‘Stressful’: Naomi Osaka opens up on her crazy US Open final experience
Osaka appeared on the hit television program. Photo: Twitter - @TheEllenShow
Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka has broken her silence on what Serena Williams said to her during Sunday’s (AEST) unforgettable US Open final ceremony.
Osaka was booed during the post-match presentation after stunning home favourite Williams in straight sets.
The Flushing Meadows crowd were particularly unhappy with court umpire Carlos Ramos, who Williams clashed with on several occasions, leading to several code violations and an eventual one-game penalty for the 23-time grand slam singles winner.
Williams called Ramos a “thief” and a “liar” during the match, and later slammed the “sexism” in tennis punishments.
The fallout has taken the spotlight off Osaka, who, aged just 20, showed why she will be a star of the future with an outstanding performance against the world’s best player.
She was in tears during the trophy presentation and said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show that it was a “stressful” experience.
Also opening up on Williams’ words of comfort during the ceremony, Osaka said: “She said that she was proud of me and that I should know that the crowd wasn’t booing at me.
At the time, I did … think they were booing at me. I couldn’t tell what was going on, because it was just so loud in there. It was a little bit stressful.”
Osaka also revealed her mindset during Williams’ mid-match meltdowns, during which she looked away and tried to keep focus.
“When you’re little, you’re taught not to look at, like, if your opponent gets angry or anything,” Osaka said.
“You’re told to just turn around and try to focus, so I tried to do that, but in my mind I was sort of – like I really wanted to know what was going on.
“I couldn’t hear and I was looking away, but I heard a lot of people in the crowd making noises, and I really wanted to turn around, but I didn’t.”
Ellen turns matchmaker
In a wide-ranging interview on the popular television program, Osaka was also asked about her celebrity crush.
“I don’t know his name but he was in Black Panther … but he was the villain,” she said.
She was referring to American actor Michael B. Jordan, who DeGeneres knows.
“Seriously, somebody get my phone,” DeGeneres said.
“I will text Michael and I’ll tell him that he should meet you.”
DeGeneres then took a photo with Osaka and sent it to Jordan, who responded with a Twitter video congratulating to the tennis star.
“The way you carry yourself with such humility and grace, it’s really amazing to see,” Jordan said.
I texted @MichaelB4Jordan about @Naomi_Osaka_. Obvi he responded. pic.twitter.com/NNwq2iBcaK
— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) September 12, 2018
“You’re setting an amazing example for the kids.”
Osaka has risen to seventh in the WTA world rankings.