Naomi Osaka was the talk of the tennis world on Saturday after she beat Petra Kvitova 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-4 to win the Australian Open.
In an enthralling match, Kvitova was able to save three championship points at the end of the second set, with Osaka seemingly struggling to get over the line. However, the 21-year-old was able to
regroup magnificently in the decider and secure the victory.
Success for Osaka makes it back-to-back Grand Slam titles, having won the U.S. Open in 2018. The win also means she moves to the top of the WTA rankings for the first time.
Success for Osaka makes it back-to-back Grand Slam titles, having won the U.S. Open in 2018. The win also means she moves to the top of the WTA rankings for the first time.
Here's a look at how social media reacted to an incredible final and another remarkable triumph for Osaka.
World Reacts to Outstanding Osaka
At the end of a punishing contest, the relief was clear to see from Osaka:
Having been in total control for the majority of the match, it was a surprise to see the youngster crumble at the end of the second set, with Kvitova stepping up her form and saving three match points.
The manner in which the new world no. 1 regrouped was indicative of someone special.
As the Live Tennis Twitter account relayed, it's been a long time since a player matched Osaka's start to Grand Slam success:
Unsurprisingly Osaka received a rapturous reception from those in attendance at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, making it an atmosphere markedly different when compared to her previous win at the U.S. Open:
BBC Sport's Russell Fuller said the resolve on show at Flushing Meadows came to the fore again in this encounter:
World Reacts to Outstanding Osaka
At the end of a punishing contest, the relief was clear to see from Osaka:
#AusOpen @AustralianOpenWhat a moment. @Naomi_Osaka_ wins her second Grand Slam in a row 🏆🏆 #AusOpen https://t.co/9TTskXIH9E
The manner in which the new world no. 1 regrouped was indicative of someone special.
As the Live Tennis Twitter account relayed, it's been a long time since a player matched Osaka's start to Grand Slam success:
Live Tennis @livetennisThe emotion. Not since Jennifer Capriati in 2001 has a player won their first & second Grand Slam titles at consecutive majors. She will be the first Asian player, male or female, to rank no. 1. What a star we have in 21-year-old @Naomi_Osaka_. https://t.co/fVJavD5QGI
bet365 @bet365Just four months after beating Serena Williams to win the US Open title to a chorus of boos, Naomi Osaka receives a standing ovation for winning the Australian Open. In doing so, she becomes the first ever Asian world number one. #AusOpen https://t.co/IoDL7LdjjR
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