Serena Williams’ dreams of winning the 2004 US Open were brought to a halt by Jennifer Capriati in the quarter-finals.
Williams, who had won the title in 1999 and 2002, lost 2–6 6–4 6–4 to her compatriot.
The match was far from a peaceful affair. Serena was subject to an incorrect call at the start of the deciding set, causing much consternation in the Williams camp.
The decision left Serena feeling ‘extremely angry.’
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Serena Williams said she felt ‘robbed’ due to a bad line call
At the start of the final set, at deuce, Williams struck a backhand that was ruled in by the line judge.
However, to the dismay of Williams, Chair Umpire Mariana Alves overruled the call, handing the point to Capriati.
In her post-match press conference, Serena commented on the incorrect call, claiming there were other bad calls in the final game of the match.
“Yeah, I know my balls were in,” Serena said.
“It wasn’t just that point, that’s the thing. I know my shots. I know in the last game those balls were in as well. So it’s like, what do you do? You just got to keep fighting.”
Later in the press conference, Serena commented on her emotions. She said: “Very angry and bitter right now [laughing]. I’m extremely angry. Bitter [laughing]. I’m upset. I feel cheated. Should I keep going?
“I just feel robbed.”
“I called Serena to apologise for the call,” said Arlen Kantarian, chief executive of Professional Tennis at the time – as reported by BBC Sport.
“The overrule was a clear mistake. Serena handled the situation so well.”
Jim Curley, the US Open tournament director, confirmed Alves would not umpire another match for the rest of the tournament.
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“It was a mistake but she is a very experienced umpire and mistakes do get made out there.
“Alves was under consideration for another women’s match, but we decided that it was in the best interests of the tournament that she stand down.”
How did Jennifer Capriati fare for the rest of the tournament?
Capriati’s US Open run was ended in the semi-finals by Russian star Elena Dementieva. The Russian won the match 6-0, 2-6, 7-6.
In the final, Dementieva fell to a 6-3, 7-5 loss against Svetlana Kuznetsova. The occasion marked Kuznetsova’s first Grand Slam triumph.
As for Williams, she won her third US Open title in 2008, defeating Jelena Jankovic in the final.
The American star won six US Open titles during her career, the last being in 2014. Serena, who defeated Caroline Wozniacki in the final, had won her third consecutive title in New York.
Five years later, Serena made her last US Open final appearance. The American described her level of play in the final as ‘inexcusable’ after losing to Bianca Andreescu.
