Williams umpire controversy threatens to overshadow historic victory for Osaka

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 an argument with umpire Carlos Ramos that escalated dominated the match.

Williams was furious when she was given a coaching violation early in the second set after a hand gesture from her coach Patrick Mouratoglou, telling Ramos she would rather lose than cheat.

She was then docked a point for a second violation when she smashed her racket. Continuing her argument with Ramos at the next change of ends, Williams accused him of being a thief for taking a point away from her.

Ramos gave her a third violation, which resulted in a game penalty, putting Osaka 5-3 ahead. A tearful Williams argued her case with tournament officials but, although she held serve in the next game, Osaka served out the victory 6-2 6-4.

Asked in her press conference what she would have done differently in hindsight, Williams became increasingly emotional as she said: “I can’t sit here and say I wouldn’t say he’s a thief, because I thought he took a game from me.

“But I’ve seen other men call other umpires several things. I’m here fighting for women’s rights and for women’s equality and for all kinds of stuff. 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’. It blows my mind.

“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 wants to express themselves, and wants 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.”

Mouratoglou admitted to ESPN that he was sending Williams a signal, but claimed every coach does it.

Responding, Williams said: “I literally just heard that too. I just texted Patrick because we don’t have signals, we’ve never discussed signals. I want to clarify myself what he’s talking about. I wasn’t being coached.”

What a baptism this was at the highest level for 20-year-old Osaka, who was up against Williams’ 30 grand slam finals and years of experience but was the one who kept her cool.

Williams was initially rattled in the first set by the quality of play from Osaka, who seemed to have no problem dealing with her opponent’s power and had the sharper movement and serve.

Neither Williams nor her vocal fans initially realised she had been given either the point or game penalty, and the boos and jeers on the second occasion were deafening.

Osaka insisted she had not been aware of all the drama, saying: “I didn’t really hear anything because I had my back turned, so I didn’t really know there was anything going on at the moment.

“And when I turned around, it was 5-3, so I was a little bit confused. But I felt like I really had to focus during this match because she’s such a great champion, and I know that she can come back from any point.”

Asked if she would now think of her childhood idol differently, Osaka said: “I’m always going to remember the Serena that I love. It doesn’t change anything for me. She was really nice to me at the net and on the podium.”

The start of the presentation ceremony was also held up because of booing from the crowd and Osaka stood on the podium in tears.

Williams accepted it was an unfortunate position for Osaka to be put in, and said: “That’s why I said (during the ceremony), ‘I don’t want to answer the questions. This is her moment. Stop booing because she doesn’t deserve it. I don’t deserve it’. She played an amazing match. She deserved credit, she deserved to win.”

A tearful Osaka told the crowd: “I know everyone was cheering for her and I’m sorry it had to end like this.”

Asked at her press conference why she felt the need to apologise, Osaka became emotional again before saying: “I know that she really wanted to have the 24th Grand Slam. Everyone knows this. It’s on the commercials, it’s everywhere.

“When I step onto the court, I feel like a different person. I’m not a Serena fan. I’m just a tennis player playing another tennis player. But when I hugged her at the net, I felt like a little kid again.”

It is not the first time Williams has run into trouble with officials at Flushing Meadows. In a semi-final against Kim Clijsters in 2009, she was penalised for threatening a line judge and put on a two-year probation.

Two years later, during a final loss to Sam Stosur, Williams called umpire Eva Asderaki “a hater” and “unattractive inside” for calling a hindrance penalty against her and was fined.

In a statement, the WTA said: “There are matters that need to be looked into that took place during the match. For tonight, it is time to celebrate these two amazing players, both of whom have great integrity. Naomi is a deserving champion and Serena at all times plays with class and makes us proud.”