Serena Williams defeated by Naomi Osaka at US Open
First-time finalist Naomi Osaka, of Japan, defeated tennis champ Serena Williams Saturday at the U.S. Open.
Osaka became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles title, winning the first set 6-2 and the second set 6-4.
What this match will forever be remembered for is the way Williams clashed with chair umpire Carlos Ramos, demanding an apology after he initially warned her for receiving coaching, which is not allowed during Grand Slam matches.
The biggest issue for Williams on the scoreboard Saturday, though, was that she was outplayed by a younger version of herself in Osaka, 20.
"She played well, and this is her first Grand Slam," Williams said after the match. "Let's give everyone the credit where credit's due."
What was most problematic for Williams was that she was unable to keep up with Osaka hit more aces, 6-3. Osaka hit the match's fastest serve, 119 mph. She had fewer errors, 21-14. She saved five of six break points. And she covered the court better than Williams did.
The one time Osaka did get broken, to trail 3-1 in the second set, she broke back immediately, prompting Williams to smash her racket.
With jeers bouncing off the arena's closed roof, both players 바카라 게임 웹사이트 the champion, Osaka, and the runner-up, Williams 바카라 게임 웹사이트 wiped away tears during a trophy ceremony.
Williams whispered something to Osaka and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
Osaka, 16 years younger than Williams, grew up idolizing the American, even asking her to pose for a selfie together at a tournament just a handful of years ago. Their age difference was the second-widest gap between women's finalists at a Slam in the professional era.
"I know that everyone was cheering for her," Osaka told the crowd, "and I'm sorry it had to end like this."