“I had no idea the media would pit us against each other”: When Serena Williams apologized to Naomi Osaka after contentious ‘debacle’ in US Open final
Serena Williams once penned a heartfelt letter of apology to Naomi Osaka after their controversial clash in the 2018 US Open final. Williams’ contentious dispute with the chair umpire overshadowed the Japanese’s maiden Grand Slam triumph, even reducing her to tears during the trophy presentation.
Osaka’s impressive 6-2, 6-4 victory in the 2018 US Open final was marred by Williams’ heated confrontation with chair umpire Carlos Ramos in the second set. The American lashed out at the umpire and demanded an apology after he had handed her a code violation for coaching, having spotted her coach Patrick Mouratoglou making hand signals from the stands.The situation escalated when the former World No. 1 received a point penalty for smashing her racket in frustration. The violation prompted her to accuse Ramos of being a “thief” and a “cheat,” which earned her a costly game penalty for verbal abuse. Despite pleading her case to the tournament referee, Williams failed to get the penalty overturned.
Serena Williams reflected on the controversial incident in an essay for Harper’s Bazaar in 2019, admitting that the “debacle” had tainted Naomi Osaka’s maiden Grand Slam triumph.
“I thought back to my first Grand Slam. It’s the one you remember best; it’s supposed to be the most special. This debacle ruined something that should have been amazing and historic,” she wrote.
“Not only was a game taken from me but a defining, triumphant moment was taken from another player, something she should remember as one of the happiest memories in her long and successful career. My heart broke,” she added.
The American revealed that she “couldn’t find peace” in the aftermath of the controversy and sought out a therapist. However, her turmoil didn’t abate until she realized that she needed to “apologize to the person who deserved it the most.”
also-read-trending
Trending
The 23-time Grand Slam champion disclosed that she penned a heartfelt apology to Osaka, expressing her regret over the media pitting them against each other in the discourse that followed.
“Hey, Naomi! It’s Serena Williams. As I said on the court, I am so proud of you, and I am truly sorry. I thought I was doing the right thing in sticking up for myself. But I had no idea the media would pit us against each other. I would love the chance to live that moment over again,” Serena Williams wrote.
Serena Williams also insisted that it wasn’t her intention to steal the spotlight from another Black female athlete and wished Osaka the best for her career.
“I am, was, and will always be happy for you and supportive of you. I would never, ever want the light to shine away from another female, specifically another black female athlete,” she said.
“I can’t wait for your future, and believe me I will always be watching as a big fan! I wish you only success today and in the future. Once again, I am so proud of you. All my love and your fan, Serena,” she added.
Serena Williams: “When Naomi Osaka’s response came through, tears rolled down my face”
Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams at the 2018 US Open (Source: Getty)
Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams at the 2018 US Open (Source: Getty)
Serena Williams went on to say that Naomi Osaka’s gracious response to her apology brought her to tears. The American revealed that Osaka had assured her that she should continue her “trailblazing” efforts to stand up for herself.
“When Naomi’s response came through, tears rolled down my face. “People can misunderstand anger for strength because they can’t differentiate between the two,” she said graciously. “No one has stood up for themselves the way you have and you need to continue trailblazing,”” Serena Williams wrote.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion admitted that she had initially believed herself to be at fault for overshadowing Osaka’s “special moment” but disclosed that the Japanese’s response allowed her to gain a new perspective.
“I had felt that it was my fault and that I should have kept my mouth closed. But now, seeing her text putting everything in perspective, I realized she was right,” she added.
Serena Williams also affirmed that she “won’t ever stop raising her voice against injustice,” emphasizing her desire to set a positive example for her daughter Olympia.
Was this article helpful?
like selected
avatar selected
Who is Naomi Osaka’s boyfriend? All you need to know about the tennis star’s dating history timeline
comment icon
Quick Links
US Open Tennis 2023 Naomi Osaka Serena Williams Serena Williams Net Worth Naomi Osaka Net Worth Goat’s of Tennis – Federer, Nadal, Djokovic & Serena Williams
comment
Discuss
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Recommends: 9 Books for Turning Your Life Around
Ever since he was a kid, Sam Altman—the CEO of OpenAI —has been an avid reader. He shares the nine books that he thinks will change your life.
Blinkist: Sam Altman’s Reading List
|
Sponsored
Spin it, Win it! Extra ₦500,000 is Given When You Join
Receive Your Cash Back Only Within 2 Mins Only In MSport.
MSport Betting
|
Sponsored
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, Shares the Nine Books He Thinks Will Change Your Life.
Ever since he was a kid, Sam Altman—the CEO of OpenAI —has been an avid reader. He shares the nine books that he thinks will change your life.
Blinkist: Sam Altman’s Reading List
|
Sponsored
Trade the world’s most popular digital currency with low spreads and 0% commission.
Trade BTC, ETH, LTC & more with most trusted, regulated broker
deriv
|
Sponsored
More from Sportskeeda
comments icon
close comments
What’s your opinion?
🔍 SEARCH
Event, Team, Player, Sport
LOGIN / SIGN UP
App download animated imageGet the free App now
🔥 POPULAR
TOP CATEGORIES
🔗 LINKS
About Us
Write For Us
Policies
Grievance Redressal
Editorial Standards
Fact Check
Affiliate Program
Careers
CSR
Privacy Policy
Contact Us
bell-icon
Manage notifications
Edition: English
Sponsored
Blinkist: Sam Altman’s Reading List
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Recommends: 9 Books for Turning Your Life Around
Ever since he was a kid, Sam Altman—the CEO of OpenAI —has been an avid reader. He shares the nine books that he thinks will change your life.
