Naomi Osaka has defeated Serena Williams 6-2, 6-4 to become the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles title at the US Open. However, this is unlikely to be the story of a highly contentious final.
Involved in a furious arguement with the match's umpire, Williams refused to shake the hand of Carlos Ramos after the final had concluded.
With Osaka leading in the second set, Williams was given a point penalty for an accumulation of perceived violations. Smashing her racked after she netted a crucial backhand, Ramos had already accused Williams of a coaching warning. She would start the next set 15-0 behind.
It was an accusation Williams vehemently denied.
More drama here!! @serenawilliams NOT taking any nonsense from the Umpire!!#USOpen pic.twitter.com/EwDd6rhT4j
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) September 8, 2018
Carrying on the attack at the change of ends, Williams crucially called the umpire a 'thief.'
For you to attack my character is wrong. You owe me an apology. You will never be on a court with me as long as you live. You are the liar.You owe me an apology. Say it. Say you're sorry. How dare you insinuate that I was cheating? You stole a point from me. You're a thief too.
From here, Williams called the tournament umpire onto the court, and discussed why she believed she was being punished.
Serena Williams after getting penalized because she called judge a "thief" "There;s a a lot of men who have said things and because they are men nothing happens to them"....https://t.co/Vr9WTspqFw
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) September 8, 2018
Unfortunately for Osaka, the American was in uproar over the treatment of Williams, and, as she broke new ground for Japanese singles players, boos rang around the arena.
It's unlikely to be the end we hear of this final.
