Naomi Osaka
SportsTrending Story

US Open 2018: Serena Williams loses to Naomi Osaka in controversial final marred by penalty

302

Twenty-year-old Naomi Osaka won her first Grand Slam title, defeating her idol, Serena Williams, in a bizarre and memorable U.S. Open final that descended into spectacle when Williams angrily protested several penalties she was issued.

Osaka took down Williams 6-2, 6-4 to claim a historic victory of her own, becoming the first Japanese woman to win a Grand Slam final. But this certainly isn’t the way Osaka wanted to beat her idol.

Williams, 36, and her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, were accused of communicating during the match when he was seen making hand signals to her. Williams was warned for illegal coaching, and she forcefully protested. “I have never cheated in my life,” she told the umpire, Carlos Ramos. “I have a daughter and I stand for what’s right for her.”

She was then docked a point when she smashed her racket. Late in the second set, she was penalized again, this time for saying to Ramos, “You stole a point from me, you’re a thief, too.”

Williams was livid.

Williams accusing umpire Ramos during the game

“Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me?” she said. “Because I said you’re a thief? Because you stole a point from me? But I’m not a cheater. I told you to apologize to me. Excuse me, I need a referee.”

The final penalty meant Osaka was awarded a game, giving her a 5-3 lead in the second set. Williams held her serve for 5-4, but Osaka won the match in the next game for a final score of 6-2, 6-4.

The U.S. Tennis Association later released a statement on the umpire’s calls: “The chair umpire’s decision was final and not reviewable by the tournament referee [Brian Earley] or the Grand Slam supervisor [Donna Kelso] who were called to the court at that time.”

Ramos wasn’t available for comment.

After the match, the crowd booed loudly as ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi began the trophy ceremony. When Williams was asked to speak, she tried to calm the fans and shed a few tears.

“Well, I don’t want to be rude; I just wanted to tell you guys she played well,” Williams said. “Let’s make this the best moment we can. Let’s not boo anymore.”

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Military Intervention Ends 90-Minute Hostage Crisis at Ibadan Stadium, Ikorodu City FC Rescued

The Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) has once again been marred by...

Kenya’s Coach Barasa Attributes Team’s 3-0 Win to Strategic Exploitation of Nigeria’s CNS Loopholes

In a thrilling encounter at the ongoing 2025 Women’s African Volleyball Club...

FCT FA Unveils N720,000 Grant for Inter-Area Council Women’s Tournament

The Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA) has taken a significant...

Exclusive: Abuja 2025 AWVCC: Kenyan Prisons Club Coach Barasa Falls in Love with Nigerian dish, Fufu

The intense competition at the Africa Women’s Volleyball Championship has not stopped...

Abuja AWVCC: Al-Ahly of Egypt Dominates Soccocim of Senegal in Straight Sets

Record holders Al-Ahly of Egypt secured a convincing straight-set win (25-10, 25-14,...

Kevin De Bruyne Confirms Manchester City Exit After 10-Year Stint

By Samuel Akpan with agency report Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne...

First Lady Unveils 39th AWVCC in Abuja, as Nigeria Customs Secures Opening Victory

The 39th Women’s African Volleyball Club Championship kicked off in style on...

National Unity Torch Ignites in Nasarawa, Benue States, Fostering Spirit of Unity, Solidarity

The Unity Torch for the 22nd National Sports Festival has successfully made...

Abuja AWVCC: APR Rwanda Stages Dramatic Comeback to Defeat Carthage Tunisia 3-1

In a thrilling match at the ongoing 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Club...

Liverpool Edge Out Everton 1-0 in Merseyside Derby

Liverpool secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby...

Niger Delta Sports Festival Kicks Off in Uyo, Aligns with RHINSE Initiative

The Niger Delta Sports Festival kicked off in grand style on Wednesday,...

Women’s African Volleyball Club Championship Kicks Off in Abuja

The 2025 Women’s African Volleyball Club Championship has commenced in Abuja, Nigeria,...

NOC extols late Taekwondo President Saidu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has described the passing away of Saidu...

Saka Makes Triumphant Return Winning Goal as Arsenal Defeat Fulham 2-1

By Samuel Akpan with agency report Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka made a triumphant...

Nigeria Ready to Host African Women Volleyball Club Championship, Says Customs GC Adeniyi

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, has...

NSC Endorses Niger Delta Sports Festival, Dikko to Open Week-long Event

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has given its full backing to the...

Djokovic Powers into Miami Open Semis, Eyes 100th Singles Title

Novak Djokovic delivered an impressive performance to reach the semi-finals of the...

Rivers United FC Faces Backlash Over Alleged Mistreatment of Teenage Player

A contentious scandal has engulfed Rivers United FC regarding its alleged mistreatment...

South Africa Faces FIFA Sanctions for Fielding Ineligible Player in World Cup Qualifier

A controversy has erupted in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa qualifiers,...

Sen. Natasha submits petition to LPDC to disbar Senate ethics committee chairman, Imasuen

In what looks like a counterattack, suspended Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed...