Serena Williams dumped US Open runners-up trophy in the bin after 2018 loss according to Osaka biography
WTA
The
recently published biography of Naomi Osaka, penned by tennis expert Ben
Rothenberg, has unveiled shocking revelations about Serena Williams discarding
her runner-up recognition from the 2018 US Open after losing to the Japanese
sensation.
At just 20
years old, Osaka astonished the tennis world with an impressive run at Flushing
Meadows, ultimately securing her first Grand Slam title by defeating the
23-times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams in the final (6-2, 6-4). She
quickly became a prominent figure in the tournament, claiming victories that
year over tennis stalwarts such as Maria Sharapova, Victoria Azarenka, and
Simona Halep.
However,
the most significant triumph came at the US Open, where Williams had the
opportunity to equal Margaret Court as the all-time Grand Slam record holder.
Osaka emerged victorious in a controversial match marked by heated exchanges
between Serena and the umpire. The American received three code violations,
with the last one costing her a game in the second set.
According
to umpire Carlos Ramos' interpretation, Serena received coaching from her
coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, earning her the first warning. The second code
violation occurred after she smashed her racket, resulting in a point
deduction. Finally, Williams labeled the umpire a "thief," accusing
him of "stealing a point," leading to a game deduction and emotional
pleas for the supervisor.
Osaka,
unfazed by the drama, remained focused and stayed out of the altercation
between the umpire and Williams. This ultimately worked in her favor as she
secured the victory, marking the first of her four Grand Slam titles.
Rothenberg's
recent biography on Osaka reveals that, behind closed doors, Serena showed her
disdain for the runner-up trophy by allegedly discarding it in the trash:
"Once she was behind closed doors, Serena made her feelings about the
relic of her loss clear, dumping the platter into a trash can."
Despite an
assistant's attempt to retrieve the trophy and return it to the multi-Grand
Slam champion, Williams vehemently refused, stating, “I. Don’t. Play. For. Second.
Place," as reported by Ben Rothenberg.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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