SERENA WILLIAMS LOST the US Open final to 20 year-old Naomi Osaka this week.
By all accounts, it was a dramatic match – umpire Carlos Ramos gave Serena a warning for receiving coaching from her box during the second set.
When a second code violation for racquet abuse was handed out to her — along with a point penalty for a second violation — Williams exploded.
She tearfully accused him of being a “thief” and angrily demanded an apology from the official.
You’re attacking my character. You will never, ever be on another court of mine. You are the liar. You stole a point from me. You’re a thief, too!”
While she went on to congratulate Naomi on an “amazing match”, Serena’s wider point was that male athletes frequently lash out at without as much – if any – repercussions.
In her post-match press conference, Serena was asked what one thing she would change about the emotional final which took place, if she could.
I’ve seen other men call other umpires several things, and I’m here fighting for women’s rights and women’s equality and all kinds of stuff and for me to say ‘thief’ and for him to take a game? It made me feel like it was a sexist remark.
He’s never took a game from a man ’cause he said ‘thief’. For me it blows my mind. But I’m going to continue to fight for women and to fight for us.”
She referenced a previous incident in which French player Alizé Cornet was penalised for fixing her shirt because it was the wrong way around.
I just feel like the fact that I have to go through this is an example for the next person that has emotion and wants to express themselves as a woman. And they’re going to be allowed to do that.
Maybe it didn’t work out for me, but it’s going to work out for the next person.”
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Regardless of your opinions on the match itself, Serena perfectly summed up the purpose of the work many feminists do – often, we are not fighting for our rights as women, but for the future generations of women; for the change they deserve, in whatever area of life and society.
While now, her reaction may be met incredulously, others will be more understanding of a woman’s position in the future.
