Apologised to Naomi Osaka after controversial US Open defeat: Serena Williams
Naomi had defeated Serena 6-2, 6-4 in New York to win her first major in September last year.
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Tennis star Serena Williams has revealed that she has apologised to Japan`s Naomi Osaka who defeated her in the finals of the US Open last year.
However, in an essay published on Tuesday in Harper`s Bazaar, a link to which was put on Instagram by Serena, the 37-year-old said she had apologised to Naomi for the "debacle" that "ruined something that should have been amazing and historic."
"Not only was a game taken from me but a defining, triumphant moment was taken from another player, something she should remember as one of the happiest memories in her long and successful career," the 37-year-old Williams wrote. "My heart broke."
As the days passed, the 23-time Grand Slam champion said she started seeing a therapist and wasn`t ready to pick up a tennis racket. She decided to write to Osaka, and here is what she said:
"Hey, Naomi! It`s Serena Williams. As I said on the court, I am so proud of you and I am truly sorry. I thought I was doing the right thing in sticking up for myself. But I had no idea the media would pit us against each other. I would love the chance to live that moment over again. I am, was, and will always be happy for you and supportive of you. I would never, ever want the light to shine away from another female, specifically another black female athlete. I can`t wait for your future, and believe me I will always be watching as a big fan! I wish you only success today and in the future. Once again, I am so proud of you. All my love and your fan, Serena."
In the essay, Serena also included Naomi`s response which she said made her cry.
"People can misunderstand anger for strength because they can`t differentiate between the two," Naomi said, according to Serena. "No one has stood up for themselves the way you have and you need to continue trailblazing."
The 37-year-old went on to write in the essay: "It was in this moment that I realized the real reason the US Open was so hard for me to get over: It wasn`t because of the backlash I faced but rather because of what had happened to the young woman who deserved so much more in her special moment. I had felt that it was my fault and that I should have kept my mouth closed. But now, seeing her text putting everything in perspective, I realized she was right."
"Ultimately, my daughter is the reason I use my voice, the reason I picked up a racket again," she added.
Meanwhile, Serena had advanced to the semifinals of the ongoing Wimbledon after she defeated American compatriot Alison Riske on Tuesday.