Over four months since her U.S. Open win catapulted her into the realms of tennis’ elite, Naomi Osaka at last got to have a true moment in the spotlight.
She was deprived of such a moment in New York in September, her win having been largely marred by a series of tirades by legend Serena Williams against the chair umpire. But there were no boos Saturday night in Melbourne as Osaka solidified her position at the top of women’s tennis with a nail-biting 7-6, 5-7, 6-4 win over the Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova in the Australian Open final, making her the first Asian woman to top the WTA or ATP singles rankings.
Osaka’s eyes welled up with tears once again during her victory speech, but this time they were of joy, in contrast to the emotions she exhibited as the pro-Williams U.S. Open crowd derided the chair umpire with jeers that spilled over into the trophy presentation following a controversy-filled match.
For a while Saturday it looked as if her moment would again be taken away from her, this time through play on the court rather than drama off of it.
While returning serve and up 5-3 in the second set, Osaka saw three championship points come and go as Kvitova fought valiantly to extend play at Rod Laver Arena. Read more