Little more than a year after giving birth to her daughter Alexis Olympia, Serena Williams reached the final of the US Open with a convincing win over Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova.
For the six-time champion, Saturday’s final was her second consecutive Grand Slam final, and her ninth US Open final. But this game has sparked uproar and controversy following a landmark victory for the 20-year-old Japanese-Haitian Naomi Osaka over Serena Williams in a dramatic match. The US tennis star penalized for a string of bad behavior.
Naomi Osaka, who spoiled an all-American final by beating Madison Keys in the second semi-final, claimed her first Grand Slam title beating her childhood idol in 1 hour and 19 mins (6-2, 6-4) in Flushing Meadows, New York.
Will you offer us a hand? Every gift, regardless of size, fuels our future.
Your critical contribution enables us to maintain our independence from shareholders or wealthy owners, allowing us to keep up reporting without bias. It means we can continue to make Jewish Business News available to everyone.
You can support us for as little as $1 via PayPal at office@jewishbusinessnews.com.
Thank you.
Osaka, who started as the clear underdog said tearfully at the trophy presentation. “It was always my dream to play Serena in the US Open final, so I’m really glad I was able to do that.”
Williams, has been very outspoken about the difficulties of balancing parenthood and the life of a professional. On Saturday seeking a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title, she clashed with the chair umpire Carlos Ramos. She was given a warning for receiving not permissible coaching.
A few games later the 36-year-old Olympic champion received a second warning and a point penalty for breaking her racket.
“You owe me an apology,” Williams said, arguing about the coaching violation. “I have never cheated in my life!”
Later she docked a game at 4-3 for calling Ramos “thief”, for allowing Osaka to serve for the match and seal the historic victory.
Osaka becomes the first Japanese player ever to win a major tennis title.
As for Serena Williams, even before Saturday’s final, there was a little doubt that she will be remembered as the best among the greatest.
You will find more infographics at Statista
