Popsugar Health & Fitness Athletes Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka 2018 US Open Match Serena Williams Put Her Tough US Open Loss Aside to Comfort Naomi Osaka: "No More Booing" 9 September 2018 by Karenna Meredith Image Source: Getty Despite facing controversial code violations, Serena Williams's exemplified sisterhood on Sept. 8, as she chose to lift up her opponent after a tense loss. Serena faced off against Naomi Osaka at the 2018 US Open Tennis Tournament, and received three code violations resulting in a $17,000 fine, but she did not let these struggles keep her from comforting the 20-year-old competitor. From boos to cheers. An emotional and powerful moment for Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams at the US Open podium. (🔊⬆️) pic.twitter.com/oTg6SORjXe— ESPN (@espn) September 8, 2018 As the two took the trophy ceremony stage to the sound of jeers, Naomi kept her head down and visor pulled low as Serena wrapped an arm around her. The crowd continued to boo, until Serena stepped in to defend the woman who stood by her side. "I just want to tell you guys, she played well. And this is her first Grand Slam," Serena told the attendees. "I know you guys were here rooting, and I was rooting too. But let's make this the best moment we can, and we'll get through it. Let's give everyone the credit where credit's due. Let's not boo anymore. We're going to get through this, and let's be positive. So congratulations, Naomi! No more booing." 1 / 12 "I've seen other men call other umpires several things. And I'm here fighting for women's rights and for women's equality." pic.twitter.com/QzFTixejel— ESPN (@espn) September 8, 2018 The 36-year-old tennis pro faces violations for illegal coaching (which she vehemently disputed), for breaking her racket, and for verbal abuse against the referee. Her multithousand dollar fine will reportedly be deducted from her $1.85 million runner-up prize money. In a post-match interview, Serena expressed frustration with the unequal treatment of male and female players. "I've seen other men call other umpires several things," she said. "And I'm here fighting for women's rights and for women's equality and for all kinds of stuff. For me to say 'thief' and for him to take a game? It made me feel like it was a sexist remark. He's never took a game from a man 'cause they 'thief.' For me, it blows my mind." 2 / 12 (1/2) Several things went very wrong during the @usopen Women’s Finals today. Coaching on every point should be allowed in tennis. It isn’t, and as a result, a player was penalized for the actions of her coach. This should not happen.— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 9, 2018 3 / 12 (2/2) When a woman is emotional, she’s “hysterical” and she’s penalized for it. When a man does the same, he’s “outspoken” & and there are no repercussions. Thank you, @serenawilliams, for calling out this double standard. More voices are needed to do the same.— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 9, 2018 Acclaimed tennis star Billie Jean King weighed in on Twitter, and thanked Serena for addressing the double standard for men and women within the sport. This comes full circle, as the athletes accepted their prizes in the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre in New York. Ahead, see more powerful shots of Serena and Naomi sharing support, tears, and smiles together. To simply compete is incredible, to do it with such class is extraordinary. Related: Serena Williams Is No Longer Allowed to Wear Her Nike Bodysuit at the French Open 4 / 12 Image Source: Getty / Matthew Stockman 5 / 12 Image Source: Getty / Matthew Stockman 6 / 12 Image Source: Getty / Al Bello 7 / 12 Image Source: Getty / Julian Finney 8 / 12 Image Source: Getty / Chris Trotman 9 / 12 Image Source: Getty / Jean Catuffe 10 / 12 Image Source: Getty / Jean Catuffe 11 / 12 Image Source: Getty / Tim Clayton 12 / 12 AthletesUS OpenSerena Williams