Wild Fire On Cool Ice

Last Saturday US Open Women’ final was such a good show of Wild Fire On Cool Ice. It’s also a great demonstration of character, dignity and good sportsmanship by Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka.

When champion tennis player Serena Williams lost her first set to her 20-year-old Japanese opponent Naomi Osaka, she started throwing a mega tantrum after umpire Carlos Ramos gave her a coaching violation warning. Because of that justified violation warning, Serena pointed her finger at the umpire and called him a ‘thief’ and a ‘liar’. Moment later after Serena lost another point, she smashed her racket on the court and continued acting wildly on the world stage. Even after she lost the final match to Naomi Osaka, she still couldn’t let her ego go and took attention from Naomi Osaka at the representation podium .

In comparison, Naomi Osaka remained composed throughout Williams’ repeated outbursts.  She showed no emotions except her graceful poise and strength of character when the crowd cheered on Serena Williams for her every winning point.  In the end, Naomi Osaka won the final match, which is her first grand slam title, her dream, and her greatest achievement. Instead of running around celebrating, she sat there crying and crying. While she was crying, I was crying for her too.  I knew Naomi Osaka’s tears were tears of mistreatment by the crowd,  the tears of mistreatment by the poisoned atmosphere caused by Serena Williams. It’s her moment of triumph, moment of joy, but Serena Williams overshadowed it. I was heart broken when I saw Naomi Osaka get booed as she received the trophy. Later, I was so sad to see she had to even apologize to the crowd because she won. What kind of world are we living in?

 

Serena Williams said to umpire Carlos Ramos during her outburst: “I didn’t cheat to win, I would rather lose”. Ok, your coach already admitted he was coaching with his hand signals during the match. It’s the fact, period. Serena, If you cannot win, you have to accept lose with dignity. Honour your opponent and show your respect. Don’t play the sexism card as an excuse.  The sexism card cannot buy you a right to have bad behaviour. Let go of your ego, go with your bad manner please.