Serena Williams fumes over 'sexist' US Open treatment
Serena Williams has continued to vent her frustrations by accusing the US Open officiating as “sexist”.
The 36-year-old was controversially hit with three code violations during the bizarre final, as she was docked for coaching, conduct and verbal abuse – causing a fiery exchange with the chair umpire.
But the 23-time Grand Slam champion insists if it was a male player in her position, it would never have escalated as it did.
“I’ve seen other men call other umpires several things. I’m here fighting for women’s rights and for women’s equality,” Williams said in the post-match presser.
“For me to say ‘thief’ and for him to take a game, it made me feel like it was a sexist remark.
‘WHAT IS HE TALKING ABOUT’: Serena and coach in major US Open conflict
“He’s never taken a game from a man because they said ‘thief’.
“For me it blows my mind. But I’m going to continue to fight for women.”
Williams vehemently denied she was cheating on-court in the final, before slamming referee Carlos Ramos of sexism.
Despite having time to comprehend what happened during the match, Williams was not backing down from her comments on the court afterwards.
Her remarks in the media conference were echoed by an overwhelming amount of fans on social media, mostly in her favour.
Serena Williams didn't have a meltdown. She defended her honor on one of the grandest stages in a sport she's dominated for her entire adult life that continually disrespects her. Don't reduce her justified frustration to sexist behavioral stereotypes.
— Travon Free (@Travon) September 8, 2018
i'm pretty sure someday in the future articles will be written about how much sexism and racism serena williams had to pull up with on her career
it's really absurd
— bru (@madsleine) September 8, 2018
I bet a couple thousand that ppl will somehow make this Serena Williams lost about race, women's rights and equality.
When it indeed have nothing to do with it
— 2018 NHL CHAMPIONS #DCsports (@coolmichael0000) September 8, 2018
Black women speaking up, showing emotion and not accepting BS is still seen as 'Angry black woman'
Congratulations to Naomi, for today's win and most importantly for winning against the greatest, Serena.
I'm glad Serena will continue her fight against sexism in tennis. #USOpen
— N for Ndapewoshali (@pewatjie) September 8, 2018
These comments on Serena reducing her to an angry black woman, like, you clearly have not been paying attention at all the racism and sexism she’s been subjected to! I can’t believe at these tennis noobs putting their 2 cents in.
— E. (@evey_evey) September 8, 2018
Serena Williams, The only way to overcome sexism, racism and other ignorance is to keep playing and winning. I know it gets hard but get strength and win. You are the best and you are a winner and it pisses them off. ❤
— Jonsey (@jonseylovehair) September 8, 2018
Williams also made reference to the incident last week when French player Alize Cornet was warned for removing her shirt on court.
Cornet was accused of “unsportsmanlike behaviour”.
“Cornet should be able to take off her shirt without getting a fine. This is outrageous,” said Williams warming to her theme.
“I just feel like the fact that I have to go through this is just an example for the next person that has emotions, and that want to express themselves, and want to be a strong woman.
“They’re going to be allowed to do that because of today. Maybe it didn’t work out for me, but it’s going to work out for the next person.”
Naomi Osaka brought to tears as US Open fans boo
Naomi Osaka became the first Japanese player in tennis history to win a Grand Slam, but her victory was overshadowed by controversy.
Fans booed the start of the US Open presentation ceremony, outraged at seeing Serena Williams lose in bizarre circumstances.
The 20-year-old should have been brought to tears of joy, but was instead sadly overwhelmed by a chorus of boos.
Despite Williams being the talking point of the match due to her fiery blow-up with chair umpire Carlos Ramos, she showed her class by turning the spotlight back onto her young opponent.
“I just want to tell you guys she played well and this is her first Grand Slam,” an emotional Williams said at the presentation.
“I know yo guys were here rooting for me, and we’ll get through it.
“Lets give everyone the credit where credit is due.
“Lets not boo anymore, and lets be positive.
“No more booing!”
An overwhelmed Osaka could hardly speak after being interviewed following her historic victory, and was humble in her approach.
“I know that everyone as cheering for her and I’m sorry it had to end like this,” Osaka said.
“I just want to say thank you for watching the match.
“It was always my dream to play Serena in the US Open finals.”
Osaka has held her nerve to beat Serena Williams in a controversial US Open final to become the first Japanese player to win a grand slam singles title.
The 6-2 6-4 win for 20-year-old Osaka in her first major final took one hour and 19 minutes.
with AFP.
