Naomi Osaka has held her nerve to beat Serena Williams in a controversial US Open final to become the first Japanese player to win a grand slam singles title.
Trailing in the second set, Williams received a game penalty after being involved in a verbal altercation with umpire Carlos Ramos at a change of ends, after previous code violations for coaching and then smashing her racquet.
Serena Williams launches a tirade against chair umpire Carlos Ramos during the women's US Open final. Source: AAP
The 36-year-old Williams maintained she "is not a cheater" and demanded an apology.
"You will never, ever, ever be on another court of mine as long as you live. You are the liar. When are you going to give me my apology?" Williams said in a furious rant directed at the chair umpire.
"You owe me an apology. Say it. Say you’re sorry. ... And you stole a point from me. You’re a thief, too!
She insisted male players had called chair umpires much worse and she was being treated differently because she is a woman.
The drama overshadowed Osaka's first grand slam final win.
The 20-year-old Japanese player won 6-2 6-4 in one hour and 19 minutes.
Naomi Osaka has become the first Japanese woman to win the US Open. Source: Getty
The presentation ceremony began with booing from the crowd before a tearful Williams said, to wild cheers: "I don't want to be rude. I don't want to do questions.
"I just want to tell you guys she played well. Let's make this the best moment we can and get through it and give credit where credit is due.
"No more booing. Let's be positive."
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