and Serena wanted her to be able to enjoy it. That was a class move from a true champion. What Serena has accomplished this year in playing her way back on to the tour is truly amazing. She continues to inspire, because she continues to strive to be the best. She owns virtually every page of the record book, but she’s never been one to rest on her laurels.”

It was the second Grand Slam final defeat in a row for Williams, after Wimbledon in July, as she seeks her first major title since her return to the tour after having a baby in 2017. She missed the US Open last year because her daughter, Olympia, was born during the tournament.

This was umpire Ramos’ first women’s singles final at the US Open. Ramos chaired the women’s singles finals at the French Open in 2005 and at Wimbledon in 2018. He has chaired seven men’s singles finals across all four Grand Slams and the men’s singles final at the 2012 London Olympics.

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