Naomi Osaka of Japan beat Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic 7-6, 5-7, 6-4 in the Australian Open final. According to a report by The Guardian, she will become World No 1 at the age of 21 after the win. The Men's Australian Open final will be played between top-seeded Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Rafael Nadal of Spain.
Australian Open Women Final in brief
Naomi Osaka who was already a star now has become a superstar after winning her second consecutive Grand Slam Title. Despite wasting three match points at 5-3 in the second set, the Japanese star overcame brilliantly to beat Petra Kvitova, the two-time Wimbledon Champion.
Last year, The Telegraph reminds us, Osaka was reduced to tears after winning the controversial US final in which Serena Williams lost her cool. But this year her tears were of happiness and the atmosphere as she collected the trophy could not have been more different.
Osaka's first Grand Slam Title was achieved last year after beating 23-time-champion Serena Williams in the US Open final. Victory seemed to be impossible for Osaka as Kvitova broke back for 5-5 in the second set then went on to win 12 points in a row. However, after losing the second set, she regained focus to win the third and the final set which took her to the top of the ranking table. The Guardian notes that "She is the first woman to follow her first grand slam title by immediately winning the next one since Jennifer Capriati in 2001." Naomi Osaka became the first Asian player to be world No 1.
About Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka is a professional tennis player who represents Japan. She has a career-high WTA ranking of No 4 in the world which she achieved last year and she is projected to become world No 1 on 28th January 2019. Born in Japan, Osaka has been living in the United States since she was three years old. She came to prominence at the age of sixteen.
In September 2018 she became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam. She is also known for her aggressive playing style with a powerful serve.
Tennis world on social media
Former World number one, Martina Navratilova congratulated both the player saying " Well, after winning the US Open Naomi became a star. And now, after winning the Australian Open and becoming the world No 1, she is a superstar!
Congratulations Champ. And Petra Kvitova you are the Champion of life!!!"
Former world number one Billie Jean King Congratulated both the players on their achievements, saying that Osaka's future is so bright and her talent, drive, and determination will take her far.
Another former World number one, Alize Cornet, expressed her happiness by thanking the two ladies for showing such strength, determination, courage, and resilience.
