Naomi Osaka denies Serena Williams a shot at record-tying twenty fourth main title at Australian Open
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Osaka gained the match 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the Australian Open ultimate for the second time. She has now gained 20 consecutive matches, final shedding in February final yr.
“I do not know if there’s any little youngsters out right here right now, however I used to be just a little child watching her play,” Osaka mentioned of Williams on courtroom after the win. “Simply to be on the courtroom taking part in in opposition to her for me is a dream.”
Williams, 39, embraced Osaka after the match. She then waved to the group as she departed, placing a hand over her coronary heart.
Williams was requested in a post-match information convention if the gesture meant farewell.
“I do not know. If I ever say farewell, I would not inform anybody, so,” she mentioned.
Visibly emotional, Williams left the information convention after the following query.
Osaka is the heavy favourite within the ultimate on Saturday. She’s going to face No. 22 seed Jennifer Brady of the USA, who defeated No. 25 seed Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 within the second semifinal. Of their final assembly, the US Open semifinals 5 months in the past, Osaka defeated Brady 7-6(1), 3-6, 6-3.
At age 25, this will probably be Brady’s first main ultimate.