Serena Williams was widely criticized by the fans on social media for her controversial remarks on the match referee which costed her one game penalty that gave Osaka an important 5-3 lead in first set. The match continued to be a nightmare for Williams as she further involved herself in some heated arguments with the referee but the young Japanese Naomi Osaka kept her nerves to defeat her childhood idol in a dramatic encounter.
Here’s what caused the controversy:
“I was 100% coaching” says Patrick, Serena’s coach. “Everyone does it, it’s time to to stop the discrimination Rafael’s coach does it all the time and he’s never gotten the violation”#UsOpenFinal #SerenaVsOsaka #SerenaWilliams pic.twitter.com/GSQ2RnN7d2
— Daniel Gonzalez III (@TheThirdDanielG) September 8, 2018
Serena Williams vs referee pic.twitter.com/jQ3DtR2yai
— PMW HIPHOP (@pmwhiphopcom) September 8, 2018
Though Williams faced criticism for her arrogance but her loyal fans still have her back in the difficult circumstances.
Reactions
I love you so much @serenawilliams this isn’t the face of someone who “melted down”. This is the face of a black woman who has been overly drug tested, penalized, & body shamed. Graciously, abides by your rules. And who’s character is still questioned. #SerenaWilliams we see u? pic.twitter.com/WoAjISVPN5
— .? (@lipsNsunflowers) September 9, 2018
here’s what upset me about this whole #SerenaWilliams things…
while watching @espn they said during a tease ” And Serena Williams loses here mind on the court..”it amazes me that when a black woman has something to say or voices her frustration she is “losing her mind”
— Big C Got Game ?? (@bigcgotgame) September 9, 2018
This is enraging just to watch. Every woman and girl who has been treated unjustly knows that shake in her voice. And I understand how especially painful this is for Black women and girls to watch. pic.twitter.com/4Ag25m58Pg h:t @rerutled #serenawilliams #USOpenFinal
— Mona Eltahawy (@monaeltahawy) September 9, 2018
You beat someone enough psychologically or physically, maybe they stop trying to be themselves, stop trying to make you respect their humanity. What’s powerful about #SerenaWilliams is that she refuses to be broken.
— Chanda Prescod-Weinstein ??♀️ ??? (@IBJIYONGI) September 9, 2018
Still reeling about this. Can’t believe a multiple champion was treated so BADLY. #SerenaWilliams https://t.co/1VRCAnvy96
— Mali Kambandu (@malingose) September 9, 2018
Wins with heart. Loses with grace. This moment speaks volumes… ??
・・・#Serenawilliams shows support to 20yr old #NaomiOsaka after she was booed by fans at the #usopen pic.twitter.com/5uTgzlIpuB— SoccerGirlProblems® (@SoccerGrlProbs) September 9, 2018
I ain’t even afraid to admit that Serena has had me crying the last hour ?❤️ She is everything that is right about being a woman! ❤️❤️ #SerenaWilliams https://t.co/F2RC84w2g5
— Carrie Ross (@CarrieRoss9) September 8, 2018
Here’s what Serena said after the match
When male tennis players break rackets and argue at referees, they are often allowed to get away with it. But when Serena Williams has a legitimate reason to stand up to an umpire, she’s penalised and docked a game. It’s casual sexism. #USOpen #Serenapic.twitter.com/cn6cWHildg
— James Melville (@JamesMelville) September 9, 2018
Also read: US Open 2018: Serena Williams slammed for stealing the spot light of Naomi Osaka