Serena’s US Open final meltdown: Who’s saying what on Twitter after Naomi Osaka defeated the American in a stormy final on Saturday.
“Thank you @serenawilliams total class at the speech and you truly are the goat.” — Osaka's coach Sascha Bajin , a former hitting partner of Williams, on Twitter.
“If it was men's match, this wouldn't happen like this. It just wouldn't.” — Two-time major winner and former world number one
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“The star of the show has been once again the chair umpire. Second time in this US Open and third time for Serena in a US Open Final. Should they be allowed have an influence on the result of a match ? When do we decide that this should never happen again ?” — Serena's coach
“@espn just showed Serena and coach while he was "coaching". She wasn’t even looking. Believe what you want.” — Former US men's player Mardy Fish
“Congratulations on winning the 2018 @usopen, @Naomi_Osaka_. This win is just the beginning of a bright future. Tennis is in an exciting place right now with players like you. #Champion #usopen” —
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“Serena is a champion & doesn't deserve it -- the same way that Naomi is a champion & doesn't deserve this atmosphere for her first GS title!” — French WTA player Kristina Mladenovic
“I also agree with what Patrick said that pretty much all players receive coaching on court. The first warning for me is the most questionable one. Also hard that coaching at WTAs and qualies of slams is okay but not MD slams.” — British player Liam Broady on Twitter
“It's all on the umpire of course. I was sad to see that Naomi was crying like she lost this final, but she was just playing better today.And no doubt Serena is the greatest champion and GOAT, but that’s rules. It was really heartbreaking final.” — Russian tour player Elena Vesnina
“Mother of all meltdowns” — New York Post headline
The official response
Serena Williams: the US Open meltdown -- what the officials are saying:
“What Serena did on the podium today showed a great deal of class and sportsmanship. This was Naomi's moment, and Serena wanted her to be able to enjoy it.
“That was a class move from a true champion. What Serena has accomplished this year in playing her way back on to the tour is truly amazing.
“She is an inspiration to me, personally, and a credit to our sport, win or lose. I know that she was frustrated about the way the match played out, but the way she stepped up after the final and gave full credit to Naomi for a match well-played speaks volumes about who she is.” — Katrina Adams, head of the United States Tennis Association (USTA)
“On the fifth point in the second game of the second set between Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams, the chair umpire witnessed coaching taking place from Williams' coach. Even though her coach has admitted to coaching, Williams has made it clear that she did not receive any coaching. Nevetheless, in accordance with the rules, Williams was assessed a Code Violation, resulting in a warning.
“At the completion of the fifth game of the second set, Williams was assessed a second code violation for racquet abuse, which required a point penalty.
“At the changeover, at 4-3, Williams was assessed a third code violation for verbal abuse in the judgment of the umpire, which then required a game penalty.
“The chair umpire's decision was final and not reviewable by the Tournament Referee or the Grand Slam Supervisor who were called to the court at that time.” — Official US Open statement
“There are matters that need to be looked into that took place during the match. For tonight, it is time to celebrate these two amazing players, both of whom have great integrity.
“Naomi is a deserving champion and Serena at all times plays with class and makes us proud.” — WTA statement