Osaka: Why I Cried
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NEW YORK—Naomi Osaka showed power, poise and a politeness dismissing her tennis idol, Serena Williams, in the US Open final to become the first Japanese player to capture a Grand Slam singles crown.During the trophy presentation, Osaka apologized to New York fans, some of whom were booing officials after the controversial conclusion to the match.Watch: Osaka Slams Serena To Win US Open“I know everyone was cheering for her and I’m sorry it had to end like this,” said Osaka, elicting a rousing ovation from the crowd.”
The 20-year-old Osaka grew teary-eyed recounting why she apologized.“Your question is making me emotional,” said Osaka, whose eyes welled with tears in the post-match press conference. “Okay, because I know that, like, she really wanted to have the 24th Grand Slam, right? Everyone knows this. It’s on the commercials, it’s everywhere.“Like, when I step onto the court, I feel like a different person, right? I’m not a Serena fan. I’m just a tennis player playing another tennis player. But then when I hugged her at the net (tearing up)… Anyway, when I hugged her at the net, I felt like a little kid again.”Photo credit: US Open Facebook]]>“When I step on the court, I’m not a Serena fan – I’m just a tennis player playing another tennis player. But when I hugged her at the net, I felt like a little kid again.”❤ @Naomi_Osaka_ lets us into her heart…#USOpen pic.twitter.com/GlCigEQUiv
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2018
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