The 2018 US Open Women’s Singles final featured a matchup of one of the most dominant players of all time Serena Williams versus a relatively unknown 20-year-old Naomi Osaka.  Williams has been described as Osaka's "hero" and "idol", and the US Open final matchup was ultimately Osaka's childhood dream.  The match was historically significant for both players as it was Williams' first US Open after a 12-month hiatus to give birth to her first child in September 2017, and second attempt since her pregnancy to equal Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 Grand Slam titles. Osaka was the first Japanese player to contest a Grand Slam women's singles final, and was attempting to become the first Japanese player, male or female, to win a Grand Slam singles title. 

Osaka got off to a hot start in the first set winning 6-2.  In the second set however, Serena began to feel the pressure of defeat and after given a warning by the chair umpire, Carlos Ramos, for alleged coaching by her coach Patrick Mouratoglou.  Moments later, Williams hit the ball into the net on a backhand unforced error, turned to her box in frustration saying "I can't get over the top of the ball", and smashed her racquet on the court. Ramos issued her a second code violation, this time for racquet abuse. As her second violation, she was penalized a point, and thus the next game started 15-0 to Osaka's advantage. After receiving the penalty Williams raised the issue of her first code violation again with Ramos, insisting "This is unbelievable. Every time I play here, I have problems.” 

Williams continued to vocalize her feeling toward the chair umpire throughout the next points and as her complaints became more vocal and she fell behind further, her complaints became more accusatory.  After being called a “Liar” and a “thief” Ramos had heard enough and issued another code violation, which resulted in Osaka being awarded the next game by default putting Osaka one game from victory.  Osaka ultimately overcame Williams in straight sets and was crowned the US Open Champion.  Rather than her glorious moment be cheered with applaud, Serena’s antics began to draw boos from the capacity crowd as she refused to shake Ramos hand following the match in customary game etiquette.  The crowd continued booing as the trophy presentation commenced, interrupting both MC Tom Rinaldi and USTA president Katrina Adams several times. Ramos was not present to receive his token of appreciation as is normally the case in Grand Slam finals, and Osaka hid her face under her visor and wept as Williams consoled her.  Osaka later said that the win was "a little bit bittersweet" and "it wasn't necessarily the happiest memory.  Nonetheless, she became the first Japanese woman to contest a Grand Slam singles final and the first Japanese Grand Slam singles champion.

This offered neon green and black Wilson tennis racquet was used during this historically significant and infamous tennis match on September 8th, 2018 during the US Open Finals at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.  This is the racquet that was smashed during the on-court frustration of Serena mid-match and ultimately resulted in a costly penalty, leading to Williams melt down and ultimately giving Osaka the US Open championship. Serena's name and facsimile signature are printed in gold on the inside bar. The racquet, which has had the original white tape removed from the handle, comes sourced originally from the ball boy and has been photo matched by Resolution Photomatching, who have provided a LOA (425919).        

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