Was it an Asian American dream? or just a Goliath’s David? – Osaka vs Williams

SHAHEED ALAM – I feel that Osaka’s win is huge for everyone in Japan (and even Asia in general.) The win serves as a massive inspiration to many girls in Japan to see that it is possible to make it big! Beyond that, it inspires tennis players in Asia (including myself) to realize that it is possible to challenge the top ranking European and American players.

One can comment much about Williams but we can’t deny that she is one of the best players ever to hold a racquet. I opine that she should’ve controlled her emotions better. After all, she is a top-class professional and she should be vast experienced enough to do that. However, I thoroughly understand where she’s coming from and the frustrations she must’ve felt.

The penalties controversy is a grey area. From the umpire’s point of view, he was just doing his job and saw that the coach is coaching her (now, the coach had also admitted to that, didn’t he?) However, the umpire should’ve have given Williams a verbal warning instead of a penalty. That would have served its purpose to stop the coach. No doubt it was a match on technicalities and not coaching, rules cannot be foregone.

On the other hand, ‘that escalated fast’ and I felt that Williams said things she should never say to an umpire, and in such a disrespectful way. She was also heard saying “I get this every year (that) I play here.” Indeed, she was ‘heavily involved’ and it was entirely her fault even in 2009 and 2011. She was also heard saying ‘Men do way worse and get away with it’. What a weak comparison, as I can assure you that many men have gotten a straight disqualification.

The audience can’t really be blamed as they would not be able to hear the conversation between the umpire and Williams, and furthermore, the crowd was gathered to witness a historical moment. They wanted Serena Williams to win her 24th Grand Slam and tie Margaret Court as the All-time most number of singles titles.

In conclusion, I feel that Williams deserve all that she was severed (no puns intended) because it is a valuable lesson for the young ones around the world who are following the sport. If she had got away with such abusive comments to an umpire, that would have set some precedence to many other tennis players too. Also, in perspective, the $17,000 fine, however, is nothing compared to the $1.85million prize money she received.

After much chaos, even with Williams arguing and all the controversies, nothing was taken away from Naomi Osaka – the newly minted champion who fully deserved the win. The champ outplayed Williams in all the categories. Realistically, Williams simply had no chance!

Even though it was a tad too late and the damage had been done; it was a moment to remember when Williams calmed the crowd down during the prize presentation to allow Osaka to enjoy her moment.

 

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