Osaka gives Serena more than a tennis lesson

AS expected, Novak Djokovic won the US Open yesterday, beating Juan Martin del Potro in straight sets 6-3, 7-6, 6-3.

What was not expected was the victory of Naomi Osaka over Serena Williams in Sunday’s women’s final, also in straight sets 6-2, 6-4, for the biggest tennis upset of the year.

Serena was gunning to equal Margaret Court’s [not Billie Jean King] record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, but that was soundly blunted by the thoroughly focused, exceedingly composed Osaka, who became a first-time Slam champ on her first crack at it.

But Osaka’s Cinderella finish was marred by Serena’s sickening outbursts of racquet-slamming and calling the umpire a thief for assessing her a code violation when her mentor was caught giving her hand signals.

Even the New York crowd, noted for unruly behavior since time immemorial, joined the fray by booing Osaka during the awarding ceremony.

Add to this Katrina Adams’ uncalled for swipe at belittling Osaka’s classic win.

Adams said: “Perhaps, it’s not the finish we were looking for today, but Serena, you are a champion of all champions…This mama is a role model and respected by all.”

Sorry, but that demeaned her position as chair and president of the United States Tennis Association.

Osaka, the first Japanese Slam winner, covered her face with her black visor and cried as the crowd booed her.

Still, she said: “I am sorry it had to end this way. I am grateful that I was able to play Serena in the finals. Thank you.”

Serena, after absorbing the code violation that her mentor would later admit to ESPN, berated umpire Carlos Ramos.

She called him a thief: “You stole a point from me.”

Serena’s tantrums that cost her $17,000 in fines was history merely being repeated.

In the 2009 US Open, Serena got yanked out after a line judge pinned her a foot-fault. She angrily hissed at the official.

The Singapore-based Toyota hotshot Vince Socco [thank you, Sir] vibered me this New York Post account quoting Serena as saying: “I swear to God I’ll take the f---king ball and shove it down your f----king throat.”

John McEnroe, the most vociferous competitor tennis has ever seen, expressed shock. Even Serena’s mother found her daughter’s outburst indefensible.

“She could have kept her cool,” said Oracene Price.

At yesterday’s awarding ceremony, Serena said, lamely: “Let’s try to make this the best moment we can…let’s not boo anymore.”

After her victory speech, Osaka bowed her head to Williams. Williams just took it— nonchalantly.

At 20, Osaka showed maturity, professionalism, beyond her age. Not Serena, 36, a mother.