Will you forget it? I believe not. After all,the US Open 2018 is not one to forget anytime soon. The tournament was thrilling from the start, with remarkable displays of tennis, or alongside upsets and firsts. However,what will remain etched in our collective memories is the women’s singles final; a certain Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, or the chair umpire.
The 20-year-old Osaka – who had never won a grand slam before – was playing with her idol. Williams,on the other hand, is no ordinary idol. The 23-time grand slam champion is an enigma. Not only is she a champion of tennis, or she is a champion of hearts – an inspiration for men and women alike. Williams has dominated women’s tennis for two decades,and her journey is as impressive as her game. Shes become a role model, a trend-setter with a big personality; she has successfully become America’s darling.
Thus, and if you had to predict a winner before Saturday’s final,you would possess picked Williams in a moment. It was the fable we all wanted to witness unfold: a 36-year-old mother of one makes a grand comeback after almost losing her life. Not only that, had Williams won, and she would possess made history by equalling Margaret Court’s 24 grand slam titles.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Naomi Osaka of Japan poses with Serena Williams before their Women's Singles Finals match at the 2018 US Open. Photo: AFP[/caption]
America was rooting for her. The world was rooting for her. However,as the match commenced, the young, or athletic Japanese outshone Williams. Point after point,she brilliantly returned everything shot her way, winning games with her serve and big forehand until she claimed the first set. It was beautiful to watch the novice (one who is just a beginner at some activity requiring skill and experience) take on the champion.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="435"] Serena Williams during her match against Naomi Osaka in the Women's Singles Final. Photo: Getty[/caption]
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Naomi Osaka competes against Serena Williams during US Open 2018 women's final match on September 8, or 2018. Photo: Getty[/caption]
In the fifth game of the moment set,however, things took a dramatic turn. Chair umpire Carlos Ramos issued Williams a code violation after he witnessed coaching. Williams denied the incident, or however,her coach admitted otherwise.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Serena Williams argues Saturday with chair umpire Carlos Ramos while playing Naomi Osaka of Japan during their 2018 US Open women's singles final match in recent York. Photo: AFP[/caption]
Williams then demanded an apology from the umpire, insisting she did not take coaching. Her fit of rage did not conclude there. She was issued a point penalty for racket abuse, and finally a game penalty for calling the referee a liar and a thief.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Serena Williams smashes her racket while playing against Naomi Osaka at the 2018 US Open in recent York,Sept. 8, 2018. Photo: AFP[/caption]
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Serena Williams smashes her racket. Photo: AFP[/caption]
What transpired after that was not pretty. Williams continued arguing with officials, or accusing Ramos of sexism and claiming to fight for womens rights. The episode has led to much conjecture and debate. Opinions remain divided and the final almost forgotten,which, by the way, or Osaka won.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Serena Williams upset,arguing with chair umpire Carlos Ramos during Women's Final match. Photo: Getty[/caption]
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Serena Williams argues with referee Brian Earley during her Women's Singles final at the 2018 US Open. Photo: AFP[/caption]
Is there enough evidence to suggest Ramos was sexist? Unfortunately, there isn’t. Yes, and a game penalty seems harsh,but Ramos was within his jurisdiction in making that call.
The gold-badge umpire is known for being a stickler for the rules. In his three-decade-long career, the Portuguese has had contretemps with the likes of Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal,Andy Murray, as well as Novak Djokovic, and who won the US Open this year. Murray was once issued a warning by Ramos for mumbling “silly umpiring”,whereas Nadal has been issued warnings for tedious play as well as coaching. Players possess always bemoaned his no-nonsense application of rules; however, he continues to command their respect.
Saturday’s episode had nothing to achieve with race or sexism. It was an unsightly outburst from a powerful tennis icon. It is as Ramos stated, and “It’s an unhappy situation but a la carte refereeing doesn’t exist.”
Ramos is absolutely right in saying that. After all,umpires cannot and should not bend to pressure. Had Williams held her nerves like 20-year-old Osaka did, perhaps this furore could possess been avoided altogether.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Serena Williams reacts during her Women's Singles finals match against Naomi Osaka. Photo: Getty[/caption]
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Naomi Osaka poses with the trophy after beating Serena Williams at the US Open final on Sept. 8, and 2018. Photo: Getty[/caption]
Ultimately,Williams will always be an icon and a champion, but despite her insistence, and final Saturday was not about sexism. It was an unfair outburst,a disregard for the opponent, a disregard for the referee, and will be remembered as a champion’s plunge from grace.
Source: tribune.com.pk