Serena Williams accused umpire of 'sexism' during furious US Open final that left opponent in tears
Serena Williams was furious during the 2018 US Open final
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Six years ago, Naomi Osaka made history at the 2018 US Open but Serena Williams' furious tirade took the headlines.
Williams had made a miraculous return to tennis after the birth of her daughter Olympia, which left her with serious health problems.
Having spent six weeks bed-ridden, the 23-Grand Slam winner suffered life-threatening blood clots but fought back to reach the US Open final against all the odds.
Standing in her way was Osaka, a relative unknown before the US Open got underway that year, beginning the year ranked 68th in the world.
Serena Williams was furious during the 2018 US Open final
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Aged 20, Osaka had to pinch herself as she prepared to face her idol in the biggest game of her young career.
However, the match was draped with controversy after umpire Carlos Ramos gave Williams three code violations which prompted an eruption from the tennis legend.
Ramos had adjudged that Williams' coach Patrick Mouratoglou had been gesturing to her from the sidelines and trying to coach the match.
It saw Williams launch a vicious tirade against the umpire, accusing him of being sexist and calling him a 'thief'.
"I can't sit here and say I wouldn't say he's a thief, because I thought he took a game from me," she said in her press conference afterward.
"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."
Williams had received a code violation for smashing her racket with Osaka 3-2 up in the second set, giving the youngster a 15-0 lead in the next game.
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Serena Williams had even refused to return to the court during the final
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During the changeover, Williams continued her outbursts directed at Ramos as the Flushing Meadows crowd got behind her.
"You are a liar. You will never be on a court of mine as long as you live. When are you going to give me my apology? Say you are sorry," she fumed.
It led to Ramos docking Williams a game, giving Osaka a 5-3 lead and just one match away from a historic victory.
There was further controversy as Williams refused to go back out onto the court until she had spoken to the tournament referee.
Naomi Osaka was reduced to tears as the US Open crowd booed her in favour of Serena Williams
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Eventually, she did make her way out onto the court with Osaka holding her nerve to claim the US Open title.
However, in what should have been the underdog's best moment of her career, Osaka was left streaming tears down her face the crowd booed her during the presentation ceremony.
Through tears and with boos ringing around the court, Osaka said: “I'm sorry. I know that everyone was cheering for her, and I'm sorry that it had to end like this.
"I just want to say thank you for watching the match.
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“Thank you. ... It was always my dream to play Serena in the US Open finals, so I'm really glad that I was able to do that. I'm really grateful that I was able to play with you. Thank you.”
Williams went on to apologise to her opponent for stealing her thunder in a heartfelt letter, penned in Harper’s BAAZAR.
“Not only was a game taken from me but a defining, triumphant moment was taken from another player, something she should remember as one of the happiest memories in her long and successful career,” Williams wrote. “My heart broke.
“As I said on the court, I am so proud of you and I am truly sorry. I thought I was doing the right thing in sticking up for myself. But I had no idea the media would pit us against each other. I would love the chance to live that moment over again.
“I am, was, and will always be happy for you and supportive of you. I would never, ever want the light to shine away from another female, specifically another black female athlete. I can’t wait for your future, and believe me I will always be watching as a big fan! I wish you only success today and in the future. Once again, I am so proud of you. All my love and your fan, Serena.”