Osaka’s early Grand Slam success makes those Serena comparisons even louder.
Haitian and Japanese American tennis star, Naomi Osaka added another a notch to her young belt after beating Petra Kvitova to win the 2019 Australian Open. This was not only Osaka’s 2nd Gram Slam Title but her second consecutive.
One year ago, Naomi Osaka was world No.72.
Today, she's the world No.1 and a 2x Grand Slam champ.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/OLZG94yZrY
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 26, 2019
The reigning 2018 U.S. Open champ had a challenging Aussie Open that was littered with rivals and legends alike, but the 21-year-old still found the capacity to prevail.
During her Championship match, Osaka stumbled with Kvitova, wasting 3 championship points, but it just added to the drama that Tennis fans have now seen the 2x champ handle with ease. The tennis world sang her praises on social media.
The 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_. pic.twitter.com/fVJavD5QGI
— Live Tennis (@livetennis) January 26, 2019
Congratulations to the 2x Grand Slam champion, @Naomi_Osaka_! Your future is so bright, and your talent, drive, and determination will take you far. #champion #AusOpen https://t.co/mxMzfNO59v
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 26, 2019
Li Na is the first Asian Grand Slam champion.
She handed the trophy to Naomi Osaka, who becomes the first Asian world No.1
What a moment. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Li3KRxdlCp
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 26, 2019
Though representing Japan on the field (Osaka’s now the first Asian woman to be ranked No 1. in the world), Osaka’s early Grand Slam success makes those Serena Williams comparisons even louder.
And like Serena had to do more times than not, Osaka had to deal with some off the court controversy that wouldve deterred someone not built for greatness. Congratulations to the young phenom.
