Serena Williams: Do these images prove coach Patrick Mouratoglou CHEATED during US Open?
SERENA WILLIAMS was the centre of controversy during her US Open final defeat amid claims of cheating.
US Open: Serena ‘fighting for women’s rights’ after incident
Serena Williams was defeated in straight sets by Naomi Osaka in the US Open final on Saturday night – amid claims she was being coached during the match.
The 36-year-old launched into a furious tirade against umpire Carlos Ramos after being given two code violations.
Coach Patrick Mouratoglou was deemed to have gestured towards Williams during the match, an illegal move in professional tennis.
Ramos gave Williams her second violation for smashing a racquet in frustration, before she launched into a meltdown against the Portuguese umpire at the changeover.
Williams branded Ramos a 'thief' before shouting: "You are a liar. You will never be on a court of mine as long as you live. When are you going to give me my apology? Say you are sorry."
The 23-time Grand Slam winner was docked the next game for the outburst, while 20-year-old Osaka calmly completed her stunning performance to seal the trophy.
Mouratoglou admitted to coaching during the match to Pam Shriver on ESPN: "I was coaching but I don't think she looked at me.
"Her coach [Sascha Bajin] was coaching the whole time, too. Everyone is doing it 100% of the time.
"It is not a big deal breaking a racquet. She will struggle to get back from this."
Images that were broadcast around the world clearly show Mouratoglou moving both hands, gesturing towards the court, in the middle of the match.
However, Williams hit back at Mouratoglou over his comments and confirmed they are set to hold talks following the controversial incident.
She said: “I literally just heard this. What’s he talking about? We don’t have signals.
"I’m trying to figure out why he would say that. I want to clarify for myself what he said. I wasn’t being coached.”
Take a look through the images of Patrick Mouratoglou for the moment he was deemed to be cheating during the US Open final.