Naomi Osaka claimed an impressive victory over Serena Williams to reach the Australian Open final and end the American’s latest quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title.
Three-time Slam champion Osaka withstood early pressure from Williams to win 6-3 6-4.
"For today I felt like I needed some extra strength, so yeah. That's kind of why I'm wearing this."@naomiosaka x @Lakers 💪#AusOpen | #AO2021 | #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/9hEkE5DXWu
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 18, 2021
The Japanese will face Jennifer Brady in Saturday’s final after the American beat Karolina Muchova.
Brady came past the Czech 6-4 3-6 6-4 to seal a spot in her first Grand Slam final.
It will be a rematch of the 2020 US Open semi-final, which Osaka came through in three sets.
“I was really nervous and scared in the beginning and then I sort of eased my way into it,” Osaka said of her match with Williams.
🚨 Women's singles final locked in 🚨
🇺🇸 @jennifurbrady95 🆚 @naomiosaka 🇯🇵
This is going to be good 🍿#AusOpen | #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/P1uUEhQX9x
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 18, 2021
“It’s just always an honour to play her and I just didn’t want to go out really dud. I just wanted to try my best.”
It is the first time Williams has lost a semi-final at the Australian Open in eight appearances in the last four.
Saturday plans secured ✅@naomiosaka | #AusOpen | #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/EJtYr1A748
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 18, 2021
Williams will be left to rue the opportunities she let slip and once again wonder whether she will equal Margaret Court’s major record.
