Serena's 'disgraceful' sportsmanship blasted by tennis fans
Serena’s epic US Open meltdown has been slammed by tennis fans as a “disgraceful” act of sportsmanship.
The 36-year-old’s controversy overshadowed what was an historic Grand Slam victory for Japanese star Naomi Osaka, and many were outraged at Williams’ professional conduct.
Osaka broke down in tears at the presentation ceremony with an overwhelming chorus of boos, in response to Serena’s treatment, the culprit.
‘WHAT IS HE TALKING ABOUT’: Serena and coach in major US Open conflict
But many viewers couldn’t help but take to social media to vent their frustrations at Williams’ handling of the chaotic situation.
#USOpenTennis One of the worst displays of professionalism, or complete lack of, by Serena Williams i've ever seen. She wined, complained, then didn't even have the grace to allow the best player on this day, Naomi Osaka, her shining moment. She was the Ugly American today
— Rick Zielomski (@Razman007) September 8, 2018
Lost a lot of respect for Serena Williams today. What an embarrassment on the court
— Jeremy Weller (@jeremy_weller) September 8, 2018
Serena has minimized the historic win by her fellow woman by crying sexism so soon. Give the victor at least a few hours before you take the spotlight back again. Felt it was bad form. Don’t disagree w/what she said but there’s a time and a place when it comes to sportsmanship…
— Kevin Fiddler (@KFidds) September 8, 2018
Yes, congratulations Ms. Osaka on your win, but Serena shamed women everywhere with her disgraceful display.
— DTBurg 🏴🇬🇧 (@dtburg) September 9, 2018
Americans have a warped sense of judgement when it comes to the cult of celebrity. Disgraceful to boo the winner of the #USOpen to a point where she apologised for winning. Should have been her greatest moment. Shame on you Serena and shame on you America
— Liam O'Neill (@shootin4love) September 9, 2018
The moment initiated after Williams was handed a code violation for coaching, which she has vehemently denied.
But after receiving a penalty point for racquet abuse and a game penalty for calling umpire Carlos Ramos a “liar and a thief”, the situation reached boiling point and took away from the tennis on display.
Despite what Serena did on the court, a moment of class prevailed as she comforted Osaka and told fans to quit their booing.
“Lets give everyone the credit where credit is due.
“Lets not boo anymore, and lets be positive.
“No more booing!”
Serena 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 violations.
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.
“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
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.”
with AFP.