Serena Williams reacts during the US Open women's final in New York. EPA

Tennis

Explainer: what caused Serena Williams' US Open final meltdown?

The headlines were supposed to be about Williams' bid for a record-equalling 24th grand slam title and Osaka trying to become Japan's first slam winner, but instead an argument dominated the match

Steve Luckings
Steve Luckings

September 09, 2018

Serena Williams cried sexism after an extraordinary meltdown during her US Open final defeat by Naomi Osaka.

The headlines were supposed to be about Williams' bid for a record-equalling 24th grand slam title and Osaka trying to become Japan's first slam winner, but instead an argument with umpire Carlos Ramos that escalated dominated the match.

Here's how it all unfolded during the match.

Coaching

Williams was furious when she was given a coaching violation in the second game of the second set after a hand gesture from her coach Patrick Mouratoglou, telling Ramos: "I don't cheat to win. I'd rather lose."

Mouratoglou admitted in an interview with ESPN that he was trying to advise her with a hand gesture, although Williams was apparently oblivious.

Smashed racquet

Williams was up 2-1 on the changeover when she spoke again with Ramos, appearing to smooth things over, and she finally found a way to break Osaka for a 3-1 lead. It didn't last long. When Osaka broke back with the aid of two double faults, Williams smashed her racquet and was docked a point for a second violation. Continuing her argument with Ramos at the next change of ends, Williams accused him tearfully of being a "thief" for taking a point away from her.

Verbal assault

After Osaka broke for a 4-3 lead Williams continued her verbal assault on Ramos, who docked her a game for a third violation that put Osaka up 5-3. Osaka – who displayed not only a stellar game, but also remarkable poise throughout – held serve to seal a historic win.

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Read more:

Naomi Osaka shows killer instinct, soft heart in grand slam breakthrough

Naomi Osaka wins US Open after Serena Williams 'umpire thief' meltdown

Serena Williams defends her integrity after US Open final controversy

Naomi Osaka's US Open win rare good news in disaster-hit Japan

Comment: Novak Djokovic's tennis dynasty set to recommence with US Open triumph

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Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

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Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

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Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

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The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

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