Last year's US Open final between 23-time grand slam winner Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, who had never won a final at the time, went to history as a scandal match. For Williams, who suffered a major outburst on the court, the match ended in tears after she was twice punished by the referee.
- My heart went into a thousand pieces. Why is it that when a woman is passionate, she gets labeled as emotional, crazy and irrational. But when a man is, he is considered passionate and strong, Williams later said of the match to Sports Illustrated.
Tonight they met again for the first time and Williams then got revenge after last year's scandal. The big star took his first win ever against Osaka after winning in two straight sets (6-3, 6-4).
Unlike the US Open finals, Williams was completely in balance and masterfully controlled the match against the currently weak Osaka.
- We haven't met each other since that day in New York and it was a really good day for her. She has beaten me twice so I really wanted to show my best self today, ”says Williams.
At the score 3–1 in the second set, a rush passed through the crowd since Williams jumped into a post as she rushed toward the net to catch a stop ball. She immediately reached for the right arm, but calmed the judge by saying "I can, I can".
In the next round, Williams is facing Czech Marie Bouzkova, who advanced after Simona Halep was forced to cancel their match due to a health injury.
This year's US Open is less than three weeks away and Williams is chasing his 24th grand slam title in his career.