In their 4th match ever together, Naomi Osaka edges out a victory over Serena Williams at the 2021 Australian Open.
What We Know:
- No. 3 ranked Osaka managed to beat no. 10 ranked Williams in straight sets recently at the Australian Open. Osaka is now 1 victory away from her fourth career Grand Slam title. She will be going up against no. 22 Jennifer Brady, who secured a spot in the finals after her win against no. 25 Karolina Muchova. Brady prevailed in an 18 point last game to Muchova. Osaka will face Brady this Saturday, 7:30 p.m local time.
- Brady previously lost to Osaka in the U.S Open semifinals last September so it appears as if Osaka is projected to take home the title, a title Serena Williams had been eagerly hoping to achieve once again in her career. Williams currently holds a total of 23 Grand Slam trophies and this would’ve been her 34th Grand Slam finals appearance. Williams won against Osaka recently in Toronto 2019 and also carries 7 Australian Open titles on her belt. Osaka currently holds more wins over Williams with a record that is now currently 3-1.
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Osaka’s skill extends beyond her wins against the legendary Serena Williams. When Osaka stepped onto the tennis court for her match against Williams, she carried with her a 10-0 record in the Grand Slam event. The fact that Osaka can repeatedly beat Williams shouldn’t come as a surprise. Neither is Williams’ continued support for the young tennis athlete. After her loss, Williams could be seen waving to fans as she made her semifinals exit. Forever a good sport.
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Sportsmanship isn’t an unfamiliar thing for Williams, she is a competitor that can acknowledge how she lost and doesn’t carry any hard feelings. During the match with Osaka, she appeared visibly frustrated at one point audibly yelling, “Make a shot! Make a shot!” After the game, Williams explained that she simply made too many easy mistakes.
Ironically, Naomi Osaka appears to be carrying the torch and spirit of Serena Williams as she continues to dominate all of the competition.
