In a new essay penned by Williams herself,br the 37-year-old tennis pro opened upbr about her outburst during the 2018 U.S. Open final. The incident was heavily publicized and ultimatelybr overshadowed the victory of her opponent, Naomi Osaka. Looking back, Williams admittedbr her altercation with the umpire causedbr her an incredible amount of stress. As time passed, she questioned what shebr could have “done better” and if she wasbr “wrong to stand up” for herself. Serena then revealed that she eventuallybr wrote a letter to Osaka, saying it was thebr “only one way for [her] to move forward.” When Osaka’s reply encouraged herbr to “continue trailblazing,” Williams realizedbr she had nothing to be ashamed of.