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Williams was handed three code violations, the
last of which resulted in a game penalty, in a straight sets
defeat to Osaka, who was booed throughout the final game and
trophy ceremony by an angry Flushing Meadows crowd.
The American, who later wrote an apology letter to Osaka, is
bidding for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title and said
she was looking forward to facing the Japanese third seed again.
"Well, I think we both have had closure, and we have reached out
to each other. I have definitely reached out," the 39-year-old
said.
"I think she's a great competitor and a cool cat."
World number three Osaka has won three Grand Slams and last year
surpassed her childhood idol Williams as the world's highest
paid female athlete, according to Forbes.
The 23-year-old has won two of her three previous Tour
encounters with Williams, although the American triumphed the
last time they met in a WTA event in Toronto in 2019.
When asked if she would be watching film of Williams to prepare
herself for the match, Osaka said she never stops watching her.
"For me, I grew up watching Serena... It's just more of a habit
than anything," she added. "But I feel like everyone in the
tournament watches her."
In the other semi-final, surprise package Karolina Muchova will
take on U.S. Open semi-finalist Jennifer Brady, with both
players looking to earn a spot in their maiden major final.
"I think I will have to bring my A-game to play with (Brady)
because she is playing amazing matches," said Muchova, who has
won all eight of her eight matches this season. "I will try to
play my best."
(Reporting by Hardik Vyas in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter
Rutherford)
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