In case you missed it, this weekend Serena Williams lost the US Open final (Meryl Streep’s reaction was all of us) against Naomi Osaka.
But rather than the spotlight being on Osaka, the first Haitian-Japanese woman to win the trophy, instead it was on the sexism row which erupted after the umpire Carlos Ramos gave Serena repeated penalties, allegedly due code violations, which cost her the game.
He accused Williams of coaching and racquet abuse, and she argued back, denouncing he was treating her unfairly for being a woman.
(1/2) Several things went very wrong during the @usopen Women’s Finals today. Coaching on every point should be allowed in tennis. It isn’t, and as a result, a player was penalized for the actions of her coach. This should not happen.
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 9, 2018
(2/2) When a woman is emotional, she’s “hysterical” and she’s penalized for it. When a man does the same, he’s “outspoken” & and there are no repercussions. Thank you, @serenawilliams, for calling out this double standard. More voices are needed to do the same.
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 9, 2018
Osaka won, and when the crowd started booing during the awards ceremony, Williams stepped in to shush them so they wouldn’t take away this moment for her. And rightly so, why should she be punished for a man’s mistakes?
The controversy is still rife on Twitter, and many celebrities have come to Serena’s defence, but have very importantly changed the conversation.
Two queens stepped onto that court to win today. Two queens step off the court to play another day. Majesty from end to end. Even in the rough patches. Brava to both. And congratulations to @Naomi_Osaka_ for claiming your place in history. pic.twitter.com/s8jJZmIl78
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) September 8, 2018
Instead of giving the umpire anymore attention, they instead celebrated to powerful women who handled a quite frankly shitty event with dignity and grace.
Love this. @serenawilliams ALL our inner fans jumped out. What happened was just not fair. I’m hurting for S, but am inspired by both ladies’ class. Just a very sad way for the USO to end.. regardless of the winner. https://t.co/iQWZ5oNEkb
— Gigi Hadid (@GiGiHadid) September 8, 2018
Gigi Hadid said, ‘I’m hurting for S, but am inspired by both ladies’ class’, while Gabrielle Union tweeted, ‘All praise to both s @serenawilliams the best athlete the world has ever seen & @Naomi_Osaka_ demonstrating #BlackGirlMagic & fierce determination. Very proud.’
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All praise to both 👑👑s @serenawilliams the best athlete the world has ever seen & @Naomi_Osaka_ demonstrating #BlackGirlMagic & fierce determination. Very proud. Tears watching the hug 🌟👑🌟👑
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) September 8, 2018
Tennis legend Billie Jean King also came to their defence, saying ‘hen a woman is emotional, she’s “hysterical” and she’s penalized for it. When a man does the same, he’s “outspoken” & and there are no repercussions. Thank you, @serenawilliams, for calling out this double standard. More voices are needed to do the same.’
YES.
