2021 Tennis

[Buzzo]

Yeah, I ultimately agree with that.

I think though, if the umpire had managed to try and defuse the situation - not that’s his job - by giving her an audible final warning then he may have rescued the end of the match.

Saying that. As you say she was out of control and she only just recovered it on the podium.

Seeing someone who has just won their first slam, against her idol and become the first slam winner of either sex for her nation in tears before receiving her trophy was pretty shocking. She could barely raise a smile as she was getting her photo taken with it.

It was surreal.

[RichC]

Thing is she was giving a warning for the coaching then a further warning for the racquet break, following the rules that was the next step, do you really believe another warning would have diffused the situation ? She was miles out of control already and let’s be honest we’ve seen this from her before.

Her press conference she seemed to blindly ignore what she’d done and focuses on it being down to sexism and she’s fighting for the rights of other females. She was basically totally in the wrong and trying to deflect her behaviour by using the sexism card takes away from the actual issue imo.

[Buzzo]

I’m definitely uncomfortable with Williams throwing in an accusation of sexism.

Though she does have some valid points. I’ve never seen anyone be docked a game before, and that is with seeing some pretty serious wigouts. She did come across as overly emotional, but would a man who may come across as more aggressive have been treated in the same way?

She did refer to the umpire as a liar and a thief, which is personal and perhaps crossed the line. The thing that Serena chooses to ignore is that she is also using the weight of her reputation as a weapon against the umpire. He definitely seemed to be left with little choice.

However, Ultimately she has no one to blame but herself, and she needs to respect the fact that there are two people on court - but in respect of the game and Williams opponent perhaps the umpire could have given her a final warning before docking her the game. This would probably have allowed Osaka to enjoy her moment and for the combination of Serena and the umpire to not ruin the final.

[RichC]

Third time she’s done this now Clijsters, Stour and now Osaka. Terrible loser. The shame is she was outplayed regardless of the meltdown and the umpire doing his job. Osaka was brilliant and fully deserved winner

She got warned for coaching - admitted by coach, point deducted for second warning for smashing a racquet and then for her tirade at the umpire has a game deducted after calling him a thief and he’ll never share her court again. Seems an obvious case of sexual discrimination against Williams who’s clearly done nothing unsporting or untoward in all of this

[Red_Polo]

Absolutely destroyed Osaka's moment. Williams tried to claw it back at the trophy presentation when she finally realised she wasn't the only person that mattered. Too late. Biggest moment of Osaka's career and she's in tears with loads of booing. Terrible.

[Buzzo]

She’s in press conference now.

Her coach has literally been on TV and admitted to it, as Serena has been denying it saying she doesn’t know what he is on about. She clearly responded to it - the message was obvious to stop letting Osaka push her back.

Could be interesting when Serena and her coach meet up

[Zapater]

Yeah, umpire played it by the letter of the law.

She was getting coached, she did break a racquet, and she did abuse umpire.

It was all because Osaka was absolutely destroying her.

Poor form. Bad loser.

Not even the reason she lost.

On top of it, I see that people are already making this a gender inequality case about females being targeted. Absolute madness.

[Buzzo]

Yeah, umpire played it by the letter of the law.

She was getting coached, she did break a racquet, and she did abuse umpire.

It was all because Osaka was absolutely destroying her.

Poor form. Bad loser.

[Zapater]

I haven't been watching properly but saw a video of it, it's not even the first time she's done it. When Sam Stosur beat her, she was shouting at the official saying that she was 'ugly on the inside' and threw a general fit. No idea how people think she displays good sportsmanship.

Commentators going on and on about how well Serena handled the interview like she's a saint. No... she's a narcissistic drama queen that doesn't know how to handle losing. Feel sorry for Osaka.

[Liverpool]

unbelievable poor form from her

[RichC]

Yup, poor tbh.

Williams calling the umpire a thief, I mean what did she think would happen

[Buzzo]

Feel for Osaka.

Crowd booing as before she gets presented with trophy.

The moment has been totally ruined for her.

[Buzzo]

Yeah, had a game awarded against her at 3-4 down in the second set because of verbal abuse.



Unbelievable.

[RichC]

Sounds like Williams has thrown her toys out of the pram.

[Buzzo]

Nishikori gave everything but lost in straight sets.

3,4,2

Djokovic looking very impressive.

If Del Potro serves as he has been doing, and can get the ball on his forehand then he has a chance. I’d also imagine Del Potros languid style between points will infuriate Novak, but he is the favourite.

Should be a classic.