20-year-old Naomi Osaka has been crowned the 2018 U.S Open Women’s Singles Champion after beating Serena Williams in straight sets 6-2 6-4 in the final on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The on-court battle between the two finalist was marred by a pandemonium involving Williams and the chair umpire Carlos Ramos with the former being slapped with a series of code violations.
Both players needed an awakening in the opening games, coming back from 0-30 to hold serve. Osaka, on a new territory, turned up the heat and looked calm had a spring her step. Her court coverage was superb and dominated the powerful shot exchanges. Williams on the other hand, struggled with her serves found it difficult to impose an aggressive game on the Japanese who threw back the punches in equal measure. The American conceded the early break in the third game with a double fault.
Osaka kept up the momentum as Williams’s wobble continued and soon the Japanese was up 5-1 with a double break. Williams got her second game on the board before the Osaka sealed the opening set.
Serena got the second set underway with her best service of the match in a bid to fight back. But then on Osaka’s opening service, the 36-year-old was given a warning by the umpire for coaching gestures sent from her box. The American did not take lightly with the umpire’s call, engaging him in a brief exchange of words about her innocence of the offence.
As that phase passed, the six-time US Open champion broke the resistance of Osaka on the sixth time of asking for 3-1 lead. As the momentum looked to be shifting in her favour, she was broken back immediately by first-time finalist. Williams in frustration broke her racquet and was given a point penalty in the next game for the abuse. That did not go down well with Williams who once again confronted Carlos Ramos on the decision.
The growing frustration resulted in Williams being broken again for 4-3 and at the sit-down, the American lashed out at the umpire, calling him a “thief “. Ramos did not hesitate issuing a game penalty against Williams who requested for the tournament referee to be called.
Despite all the distractions, Osaka stayed composed to seal victory and claim her maiden major title. She becomes the first Japanese player to win a grand slam and will rise to a career-high 7th on the WTA rankings.
Serena’s meltdown drama may be grabbing the headlines but that, however, should not make anyone who witnessed this final forget how amazing, dominant and a worthy champion Naomi Osaka performed on the night.
5 Ace Sports 