As I watched the U.S. Open Women's Championship match yesterday, I found the environment electric and ready to see history. The obvious sentiment of the crowd was to root on Serena Williams for her 24th major championship. She was the odds on favorite to win. But, on the other side of the net was an up-and-coming 20 year old from Japan who idolized Serena growing up. It must have been surreal and incredibly exciting for her to stand across the court in her first major championship final. However, it didn't end up being a "normal" match or championship final that we'd ever seen before.
Sadly, things went awry when Serena was given a game penalty after a warning and point penalty were assessed. Right or wrong is another discussion for another time, but the awards ceremony were apt to be awkward, especially with a disagreeing crowd.
Thankfully, being the upper statesman and aware of the circumstances Serena calmed the crowd during the ceremony. In that moment, she proved to be a real champion (even though her previous 23 titles have already established that). As the ceremony started and the crowd began booing, Naomi Osaka began to cry...not because she had just won her first major (which is why she should have been crying), but because she thought the crowd didn't think she should have won or that by her winning she disappointed them because Serena didn't win. It was a heartbreaking moment. She should have been all smiles, but instead she felt sad. But, Serena recognized the importance of the moment for her and put her arm around her shoulder and started talking to her to comfort her. She then told the crowd that it was Naomi's moment and they should acknowledge that. "No more booing," she told them. "Let's stay positive," she said. That allowed everyone to come back to why they were truly there...to see a winner crowned. Naomi absolutely earned her first major win and I hope she truly knows that aside from all the drama.
She's the first Japanese player (male or female) to win a major tennis championship. Her win was historic, but sadly it was also heartbreaking because she couldn't fully enjoy the moment. She was quiet and a little shy during her interview on the court and looked a little awkward parading around the court with the trophy afterwards....a little because I think she still felt embarrassed about winning (when she shouldn't have been) and because it was her first time to do it so she really didn't know what to do. In watching her speak, I could feel her anguish and shyness. I could sense the Asian culture creeping into her demeanor and I just wanted to give her a hug and tell her to smile!
But, with time I think she'll know without a doubt that she deserved to win that title and hopefully she'll be proud of how she handled herself during all the drama. Congratulations to Naomi Osaka on your first grand slam title!!
May blessings fill your days in this week ahead!
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