Los 40 USA
NewslettersSign in to commentAPP
spainSPAINchileCHILEcolombiaCOLOMBIAusaUSAmexicoMEXICOlatin usaLATIN USAamericaAMERICA

TENNIS

Naomi Osaka comes through Kvitova epic to seal Australian Open glory

Petra Kvitova was denied a fairytale victory in the Australian Open final as Naomi Osaka triumphed for the second grand slam in a row.

Update:
Naomi Osaka comes through Kvitova epic to seal Australian Open glory
Getty Images

Naomi Osaka's stunning rise continued as she overcame a dramatic second-set wobble to beat Petra Kvitova in a magnificent Australian Open women's singles final, securing her second successive grand slam title and the WTA's number-one ranking.

Naomi Osaka celebrates at match point following victory in her Women's Singles Final match against Petra Kvitova at the 2019 Australian Open
Full screen
Naomi Osaka celebrates at match point following victory in her Women's Singles Final match against Petra Kvitova at the 2019 Australian OpenJulian FinneyGetty Images

Riveting contest

Osaka had three championship points as Kvitova served at 3-5, 0-40 in set two, but the Japanese was pegged back in sensational fashion inside Rod Laver Arena. However, having appeared increasingly emotional as her rival reeled off four successive games to force a decider, Osaka dug deep to regain the upper hand and eventually triumphed 7-6 (7-2) 5-7 6-4 in a truly captivating contest.

The 21-year-old saw her maiden slam victory, at last year's US Open, overshadowed by Serena Williams' extraordinary row with chair umpire Carlos Ramos, with boos from the crowd leaving Osaka in tears during the post-match presentation.

Naomi Osaka wins the 2019 Australian Open
Full screen
Naomi Osaka wins the 2019 Australian OpenMatt KingGetty Images

Two major tournament triumphs on the trot

Yet there was nothing to dampen Osaka's celebrations on this occasion, after she extended her winning streak at the highest level to 14 matches and became the first woman since Jennifer Capriati in 2001 to follow up her first slam success by winning the next major. The new world number one's status as the brightest young star in tennis can be in no doubt.

Kvitova, the Wimbledon champion of 2011 and 2014, had been looking to secure a fairytale win, just over two years on from sustaining career-threatening injuries to her left hand in a knife attack at her home. The Czech had not dropped a set at Melbourne Park prior to facing Osaka and boasted a fantastic record in finals, but she was denied on this occasion despite showing tremendous character.

Eight break points were spurned – five for Kvitova and three for Osaka – in a high-quality first set that was ultimately decided in a tie-break. Osaka, who was the world number 72 at this tournament 12 months ago, had struggled to read Kvitova's serve early on, but soon gained the upper hand and looked to be winning a battle of the forehands as she forged ahead.

Naomi Osaka wins the Australian Open
Full screen
Naomi Osaka wins the Australian OpenJEWEL SAMADAFP

Kvitova retaliates

When the youngster moved a break up in set two, having been 2-0 down, a straight-sets victory appeared likely. However, a dramatic shift in momentum followed as Kvitova fought back from 0-40 down when serving to stay in the match and then capitalised on the increasingly erratic form of her stunned rival, who could not hide her frustration.

Kvitova also took the opening game of the third set, but Osaka somehow regained her composure under huge pressure, when so many would surely have crumbled. A series of eye-catching winners helped Osaka again move to the brink of victory and she was not to be denied for a second time, sealing the win with a hold to 15.

Statistical breakdown

Naomi Osaka [4] bt Petra Kvitova [8] 7-6 [7-2] 5-7 6-4

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS

Osaka - 33/33

Kvitova - 33/39

ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS

Osaka - 9/4

Kvitova - 5/4

BREAK POINTS WON

Osaka - 3/14

Kvitova - 3/10

FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE

Osaka - 62

Kvitova - 64

PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE

Osaka - 76/45

Kvitova - 71/47

TOTAL POINTS

Osaka - 116

Kvitova - 112