Naomi Osaka‘s name has often appeared near Serena Williams‘ in the headlines after she defeated the American legend in a highly controversial final.
For once, the Japanese was mentioned with Serena by a media outlet, not for Williams’ meltdown, but because both were part of the NYTimes’ collection of the most significant pictures of the year.
Osaka and Williams
Naomi’s picture was taken in Melbourne when the Japanese didn’t yet stun the world with her titles in Indian Wells and at the US Open. In the photo, Osaka’s head looks like an erupting volcano because of the contrast of her red hair (read because of the sun) and her body that’s in the shadow.
Serena’s picture is about her famous meltdown at the US Open final. The former world no.1 was depicted when she was famously pointing her finger at the chair umpire with the crowd annoyed.
Ranked no.5, Naomi Osaka will start her season in Brisbane next week while Serena Williams (no.16) decided to commence her 2019 playing the Hopman Cup.
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THAT CRAZY FINAL |
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While we all wish the umpire had used common sense and that Serena had stopped the protest sooner, the fact is she (Serena) had every reason to feel perturbed.
And it was definitely sexist that the umpire crazily disrespected Legendary Serena Williams to the point where he turned her into the ONLY tennis pro in HISTORY to have been cited for alleged "coaching" during the FINAL of a MAJOR when everyone and his brother know that "coaching" is nearly ubiquitous. Even more glaringly obvious is the FACT that Serena NEVER did partake of sideline coaching even when it was OFFICIALLY allowed in most tournaments; so why would she partake of coaching when it was NOT allowed?! Short answer? She would NOT.
Serena first won the U.S. Open when she was just 17 years-old, long before she even knew Patrick (her coach) existed! Serena went on to win many Major Championship Titles before she ever met Patrick. Clearly she does NOT need him to "sideline coach" in order to win!
Serena is so far-removed from coaching she thought her coach was just giving her a thumbs up! Tennis players (particularly legends who DON'T NEED "coaching") should not be penalized just because overly "enthusiastic" coaches can't sit on their own hands!