Naomi Osaka reveals what Serena Williams told her at 2018 U.S. Open
Naomi Osaka was overwhelmed by the chaos surrounding her U.S. Open
victory, but Serena Williams helped her nerves by sharing some words.
Osaka won her first Grand Slam by beating the 23-time Grand Slam
champion in straight sets on Saturday in Arthur Ashe Stadium at the USTA
Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. Williams got
into a verbal exchange with chair umpire Carlos Ramos while being issued
three code violations during the loss.
The crowd booed and yelled during the emotional moments as Williams
fought back tears, calling Ramos a "thief" for taking away the match.
Williams was penalized for receiving coaching, smashing her racquet on
the ground and her slights toward Ramos.
When it came time for the trophy ceremony, the crowd continued to boo,
dampening the moment for the 20-year-old Osaka. The young tennis star
covered her face with her visor as Williams attempted to comfort her by
putting her arm around her. Williams also whispered some words in
Osaka's ear as she shook her head and tried to smile.
Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka of Japan during the trophy ceremony at
the U.S. Open women's final in Arthur Ashe Stadium at the 2018 U.S. Open
Tennis Championships on September 8 at the USTA Billie Jean King
National Tennis Center in New York City. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
"She said she was proud of me, and that I should know the crowd isn't
booing at me," Osaka said Wednesday on Ellen. "I was really happy she
said that."
Osaka is the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam final on the men's or women's circuit.
"It was always my dream to play Serena in the U.S. Open final," Osaka
said when she received the trophy. "So I'm really glad I was able to do
that. I'm really glad I was able to play with you. Thank you."
Osaka is now ranked No. 7 in the world, up 12 spots from before the tournament. She ended the 2017 season ranked No. 68.
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