Naomi Osaka shocked by Serena Williams' spectacular meltdown at US Open final
"I didn't know what was going on, I was just trying to focus. Since it was my first Grand Slam final, I did not want to get overwhelmed"
Sunday 9 September 2018 01:56, UK
US Open champion Naomi Osaka insisted she was mystified by Serena Williams' spectacular meltdown which saw the tennis legend accuse the chair umpire of being a "liar and a thief".
Osaka became Japan's first ever Grand Slam champion after she thumped Serena Williams 6-2 6-4 in a dramatic final on Saturday, with the 23-time Grand Slam champion incandescent with rage after she was handed a code violation for on-court coaching.
The headlines were supposed to be about Williams' bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title and Osaka trying to become Japan's first Slam winner, but instead Williams' argument with umpire Carlos Ramos that escalated dominated the match.
It was a baptism at the highest level for the 20-year-old, who was also in tears during the trophy presentations.
"I know everyone was cheering for her and I'm sorry it had to end like this. I just want to say thank you for watching the match," said Osaka. "It was always my dream to play Serena in the US Open finals. I'm really glad I was able to do that."
Osaka later admitted she did not know what was happening as her victory was overshadowed by the American's angry and tear-filled meltdown in the second set.
"I didn't know what was going on, I was just trying to focus. Since it was my first Grand Slam final, I did not want to get overwhelmed," she said.
Williams was handed a code violation for coaching, a penalty point for racket abuse and a game penalty for calling umpire Carlos Ramos a "liar and a thief" and insisting "you owe me an apology".
"Serena came to the bench and told me she had a point penalty and when she got the game penalty I didn't know that either," added Osaka.
We have every major tennis event covered from all angles via our website skysports.com/tennis. On the move? Head to our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkySportsTennis to join in the conversation.
Tennis is back on Sky Sports screens with the Laver Cup in September while we will also have coverage of the ATP Finals in November with every match live on Sky Sports.
