TFC’s Jozy Altidore, no stranger to tennis, feels for both sides in U.S. Open final
Toronto FC star striker Jozy Altidore, no stranger to the world of tennis thanks to partner Sloane Stephens, says plenty went through his mind when he saw Serena Williams’ U.S. Open meltdown.
His first thought was for Naomi Osaka, the 20-year-old crowned champion at the end of the controversial weekend final.
“Actually I felt bad for Naomi, just because winning a Grand Slam that’s probably a special moment for her — playing against her idol,” Altidore said after training Tuesday. “I’m sure it was a bit bittersweet for her to have to go through in that way. But all in all, she’s a really good player, a good up-and-coming talent and she deserved to win, I think.”
Altidore also felt for Williams, who believes she was victim of a double-standard given the past actions of some male players — misbehaviour that went without the kind of code violation penalties she faced in her loss to Osaka.