Australian Open final: Osaka wins fourth Grand Slam title with victory against Brady
Naomi Osaka won her fourth title in a Grand Slam tournament. The Japanese defeated the American Jennifer Brady 6: 4 and 6: 3 in the final of the Australian Open 2021. Here is the live ticker to read.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: Feb 20, 2021, 11:03 am
One would only remember the winners, not the finalists. That was what Naomi Osaka said after her entry into the final of the Australian Open 2021. Incidentally, with this attitude she would have contested all of her previous major finals - and won. So on Saturday in Melbourne: Osaka prevailed in a rarely high-class match against Jennifer Brady 6-4 and 6-3.
Osaka started out a bit nervous, but still made it 3-1 with a break. Brady came back, leveling to 3: 3. It was the first time the American had participated in a Grand Slam final, and she showed nerves towards the end of the first set. With the score of 4: 5 Brady had earned a 40:15, but with four avoidable mistakes not only gave the game, but also the set out of hand.
Osaka wins for the second time in Melbourne
Osaka also managed an early break in round two, this time to 2-0. The next followed to make it 4-0, Osaka now played as one had actually expected before the final due to their experience in such big finals. Brady, however, did not give up yet, managed a re-break to 1: 4. After a smooth service game, the outsider hoped for a comeback, but Osaka kept her service to 5-2.
So Naomi Osaka won the title in Melbourne for the second time after 2019. In addition, she triumphed at the US Open in 2018 and 2020. What is remarkable about her win this year: In the round of 16 against Garbine Muguruza, the future champion had to fend off two match points.
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