By Louis Chan
AsAmNews National Correspondent
Photo by Peter Menzel
via Wikimedia Creative Commons
Naomi Osaka became the first man or woman from Japan to win a tennis Grand Slam singles championship.
She beat the legendary champion, Serena Williams, 6-2, 6-4.
Osaka, is Japanese on her mother’s side and plays for that nation. Her father is Haitian American. Osaka has lived in the U.S. since age 3, originally on Long Island, but currently in Boca Raton, Florida.
Williams, who is coming off a difficult pregnancy and nearly died, was clearly the crowd favorite in New York.
The crowd became even more boisterous after Williams received several unfavorable and unpopular calls from chair umpire Carlos Ramos.
At one point, Williams received a warning after the umpire perceived she was being coached from the stands-an apparent violation if the rules that is rarely enforced.
A few games later, an incensed Williams upset at herself threw her racket down and broke it. This time she received a point penalty.
The argument went on during breaks with Williams demanding an apology from Ramos. She called Ramos a “thief” and walked away. That’s when Ramos took a game away from her.
Commentators are pointing out that men have directed four letter words at umpires and haven’t received such a harsh penalty.
In the end, Williams was gracious. She smiled broadly after the match point and the two competitors gave each other a warm embrace.
Osaka earlier had said Williams was her idol and that it was her dream to play Williams in a Grand Slam.
The crowd interspersed their cheering for Osaka and Williams with booing directed at U.S. Open officials. Williams would later put at end to that.
“She played well,” Williams said during the trophy presentation. “This is her first grand slam. I know you guys were rooting for me. Let’s make this the best moment we can. Let’s get through this. Let’s be positive. No more booing.”
The crowd let out a huge and prolonged ovation.
The 20-year-old Osaka was equally as gracious in victory.
She gave hugs to her coach and family after the win.
“I know everyone was cheering for her (Serena) and I’m sorry it had to end like this,” she said after being handed the $3.8 million first prize. “I just want to say thank you for watching the match,” as she turned toward Serena.
Osaka also talked about her mom.
“She sacrificed a lot for me. It means a lot for her to watch my matches because she doesn’t normally do that anyway. All we’re missing is my dad. He doesn’t physically watch my match. He walks around so I’ll see him later.
Osaka said in a post game interview with ESPN that she did not pay attention to the controversy between Williams and the judge and tried to stay focused. By then the crowd’s sentiment’s had changed. They chanted “Naomi, Naomi, Naomi.”
“We love you Naomi,” a spectator screamed as Naomi let out a smile and turned to the crowd behind her.
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