WTA Roots for Serena Williams Over Sexism at Flushing Meadows

On Saturday, the world waited to see Serena Williams share the same dais as Margaret Court and defend her first Slam as a mother. However, there were strange vibes at Flushing Meadows while Williams was fighting for her historic victory.

Mixed emotions prevailed on the court in Serena’s home turf. Japanese player, Naomi Osaka won her first Slam in her career against her idol, Williams. The American’s 6-2, 6-4 loss to the Japanese in the U.S. Open women’s final was accompanied with code violations.

Nine years ago, a similar situation prevailed on the court. During the semifinal match against Kim Clijsters, Williams threatened a lineswoman who called out her foot fault while serving at 4-6, 5-6.

Right after the resurgent king, Novak Djokovic uplifted his third US Open title, the CEO of WTA, Steve Simon spoke about the incident that took place during the women’s final on Saturday.

Simon suggests the on-court coaching should be put into practice in Grand Slams. And he supports Williams on the statement, ‘women get treated differently than men’.

The tennis legend, Billie Jean settled the inequality in prize money which was prevailing in WTA and ATP tennis. The 12-time Grand Slam champion, Billie Jean King was shattered by the act of sexism by the chair umpire.

King believes that coaching on every point should be encouraged in tennis. She feels that many things went haywire during the final between Williams and Osaka.

Before the commencement of the US Open, the French tennis federation president pointed out on Williams’ attire this year. The black catsuit worn this year by Williams at the French Open would not be permitted in the future. 

“I just feel like the fact that I have to go through this is just an example for the next person that has emotions, and that want to express themselves, and want to be a strong woman. They’re going to be allowed to do that because of today,” Williams said. “Maybe it didn’t work out for me, but it’s going to work out for the next person.”

Another act of sexism was depicted at the US Open when the Frenchwoman, Alizé Cornet was penalized for fixing her shirt on the court and Novak Djokovic sat shirtless for several minutes on the court and he was not inflicted for that action.