US Open Women's Final: World reacts to fiery finals clash

Serena Williams defends herself against cheating. But does every one agree with her? Photo / Supplied

As Serena Williams fought back tears on the court of the US Open, the world watched with awe over the drama that was unfolding before them.

It didn't start well for Serena, frustration clearly on her face. She smashed her racket to smithereens and given a code violation warning for it. Then, after she was accused of cheating by the umpire, things took a twisted turn. Tears and tantrums filled Flushing Meadows as Naomi Osaka kicked off her debut US Open beating the 23-time grand slam champion in the first set 6-2.

"History will be made no matter who won," commentator Chris Fowler said.

But now, the world is in disagreement over the entire situation that unfolded.

"Hypocrisy, blatant sexism," said some.

Others said she was "embarrassing" and "ridiculous" for her behaviour.

Williams was brought up by the chair umpire after seemingly receiving coaching advice from the front row. Her coach, Frenchman Patrick Mouratoglou, gestured to her after she won the first game of the second set.

After a fiery exchange with the umpire she was penalised a game for "verbal abuse".

"Because I'm a woman you're going to take this away from me.

"You know how many other men do things...there are a lot of men who say a lot things, and because they are men, nothing happens to them..."

After accepting her loss, Williams walked off the court, shook Osaka's hand and said to the umpire: "I want an apology".

But it seems not every one was as supportive, with some critics, including Times tennis correspondent Stuart Fraser calling her behaviour "ridiculous".

Ridiculous behaviour here from Serena Williams, angrily pointing her finger and demanding an apology from umpire Carlos Ramos, who is merely doing his job #USOpen

— Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) September 8, 2018

Standing on the podium after the match, Williams thanked the crowd and asked everyone to stop booing.

"I don't want to be rude, I don't want to do questions. I just want to say (Osaka) played well and this is her first grand slam," Williams said. "Congratulations Naomi."

In scenes as emoptional as the game itself, Osaka said she was "sorry it had to end like this".

"I just wanted to say thank you for watching the match," the teary champ said.

After a controversial penalty against @serenawilliams at the #USOpen2018, she showed how to be a real sport, a total class act and a great champion.

— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) September 8, 2018

I'm with Serena. "You owe me an apology" should be the next Nike ad. This is our message to the world. #UsOpen

— deray (@deray) September 8, 2018

This #SerenaWilliams match is going to be a big story. She was penalized a point and then a full game! She made point men do much worse and are not penalized at all and she is right.

— Christopher C. Cuomo (@ChrisCuomo) September 8, 2018

More to come …