Osaka wins US Open to confirm status as new star

Monday, 14 September 2020 01:27 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates winning against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in the women’s singles final match on day 13 of the 2020 US Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre – USA TODAY Sports

New York (Reuters): Naomi Osaka ended Victoria Azarenka’s dream run to claim her second US Open title in three years with a 1-6 6-3 6-3 comeback win on Saturday which cemented her status as the sport’s leading light both on and off the court.

Unlike the 22-year-old Japanese’s first US Open win in 2018 over Serena Williams, which was played in a frothing Arthur Ashe Stadium, Saturday’s drama unfolded in a strangely quiet arena as COVID-19 health and safety protocols prevented fans from entering the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

But the lack of buzz around the stands did not stop the two former world number ones from producing a dazzling display of shot making.

As Osaka walked off with a third Grand Slam title, Azarenka was denied a US Open crown for a third time having also finished runner-up in 2012 and 2013.

Still it was a remarkable and unexpected run for the 31-year-old Belarusian, who reached her first major final in seven years.

It was the second time in two weeks Azarenka, twice a winner at the Australian Open, and Osaka had set up a final showdown. The pair had been set to meet in the Western and Southern Open final on Aug. 29 until Osaka withdrew due to a hamstring injury.

“I actually don’t want to play you in more finals,” Osaka told Azarenka with a smile during the victory ceremony.

“I didn’t really enjoy that.

“That was a really tough match for me.

“And yes, really inspiring for me because I used to watch you play here when I was younger so just to have the opportunity to play you is really great and I learned a lot.”

COVID-19 ERA The presentation ceremony showed the precautions everyone has had to take during the COVID-19 era, with the two finalists having to pick up their respective prizes themselves from a table placed on court, while everyone stood socially distant for the obligatory photo call.

As she has done in every match over the past fortnight, Osaka appeared on court with her left thigh strapped and a facemask with the name of a Black American victim of police brutality or racial injustice.

For the final it was Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old boy shot by police in 2014 while playing with a toy gun in a playground.

Osaka had already replaced Serena Williams as top earner and now has assumed the leadership mantle that goes with it. Azarenka, earlier ended Serena Williams bid for a record equalling 24th Grand Slam title in the semi-finals.