Below is the link to my contribution to Tennis with an Accent, my post-match analysis of the encounter that carried the twenty-year-old Naomi Osaka earn her first Major title by scoring a straight-set victory over Serena Williams at the US Open.
Osaka’s Elite Tennis Speaks Louder than Any Argument
Until next time…
Hi Mert,
Didn’t watch the match, however when I viewed the highlights, I was shocked at how much Serena lost her composure. With so much experience under her belt, were you also shocked at how she had a melt down?
I personally think equalling (or even passing), M. Courts record is playing on her mind because its obvious she wants it so bad and this isn’t helping her cause.
I will put my house on it, if there was no record to equal, she would be so relaxed and will blow away Osaka off the court with her power. As we all know, Serena has the brute power, however the mind games are getting the better of her right now.
In the end, it’s amazing what pressure does to one of the greats of the game.
Next year will be a big year for Serena because I personally think it will be her last chance to re-write the record books. 2020 and beyond will be a tall ask for her to win any majors. Do you agree or do you think she can win a few more majors after 2019?
Umit
Yes, she derailed very quickly although at that point they were on serve in the second set. Her racket breaking also came at the heels of two double faults and an unforced error at a time she was beginning to sink her teeth into the match. She definitely lost her composure, all three code violations issued by the umpire were correct.
As for passing Court’s record, I don’t understand the obsession. Serena’s Major victories came during the Open era, a good portion of Court’s victories did not. they are not comparable. But in a world, now, where number of Major titles seems to be the obsession (unjustly), it’s not surprising.
Speaking of pressure, Osaka handled it wonderfully. Serena has been a pro for two decades, she should be able to handle the pressure, one would think!
Yes, I do believe she can still win Major titles. How many? Not sure, but at least one more I think.
Thanks for the input Umit.
I wish the mainstream press saw it this way, but Osaka, and to a degree Djokovic got absolutely zero coverage due to this meltdown.
@Umit “I will put my house on it, if there was no record to equal, she would be so relaxed and will blow away Osaka off the court with her power.”
That might be true, but how do we explain her other meltdowns in New York against Stosur and Clijsters? So it’s not like this is a new thing born from the pressure of matching Court.
“I wish the mainstream press saw it this way, but Osaka, and to a degree Djokovic got absolutely zero coverage due to this meltdown.”
Ain’t that the truth?
Thank you for the input Jonathan.