Host Andy Taylor | The Voice of the US Open | US Open
[divider style=”solid” color=”#cccccc” opacity=”0.5″ icon=”arrow-down” icon_color=”#666666″ icon_size=”15″ placement=”up”]
2018 US Open Champion: [20] Naomi Osaka -19- (JPN)
Tonight, Naomi Osaka out-played her idol and 23-time Major champion Serena Williams to capture her first Grand Slam title. A tremendous accomplishment.
But unfortunately, this night will instead be remembered for Serena’s three code-violations, which resulted in a game-penalty late in set-2 — and a monumentally awkward trophy ceremony that can only be described as surreal.
The match recap says it all.
Mentally, Osaka was the tougher opponent from ball-up. Serena, a 6-time US Open Champion (1999 | 2002 | 2008 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014), sprayed 13 unforced errors in set-1 alone — including 4 doubles faults. She had two break chances, but Osaka’s defense was rock solid. Meanwhile Naomi kept the unforced errors to a minimum, served well and capitalized on both of her break opportunities.
Already rattled by her uncharacteristic, error-packed performance in a Major Final — Serena came completely unglued when the chair umpire issued her a code-violation for coaching. After the match, her coach Patrick Mouratoglou admitted that he was in fact signaling from the player’s box.
[vector_icon icon=”fas-fa angle-right”] Serena is now 23-8 in Grand Slam Singles Finals
[vector_icon icon=”fas-fa angle-right”] She’s 6-3 in championship matches at the US Open
Serena goes up a break, but it doesn’t last.
After the first changeover, much to the delight of fans in Ashe, Serena finally earned her first break. Still fuming over the accusation that she received coaching (allowed at all WTA events, but not at the Slams), most assumed Serena was back in-the-zone and would force a deciding-set.
Didn’t happen. Osaka broke right back. Serena smashed her racquet, resulting in another code-violation, costing her a point. The atmosphere got edgy. Fans were pissed that the chair umpire’s stern rulings – though accurate – were now a tangible part of the championship match.
When Osaka broke again, Serena refused to let-up and received a third code-violation for verbal abuse. That one cost Serena a GAME, essentially handing Naomi Osaka the title.
The trophy ceremony didn’t go well.
My immediate thoughts after the match:
“Like everyone, still a bit shell shocked by tonight. Sport is a celebration of individual talent, skill, determination…and with tennis: endurance, mental stamina and character. I feel that is something to consider when reflecting on set-2, namely the second-game and the conclusion of game-five. Very surreal to feel simultaneously ecstatic and gutted for such an authentic champion, Naomi Osaka.”
Saturday Night Live’s thoughts 3-weeks later:
[divider style=”solid” color=”#cccccc” opacity=”0.5″ icon=”fas fa-microphone” icon_color=”#666666″ icon_size=”23″ placement=”up”]
[20] Naomi Osaka -19- (JPN)
Last year, she earned the first top-10 win of her career right here in Arthur Ashe Stadium, defeating defending champion Angelique Kerber in the 1st-Round. Today, she makes her Grand Slam Final debut. On Thursday, she defeated 2017 Finalist and World #14 Madison Keys to reach today’s championship match. Earlier this year, she won her first WTA Singles title at Indian Wells, defeating World #5 Karolina Pliskova, then World #1 Simona Halep to reach the Final. She started 2018 with her first Grand Slam run to the Round of 16 at the Australian Open, and by July climed to a career-high ranking of World #17. Competing in her 3rd US Open – from Japan, please welcome…Naomi Osaka.
2018 US Open Road to the Title:
[vector_icon icon=”fas-fa check”] FF: def [17] Serena Williams -26- (USA) 62 64 | Arthur Ashe Stadium
[vector_icon icon=”fas-fa check”] SF: def [14] Madison Keys -14- (USA) 62 64 | Arthur Ashe Stadium
[vector_icon icon=”fas-fa check”] QF: def Lesia Tsurenko -36- (UKR) 61 61 | Arthur Ashe Stadium
[vector_icon icon=”fas-fa check”] R4: def [26] Aryna Sabalenka -20- (BLR) 63 26 64 | Louis Armstrong Stadium
[vector_icon icon=”fas-fa check”] R3: def Aliaksandra Sasnovich -33- (BLR) 60 60 | Grandstand
[vector_icon icon=”fas-fa check”] R2: def Julia Glushko -162- (ISR) 62 60 | Court 17
[vector_icon icon=”fas-fa check”] R1: def Laura Siegemund -188- (GER) 63 62 | Grandstand
[divider style=”solid” color=”#cccccc” opacity=”0.5″ icon=”fas fa-microphone” icon_color=”#666666″ icon_size=”23″ placement=”up”]
[17] Serena Williams -26- (USA)
In 1999, at just 17-years-old, she won her first Grand Slam Singles title right here in Arthur Ashe Stadium, defeating World #1 Martina Hingis in straight-sets. 19-years later, she owns the career Grand Slam with a record-shattering 23 Grand Slam Singles titles – the most of any player in the Open Era. Include her doubles success with sister Venus – plus two Mixed Doubles titles – and she is a 39-time Grand Slam Champion. The sport’s top-ranked player for an astounding 319-weeks – she owns 72 WTA Single titles, 4 Olympic Gold Medals, is a Fed Cup Champion; and last September – became a Mom for the first time. From Palm Beach Gardens, Florida – Please welcome 6-time US Open Champion…Serena Williams.
2018 US Open Road to the Final:
[vector_icon icon=”fas-fa check”] SF: def [19] Anastasija Sevastova -19- (LAT) 63 60 | Arthur Ashe Stadium
[vector_icon icon=”fas-fa check”] QF: def [8] Karolina Pliskova -08- 64 63 | Arthur Ashe Stadium
[vector_icon icon=”fas-fa check”] R4: def Kaia Kanepi -44- (EST) 60 46 63 | Arthur Ashe Stadium
[vector_icon icon=”fas-fa check”] R3: def Venus Williams -16- (USA) 61 62 | Arthur Ashe Stadium
[vector_icon icon=”fas-fa check”] R2: def Carina Witthöft -101- (GER) 62 62 | Arthur Ashe Stadium
[vector_icon icon=”fas-fa check”] R1: def Magda Linette -68- (POL) 64 60 | Arthur Ashe Stadium
