Naomi Osaka has revealed she had no idea what was going on between Serena Williams and the referee in her grand final at the US Open on Saturday.
Osaka, 20, told The Ellen Show she was taught not to pay attention if her opponent got angry, so she could stay focused.
‘I was looking away, but I heard a lot of people in the crowd making noises, and I really wanted to turn around, but I didn’t,’ she said.
She revealed that despite having beaten the former world champion, Williams was quick to comfort her among the jeers of the crowd echoing through the arena as she received her trophy.
‘[Williams] said she was proud of me, and that I should know the crowd isn’t booing at me,’ Osaka said.
‘I was really happy she said that.’
The Japanese player said she thought the jeers were directed at her, and began to get a bit overwhelmed by the situation, having missed Williams’ argument with the umpire.