Serena Williams Calls Out the U.S. Open for Sexism During Women’s Final

Christian Allaire
Updated
“Every time I play here, I have problems.”

In today’s match at the U.S. Open against Japan’s Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams—who lost to Osaka in a 6–2, 6–4 final tally—called out the U.S. Open for both unfairness and sexism mid-match. After receiving two code violations (one for alleged coaching, another for smashing her racquet in frustration), Williams began arguing with umpire Carlos Ramos over a penalty. “There are men out here that do a lot worse, but because I’m a woman, because I’m a woman you’re going to take this away from me? . . . Every time I play here, I have problems,” Williams said. And later, “I didn’t get coaching. You need to make an announcement. . . . You owe me an apology. I have never cheated in my life. I have a daughter, and I stand for what’s right for her.”

Williams continued to argue with Ramos throughout the match. “For you to attack my character is wrong,” she said. “How dare you insinuate that I was cheating. . . . You stole a point from me. You’re a thief, too.” At the end of the match, as Williams shook the hand of Osaka, she again asked Ramos, “Can I get an apology?”

This isn’t the first time Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam winner, has experienced what seems to be sexist treatment on the court. At the French Open, Williams wore a Nike catsuit that was eventually banned from the dress code, despite being a compression garment that can help with blood clots.

The victory for Osaka today means she has become Japan’s first Grand Slam singles champion. Still, despite her momentous win, audience members continued to boo during the trophy ceremony. Williams, ever the class act, implored the audience to be respectful of Osaka’s win, saying, “She played well; this is her first Grand Slam . . . Let’s give everyone the credit where credit’s due. . . . No more booing.”

On social media, tennis fans were quick to parse out the dramatic match. See some of the reactions below:

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