It will go down as one of the biggest talking points in US Open history.
Serena Williams, a champion chasing a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title, is against the ropes in the women's final on Sunday morning (AEST).
Down a set and with two code violations (for her coach making hand signals, and for smashing a racquet) Williams is on the edge.
Williams gestures towards chair umpire Carlos Ramos during her US Open final defeat.
So when she embarked on a finger-pointing rant at chair umpire Carlos Ramos, the headlines were already being written.
Unfortunately for rising Japanese star Naomi Osaka, those headlines weren't about her clinical victory, or her maiden Grand Slam title.
On social media, Williams has been both praised and pilloried.
A polarising figure in some quarters, a hero in others. Is she a serial sore loser, or bravely outspoken in calling out sexism?
Women's tennis legend Billie Jean King strongly supported Williams' actions, pointing out the inconsistent descriptions of emotional men ("outspoken") and women ("hysterical").
King also hit out at tennis officials for not allowing coaching, arguing Williams was penalised "for the actions of her coach".
Others saw double standards, comparing the incident earlier in the tournament when Nick Kyrgios received coaching from umpire Mohamed Lahyani.
But many pundits criticised Williams' actions, arguing that the umpire was correct in awarding all three code violations, and that Williams simply lost her temper in responding.
Whichever side of the fence you sit, this is one final which won't be forgotten any time soon.
Source: Read Full Article