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2018 US Open, September 9 Women's singles, finals Arthur Ashe Stadium, Billie Jean King Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, New York Serena Williams vs Naomi Osaka |
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Japan’s first female grand slam finalist Naomi Osaka will be out to cause another monumental upset when she takes former world No.1 on Serena Williams in the US Open final. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 6am (AEST).
There is no question Williams is the greatest player of all time. With her mountain of grand slam finals and experience, she will come in as heavy favourite to get the beter of Osaka, who is having the tournament of her life.
The American made the final at Wimbledon earlier this year, only to fall to another experienced player in Angelique Kerber.
Her return from pregnancy last year has been nothing short of astronomical this year, with Williams already back inside the top 30 of the WTA rankings.
At the US Open, Williams has lost just a single set, coming back in the fourth round against Kaia Kanepi. Other than that, she has been absolutely perfect, with demolitions of Karolina Pliskova and Anastasija Sevastova in the semi-final to advance to the final.
While Williams’ story is a great one, Osaka will be playing her idol in her first grand slam final, and with a powerful serve and booming forehand, has the weapons to challenge the former world No.1.
Like Williams, Osaka has lost just a set at the US Open, coming back in the fourth round as well against Aryna Sabalenka, while she has lost just eight games across the four sets since, with four of those coming against Madison Keys in the second set of the semi-final.
She went into that match without favouritism but put the pressure on Keys from the get-go to block another all-American final at Flushing Meadows.
While Williams was hardly back to full fitness, Osaka has good memories against her as well, having won their only meeting in Miami earlier this year.
Prediction
Williams will be the favourite in this match, and I suspect her experience to get her over the line at the end, but Osaka’s power game will push her all of the way.
Williams in three sets.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the women’s US Open final from 6am (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
Start time: 6pm (AEST)
Court: Arthur Ashe Stadium
TV: Live, ESPN and SBS
Online: Live, Foxtel app, Foxtel now, WatchESPN, SBS online
Betting: Williams $1.37, Osaka $3.20
Overall record: Played 1, Osaka 1, Williams 0
Last meeting: Miami 2018, 1st round – Osaka defeat Williams 6-3, 6-2
tsuru
Roar Rookie
I've just looked up reports of the 2009 US Open incident with Serena. Her actual threat was "I swear to God I'll f...ing take the ball and shove it down your f...ing throat." I had forgotten that she lost the semi because of that outburst and was was fined heavily afterwards. The ironic thing is that WTA Tour chief Stacey Allaster was later quoted as saying “I have no doubt that she has learned from this incident and that we will never see her act in this manner again.”
tsuru
Roar Rookie
BennO, are you really claiming that Nadal and Federer are arrogant? I disagree. And I think a few (million) other neutral observers would also disagree. I'd even defend Hewitt in the latter stages of his career. As for the "thumbs up," you obviously didn't see the video of Mouratoglou giving the signal. It was clearly a signal for Serena to go forward, presumably to volley more. Mouratoglou admitted to Pam Shriver that he was coaching, but used the "everyone does it" defence. I wonder if he'd be happy with everyone footfaulting. Or everyone taking extra time before serving. Or everyone taking extra time after the umpire has called time at the changeover - as Serena did at 4-5.
tsuru
Roar Rookie
Matthew, I know that your line about the lineswoman was supposed to be tongue-in-cheek or maybe just a throw-away, but I actually think threatening to "jam a ball down your throat" is worse than calling the umpire a thief (did she also say liar?}
tsuru
Roar Rookie
Spot on Scott. Or at least 22500 of 23000 fans. I was disgusted by the way the "fans" applauded every mistake Osaka made, few though they were. And I'm not sure what commentary you got, but here in New York the commentary was focused almost exclusively on Serena. Although, to be fair, in the latter stages some of the commentary was critical of Serena's behaviour. I'm impressed by the way Osaka was able to stay focused through it all.
Simoc
Guest
Which is $5.34million Australian dollars. Need to convince Osaka to send it here for safe keeping.????
Matt P
Roar Rookie
There's no ifs or buts if it's against the rules. Mouratoglou even admitted he actually did it, en route to the same claim you're making right now. Maybe you shouldn't mistake things being missed with selective enforcing. It was good umpiring to pick it up. The difference is most people who start out immature grow up. Yeah, I can see how Serena's treated differently. The amount of people who think she should get preferential treatment for being "inspirational, y'all!" is unbelievable. Serena is a sore loser, and always has been. Maybe she was easier to defend when she was merely threatening lineswomen, but three code violations in a single match is unbelievable. You'd think a 36-yo, 23-time champ would better than that.
BennO
Roar Rookie
Turn it up mate. Lance Armstrong defence? It's not against the rules if it's only enforced selectively. Then it's not a rule. And who do we applaud like that? Lleyton Hewitt, Roger Federer, Rafa. Need I go on? If you can't see that Serena is treated differently then that's your problem. To go back to the original comment... Williams could do with not feeling like she is entitled to every little thing going her way in life… That's bogus. To think that shows a remarkable level of tunnel vision.
Matt P
Roar Rookie
There's a difference between confidence and arrogance. Who do we applaud for being arrogant? We applaud people like Millman; good, honest toilers who are always humble and always grateful for the opportunities they have received. Nobody likes arrogance, win or lose. Ah, the ol' Lance Armstrong defence. If it's against the rules, it's against the rules, bud. Obviously it wasn't just a thumbs up. She was petulant and a sore loser.
BennO
Roar Rookie
What's rubbish is the line about entitlement. For starters, champions need a certain arrogance to succeed. We expect it and applaud it in most. But apparently not Serena. When she loses her cool, we spin her self belief against her. Second, coaching cos of a thumbs up? That's so far beyond a double standard it's not funny. Everyone and I mean everyone gets that kind of input from their box in a game. To call Serena on it, at that time of the game is rubbish, especially when umpires let far more blatant stuff go all the time. Why wouldn't she get upset with that? Apparently though, it's a character flaw for her to expect the same treatment everyone else normally gets. That's why your comments were rubbish.
Richard Mills
Expert
Serena completely lost it. Mouratoglou admitted he was coaching...
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks for joining me this morning on The Roar for our live coverage of the 2018 US Open women's final as Serena Williams was beaten by Naomi Osaka in a match overshadowed by controversy. Hopefully, you enjoyed the call. I'll be back tomorrow morning at 6am (AEST) for the men's final between Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin Del Potro. Bye for now.
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
Well this is one match I'll remember for a dominating display by Osaka and a petulant display by Williams. A shame. Congratulations to Osaka. Great win and a one hell of a future. 3.8 million - not too shabby.
Scott Pryde
Expert
You're joking BennO? What on Earth was rubbish about Chris' comment? Osaka dominated the match? Yeah, she did. And my comment? Is Williams allowed to call the umpire a liar? Is that something you think is acceptable?
BennO
Roar Rookie
Rubbish comments for you blokes.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well, that was quite something. Not sure I've ever seen a match like that. Thoughts Roarers?
Scott Pryde
Expert
Only $3.8 million dollars in the cheque for Osaka.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Now for Osaka to talk. "I'm going to defer from your question (asked about how reality was different to the dream of playing Serena in a grand slam final). Everyone was cheering her, I'm sorry it had to end like this. I just want to say thankyou for watching the match." "It means a lot for her (Naomi's mother) to come and watch my matches." "It was always my dream to play Serena in a US Open final. I'm glad I was able to do that. I'm greatful to have played you (nods at Williams)."
Scott Pryde
Expert
Serena Williams. "Well, I don't want to be rude or interrupt (interview style, not open slather on the mic). I want to tell you guys she (Osaka) played well." "We will get through this. Let's be positive. Congratulations Naomi." "Thankyou to my team. Thankyou to the crowd. You are the best in the world. I really hope to continue to go and play here again." In tears there.
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
This is terrible for Osaka. The sporting crowd are woeful.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Serena Williams now to talk.