Naomi Osaka: US Open win ‘not the happiest memory’

Osaka become the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam with a 6-2 6-4 win over Serena Williams, but the achievement was a footnote to her opponent’s on-court meltdown.

Williams received three code violations – on-court coaching (first offence, warning), racket abuse (second offence, point penalty) and verbal abuse (third offence, game penalty) – as she unravelled in the second set, branding umpire Carlos Ramos a "thief" and a "liar".

The American later accused Ramos of sexism, with her claims backed by the WTA and tennis great Billie Jean King.

"There's a lot of stuff I want to say about how I felt and whatever," said Osaka.

Osaka, 20, was reduced to tears during the trophy ceremony as an angry crowd at Flusing Meadows vented their frustration at Ramos.

The world number six refused to criticise Williams directly, instead using an analogy involving green tea ice cream.

"When you bite into it, it's sweet but also very strong. That's how that memory feels to me," she continued.