Last year's US Open final between 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, who had never won a final, went to history as a scandal match. And a match where Williams match ended in tears after being penalized twice by the referee.
And despite Osaka winning his first Grand Slam title, the focus was afterwards on William's outburst. Among other things, Williams called referee Carlos Ramos for both a "liar and a thief" during the match.
With perspective on the match, Williams says, among other things, about the match:
- The debacle destroyed something that would have been fantastic and historical. Not only was a game taken from me but also a defining, triumphant moment for another player. My heart went into a thousand pieces: "What could I have done differently"? Why is it that when a woman is a passionate, they get labeled as emotional, crazy and irrational. But when a man is, they are considered passionate and strong, Williams thinks in Sports Illustrated.
She continues:
- I felt defeated and unresponsive to the sport I love - a sport that I dedicated my life to, Williams continues.
Two other eruptions to look back on. Jonas Björkman and John McEnroe: