"A lot of people saying I didn't deserve to win" - Naomi Osaka on her controversial US Open final win over Serena Williams

Former World No.1 Naomi Osaka revisited the 2018 US Open final, where she won her maiden Grand Slam title by defeating tennis legend Serena Williams. However, her victory was tainted by some controversy during the now infamous match.

The Japanese superstar prevailed in a 6-2 6-4 victory over the home favorite, with the scoreline suggesting it was a standard match. However, Osaka's victory was marred by controversy when Williams accused umpire Carlos Ramirez of sexism and called him a thief after receiving a game penalty.

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Osaka emotional after match, recalls receiving criticism on social media

Despite the highly-charged atmosphere, Osaka kept her cool and closed out the match, winning her first Major title. Although a few fans booed the Japanese star during the ceremony, it proceeded without further interruptions. In an appearance on The Tennis Insider Club podcast, Osaka revisited the event, stating she was devastated after reading disturbing messages from fans on social media after the event.

"After I won my first US Open (2018), I went on social media and the night after I won I was receiving treatment and I was just reading a lot of people saying that I didn't deserve to win," recollected Osaka. "Oh God! I remember I started crying a lot. And I still think about it a lot."

However, Osaka revealed she no longer gets affected by online criticism but still feels emotional when she looks back on previous incidents.

"Honestly, now it (people's criticism) doesn't bother me and I barely see it anymore anyways," admitted the four-time Grand Slam champion. "I try not to go on there (social media), but when I think about the past, then it's very painful because I remember the feelings that I had and honestly, I never really processed it well."